BIKE HIRE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As this exceptional service is relatively new to most people we have found that there are a number of recurring questions. Please see our most frequently asked questions below.
What type of motorcycles do you rent and for how much?
We have an assortment of motorcycles from 125cc to 2300cc and the range of motorcycles covers Crusiers, Touring Bikes and Sports Bikes. Prices vary depending upon the motorcycle chosen but mainly fall into one of six price groups. Please click here for full pricing details.
How old do I have to be to be to rent a motorcycle and what sort of licence do I need?
We rent all sorts of bikes from scooters to the largest production motorcycle in the world and depending upon the vehicle chosen these fall into three categories. The smallest category rental starts at 17 years old, for the second category (which covers the majority of bikes) the age for rental is 21 years and for the top category which covers super bikes etc the age is 25. As in most countries a separate motorcycle licence is issued after the successful completion of a suitable test and this is the requirement for our rental. A motorcycle cannot be driven solely on a car licence
Is an international driving licence required?
No, there is no requirement for an international driving licence; the correct driving licence from the country you live in will suffice.
Do I supply my own insurance or is insurance included?
Every motorcycle we rent out is covered by our fully comprehensive insurance and the daily cost is already included in the daily rental fees quoted. No motorcycle may be used off road or on a race track and should this be the case you will be held responsible for the full cost of repair.
Is there a damage excess?
As with all insurance policies there is an excess and for our bikes this is £500. This amount will be reserved on your credit card when you collect your motorcycle and in the event of your motorcycle being stolen or damaged this will be the maximum cost to you.
How do you charge rental, is it per day or per 24 hours?
Due to the way our insurance is calculated all rentals are charged per calendar day, e.g. if you collect a bike at 11.00am on a Monday and return it at 8.00pm on a Thursday you will be charged for four days rental.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
If you are booking a specific bike for specific dates and your plans do not leave you much room to be flexible then you are required to pay a 25% deposit to secure the booking. Normal methods of payment are acceptable. Should you take the urge to go away for a weekend at short notice and are flexible in your choice of bike then we have no requirement for a deposit. Your bill can be settled on collection of your bike.
What is included with my motorcycle rental?
Fully Comprehensive Insurance.
Unlimited mileage.
24 Hour breakdown and recovery service.
Can I take one of your motorcycles outside Northern Ireland?
Yes the standard insurance covers Northern Ireland, the R.O.I and U.K. We can provide cover for other European countries by arrangement; naturally this will be accompanied by European break down and retrieve cover, please contact us in advance if you are planning to travel outside N.I., R.O.I. or the U.K. Prices will vary depending upon the length of time away and countries visiting.
Is it permissible to carry a pillion passenger?
Of course you can, our insurance covers as standard any named pillion passenger as long as we are notified in advance and we have details entered on the rental agreement.
Is there a time limit on rentals?
No there is no time limit when renting a bike, we have rented bikes out from an afternoon to several weeks; we are here to facilitate you and try and work around your itinerary. There is no minimum or maximum time limit.
How and when do I pay for my motorcycle rental?
We accept all major credit cards, BACS, IBAN, cash or cheques.
Can you cater for group bookings for holidays?
We are happy to discuss group bookings, we have had numerous groups from America and Canada book five and six motorcycles for their holiday, please contact us for rates. On the subject of holidays, at the minute we only rent bikes but we are actively looking at being in a position to arrange holidays. In the mean time we can however offer advice on where to go and what to see, etc if you require any assistance in these or any related matters please ask.
How do I make a booking?
Please contact us by phone or e mail and we will take you through all your requirements and forward all information to you in writing / e mail and take it from there. It is important to us to have personal contact with you so we can continue giving you the personal service we are renowned for.
Can you rent motorcycle clothing and helmets?
Yes we have a selection of helmets, jackets, trousers, boots and gloves for rent, though we find that most people tend to bring their own gear. If supplying your own gear, it is a legal requirement in Ireland to wear a helmet, so that is a minimum. We suggest you wear the rest of the above motorcycle protective clothing for your safety and comfort, but that is your decision.
Do any of the motorcycles have luggage or sat nav?
Depending upon the type of motorcycle you choose some will have luggage and others will not. When we speak to you and establish exactly what your requirements are we will be able to best guide you on which bike we believe may best suit your needs, we can then deal with luggage and sat nav requests to your satisfaction
How do I get from the airport / train or bus depot to your location?
We can either collect you or arrange for you to be collected from and or returned to either airport in Northern Ireland for a small charge and on your arrival, should you require it, we can (for no charge) safely store any excess luggage for the duration of your trip.
How many miles should I expect to cover in a day?
We expect that if you are here on holiday you probably will want to do no more than 100 to 150 miles per day as this allows you time to see the beautiful island of Ireland. This permits you ample time to take in the scenery and sample some of the culture we are famous for.
What if the motorcycle breaks down?
This is a very rare event but all our rental motorcycles are covered by 24 hour breakdown and recovery service. If the motorcycle can not be repaired at the roadside you will be taken to that day’s destination and new arrangements will be made to let you go on and enjoy your holiday.
What do I do in the event of an accident?
Phillip McCallen Motorcycles most be notified immediately of any accident. The full excess deposit will be taken from the authorized credit card and held by Phillip McCallen Motorcycles until repair estimates are received.
Do you provide travel insurance?
No, please do not confuse our motorcycle insurance with travel insurance, as with any holiday it is advisable to take out personal travel insurance. Check that it covers you for riding a motorcycle as some policies do not.
What side of the road do you travel on in Ireland?
We drive on the left side of the road in Ireland.
What is the difference in North and South Ireland?
For those of you travelling to this great little island, commonly known as the Emerald Isle then there are several things which may help you understand us. The island of Ireland is made up of two countries, locally called the North or the South and as the name suggests one is in the North of the island. It is part of the UK and uses sterling as its currency and speed is measured in miles per hour (MPH). The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast and for the visitor one of Northern Irelands best assets is its size. As it is the smaller of the two countries it is very easy to travel through the country as its greatest assets are accessible from Belfast with a drive of no more than an hour or two. The world famous Giants Causeway, the breathtaking Antrim Coast, Strangford Lough (with the fastest tidal inland waterway in the world) with the stately homes of Mountstewart and Castleward within several miles of each other, the Majestic Mourne Mountains sweeping down to Newcastle. This is a short list of some local places to visit whilst here, Northern Ireland is a little gem which for years was overlooked and is now coming into it’s own as a destination to rival anywhere. Accommodation is plentiful with a mix of hotels, guest houses and B&B available to suit all budgets. There is a border separating the two countries but as a visitor you will not notice it as it is not a physical thing. You will see when you enter the South that the road signs change to Kilometres and when you shop the currency is the Euro. We all speak the same language and we all drive on the left and thousands daily cross to and fro between the two countries giving it no thought. The South or Southern Irelands capital is Dublin which is very cosmopolitan. As a country The South is larger than The North. It has several large cities but also has large rural tracts worthy of a visit. Surely one of the beautiful rural parts of the South is Donegal a largely unspoilt rural area of majestic mountains with a dramatic coastline.
