What to know before renting an adventure or enduro motorcycle in Iceland — fleet, requirements, insurance and road rules.
If you're looking for an Iceland motorcycle rental, you probably have one goal: to ride the highlands, the gravel F-roads and remote tracks that make Iceland unlike anywhere else. That is exactly where a standard rental gets complicated.
Fjallventure doesn't offer motorcycle rental. We run guided tours, and every tour includes a fully prepared enduro bike, together with fuel, mechanical support, accommodation and a guide who rides the route with you. You get the bike you came for, without having to work out the river crossings, the weather or the logistics on your own.
Below, we explain the difference between renting a motorcycle in Iceland on your own and riding with us, so you can decide which suits you.
If you're not bringing your own motorcycle, there are two ways to ride Iceland: hire a bike from a rental company and plan the trip yourself, or join a guided tour like ours, where the bike is included. Both can work. The right choice depends on where you want to ride and how much you want to organise.
You hire a bike from a rental company and organise everything else yourself: route, timing, accommodation and every decision on the trail.
A fully prepared enduro bike, fuel, mechanical support, accommodation and a guide who rides the route with you. You just ride.
F-roads only open in summer
Iceland's highland F-roads are closed for most of the year and usually open between late June and early July, depending on snow and ground conditions. Opening dates change every year, so check the official road map at road.is before you plan a route.
River crossings are part of the route
Many F-roads cross rivers without bridges. Water levels rise with rain and glacial melt, often later in the day, and a crossing that was easy in the morning can be dangerous in the afternoon. Check your rental terms carefully: damage from river crossings is often not covered by insurance.
Riding off marked tracks is illegal
In Iceland it is against the law to drive or ride outside marked roads and tracks, and fines are high. The volcanic soil and moss take decades to recover from a single set of tyre tracks.
Plan for remoteness
The highlands have long stretches with no fuel, no shops and little or no phone signal. Carry enough fuel and water, check the forecast at vedur.is, and register your travel plan at safetravel.is before you set off.
TODO: the bikes — models, why they suit Iceland's terrain.
TODO: intro.
Yes — independent rental is available for experienced riders. We'll go through route planning and current F-road conditions with you before you set off.
A valid motorcycle license equivalent to what's required in your home country, plus riding experience appropriate to off-road terrain.
Basic third-party insurance is included with every rental. We strongly recommend adding comprehensive travel and riding insurance on top.
Absolutely — most riders bring their own gear. Rental gear can be arranged on request when booking.