What kind of documents do I need to rent a motorcycle in Croatia?

Motorcycle license for all motorcycles over 125 cc and a valid ID document, e.g.  passport for non-EU citizens or ID card for EU citizens.

To rent a motorcycle with MotoGS Rental Croatia you must be 23 or older, have a minimum of 3 years’ experience of riding motorcycles. Pay an insurance deposit of EUR 1.000 up to EUR 2.000 in cash or card and have a of course a helmet. If you do not have a helmet, we will provide one for you. The Deposit will be charged to credit cards and debit cards or in cash if preferred!


What kind of payment methods with MotoGS Rental Croatia are available?

You can pay via wire transfer or card payment on our booking system to confirm the booking and to reserve the requested motorbike model. All brands of debit cards and credit cards will be accepted. You can pay also in cash if you are ging to rent the bike directly in the shop.


What do I need to pay before renting a motorcycle?

To confirm the booking, we take at least a 20% down payment and the rest of the rental amount (80%) on the day of the rental. You can also pay 100% of the outstanding amount on the day of booking. Once on-site you will also be charged a deposit by the method of preauthorisation hold. Meaning, we reserve or “freeze” the equivalent amount (deposit or bond) depending on the model of the motorcycle you rent making the balance unavailable until the motorcycle is returned. This deposit is for motorcycle rental liability insurance in case of any damage or theft.


Can I reduce the deposit for motorcycle rental liability insurance to EUR 0.

Yes you can. There is a special insurer available, called HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung Germany. For more information, just follow the link. This insurance is recommended when you want to rent a motorcycle over a longer period.


What kind of equipment is included in my rental price?

Depending on the booked package, a motorcycle top case, and side cases. Taxes, and insurance, A very good feature, like a smartphone holder. The BMW Motorcycle ConnectedRide Cradle mount secures your smartphone in the cockpit and is more than just a simple holder. The smartphone can be used as a navigation device via the Connected app from BMW Motorrad and also offers valuable information such as acceleration, lean angle and much more. The holder can be adjusted to different smartphone sizes thanks to the individually adjustable holding arms and has the option of charging the end device inductively with a maximum of 7.5 W or via USB-C cable. Of course, the holder is lockable and provides the necessary security. The smartphone can be conveniently controlled using the switches and rockers on the left part of the handlebars using the navigation preparation control element, provided there is a Bluetooth connection.

300 free kilometres per rental day.


Is there a minimum of booking days applied?

Yes, a minimum of 2 days' rental is applied.

And the system calculates a 24-hour rent, which means when you reserve the motorbike you wanted, e.g., for 08:00 am to pick up, you must also return it at 8:00 am on the last day of rental.


How do I get from my hotel or Split Airport to the rental store and back?

If needed, MotoGS Rental offers an airport pick up and drop off of our motorcycles, if you want to jump into a Croatian motorcycle rental adventure straight from the airport to any location.


Is my non-EU driver’s license valid for renting a motorcycle in Croatia?

Usually, an international driver's license when renting a motorcycle in Croatia is not required. BUT, have in mind, without a special motorcycle license you will not be able to rent a motorcycle higher than 50cc in Croatia. EU licenses are valid through all EU countries. Non-EU citizens visiting Croatia may use the driver’s license of its origin country for up to three months without having to change it into an international one or a domestic one.


What in case of motorcycle damage?

Any motorcycle damage or theft is covered by the deposit of EUR 1.000 to EUR 2.000 Euro taken upfront before completing the rental process.


Crossing the borders e.g., to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Rumania and Montenegro and so on

Have your documents ready, such as your passport or national ID, the vehicle documents and proof of insurance (IVK - International Insurance Card with the country you want to visit), both of which you will receive from your rental company. In many countries, it is important to provide proof that you are allowed to travel to other countries with a rented motorcycle. It is therefore always advisable to have a border crossing permit from your rental company with you. If you need more information, read more about it on our blog.


Is it mandatory to wear a safety vest while riding in Croatia?

No, but it is highly recommended to be as visible as you can. But we always provide you with 2 safety vests, just in case. A helmet is required by law with a 150 Euro fine in case of not wearing your helmet while riding.

Also, motorcycle riders are required to ride with daylights on, during the summer and winter seasons.


What are the speed limit regulations for riding motorcycles or driving a car in Croatia?

Four general speed limits apply on Croatian roads:

  • 50 km/h (31 mph) within inhabited areas, or
  • up to 80 km/h (50 mph) where explicitly permitted,
  • 90 km/h (56 mph) outside inhabited places,
  • 110 km/h (68 mph) on expressways and
  • 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.

Do you have to pay tolls on motorways?

Yes. As in almost all European countries, tolls are also due in Croatia. Only a few countries are exceptions in Europe.
The motorway toll is calculated based on the distance ridden. It is due at toll stations; a vignette is not required.
Motorcycles (including those with sidecars), trikes and quads belong to vehicle category 1A.
Sometimes you get a ticket at the beginning of the toll route, which is only paid for when you leave the section. The amounts can be paid in cash and by credit or debit card.

Bridges:
The Krk Bridge (Croatian Krčki most), which connects the island of Krk to the mainland, is toll-free, as is the Mirna Bridge between the Nova Vas and Višnjan junctions of the A9 in Istria. So far, no fees have been charged for the Pelješac Bridge, which opened in 2022 and leads from the Pelješac peninsula to the mainland.

Tunnel:
Special charges apply for the approximately 5 km long Ucka Tunnel, which is located on the A8 motorway (Rovinj - Rijeka). The Sveti Ilija Tunnel on the D532 is no longer a toll road.
You can find more information in our blog.


What about alcohol limit regulations in Croatia, regarding riding a motorbike or driving a car?

The limit for riders with or over 25 years of age is 0.5‰. It is illegal to ride with more than 0.5‰ of alcohol in the blood system. For riders younger than 25 years it is absolutely forbidden to ride a motorcycle or drive a car on Croatian roads. The law is 0.0‰ alcohol for those under 25 years of age.

Severe fines apply should you reject alcohol and drug testing when stopped by the police. Yes, it is known, Croatia has the most amazing wines and tasty grappa, so please drink responsibly.


Crossing borders. What countries can I ride the motorcycle in?

MotoGS Rental is covered by the insurer in all EU countries plus Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Romania. A list of all countries is shown on the insurer list at IVK international insurance card (formerly green card), provided by us, and comes with your vehicle documents.

Also, always make sure you have written permission from your rental company that you can cross the border with the rented motorcycle. Of course, this always depends on the country you are visiting. This is for your own safety. Because some border posts do not allow you to cross the border without this permit. If you have rented a motorcycle from us and have declared in advance that you want to cross the border, then this permit will always be handed over together with the other documents when the vehicle is picked up.


Can I take my rented motorcycle on a ferry?

Yes, you can. But please, bring it back :-).

Croatian national ferry company provides an online booking system. To ensure you’ll reach your island destination, we recommend booking ferry tickets a couple of days prior to departure. Have in mind that in high season Croatian national ferry company Jadrolinija transports thousands of passengers, so be there on time. That means at least 2 hours before your departure.


What is important to know if I am booking a stay in Croatia?

Plan your trip ahead. High season usually means that city locations like Split and Dubrovnik are overcrowded and overbooked. However, there are tons of great locations for explorers like Gorski Kotar or islands. Free camping is not legal in Croatia, so if you plan to sleep under the stars and safe environment, make sure that your little private camp is well hidden. A valid option worth mentioning is official campsites. Mostly located along the coastline, should you feel tired and in need of rest, there are plenty to choose from without booking ahead.

But have in mind, it is always good to be prepared at least with a tent.


What about parking fees and free parking in Croatia?

Free parking spots in Croatia are rare and unique. But not for motorcycles. However, in Croatia, official parking locations provide free parking for motorcycles. It is relatively easy to search them up and park there if you are visiting a special location for a day or more. Also, try parking where locals do. Croatia is safe in terms of motorcycle theft, so most locals do not lock up their motorcycles. Usually, free parking locations are busy locations as well which reduces the probability of theft and damage. In the worst-case scenario, MotoGS Rental`s motorcycles are covered in the event of theft. Your motorcycle rental coverage goes up to your paid deposit and not one cent more.


The important things first:
Is a motorcycle tour A common package tour?

The question is easy to answer. The trip may be billed roughly at a flat rate, but we certainly wouldn't want to see our tours as a standard package tour. Because the tours are peppered with adventure and exciting highlights. For example, we stay overnight in different places every day, and we have a different varied route every day. The luggage is "on the man" during the entire trip and the suitcases on the motorcycle have to be unpacked and packed every day!

We must stick together as a team and work together as a team. That may be something new for some, but that's the only way it's fun together and we've always had fun in the past. No matter where our trip took us, no matter what happened or can happened on our travels.

And yes, basically it is a package tour for which the organizer, which means us, bears the responsibility.


Why should I take part in a German tour operator for guided motorcycle tours through the Balkans, New Zealand, or South America?

This question is not unimportant and is often overlooked when comparing prices with other tour operators. International organizers must pay little or no taxes and can therefore calculate quite cheaply.

However: Many participants have already experienced a nasty surprise and lost a lot of money if the organizer disappeared shortly before the start of the trip or suddenly declared bankruptcy. In such a case, the respective state legislation applies (see the organizer's registered office) and there is almost no chance of getting your money back from foreign organizers!

With a German tour operator, the trip is fully insured with all the associated options. German tour operators are obliged to issue a security certificate. This insurance comes into effect if the tour operator goes bankrupt.

So, never compare apples with pears when comparing prices!

If you compare the price-performance ratio correctly and in real terms, we are in a very good position with our prices in international competition!


How often do the tours we offer take place?

As a rule, each tour takes place only once a year. Except for the tours in Colombia, because these are carried out by a local partner due to time constraints. Whether we will be there ourselves on the tours in Colombia always depends on the circumstances. To be sure, this question should be clarified with us beforehand if you are interested.


Can non-Germans also take part in the tours?

Funny question, but also a question. Of course! Or rather, YES!

Just because we're a Germany-based company doesn't mean we only have German participants. We are a cosmopolitan small company and like to operate internationally.

We have always attached great importance to having participants from different countries, continents, and cultures with us on all tours. Because that is what characterizes our tours. We speak German, English and Spanish.


Do I have to be or become a member somewhere to be able to participate in one of the tours?

Clear answer, NO of course not.


As a complete newbie to the riding experience, can I join the MotoGS WorldTours Guided Adventure Motorcycle Tours?

Unfortunately, we must answer this question with a resounding no.
We also set a minimum requirement for our participants, such as at least 3 years of riding experience with a motorcycle and a minimum age of 23 for the rider.
We cover a longer tour distance. Of course, this varies depending on the tour, but the total distance is always more than 3300 km. In other words, once we've set off, there's no turning back. Then it goes through the middle.
On the other hand, it wouldn't be fair to the other participants either. Each participant must be able to cover a riding distance between 250 km and 400 km per day.
We all want to have fun riding together.

However, our tours are highly recommended for advanced riders, because on such tours you can improve and even refine your riding experience many times over. We can and will give you the best and most useful tips.


What riding experience do I need, for example, for the adventure motorcycle tours carried out in Colombia?

The tours in Colombia are a clear exception. Different rules apply there in terms of riding practice. Anyone who has ever been to a third-world country like Colombia and ridden there himself knows what that means. We don't mean to have travelled by taxi or bus. We meant you drove yourself and not just by car, but by motorbike!

We think that if you want to take part in a tour in Colombia, then we should definitely talk about it together in advance.

We take this responsibility seriously.


I'm an experienced motorcyclist, but aren't the daily stages too far for me?

That is also a very good and more than justified question. Ultimately, of course, everyone must decide for themselves what they can or want to expect.

The average pure and actual riding time is between 4 and 5 hours per day. With exceptions, it can even be 6 hours. There will be a stop every hour at the latest because there is something to look at or to photograph. We also must fill up the bikes and even eating regularly hasn't hurt anyone.

So, we will be on the road for an average of 6 to 8 hours a day. The daily stages usually begin at 8:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast together, but sometimes we don’t leave our chosen accommodations before 9:00 a.m.


How big are the groups?

The group should never be larger than 5 or 6 motorcycles. Conversely, this means a maximum of 5 or 6 riders plus a maximum of 5 or 6 passengers.

And of course, your guide. Incidentally, your guide usually rides with a passenger. So that there is no boredom


Riding in a large group or riding in a group at all - is that even possible?

With a group of 5 or 6 bikes, the group is NOT too big and still very easy to handle. When riding in a group, the individual in front and behind is ultimately decisive. The fact is the inexperienced rider is definitely not riding at the end of the column. Quite the opposite. The honour of being last in the group always goes to the rider with the most experience. And there's a reason for that because he doesn't just concentrate on himself but above all on what all the other riders are doing in front of him. The rider at the end of the column bears almost the same responsibility as your tour guide.


Do we eat 3 times a day or is it limited to breakfast and dinner?

The latter. If you want to eat something during the day, you can of course do so during a longer break. We usually make a longer stop somewhere around lunchtime, where we then have the opportunity to eat.


What if I break down on the way?

If a participant breaks down or has an accident - which of course we hope not - your tour guide will decide on-site whether this requires a short or longer stop.

At a short stop (up to 20 minutes), the entire group waits and then continues riding on together.
If it takes a long time to fix a breakdown, then team spirit is required. Cohesion!
Depending on the situation and the given circumstances, someone from the group stays behind at the scene of the breakdown or accident. But as already mentioned, it all depends on the situation. Nobody stays alone.

In the event of a flat tire, for example, the team members always find a way to get the motorcycle ready to ride again. We always have the necessary materials and tools with us.


What about the obligation to wear helmets on tours like this?

Whatever the rules in different countries, we expect helmets to be compulsory and will provide helmets that conform to the norm. Of course, everyone can also bring and use their own helmet. It goes without saying that this must also comply with the prescribed standards.


If I book a specific motorbike, do I have a guarantee that I will get it?

Of course! On the tours in southern Europe, you get exactly the motorcycle that you ordered when booking and for which you also paid.
There is 95% guaranteed on tours in Colombia or New Zealand, but to be on the safe side we always ask for an alternative model or comparable motorcycle.

The reason for this is simple. For tours outside of southern Europe, we provide you with motorcycles from our local partners. And since we are dependent on the services of third parties in this context, we cannot give a 100% guarantee here. But, as always, we will do our best here too.

You will find an overview of the motorbikes available in the respective travel description, although these are usually BMW GS models such as the F 750 GS, F 850 GS, R 1250 GS, or the R 1250 GSA.
Almost all models are available in the standard height or as a lowered version.


Does my motorcycle have a sissy bar installed?

Since the motorcycles we provide are exclusively touring motorcycles, such as the BMW R 1250 GS, there is no need to ask for a sissy bar (backrest for the passenger). All motorcycles have a top case with a backrest for the pillion.


How much luggage can, or should I take with me?

Again, this is a great and interesting question and perhaps not always easy to answer. But if you think it through, it's relatively easy to answer.

All motorcycles are equipped with a large top case and 2 large side cases. In addition, you can bring your own tank bag for small things for yourself. In other words, you can take as many things with you as you need and want, to fill the 3 suitcases on the bike. The remaining things that didn't fit in the 3 suitcases or that you later found out that it wasn't really necessary to have them with you can be left in your own suitcases and kept safe and dry in our office until you return.

You do not need to bring things like tools or the like with you, because we are responsible for them.

If you think it is necessary, you can strap 2 luggage rolls onto the respective 2 side cases.


What clothes are recommended for taking with me on these tours?

We recommend normal motorcycle clothing, which you also use at home. However, thick leather trousers and bulky biker boots can be dispensed with due to the temperatures to be expected. We prefer light, half-height leather boots. In addition, light (thin) rainwear just in case. 1 or 2 spare jeans, 3-4 T-shirts, 1-2 long-sleeved shirts, 1 thick sweatshirt or sweat jacket, wash bag. Sometimes it makes sense to only take underwear with you, for example, which you can simply dispose of as waste in the hotel after use. Just as a little tip. You can buy stockings everywhere for a little money.
If something is missing in principle, this is not a problem or a broken leg, because you can buy everything in the supermarkets along the way.
And in addition, of course, what you want to take with you, such as photo equipment, notebook, etc.

If it's fresh in the morning, which is usually very rare, we dress like an "onion" so that we can take off one or the other on the way...

Here we have put together a non-binding checklist for you to download. Just follow this link:
 


Do I have to pack and unpack my items individually from the motorcycle cases every day?

Of course, you are NOT spared this circumstance. However, if you pack your motorcycle cases carefully and thoughtfully, you will easily find that none of this is a problem. For example, you can pack all your utensils into different small bags or bags according to type and use, so that you only have to take these kinds of bags out of the suitcase, depending on what you need at the moment.

The motorcycles are generally parked safely in the parking lots of the hotels and accommodations organized by us.


Is there an information event about these tours?

Since our participants usually come from different countries, a personal event with all participants in advance is hardly feasible. That's why we hold a personal Zoom meeting with each individual participant and any pillion in order to be able to clarify everything that is important and essential in advance.


How do I book a tour or how do I register?

Tour registrations are only made online using the “Book a Tour” and “Tour Register” registration forms on our website. The registration form is available in 4 different languages.

After receiving your registration, we will arrange a personal Zoom meeting to discuss all your questions and suggestions. When we have gone through all the points and you have decided on the individual features, such as a single or double room, which rental motorcycle, etc., we will then send you a tour confirmation and an invoice for the tour services, such as overnight stays, ferries, etc., and the selected rental motorcycle.


How do I pay for the trip?

After your online registration and the personal Zoom meeting, after we know exactly what we can expect from each other, you will receive an invoice from us as well as the legally required security certificate (insolvency insurance).

A deposit of EUR 500 is required to make the reservation legally binding. Only after receipt of the reservation fee you are registered according to applicable law.

You must pay the remainder of the total invoice amount no later than 60 days before the start of the tour.

We use the funds, for example, to pay for overnight stays, ferries, and other necessary operations in advance.

In any case, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance (which will be discussed again during registration or at the Zoom meeting).

You can find more detailed information in our General Terms and Conditions, which you can view on our website.
Or just follow this link:
 


Which insurances are necessary?

A trip worth several thousand Euros or US Dollar should be insured accordingly. It goes without saying that the general risk is higher on a motorcycle tour than, for example, on a pure hotel stay with a pool, a boat trip, or a bus trip. The medical care in the countries to be visited is certainly different, but sufficient. However, without presenting a credit card or appropriate insurance regarding any necessary treatment, problems can quickly arise.

A sufficient amount of liability, fully comprehensive and theft insurance is already available for the rental motorcycle. The deductible in the event of damage is EUR 1,000. However, the excess can be reduced to 0 EUR for very little money. We will explain more about this at our Zoom meeting or simply follow this link:

Otherwise, we recommend taking out the following insurance:
Travel cancellation insurance (if you are unable to travel or in case you need to cancel the trip and return home earlier)
International health insurance (in case you need medical help locally)
Certain services are often already covered by your credit card. In any case, you should inform yourself about the services of the respective provider before you leave!

In general, the following guidelines for necessary insurance should be considered:
What type of travel protection is included within your credit card?
We recommend travel cancellation insurance, holiday guarantee/travel interruption insurance, health insurance for trips abroad including medically sensible return transport, luggage insurance, possibly a 24-hour emergency call service.
Which people are insured? Only the cardholder (within credit cards) or the pillion too?
What is your insured travel price?
Does your credit card travel protection only apply when paying by credit card?
Does your travel insurance apply worldwide and for the entire duration of the trip?
Do you have to register your trip with the insurer?
Is your luggage sufficiently insured? (Recommendation: at least EUR 2,000 per person)
Is there a 24-hour emergency number from an experienced and knowledgeable travel insurer in case of illness and emergencies such as loss of travel funds and important travel documents?
On our homepage we offer various travel insurances from well-known insurance companies. Including Global+Rescue. In our opinion, an absolute MUST. You can find more information about this under the link:

Of course, we will also generally discuss this topic at our Zoom meeting.


How much cash do I have to take with me?

That is of course up to each individual. Some like to pay by credit card, others prefer to pay with cash. However, you should take a few hundred USD or EUR with you. We do not recommend larger bills than 50 USD or EUR.

Otherwise, there is an ATM on every corner. So, don`t be worried.


How much money should I allow for the gas on such a tour?

With the daily riding distances, we usually must fill up 1 to 1.5 times. Depending of course on your driving style. Depending on the country we are riding in, the cost of filling up the tank is between EUR 15 and EUR 25. In other words, on average 20 EUR per riding day. Or simply calculate 25 to 30 EUR per riding day for safety reasons.


Are environmental badges, tolls or the like required?

Basically, we avoid any route sections with tolls or toll stickers. Depending on the country of travel, the owner of the motorcycle is responsible for any environmental sticker that may be required, not you. As the motorcycle is usually rented, this is the responsibility of your motorcycle rental company, and this is usually MotoGS WorldTours.

However, this circumstance only applies if the motorcycle is rented from us for the purpose of a motorcycle tour carried out by us.