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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Feel free to browse through the questions our customers frequently ask us. Got a question that we haven’t answered here? Simply contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

SOUTH AFRICAN CURRENCY
The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa. It is not necessary to exchange all your US Dollars upon arrival in SA, although we suggest you exchange a small sum ($200 or less) for purchases of a personal nature. This exchange can be done upon your arrival at the airport, or alternatively at various banks. VISA, Mastercard and American Express is generally accepted at bars, restaurants and hotels in SA.
WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD YOUR RENTAL RATES?
Download our 2022 rental rates HERE.
HOW TO BOOK A RENTAL MOTORCYCLE?
You can email us your request, or complete the online booking request by selecting your preferred bike on the RENTALS page and following the BOOK THIS BIKE link from there.
RIDERS' LICENCES
All riders must be in possession of a valid South African or international rider’s license, valid for the class of motorcycle to be rented. Licenses are to be produced prior to the handover of the motorcycle. All riders are to be at least 25 years of age, or contact us directly for special requests involving younger riders.
CROSS-BORDER RENTALS
Any trips to countries beyond the borders of South Africa require prior authorization from Motorrad Executive Rentals. Cross border travel will also attract additional excess liability – see the price list for details on the model you requested and the applicable increased cross border excess.
CAN YOU COMMIT THAT I WILL RIDE THE MODEL OF MOTORCYCLE THAT I REQUESTED?
Once we confirm that the model you requested is available for the period you require, we will guarantee that you will ride the model of motorcycle that you requested. We will notify you immediately if all units of that model are already booked, and we will offer you an alternative. Should we experience a technical problem with the model you selected and it cannot be fixed before you take delivery, we can substitute a more expensive model for the model you requested with no extra cost to you. However, if we commit to provide the “upgraded” model, and the model that you originally requested becomes available due to a cancellation, we will provide you with the model that you originally requested.  
ROAD RULES
Southern African countries drive on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road. Road quality is generally excellent in most of Southern Africa; however, potholed sections may be encountered in certain rural areas.
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
You will be responsible for any traffic prosecutions whilst the motorcycle is in your possession. All traffic fines received via postal service after your rental, will be paid on your behalf by Motorrad Executive Rentals and directly charged to your credit card. A handling fee of R 250.00 will be levied per fine.
RIDER GEAR & GPS
Climatic conditions in Southern Africa are generally warm, but we do recommend that full rider gear is worn at all times. Owing to the very personal nature of this gear, riders are urged to bring their own gear with them. A limited number of helmets, gloves and jackets are available on request. Don’t get lost – rent a Garmin GPS from us and make sure you arrive at your destination without delay.
EXTRA CLOTHING TO BRING ALONG
Casual clothing is acceptable in most South African venues. Summers are characterized by casual shorts and shirts which are substituted in the winter by trousers or jeans and a jacket or pullover.
DAMAGE AND ACCIDENT POLICY
In the event of a fall, collision or damage, however minor, you will be required to complete the Insurance Claim Form overleaf. Please note that MER have a strict replacement policy on all damaged parts, irrespective of how minor any damage may be. Any scratched, dented and damaged parts will be replaced at the current dealer part retail price plus labour. An administration fee for any claim or damage repair will be charged at R 350.00. All accidents, however minor are to be reported to the local police. Please obtain a case number which must be detailed on the Insurance claim form overleaf. Failure to do so will result in your claim being repudiated. No damaged parts will be retained or forwarded to the renter.
BACKUP/REPAIRS ON SELF GUIDED TOURS
Your motorcycle is covered by BMW Roadside Assistance in South Africa ONLY. Should you require assistance with a roadside breakdown, you can call BMW On-Call on 0800 600 777 (toll free) or +27 12 522 2930 from a roaming phone. Any repairs that may be required are to be authorized by MER. For any assistance in or outside the borders of South Africa, please call +27 83 22 77 140 (Motorrad Rentals). Any costs associated with repatriating a motorcycle (not covered by BMW SA Warranty Policy), both within and outside of South Africa will be for the account of the renter.
PUNCTURES AND FLAT TYRES
In the event of a flat tyre or puncture, the renter will be responsible for the repair and repair costs. We can assist in locating a dealer close to you should you need assistance. Call Motorrad Rentals on +27 83 22 77 140.
ACCIDENTS AND REPLACEMENTS
If  the rental motorcycle or vehicle is involved in an accident, no refunds for early termination of the contract will apply.  Should you require a replacement vehicle (if available) a new rental contract and conditions will apply. You will be responsible for the recovery of the damaged vehicle to the original rental depot in accordance with your rental contract. If you require a replacement vehicle to be delivered, the charges for the delivery of the replacement vehicle will be for your account. No refund of rental days lost will be considered during the period in which a replacement vehicle is being delivered. Should there be no replacement vehicle available, no refund will be considered.
FUEL AND OIL
All BMW models run on unleaded 95 octane fuel. Top up oil for all models is 15W-40 multigrade oil and is available at all fuel stations within South Africa and most of our neighboring countries. In remote areas outside of South Africa, fueling may occasionally be a problem, but information from the local residents, or passing over landers should alert you to the availability of fuel in these areas. All motorcycles will be handed over with a full tank. You will need to fill the tank with 93RON or 95RON Unleaded fuel on your journey. Please return your rental motorcycle with a full tank. Failure to do so will result in an amount of R 150.00 (plus the cost of the fuel filled) being charged to your credit card. The oil level of the rented vehicle should be checked regularly and engine failure due to low oil levels will constitute negligent behavior on the part of the renter. Please top-up all motorcycles with a 20W50 mineral oil (available at all petrol stations in Southern Africa).
WHAT WILL I PAY FOR FUEL IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Fuel in South Africa currently fluctuates between R11.50 and R12.50 per liter. Fuel in other countries may vary from about R11.00 in Botswana to R18.00 in other remote areas.
INSURANCE COVER
Motorcycle insurance cover is included in all rates quoted on our standard rate chart. A deposit will be required (held by means of a credit card authorization) on every rental. For cross border travel this deposit is normally double the standard amount. Please notify your bank beforehand that you will be traveling abroad in order to avoid any delays on the day of your rental. Pannier use as well as any other accessories will attract an additional deposit and is not covered as part of the standard insurance cover. Deposits will be refunded once the motorcycle has been cleaned and inspected on return. Kindly note that our insurance covers the motorcycle and does not constitute personal travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance as well as insurance cover relating to the excess amount, should you be liable for the insurance excess amount.
INSURANCE EXCLUSIONS

The renter will be fully liable for any damage to the vehicle or third party vehicle in the following circumstances:

  • Water damage/water submersion (including salt water)
  • Willful damage – any damage caused as a result of negligence. Willful damage includes but is not limited to:
    • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • Driving on restricted roads or in restricted areas
    • Damaging the clutch or gearbox due to incorrect use of the clutch/gearbox (see full terms and conditions)
    • Seizing an engine due to low oil level or incorrect use of vehicle or supplements (see full terms and conditions)
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical cover is recommended. Please consult your service provider for options in Southern Africa.
IMMUNIZATIONS, VACCINES AND MEDICATION

South Africa does not pose many health risks and we have world-class medical facilities, clinics and private practices throughout the country.

Consult your physician or health care provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to determine whether or not you will need any immunizations, vaccines or medications in preparation. A tetanus booster and Hepatitis A vaccines are recommended by the Center for Disease Control.
CAN I DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT GETTING SICK?
Our water is completely safe to drink from the tap. We also have more than enough bottled spring water if you’d prefer not drinking the tap water.
WHAT ABOUT MALARIA?

Malaria within Southern Africa is only prevalent in a few areas. It is encountered mainly in northern and eastern Mpumalanga, northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and the border areas of the Limpopo and North West Provinces.

Malaria is common in the lower lying areas of Swaziland and can also be found throughout Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and much of Botswana. Northern Namibia is also a malaria area.

Should you be visiting these areas malaria precautions are advised.

Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November through to April, while the risks of acquiring malaria are reduced from May through to October. Please consult your general practitioner on a suitable prophylactic.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?
Weather conditions in Southern Africa are generally warm and comfortable. Summers can be very warm with temperatures in the mid 30 degrees Celsius – well ventilated gear is recommended for these conditions. Winters can be quite cool, but riding between 09h00 and 16h00 on even the coldest days in moderate winter gear is still very pleasant. Rainfall in the interior is generally in the form of short thunderstorms in the late afternoons, however coastal areas sometimes experience frontal rain for longer periods. Detailed forecasts on current weather conditions can be viewed at www.weathersa.co.za and www.saweather.co.za.
WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?
An array of hotels of varying quality are available throughout Southern Africa. Bed and breakfast establishments and guesthouses are very popular and are available from budget to luxury tastes. The “African Experience” can also be enjoyed at many varying levels of luxury at the numerous establishments within and bordering our many nature reserves.
WHAT SORT OF CELLULAR SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?
Most cellphones that operate on a 2G, 3G or 4G network will connect with network service in the airports and major cities and towns in South Africa, enabling you to make and receive calls and text messages. We suggest contacting your cellular service provider to discuss options for international roaming and data plans well in advance of your departure.
WHAT KIND OF INTERNET CONNECTION CAN I EXPECT?

The use of our Wifi is included in your daily fee – you will be able to send and receive emails and access the World Wide Web. We encourage you to bring your Wifi enabled devices to share photos and notes with friends and family back home. Please note that the internet speed here is possibly a bit slower than what you are used to, so we advise against the sending or downloading of large files.

I REQUIRE A MOTORCYCLE WITH A LOWER SEAT - CAN YOU PROVIDE ONE?
We can provide a lowered seat on most of the models in our stock. If necessary, we can supply a factory lowered version of the BMW F650GS as well as the R1200GS. Just let us know what your requirements are, and we will confirm whether we can assist you.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR A RENTAL BOOKING?

We accept 3 methods of payment:

1. Wire transfer / direct deposit

2. Online credit card transaction

3. PayPal payments

WHAT IS YOUR BANKING DETAILS FOR WIRE TRANSFERS/DEPOSITS?
We can provide you with a copy of our banking details upon request.
HOW CAN I PAY USING MY CREDIT CARD?
We are able to set up a online credit card payment facility to settle your payment.
HOW CAN I PAY USING PAYPAL?
We will send you a link with the invoice details. Use your PayPal account to settle the invoice. Once we receive confirmation of the payment we will send you a proof of payment receipt.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN RESERVING AND PAYING FOR YOUR RENTAL BIKE
We require a 25% booking deposit in order to reserve a motorcycle for any rental. The remainder of the invoice for the rental is payable 30 days in advance of the booking.
CANCELLATION POLICY

In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your booking the following cancellation fees apply :  

  • Cancellation more than 30 days in advance of rental – 25% of the total invoice
  • Cancellation more than 14 less than 30 days of rental – 50% of the total invoice
  • Cancellation more than 7 less than 14 days of rental  – 75% of the total invoice
  • Cancellation less than 7 days in advance of rental – 100% of the total invoice