Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Pretoria

Pretoria rewards anyone willing to explore beyond the obvious, and a motorcycle is the easiest way to do it. Ride up to the Voortrekker Monument for sweeping views over the city, then wind through the jacaranda-lined avenues toward the terraced gardens of the Union Buildings. Cover ground you'd never manage on foot, and skip the queues of cars stuck in Gauteng's notorious traffic.

Pretoria's layout suits two wheels particularly well. The city is spread out, hilly in places, and built on a grid that makes navigation simple once you get your bearings. A motorcycle lets you dodge the worst of the Pretoria-to-Johannesburg congestion, park right outside a museum or reserve gate, and turn a half-day sightseeing loop into something quick and easy. The dry highveld climate keeps riding conditions pleasant most of the year, and the koppies and reserves ringing the city are made for a spontaneous detour.

Top 10 things to see in Pretoria by motorcycle

1. Voortrekker Monument — iconic hilltop monument with sweeping views over the city, a short ride from the centre.
2. Union Buildings — grand government complex with terraced gardens and a Mandela statue, a popular photo stop.
3. Fountains Valley (Groenkloof Nature Reserve) — wooded valley roads and picnic spots minutes from downtown, good for an easy loop.
4. Wonderboom Nature Reserve — home to the ancient wonderboom (miracle tree) and short scenic trails on the northern edge of town.
5. Freedom Park — modern heritage site on a ridge with panoramic views over Pretoria, close to the Voortrekker Monument.
6. Church Square (Kerkplein) — historic city-centre square with the Paul Kruger statue, a good starting point for rides.
7. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (Pretoria Zoo) — a well-known city attraction, easy to reach with parking for bikes.
8. Klapperkop Fort — old Boer War-era fort on a hilltop with views, a favourite short scenic ride for locals.
9. Faerie Glen Nature Reserve — rocky trails and a small reserve on the eastern side, good for a quick nature detour.
10. Pretoria National Botanical Garden — large garden with rocky outcrops and koppies, a relaxed ride destination on the eastern outskirts.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Pretoria?

South Africa requires a proper motorcycle licence — code A1 for smaller-capacity machines, code A for unrestricted bikes. A standard car licence does not cover you on a scooter or motorcycle, so confirm with the operator which class your chosen bike needs. Most rental companies set a minimum age of 21, sometimes higher for larger-capacity machines. You'll also need to leave a deposit, usually held on a credit card in your name, and it's worth carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home licence.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Pretoria?

Expect around 470 ZAR per day in low season, rising to roughly 650–750 ZAR per day in high season. Premium or larger-displacement models run higher, typically 900–1200+ ZAR per day.

• Prices climb in June–August, South Africa's dry winter and a peak travel window, and again in December–January over the holidays.
• February–March and September–October are the cheapest months, with fewer tourists on the road.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Pretoria?

If your dates are flexible, aim for the shoulder seasons of February–March or September–October, when prices are lowest and the roads are quieter. Travelling in June–August or over December–January means booking well ahead, since these are the busiest and priciest stretches of the year. Either way, reserve your bike a few weeks out to lock in the best rate through our search form.

Local traffic rules in Pretoria

South Africa drives on the left, so keep that in mind if you're used to the opposite side. Helmets are compulsory for every rider and passenger, no exceptions. Urban speed limits sit at 60 km/h, rising to 100 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on freeways unless signage says otherwise. The blood alcohol limit is strict at 0.05 g/100 ml, and roadblocks are common, so plan accordingly. Four-way stops are everywhere in Pretoria's grid and run on a first-arrived, first-to-go basis — useful to know before your first intersection.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!