Motor-cycle for tour of town

Press, 19 April 1982, Page 10

Motor-cycle for tour of town

Motor-cycles are now for hire from three New Zealand firms — all of them Christchurch-based. Although relatively new, the service is gaining in popularity, particularly because it works on the same simple principle as hiring a car. for example, Motorbike Hire (N.Z.). Ltd. which has been going for about six months, offers a range of cycles from 50 c.c. for use around town or within a 50km radius, to 650 c.c. for country-wide touring, with no kilometre limit. The general . manager of Motorbike Hire. Mr Geoff Beaver, says the smaller cycles are also proving popular for city use by people who have their own bikes under repair. For people going on a holiday tour wanting to travel a greater distance, the cycles can be left at Motorbike Hire’s Auckland depot or dropped off anywhere else by arrangement. "So far. our clients have proved very dependable, with only one fellow who forgot to bring his bike back on time," Mr Beaver said. “However, we do requre a cash deposit from the customer, or their car keys as some kind of security. "Our advantage is that we also get to see the. customer, and his licence details and address, which means that we can always find somebody.” The rates for the smaller. 50. c.c. or 100 c.c. units used within a 50km radius oi Christchurch are $9 or $l2 a day, $l6 or $2O a week-end. $6O or $BO a week, with $2.50 insurance per day. The insurance cover is null and void if the machines are taken more than 50km outside of Christchurch. The touring rates for the bigger cycles are: Yamaha SR2SO. $3O a day, $56 a weekend, $l7B a week: Yamaha XS4OO. $4O a day, $76 a weekend, $238 a week: Yamaha XJ 650. $52 a day. $lOO a week-end. $309 a week.