Where to Rent a Motorcycle in Clearwater Florida
Clearwater, Florida, is as good as it gets for beaches. The gulf coast sand is white and soft, and you won’t find anything like it anywhere else. Plus, Clearwater averages 361 days of sun every year, and once went for 768 consecutive days of sun. Two whole years with no rain sounds like a motorcycling paradise.
Where to Rent a Motorcycle in Clearwater Florida
Hands down, the best way to rent a motorcycle in Clearwater is using Twisted Road. You’ll find dozens of bikes for rent from our member community, including touring bikes (like Harleys for rent), sportbikes (such as Ducati), cruisers (such as Indians), and even adventure bikes (like BMWs) are available. It’s entirely up to you.
Best Motorcycle Rides in and Around Clearwater Florida
What are the best motorcycle rides near Clearwater? Start with Tail of the Gecko
The Tail of the Gecko is not as famous as her big brother, Tail of the Dragon, but she’s still one of the best rides out there. This ride kicks off on I-275 in Saint Petersburg and heads south over the bridge toward Rubonia. This first leg is fun because the bridge hits the mainland right at the bird preserve, giving you some great views of the wildlife and the swampy shoreline here. Merge into I-75 North, then take the exit for FL683, Moccasin Wallow Road. If you’re hungry or need gas, stop here and fill up because the route just gets more rural after this. Head east on Highway 683 until you hit US 301. Turn south for a bit, then make a left-hand turn onto Highway 62, Wachula road. Follow Highway 62 East into the bush. About 14 miles down the road, you’ll come to Bunker Hill Road. This is the start of the Gecko. Turn north, and follow the road on through. Great twisties, long sweeping curves, and beautiful Florida backcountry.
On this ride, keep your eyes open, the rain can wash sand or small gravel onto the road, especially in the corners. There isn’t much shoulder, so be aware of what’s happening around you. Because this is a rural area, you may see folks riding horses on the roadway. It’s best to give them a wide berth, go slow, and don’t spook the animals.
There are several other great rides and things to do in this area. Check out our Tampa riding guide for a few more gems.
Motorcycle Hangouts in Clearwater
Clearwater is great for motorcyclists. The primary culture here is beaches, there aren’t many biker-specific bars or restaurants, but here are some great choices for your trip.
The Shipwreck
Fun, local dive right on the beach. The Shipwreck is a mix of locals and travelers, and it’s a lot of fun. They only have one food item on the menu: Pizza Rolls. If you love those, this is your place. If not, just get dinner somewhere else and come here for the relaxed feeling.
The Sandbar
Right on the beach, great views of the ocean. This little hangout has great mixed drinks and a light menu, including pizza, salads, and sandwiches. You won’t be disappointed with the location. Plenty of locals come here for the views and the food.
Clearwater Weather and Riding
Clearwater is a paradise of weather. The summer can get pretty hot and humid, but the weather is gorgeous most of the year. With almost no rain, you can enjoy the beach here year-round. The temperature rarely gets above 90 or so and rarely drops below 45. You can ride here year-round, with wintertime temperatures reaching 55 or 65 every day.
That said, the best months to visit are March to May, and October to mid-December, when the weather is ideal for sitting outside. You might want to select motorcycle gear for warm weather for this trip. Bring your cooling vest and a vented jacket if you can. Lightweight vented gloves will keep you out of the sun and cool on your ride.
Clearwater Motorcycle Laws and Tips
Helmets are required for any riders or passengers under 21 in Florida, and all bikers must have eye protection. A windshield counts, or a full-face helmet. Headsets are against the law, but you often see them here. Lane splitting is illegal here, and so is lane filtering at stoplights, so keep your handlebars in your lane or risk a conversation with law enforcement.
Preparing for your Clearwater Motorcycle Trip
Once you know where you’re staying, plan some rides and get your friends to come along. Get on Twisted Road to find some motorcycles to rent in Clearwater. Plan to bring your gear if you can, but if you need to borrow some, let us know! We can often work with the owners to lend you some gear for your trip. They’re frequently willing to share their jackets or helmets to ensure you enjoy your ride.
