Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Minneapolis

Minneapolis rewards anyone willing to cover ground. Swing a motorcycle down to Minnehaha Falls for the roar of water dropping fifty-three feet through a shaded park, then follow the parkway around to the Chain of Lakes, where Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet unspool one after another along the water. Cross the Mississippi on the Stone Arch Bridge, an old railroad span that now hands you one of the best skyline views in the city, and you start to see why so many visitors choose to rent a motorcycle in Minneapolis rather than stick to downtown sidewalks.

The Twin Cities sprawl across a wide, flat grid stitched together by riverside parkways and boulevards built for exactly this kind of riding. Traffic moves easily, distances between neighborhoods add up fast, and the terrain stays gentle enough that even less experienced riders can relax into it. A motorcycle rental in Minneapolis turns a scattered list of parks, lakes and river towns into a single, easy day loop — something on foot or by bike-share would leave you exhausted trying to attempt.

Top 10 things to see in Minneapolis by motorcycle

1. Minnehaha Falls (Minnehaha Regional Park) — a 53-foot waterfall minutes from downtown, the easiest first stop on any ride.
2. Stone Arch Bridge — a historic bridge over St. Anthony Falls with wide views across the Mississippi riverfront.
3. Chain of Lakes (Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles) — connected lakeside parkways made for a slow, scenic cruise.
4. Minnehaha Parkway — the tree-lined road linking the Chain of Lakes to the falls.
5. Mississippi River Boulevard / Great River Road — a riverside byway running between Minneapolis and St. Paul.
6. Fort Snelling State Park — a historic fort where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet, a favorite longer ride south of downtown.
7. Lake Minnetonka (Wayzata) — a big lake west of the city ringed by waterfront towns, popular for weekend rides.
8. Stillwater and the St. Croix River Scenic Byway — a historic river town and byway east of the Twin Cities, a classic day trip.
9. Summit Avenue, St. Paul — one of the best-preserved 19th-century residential streets in the country, lined with Victorian mansions.
10. Como Park, St. Paul — a lakeside park with a zoo and conservatory, an easy add-on to a river-road ride.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Minneapolis?

You'll need a motorcycle endorsement (commonly called a Class M) added to your driver's licence — every state requires it, and rental companies generally want to see some documented riding experience too. No International Driving Permit is required. Minimum age is set by the rental operator rather than by law, and most companies look for riders 21 and up, with 25+ often needed to avoid a young-rider surcharge. Expect to leave a deposit or a credit-card hold, and bring a card in your own name.

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

Budget around 25-40 USD per day in the shoulder season and 45-90 USD per day at the summer peak, with premium touring models running 100-150+ USD per day.

• Prices climb through June-August, the busiest riding months.
• Late March-May and September-October are the shoulder season, when rates are lower and roads are quieter.
• Many local shops close entirely from November through February, when winter rules out riding altogether.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Minneapolis?

High season runs May through September, when the lakes and parkways are at their busiest and prices sit at their yearly high. Book ahead if you're planning a June-August trip. The shoulder months of April, May, September and October bring the same scenery at a lower price, with fewer crowds on the road — a smart window if your dates are flexible. Winter isn't really an option: most operators pause rentals outright.

Local traffic rules in Minneapolis

Driving is on the right, as everywhere in the United States. Minnesota doesn't require helmets for riders 18 and over, though we'd still recommend wearing one. Speed limits generally run 25-35 mph on city streets and climb to 55-65 mph once you're out on rural highways. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.08%, with zero tolerance under 21, and headlights should stay on during the day — most modern motorcycles handle that automatically.

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!