Those of you who follow the motorcycle industry have definitely heard of Ari Henning. He began his moto career with Motorcyclist in 2008, spending time as the Senior Road Test Editor, then joined the Revzilla crew in 2018.

His current Revzilla position as Media Lead and Editor takes up most of his time, but his passion for motorcycling doesn’t end there. What began as a simple side project for an unused bike in his garage quickly became another passion-driven journey in his career.

And this is through renting his 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650LT on the Twisted Road motorcycle-sharing platform. Yeah, the extra income is nice since joining Twisted Road in 2021, but it’s more about sharing the moto experience with others and meeting riders from around the globe.

Residing in the heart of Los Angeles, just minutes from some of the most appealing motorcycle routes in the world, the 39-year-old Henning has a natural advantage. This allows him to create a unique getaway for stateside and international riders looking to explore California and the West Coast, or choose LA as the starting point for a cross-country trip.

But he takes the sharing journey a few steps further by offering additional hospitality measures for those who like to “fly n’ ride,” such as providing a place for people to clean up and stay for the night if indeed. Henning does things a bit differently, and that’s part of his success. 

I recently interviewed Henning, who shared valuable info on how he became a motorcycle rental superhost. He offered tips on how other hosts can navigate common pitfalls, including motorcycle upkeep and offering personalized riding experiences for each renter, and some fun stories.

Creating a Memorable California Motorcycle Journey

As the adage goes for real estate, so it goes for renting motorcycles: location, location, location.

Henning is in one of the most ideal locations ever—just 7 miles from LAX in Los Angeles. This helps him attract riders from all over the world, which are the types Henning enjoys working with.

And Henning understands these types quite well. He first toured California in 2006 during a cross-country trip. He was hooked and later uprooted himself from his hometown of Truro, Mass., to LA. 

“The most satisfying visitors are those folks from other parts of the country or overseas where I know the riding and scenery isn't that great. I know those people are going to have their faces melted when they ride up the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) or through the redwoods in Santa Cruz or past the Rock Store on Mulholland Highway in the Santa Monica Mountains, where people like Jay Leno hang out. The satisfaction of knowing that somebody out there is having a kickass time makes the whole moto rental experience worth it.”

Henning’s knowledge of California's landscapes has also become an invaluable resource for Los Angeles motorcycle rental clients. Whether suggesting routes or providing camping gear for off-the-beaten-path adventures, his dedication to facilitating great adventures is evident. 

He likes to provide riders with tips to avoid the traffic, chase routes with the “squiggliest lines,” and not overdo it by riding too much in one day so they can soak things in and sight-see a little. Henning has catered to a diverse array of renters, with some taking trips as far as Seattle, Las Vegas, or even the East Coast. 

And they all come with stories. One rider took his Versys 650 across the country and returned the bike with a completely bald rear tire. Another Australian reserved a 38-day rental, resulting in more bald tires and a dry chain. Of course, it didn’t matter because the experience was worth it–plus the rental paid for the replacements. 

When it comes to hospitality, Henning goes a step above many other hosts by offering Twisted Road customers the studio apartment attached to his garage workshop. This makes trips simple, especially for those flying into LAX. A quick 20-minute Uber or Lyft ride later, and renters can drop their luggage, shower, and rest or even sleep for a night before heading out on their trip. 

And if they need a place to keep their luggage for an extended trip, Henning is happy to store it at his place. It’s a true fly n’ ride experience.

For riders who don’t want to fly to LA with their own gear, Henning stocks up on XS-XL helmets and gloves that are available for rent. Even simple additions like USB power sources, phone mounts, and taller windscreens can give riders a more positive experience, translating into more five-star reviews on the Twisted Road platform. 

Maintaining Rental Motorcycles: A Priority!

Maintaining a single motorcycle that sees loads of miles annually can seem like a difficult or expensive task. Still, Henning assures riders it’s much easier than you’d think. 

"For me, ensuring the motorcycle is well-maintained and safe for long-distance travel is about ticking a few crucial boxes," he says. Modern motorcycles are marvels of reliability, but their readiness for the road hinges on detailed checks and regular maintenance. "Oil changes, tire inspections, and looking after the chain and sprockets are just the start," he explains. 

Tires must have adequate tread depth and proper pressure, while the chain needs the right tension and lubrication. Henning doesn't stop there; fluid levels, brake pads, lights, and signals are scrutinized before any rental. Even the presence of leaks is a checkpoint on his comprehensive list, which includes everything on Twisted Road’s 20-point inspection checklist, and then some.

Beyond the basic maintenance, Henning never forgets the necessities like air filters, plugs, and valve-clearance checks, emphasizing the importance of not shying away from these more involved procedures. His choice of equipment reflects his dedication to quality and durability: Dunlop Roadsmart IIIs for tires and DID or EK chains, ensuring longevity and performance.

Of course, he reminds hosts to stock up on maintenance supplies so riders are always protected on the go. A simple tire-plug kit, 12V inflator, and AntiGravity jumper pack in the top box help riders overcome any obstacles they might encounter on a long trek. 

How long does it take to prep a bike for a Twisted Road renter? He spends about 60-90 minutes before each rental on upkeep and another 20 minutes on hand-off and just a little friendly conversion. For such a chunk of time, Ari can ensure his renters receive a safe and unforgettable riding experience while generating some added income. 

Why Twisted Road?

Thanks to his unique hosting model and reputation in the motorcycle industry, from his work at Motorcyclist to Revzilla, Henning has attracted a large following of riders who want to tour California on his Versys 650. They also want to meet him, learn some stuff, and maybe just chill over a cold beverage for a bit. 

To make this quick and painless, Henning relies on Twisted Road to find the right riders who will care for his bike like he does. Superhosts like Henning also have the option to vet and choose from multiple riders so they can feel comfortable renting out their bikes. Twisted Road’s platform also makes this simple. 

Another reason for using Twisted Road is the insurance. “Twisted Road's insurance is fantastic and quick, so that's very reassuring,” he notes, having had one incident where a renter dropped the bike that caused some bodywork damage. Twisted Road’s insurance covers damages that occur during the rental, for collision, up to the actual cash value of the bike (up to $40,000). And what makes them truly stick out is $1 million of liability insurance—the largest in the motorcycle rental space.

In Henning's world, motorcycle rental is more than a business—it's a gateway to exploration, an assurance of safety, and a catalyst for unforgettable stories. As he says, "It's not just about the bike; it's about the experience, the adventure, and the joy of the ride."

Ari Henning: Q&A with Lessons for Motorcycle Hosts

How do you ensure the motorcycles are well-maintained and safe for long-distance travel?

Ari Henning: Modern bikes are well made and incredibly reliable, as long as you check a few crucial boxes. For me that's on-time oil changes and making sure the tires and chain/sprockets are in good condition before a rental. 

Adequate tread depth and proper pressure are necessary for the tires and proper tension and lubrication for the chain. Beyond that, I check fluid levels (brake and coolant), brake-pad thickness, lights/signals, and look for leaks (under the engine, around the radiator and hoses, etc.) before every rental. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to give the bike a good once-over. I usually wash the bike between rentals, but if it's only marginally dirty, I'll just wipe it down with a moist microfiber. 

Once or maybe twice a year, the bike racks up enough miles that it needs an air filter and plugs and valve-clearance check. I know for less mechanically inclined folks, those more involved procedures can be intimidating and it may be tempting to ignore them, but please don't. The bike and the person renting it deserve to have a bike that's been properly cared for. 

For my Versys 650, I always run Dunlop Roadsmart IIIs and name-brand (DID or EK) chains. The Dunlops are great — I can readily drag footpeg with them in the twisties — and the last 8000-10,000 miles a set. Great bang for the buck. And a quality chain lasts 2-3 times longer than a bargain O-ring chain. I got 31,000 miles out of the last DID I installed! 

Over the years, I've also learned that people appreciate USB power in the cockpit and a phone holder on the bar. I also include a tire-plug kit, 12V inflator, and AntiGravity jumper pack in the top box so people can handle the normal stuff that might pop up on a big trip. 

Besides what you mention above, what are some essential maintenance tips you can share for riders planning a long-distance motorcycle trip? 

Ari Henning: I supply brush-on chain lube with the bike and ask that renters lube the chain every 500 miles. Honestly, it's in their best interest to keep it lubed so that they don't have issues. Destinations like the Upper Sierra, Salt Lake City, etc., use salt and pumice on the roads that can ruin a chain quickly. Proper maintenance is key to not having these issues.

How do you personalize the rental experience for riders with specific touring or adventure goals?

Ari Henning: Over the years, I've added accessories like a taller windscreen, USB power in the dash, and phone mount because people have asked about it. 

Almost everyone is here to "see California." Since I'm very familiar with California's regions and roads, I offer route suggestions and options for where to stay, eat, etc. I really enjoy facilitating a great adventure for people. 

Some folks don't want to fly with gear because of the check fees, so I stock XS-XL helmets that I rent and have some jackets and gloves available. I allow people to store their luggage or other belongings in my garage during their trip, making things easier. I'm also an avid camper and have a tent, bed roll, stove, and other items available if people want to go off the beaten path. And I know lots of epic campsites that you won't find on any blog or travel book. 

I also have a small studio apartment attached to my garage that's available for rent, so travelers can come straight from the airport and get settled, get familiar with the bike and get packed, and leave at their leisure. I even open my garage and shop to random riders who are touring, just because I know how hard it is to find a place to get a tire installed or a chain swapped or have other maintenance done in a timely, affordable way. 

What are some popular destinations your clients often explore on your motorcycles?

Ari Henning: Since I'm based in Los Angeles, many people want to ride the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). San Francisco is the usual turnaround point, and I have several routes that I present. I like to send renters north along an inland route of mountain roads, rural two-lane, and "goat trails," then have then take the coast south since that puts you in the westerly lane, right next to the water. Better views, and easier to pull onto the shoulder to snap pics. 

How do you accommodate international riders with different riding experiences and licenses?

Ari Henning: Twisted Road does a good job of vetting clients, and many people list their experience. My bike isn't especially fast or sophisticated, so as long as you're a competent rider you'll get along with it great. 

TR's insurance is fantastic and quick, so that's very reassuring. And given the model of my bike (a fairly unglamorous Jack of All Trades), I tend to get older, or at least very mature, renters. I bet the renters would be much different if I had something like a Ducati Panigale or BMW S 1000 RR for rent.

What advice do you have for first-time riders looking to explore California on a motorcycle?

Ari Henning: Renters often have ambitious goals of visiting a ton of places in a condensed amount of time. If they're sightseeing in LA, they must recognize that it's hard to get around, even on a bike, so 2-3 sites max per day (not 4-6!). Similarly, I recommend about 300 miles max if touring, which allows ample time to stop and soak things in. If you're planning your own route, look for the squiggliest lines on the map since those will be the best roads. 

Also, Don't overpack; way too many people bring way too much stuff. Besides your riding gear (I rent helmets and select gear), one change of clothes and some layers is all you really need. 

What's the most unusual or unexpected destination one of your renters has taken your motorcycle to?

Ari Henning: Vegas is always a destination that surprises me. It's a boring highway ride to get there, and the city doesn’t have much to offer unless you're going there for a show. It's famous, though, so people want to check it out. 

I think the most unusual and surprising destination was my last rental. The guy wanted to go cross country. I was all for it, and told him his only limitation was tire life. He brought the bike back with a pretty bald rear tire! 

Another fun destination is some weird Mad Max cosplay thing in the high desert. This guy has rented my bike several times to go up there, and then I see crazy pics on his Insta of these wild post-apocalyptic settings in the desert. It's not my jam, but it looks like a rad experience. He chose my bike because the luggage allows him to bring his outfit and camping gear. 

Besides the Revzilla and Twisted Road work, what other ways are you involved in motorcycling?

Ari Henning: I build high-performance CRF300L engines for customers of the L and Rally. The bike uses the same engine platform as the CBR300R, which is a bike I won two roadracing championships on. I developed my own piston and engine recipe that's also applicable to the CRF. Cranking the bike's power up to 33-34 horsepower makes it a lot more fun! I'm currently working on a slightly larger (316cc) and higher compression (12.5:1) piston to take things to the next level. I also work on vintage Japanese bikes out of my home garage. 

Do you plan to expand your fleet and locations? If so, what bikes/locations would be included?

Ari Henning: I've had people ask about a second bike because they have a buddy or family member they're riding with. I've considered adding another bike, and if I did, it would be another Versysy so I could use the same service parts. However, I don't feel there's enough demand to warrant buying/insuring/registering another bike. Plus, my garage is already too full!