FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Have a question about our adventure motorcycle rentals in South Africa?
Browse the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, get in touch – we’re always happy to help you plan your next ride!
We stock most of the latest models produced by BMW, especially the GS range. We have a selection of touring models from the German brand also, and if you are looking for other Japanese brands we have a wide selection to choose from as well. Head over to the adventure motorcycle rentals page to see our full selection.
Download our 2026 rental rates here.
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. For riders who need motorcycle with less than 50HP due to their license restrictions, we do supply 450cc models that does comply with the specific license.
We can provide a lowered seat on most of the models in our stock. Just let us know when confirming your bike choice about what your requirements are, and we will confirm whether we can assist you. Some of our models come standard as a factory lowered bike (LSP), so make sure to ask for it by name, when making your reservation.
1. Wire transfer / direct deposit
2. Online credit card transaction
3. PayPal payments
We can provide you with a copy of our banking details upon request.
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.
In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your booking the following cancellation fees apply :
- Cancellation 45 or more days in advance of rental – 25% of the total invoice
- Cancellation between 45 days and 15 days of rental – 50% of the total invoice
- Cancellation between 7 days and 14 days of rental – 75% of the total invoice
- Cancellation less than 7 days in advance of rental – 100% of the total invoice
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the event of a fall, collision or damage, however minor, you will be required to complete the Insurance Claim Form overleaf. Motorrad Executive Rentals (Pty) Ltd 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 850.00. All accidents, however minor are to be reported to the local police.
You need to obtain a case number which must be completed 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.
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.
All BMW models run on unleaded 95 octane fuel. Top up oil for most models are 15W-40 full synthetic oil and is available at all fuel stations within South Africa and most of our neighbouring countries. Make sure you know what oil to use on which model. Adding the wrong oil might void the warranty and cause damage and the renter will be held responsible for such errors. In remote areas outside of South Africa, fuelling may occasionally be a problem, but information from the local residents, or passing overlanders 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. You need to return your rental motorcycle with a full tank. Failure to do so will result in an amount of R 500.00 (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 behaviour on the part of the renter.
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 authorisation) on every rental. For cross border travel this deposit is normally increased. With regards to credit card authorisations : Notify your bank beforehand that you will be traveling abroad in order to avoid any delays in getting your deposit authorised (online) on the day of your rental. Pannier use as well as any other accessories will attract a slightly higher deposit. Insurance deposits will be released/refunded once the motorcycle has been cleaned and inspected on return and found to be without any damage. 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 any repairs/repatriation/insurance claims.
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)
- Wilful damage – any damage caused as a result of negligence. Wilful 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 cover is recommended. Consult your service provider for options in Southern Africa.
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 immunisations, vaccines or medications in preparation. A tetanus booster and Hepatitis A vaccines are recommended by the Centre for Disease Control.
The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa. It is not necessary to exchange a large amount of forex upon arrival in SA, although we suggest you exchange a small sum ($200 more 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 and Mastercard is generally accepted everywhere at coffee shops, bars, restaurants and hotels in SA. American Express is not supported widely but will be accepted at mainly upmarket hotels and some restaurants.
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.
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.
Most cell phones that operate on a 4G or 5G network will be able to connect with cellular network services. You can either use a e-sim or buy a local sim card 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.
The use of our Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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.