Where to Rent a Motorcycle in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is well known for Bike Week, the opening of riding season for many, and races Supercross and the Daytona 200. The Daytona 200 was originally help on the actual beaches but moved in 1961 to Daytona Speedway.
If you’re not going for Bike Week, there are still a ton of fun rides and hangouts. Read on to learn more about motorcycle riding in Daytona Beach.
Where to Rent a Motorcycle in Daytona Beach
Motorcycle Rental in Daytona used to be tricky, but Twisted Road changed all that. Now you can choose from dozens of brands online (from Harley to Ducati, and Triumph to BMW), and coordinate your trip from your smartphone. There are lots of motorcycles available to rent in Daytona, including sportbikes, adventure bikes, and cruisers.
Best Motorcycle Rides in and Around Daytona Beach
Some of the best motorcycling routes near Daytona Beach:
- Ocala National Forest
- A1A north from Daytona Beach
- Merritt Island to New Smyrna
- Apopka Lake
Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest has two main roads that cross, State Road 40, and State Road 19. This is a great ride for an adventure bike because there are so many unpaved forest service roads that branch off of these highways. The forest service roads are well maintained, so they’re a great way to try out some adventure if you’re not used to it.
The best way to get to the forest is on SR44 north from New Smyrna Beach or SR40 from Ormond Beach. The way to do this ride is to get a map of the forest springs and then do some exploring. Just taking the main highway is a great ride, but you’ll feel the draw to those forest access roads pulling you along.
A1A North from Daytona Beach
This is a route that can be as long or as short as you want. Sweeping coastal views, salty breeze, and relaxing riding all day. It’s one of Florida’s most scenic routes, and great for motorcycles. So many stops to explore along this route. This one is simple, it’s the coastal road, just head north along A1A for as long as you like.
Merritt Island to New Smyrna
This route goes through the Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Not a lot of traffic, lots of birds, and lots of great places to stop and relax for a while. It is best enjoyed if you start at the southern end and head north. Head to Merrit Island and take the Merrit Causeway west to Route 1.
Turn north, then follow signs to the Kennedy Space Center. Turn north on SR3 all the way to A1A, which takes you back to Daytona.
Apopka Lake
Nice long ride through Ocala National Forest and up Sugarloaf Mountain. This ride has lakeside views, hills, and gentle curves that will have you laughing inside your helmet. The route is not too busy, and the roads are fantastic for bikes.
The best way to do this route is to head south. Get to the route by taking US1 north from Daytona until you reach Bunnel. Turn left and head southwest along Rte11. Stay on until SR40, then turn right. Stay on 40 through Barberville and across the St Johns River.
Keep heading west until 445A. This is where the twists start. Turn left onto 445A and follow it until SR19. Head south on 19, then follow the signs for Sugar Loaf Mountain. Stop on the mountain for a while and enjoy the views, then ride on to Winter Garden for dinner.
Motorcycle Hangouts in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach has plenty of great hangouts. Here are a few of our favorites.
Full Moon Saloon
Right in the heart of Bike Week, this bar hosts mini-events throughout the year. They have a pool hall with weekly tournaments on Friday and Saturday nights, so if you’re good with a cue, this is the place for you. Bar food including pizza, and plenty of other bikers.
Dirty Harrys Pub and Package
Classic biker bar feeling with decent food and plenty of brews. Famous for offering free barbecue on Sundays, you’ll want to check if that’s still happening when you come down. If you’re not here for Bike Week, they’re hopping for Biketobefest as well.
Iron Horse Saloon
Yes, they have a wall of death. Yes, they have a burnout pit. Yes, this place is awesome.
Outside of bike week, they have events almost every weekend. It has a great atmosphere and sort of feels like a carnival. Live music, you’ll want to check out their events calendar for your trip.
Daytona Beach Weather and Riding
The best thing about Florida and Daytona Beach is you can mostly ride comfortably year-round. You won’t see much snow or ice, but you’re bound to see some rain. The humidity can be oppressive here as well, so be sure to bring your cooling vest and other warm weather riding gear, and stop for liquid refreshment often. Winter is cooler, and it does occasionally get below freezing. Daytime temperatures in the winter are reasonable, and you can expect 50+ degrees most days.
Daytona Beach Motorcycle Laws and Tips
Helmets are required for any riders or passengers under 21 in Florida, and all bikers have to have some sort of eye protection. A windshield counts, or a full-face helmet. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida, so keep your handlebars in your own lane.
There are lots of motorcycles in Florida, and the cops are used to seeing bikers. In some states, we feel singled out, but not here. Here, bikers are part of the scenery.
Preparing for your Daytona Beach Motorcycle Trip
Once you know where you’re staying, plan some rides and get your friends to come along. You’ll find plenty of motorcycles to rent in Daytona on Twisted Road. You can bring your own gear or reach out, and we can work with the owners. Often times, they’re willing to share their jackets or helmets to ensure you enjoy your ride.
