Bike swap and free bike trips - something for you..???

[Motosport]

Lately an idea has been forming in my head and I've decided to post it up and get some feedback on whether this is even viable or not...

Like most other adv riders I would like to explore other continents on two wheels, and in order to do so I'll have to ship my own bike or rent/buy one upon arrival.. But instead of doing that, why don't we just swap bikes with other adv riders, saving money and time in the process..?? I realize this might not be for everyone and there could be issues with insurance, wear and tear on the bike, what if the bike gets damaged etc, but at least for me these are minor issues that can easily be solved and agreed upon... The host might also be able to give advise on his country, places to go and even help with practical stuff which would be a further bonus...

So, to kick this thing off I would like to offer my bike to someone looking for a bike trip in Europe/Scandinavia, ranging from just a weekend to several weeks away. My bike is a 2009 F800GS fully serviced and equipped with hard cases, top box, tank bag, Sargent seat, hand protectors, GPS, big screen and a few other things. It comes with full insurance and also includes full recovery service all over Europe in case of a break down. I'm located in Denmark, some 45 minutes from Copenhagen and I'll be happy to assist in picking up from the airport and I can also provide accommodation at my house for a night or two before leaving for your trip...

At the moment I'm very interested in swapping bikes with someone from Melbourne, Australia as my girlfriend is living there and I'll be spending all of february in Melbourne as well as future visits there. But I am also interested in swapping bikes with adv riders from Canada, North- and South America, New Zeeland, South Africa and other interesting places... Basically I'm pretty open for suggestions..

Just to give a short intro of myself, I'm 42 years old and been riding motorcycles non stop for the last 21 years on various bikes. I work in the Danish Police and used to ride motorcycle in the force too, including doing security escorts and working as a motorcycle instructor. I've done some racing as well and also track day instructing for several years. Like most others I like to work on my own bikes and keep them in top condition, and I will of course treat any borrowed bike with at least the same care and respect as my own.

So, what do you think...?? Is this something you would be interested in doing or am I missing something..?? I do think its a great way of traveling the world on two wheels without breaking the bank, and at the same time meet like minded adv riders and perhaps making new friends... So let me know your thoughts and comments, or shoot me a mail if you're interested in swapping bikes...

Alex.

[Ken Fritz]

Insurance seems to be the biggest obstacle to a good idea.

[noshoes]

Horizons Unlimited has a forum for bike swaps...


http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-swap-or-rent/

[Motosport]

Regarding insurance, I know that's a very individual thing and impossible to give a clear answer to... Different countries + different insurance companies = different conditions I'm sure, so I guess it all depends...

But for my own part, my insurance covers anyone riding my bike, as long as its with my permission and without receiving money for it, so no problem there...

I think in some countries its either the same or you can add another person to your insurance policy...


Thanks for the link to Horizon Unlimited thread, that's pretty much what I was thinking... So why don't we make a similar thread here on Adv Rider and see if we can get this working..??

[Two Wheeled 'Tard]

Oh man, this is a fantastic idea, moreso because I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to ride through Scandinavia! I'm in Chicago and would happily lend you my bike for a month or two, if I could do the same with yours. I'm in Chicago, USA, on a '08 V-Strom 650 ABS with upgraded suspension & brakes, hard panniers, Sargent seat, and all the other needed farkles.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to do something until 2014, as my bike is spoken for during the entire 2013 summer, by me :) And actually, given how many miles I'm going to be putting on it in 2013, it's likely by 2014 I'll have a different bike, probably a Tiger or something.

[Witold]

For a long time I've been thinking that there really should be couchsurfing or airbnb type site but for adv motorcycle sharing. I even considered starting such a site. The problem is with trust and due diligence, and figuring out where exactly this kind of site would fit into this equation.

I also think the "bike swap" idea is almost a non-starter. The idea that 2 individuals will find each other's locations appealing and the scheduling will work for both of them - it's like caching lightening in a bottle.

I would like to report that one kind individual did rent me their motorcycle in South Africa for 6 weeks and I ended up riding around 6 countries in that region. I think what helped me is that I have some ride reports online, website, etc. I never asked, but I presumed that the person Googled around to see who I am, where I live, where I work, etc to assuage their fears and concerns.

[Motosport]

Originally Posted by Witold

I also think the "bike swap" idea is almost a non-starter. The idea that 2 individuals will find each other's locations appealing and the scheduling will work for both of them - it's like caching lightening in a bottle.

For me at least, the bike swap doesn't necessary have to take place at the same time, or even the same year for that matter... I would be happy to have someone use my bike at any given time (where I'm not riding it myself) and then do my travel at a time that suits me best - and the other part too of course...

And yes, I realize there is a certain degree of trust involved in this and I would certainly imagine a bit of mailing back in forth to exchange information, answering question etc to build that trust.. And in the end its a very individual decision if this will work for you or not.. That's also why I posted up a bit of personal information about myself, just to give some idea of riding experience and who I am... In my experience most people are sensible, friendly and responsible, and for me at least the pros in bike swapping outweighs the cons, especially with a bit of homework...

Two Wheeled Tard... Touring the US starting from Chicago sounds pretty good to me, and if it has to wait till 2014 that's fine with me.. I'll be pretty busy during this upcoming summer anyway... And summer time from May till August is definitely the right time to tour Scandinavia as you'll have those long light summer evenings where it doesn't get dark until 11-12 pm, and when you get far enough up north, it doesn't really get dark at all... There is not much to see here in Denmark, but Sweden is just 1 hour ride away and half a day more you're in Norway with its breathtaking beautiful nature.. So if you decide this is something you want to go ahead with, just shoot me a pm...

Best regards - Alex.

[alexem]

great idea.

I have a "similar" idea wich I already wanted to post here, what about an international adv-rider-helpship?
means:
- offering places for sleeping
- help in case of of bikebreakdown

???what dio you think?

ideas. comments are welcome.........

[Two Wheeled 'Tard]

Originally Posted by alexem

great idea.

I have a "similar" idea wich I already wanted to post here, what about an international adv-rider-helpship?
means:
- offering places for sleeping
- help in case of of bikebreakdown

???what dio you think?

ideas. comments are welcome.........

Pretty sure that's called the Tent Space thread :)

[StartAdventures]

is a very good Idea ...actually im looking for it ... I will need a bike in New Zeland ...I can pay back with a bike in Italy

[Motosport]

I can't believe there aren't more people interested in this idea...!?!?!

If you are in any way considering this, don't hesitate posting up your comments, wishes for bike swaps etc...

My offer is still open...

Regards - Alex.

[elementalg20]

I certainly would be if I had the means and time to take part in something like this. Would certainly be amazing and a time and money saver as well. If I was located some place more interesting I'd offer my bike up.

[Dr. Benny]

Hey guys,

I've seen the topic of bike borrowing pop up on HU and ADVrider several times. I think it's a great idea but very challenging to accomplish on the forums. I'm looking into building a site dedicated to bike borrowing - would you be interested?

I put together a simple landing page to judge interest. If you think it might be something you're interested in, please submit your email address. If not, that's fine too.

RiderMix - Borrow A Bike Anywhere In The World

Obviously there are more than a few logistics issues to be solved. Questions? Comments? Send me a note (I don't want to hijack this thread).

Thanks!

-Ben

[CuberBob]

Love, LOVE the idea.
Spent a week i Scotland last year on a buddies borrows bike. (He went to on his mightier steed).
This is a terrific idea.
And yes, Insurance was the bigesst hurdle. In Europe, the seem to insure the bike..In the US, they insure the rider. The translation is a touch difficult. But with some time, it can be worked out.
I would be willing to offer up some hospitality here in Ohio should anyone want to check it out.
I have some routes in my head that I think would be a fantastic series of rides from a few days to a week+.
Also, we have a "Danish Daughter" in Copenhagen we'd like to visit! (Previously an exchange student that stayed with us for a year.)
How can I help?
Bob

[glitch_oz]

Originally Posted by Dr. Benny

Hey guys,

I've seen the topic of bike borrowing pop up on HU and ADVrider several times. I think it's a great idea but very challenging to accomplish on the forums. I'm looking into building a site dedicated to bike borrowing - would you be interested?

I put together a simple landing page to judge interest. If you think it might be something your interested in, please submit your email address. If not, that's fine too.

RiderMix - Borrow A Bike Anywhere In The World

Obviously there are more than a few logistics issues to be solved. Questions? Comments? Send me a note (I don't want to hijack this thread).

Thanks!

-Ben

It's been around for 20+ years...and very successful.
If folks would just USE Google, sheesh

http://www.bikeshareworld.com/