· Renting puts you in a vulnerable position and your budget at risk. So, it's best to only do it when you have to. One of the biggest scams in Thailand is the Jet Ski scam. They hold your passport, claim you damaged the Jet Ski, get nasty and you end up paying thousands of dollars to get your passport back. The police won't help you and there is very little your embassy can do.
· So don't rent Jet Ski's in tourist hot spots and don't rent motorbikes either. They might follow you home, use their key for the lock they gave you and steal their own motorbike. This happens among shady businesses in a number of countries. So, the lesson is try to avoid renting things in tourist traps. The other lesson is don't leave your passport as collateral. Another one would be to use your own lock. Away from the most popular places you won't see much of this.
· Give them some story about why you need your passport, leave a photo copy and some cash. Once you get away from the scam towns it's a lot easier. Hiring a motorbike is a lot of fun and a great way to see the place. The first thing to do is a bit of a web check on the local renters. Check the prices and reviews. When you get there check the condition of the vehicle, brakes, starting, tyres etc. Take it for a test ride if you're going to have it for a few days.
· Once you're happy with everything take photos of any already existing damage and point it out to the owner. They should also provide you with a decent helmet and lock and chain. If there are a few of you chain the bikes together. Check what octane fuel is best and go to the nearest petrol station, fill it up and pump the tyres up rock hard. (125cc bike)
· You should have an International Driver’s license and check your travel insurance before you leave home to see what you are covered for. If you are renting a car, make sure you have adequate insurance on it.
· If there is a group of you it is best to hire a car or van with a driver. The less responsibilities the better. Plus, the local drivers are an asset in many ways.
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Rental cars have abilities normal cars don't - Dulan, Taiwan
· If you are riding or driving, never drink, take it slowly and give way to everyone. Even if an accident is not your fault it will be your fault and you may be a long way from decent medical care.
· Usually, public transport is sufficient but occasionally hiring a vehicle can really add something special to your trip. There may be a lot of places you want to stop off at along the way. There are quite a few Road Trips, Part Road Trips, Motorbike Loops and Tuk Tuk Trips on this site.
· And don't forget which side of the road you're supposed to be driving on. It's pretty easy when there's other traffic around but autopilot kicks in when the roads are empty. Same thing when you are crossing the road.
· You will probably rent other things on your trip like snorkel gear or anything else. The same rules apply. Check them out, make sure you're happy with them and point out / photograph anything damaged or missing. Renting bicycles should be a lot more straightforward but do go for a test ride and see if the brakes work.
· Having said all that, you can't beat the feeling of freedom as you twist the throttle back and hit those mountain roads. Motorbikes really are the best way to travel and the most fun. It's probably the best way to get off the beaten track. And when you get there, you've got your own wheels to get around.
· Inside a car, bus, train or plane you are in an insulated shell alienated from the environment you are going through. Whereas on a bike you smell the smells, get hit by the bugs, feel the temperature changes as you gain and lose altitude and can stop anywhere you want. Do your motorbike trips in the dry season. They're not much fun in the rain. But take some wet weather equipment as Murphy's Law dictates that you will have one wet day.