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Rent a Hog
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June 28, 2000: 1:22 p.m. ET
Harley-Davidson offers a rental program for the weekend road-warrior
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Ever wanted to trade in that minivan for a Harley-Davidson, just for a weekend, to feel the wind in your hair and bugs in your teeth? This summer you can do just that, through a motorcycle-rental program offered by Harley-Davidson.
 This is the first time the Milwaukee-based company has rented bikes to the general public -- it has for years offered rentals to its owners' clubs -- and the company believes it is the first bike maker ever with a rental program.
"There are independent companies - tour companies and the like - who rent motorcycles," Harley's communications director Steve Piehl said. "But, to our knowledge, this is the first time a motorcycle factory has gotten into that business through authorized dealers."
The advantage, Piehl said, is greater quality control, with a steady supply of late-model, low-mileage Harleys available for rental. "We wanted to make sure that people who wanted to try a Harley or take a vacation on a Harley could get a very positive experience," Piehl said.
Though Piehl said Harley wouldn't forecast the number of rental customers it expects in the first year of the program, he said early indications from dealers are positive, and the rental market is "significant."
Forty-one U.S. Harley dealers are participating in the program, with more popping up "virtually every day," Piehl said.
 In order to rent a Harley (HDI: Research, Estimates) you must be 21 years old and have motorcycle validation on your driver's license, at least a year's experience riding motorcycles, and a major credit card.
You also must wear a helmet on the rental, even if you're in a state without a helmet law. 
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