The motorcycle is now booked. I set my sights on a BMW F750GS for rent at Bikeroundoz.
The moment I started to get in touch with the rental companies, the Covid lockdown began. So I did not get many answers from the rental companies I found. They probably had to manage many cancellations.
Brian, from 2 Wheel Adventures, and Mark, the director of Bikeroundoz, immediately answered my questions. The bikes from 2 Wheel Adventures have more bagage but I chose Bikeroundoz for their lower quote, a higher number of rental points, and a larger choice of motorcycles suiting my needs. I honestly did not feel the need to shop around much. Especially since the price of the long term rental (between 60 days and 90 days, unlimited mileage) remains correct if you compare it with the loss of reselling a motorcycle bought new. Anyway, this purchase/resale option didn’t really come up. Because I never got any feedback from the dealerships in Perth that I asked for a quote.
For a WHV who spends about a year in the country, buying a second-hand bike is more interesting. But in my case, with just a few spare days at the beginning and end of the journey, finding a vehicle that is maintained, insured and registered is very convenient.
So I opted for a BMW F700GS (or F800GS) for its fuel mileage, the simplicity of its engine and its lightness. Its popularity should also allow me to easily find parts for its maintenance. Finally these models were not available and Bikeroundoz offered me to rent a BMW F750GS, the new version of the F700GS. It will not be the most versatile for offroad, the F800 and 850GS having more suited suspensions. But it will be more adapted to the road that makes up most of the journey.
I just have an apprehension about luggage. Bikeroundoz insisted that they cannot guarantee to provide any as they can be damaged during previous rentals and are difficult to find. For a long trip, not being able to lock up all your belongings would be a concern. Finger crossed…