Getting started, from scratch
 

Hi all,

Just found this site, have registered, and have three months to sort myself out.

I'm attending two weddings in Europe this summer - one in Denmark, another two weeks later in central France. Wouldn't it be great if I could get my hands on a bike and ride from A to B? Problem is, I have more questions than answers.

I land in Copenhagen, and fly out of Paris - which, I would think, makes any sort of rental no longer an option.

I'm not looking to get a major-league bike - I have lots of experience with 150cc scooters and auto-clutch bikes, and given the distance I'm travelling (under 1000km over 2 weeks) I don't need anything too serious (or expensive!).

If I were able to find a bike to purchase - would I even be able to get it registered/insured, and quickly? What sort of costs could I be looking at?

I'll leave the topic at that, for now. I just had the 'why don't you get a bike' idea planted in my head over the weekend, and your replies will serve as my starting point.

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Where are you flying from or what's your home country?

isn't Denmark one of the most expensive countries to buy motor vehicles in?

Fly to Paris a few days before the wedding, rent a bike in France and ride to Denmark and then back to Paris to bring the rental bike back.

If you ride a bike that is capable of highway speeds, you can ride the +/- 1400 km from Paris to the most Northern point in Denmark in two or three days.

Denmark is a very very expensive country to buy a bike so for about two weeks, renting in France may be cheaper and less hassle.

Mind you that riding in Paris is an adventure in itself !!

You can find some info about renting on Horizons Unlimited:
Motorcycle Tours, Rentals, Shipping Companies and Info | Horizons Unlimited

And when I googled on "motorcycle rent Paris" I found these:
Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Rentals, Honda Motorcycle Rentals, BMW Cycle Rentals, ATV Rentals, Powersport Rentals
Motorcycle Rental in France - Paris - Harley-Davidson - AdMo Tours
Motorbike hire and Motorcycle rental in France

I am sure a Harley Sportster or a BMW F650 would be big enough for what you want. (it is hard to find smaller rental bikes unless you want a scooter)

On my website I have some trip reports about Paris and Denmark that may be usefull for you. Jan Krijtenburg homepage (Trips)

Thanks for the advice thus far.

I'm coming from Canada, and by necessity am flying into Copenhagen, and out from Paris.

I learned of a Danish website that has many listings, and have started to browse there.

I will have my Ontario M2 license when I depart in June.

I'm not clear on what insurance and registration requirements are - if anyone can point me to a resource, that would be most helpful.