Motorcycle Rentals in Cape Town from $35

Cape Town rewards a rider like almost nowhere else on the continent. One morning you're leaning through the switchbacks of Chapman's Peak Drive with the Atlantic dropping away on one side, and by afternoon you're parked at Camps Bay watching the sun sink behind the Twelve Apostles with a drink in hand. Push further and the road takes you out to Cape Point, through fynbos and past troops of baboons, to stand at the spot where two oceans meet. None of that happens the same way from the back seat of a shuttle bus.

The city's sights are scattered across a long, mountainous peninsula, joined by roads built for driving rather than walking — which is exactly where two wheels earn their keep. A car gets stuck hunting for parking near the V&A Waterfront or crawling through city bowl traffic at rush hour; a scooter or motorcycle slips through both and turns Chapman's Peak or Sir Lowry's Pass into part of the adventure rather than a chore to get past. If you're weighing a motorcycle rental in Cape Town, this is a city built for it.

Top 10 things to see in Cape Town by motorcycle

1. Chapman's Peak Drive — one of the world's great coastal roads, a run of switchbacks linking Hout Bay and Noordhoek.
2. Cape Point / Cape of Good Hope — a dramatic ride to the peninsula's tip through Table Mountain National Park.
3. Boulders Beach — a short detour near Simon's Town to see the resident African penguin colony.
4. Camps Bay — the palm-lined beachfront below the Twelve Apostles, made for a sunset stop.
5. Signal Hill — an easy climb with panoramic views over the city bowl and Atlantic seaboard.
6. Hout Bay Harbour — a working fishing harbour and market, a natural break on the Chapman's Peak loop.
7. Muizenberg Beach — the country's most famous colourful beach huts, and its most accessible surf break.
8. Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands — about an hour inland through vineyards to South Africa's historic wine town.
9. Sir Lowry's Pass — a mountain pass on the N2 with sweeping views back over False Bay.
10. V&A Waterfront — the natural start or finish line for a ride, with Table Mountain filling the skyline behind it.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Cape Town?

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 a scooter or motorcycle, so check with the operator which class your intended bike falls under. Most rental companies ask for a minimum age of 21, and an International Driving Permit is generally required alongside your home licence. Expect to leave a deposit, usually held on a credit card in your name.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Cape Town?

Entry-level scooters and small bikes start from around ZAR 100 per day in low season, rising to roughly ZAR 150-250 per day in high season. If you want something bigger — an adventure bike or a large-cc tourer for the Cape Point or Winelands run — daily rates climb to somewhere between ZAR 800 and ZAR 2500, depending on the model.

• Prices climb steadily from June into the December-January peak.
• Winter (June-August) is the cheapest and quietest time to book.
• Booking a few days ahead in December is worth it, as the best bikes go fast.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Cape Town?

High season runs December-January, with a smaller bump around Easter, when South African school holidays send everyone to the coast — book ahead if you want a specific model. Low season sits from May to August, the Southern Hemisphere winter, when rates drop and the roads are quieter. Many riders find March-May and September-November the sweet spot: mild weather, thinner crowds, and prices closer to low season than high.

Local traffic rules in Cape Town

South Africa drives on the left, so keep that in mind on your first few corners. Helmets are compulsory for every rider and passenger, no exceptions. Speed limits sit at 60 km/h in town, 100 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on freeways unless signs say otherwise. The blood alcohol limit is a strict 0.05 g/100 ml, and roadblocks are common, so plan to ride sober. Ready to see the peninsula for yourself? Use the search form at the top of the page to find a scooter rental in Cape Town or a bigger bike for the open road. Have a nice trip!

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!