motor bike rules in Florida.
 

Newcomer on the site, so hi to all ex pats there. I have a holiday home in Palm Coast and visit 3 times a year.

My question is; Do I have to have a motor bike licence to hire a harley in Florida? I have full U.K. car drivers licence for over 40 years but never got round to passing a test for my motor bikes way back then, not many people I know did!

Also, I have read somewhere that the insurance on a hired motorbike can be a bit dodgy.

Would be grateful for any info on the matter.

Many thanks,

Mike

Re: motor bike rules in Florida.
 

I did. But then I had a motor bike.

Varies by State, where I am it is a separate test as well.

Probably the same in Florida so you need a license.

As a side I was driving back from Denver. Got in a traffic jam, when we were let through, Police cars, Air ambulance the lot. And a tarp on the ground with a pair of motorcycle boots sticking out. Usual situation, car pulled out straight in front, he had no chance.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_15940943

Re: motor bike rules in Florida.
 

Have a read of this page:

http://www.dmvflorida.org/drivers-license-nc.shtml

Re: motor bike rules in Florida.
 

Welcome to BE Stingray;)

Can't help with the bike rules thing...never been a fan of them myself:unsure:

Re: motor bike rules in Florida.
 

Before I lived here I rented bikes occasionally on visits and you do need to be licensed to ride on your UK license if you want to hire here.

If you pass your test and do come out to ride I have one bit of advice...RIDE DEFENSIVELY. People here concentrate on everything but driving when behind the wheel. If you do not have your wits about you you stand a very good chance of some gravel burn (best case scenario).

Insurance has always been questionable on my hires. If you damage the bike you can be set to lose a good deal of money. It isn't like car hire. They will inspect the bike thoroughly when you return it.

Re: motor bike rules in Florida.
 

Live in Tampa Bay, FL, own a bike & am a rider....so....

1) Yes, you need a motorcycle endorsement to ride anything over 49cc in FL
The course is usually 2 days, 1 in a classroom, 1 practical on a range.

2) If you want to ride in FL without a helmet (which is legal) you *must* have health insurance

3) renting bikes is very common - most Harley dealerships do it - but yes, be very careful with the insurance on them. They insure them to replace them for their business reasons - not your health reasons! Also, you may be asked to put a hefty deposit down ($1500+)

4) As WARPed says, if you're going to do this ride VERY defensively!! Not sure where you're thinking of riding in FL, but my advice would be get your endorsement, hire a bike and take it - on a trailer - to the middle of nowhere and ride for a day before you even think about riding in a built up area.

Lastly - if you do this - HAVE FUN!!
Riding in FL is a blast and the bikers are awesome.

Let me know if you'll be riding in the Tampa Bay area and I'll send you some info on some rides ;) :D

Re: motor bike rules in Florida.
 

The OP is coming on holiday so getting an endorsment will not work.
He's going to have to have a valid UK motorcycle license to be able to rent a bike in Florida.
As has been pointed out be very careful what the insurance covers and does not cover.

Re: motor bike rules in Florida.
 

Yep, they want to see a valid UK m/c license and sometimes even want to see you ride up the road and back (at least the guys at Daytona Harley did, once) before they'll rent you a bike.

According to the guy who did the paperwork and checked me out, they get to see some "interesting" riding skills and are thus a little wary.