Translation
ヤマハ バイクレンタル—Yamaha Bike Rental
Yamaha Announces New Motorcycle Rental Program
In an effort to expand their market Yamaha has developed a new motorcycle rental business. The idea being to indoctrinate more riders, and provide a means for people to ride when they don't necessarily have the resources for full ownership of a bike. In addition to the purchase price an owner must cover annual insurance, inspections, and a place to store the bike. Yamaha's solution? Rent!
Intending to be fully comprehensive the program will include the bike, compulsory insurance, road side assistance (except for 125s), ETC reader (Japan's toll road pass system—for bikes allowed on toll roads, and you must provide your own ETC card), and maintenance. The insurance is basic liability. Optional collision coverage is available, however with a high deductible—this "optional" coverage is highly recommended, although even this doesn't cover theft.
Gear
While they don't include rental gear they make clear that if the rider isn't properly geared up they may not allow the rider to rent the bike. Most of the shops will have gear available for purchase, or rental if the need should arise.
Locations
Currently there are sixteen rental locations ranging from Sendai down to Oita. Each locating has different bikes available so Yamaha suggests that you make reservations rather than just dropping in to rent. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance.
Yamha wants you to gear up!
Reserving a bike is pretty straight forward. The renter (rider) must be at least 20 years old, have a proper license, and a valid credit card. Gaijins must have a valid International driver's license, and a valid passport. A Yamaha Member's Account is created on their website. A date, location, and bike are selected thus making the reservation. Reservations can be made in four hour, eight hour, and 24 hour segments. Additional discounted hours, and days may be added, but there doesn't appear to be a weekly, or monthly reduced rate.
Bikes
Bikes and rates are classified on engine size. These classes include 1000cc, 750cc, 401cc, 126cc, and under 125cc. The 24 hour price ranges from ¥6,200 for the under 125cc to ¥22,000 for liter, and larger bikes. There is a huge selection of bikes available in the program from small scooters all the way up to large touring bikes. Sport bikes like the R1 and R6 are sadly absent—probably due to insurance costs. The R3 is available, but the largest sporty bike they have is the MT-10, which is quite a toned down bike compared to even the R6.
On the Road
Not that big powerful bikes are truly necessary in Japan. Most of the roads max out at 50KPH (~30MPH), and even the freeways are generally limited to 80KPH (~50MPH), although some are 100KPH(~60MPH). Thus even a modest bike in Japan is plenty, and shedding some weight from the bike is always a good thing. Japan offers some of the most beautiful motorcycling on the planet, and now with Yamaha they can share that with you.