
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything riders ask before booking. Can't find your answer? WhatsApp our team.
Eligibility
Can I rent a motorcycle in Japan with a Hong Kong or Macau licence? What do I need?
Yes. Bring your full Hong Kong or Macau motorcycle licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your passport — all three are required. Probationary (P) licences are not accepted, and the renter must be 18 or older.More →
Can I rent with a probationary (P) licence?
No. We can only rent to holders of a full driving licence with a valid International Driving Permit.More →
I'm 18 — can I rent?
Yes. Anyone 18 or older who holds a full Hong Kong or Macau licence, a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and a passport may rent a RENTAL819 motorcycle. Probationary (P) licences are not accepted.
Do I need to speak Japanese to rent?
No. Even if you speak neither English nor Japanese, our overseas self-drive team provides interpretation support to the fullest extent possible.
Booking & payment
Do I have to book in advance?
If you want a specific motorcycle, please book at least one week ahead so we can arrange it.
How and when do I pay?
Payment is made to Helmet King by FPS or bank transfer within three working days after our overseas self-drive team issues your rental invoice.More →
I don't have a credit card — can I pay cash or have a friend pay?
Rental fees are paid by FPS/bank transfer. However, the branch in Japan usually requires a credit card at pick-up for deposit and identity verification, so please bring at least one.
Is the rental fee different between Rental819 Hong Kong and Rental819 Japan?
No — the rent is the same as in Japan. Booking through Helmet King in Hong Kong also gives you free Chinese-language consultation and full arrangement support at no extra charge.
I didn't receive my confirmation email
The confirmation email is sent automatically — please check your spam folder, or reach us on Facebook or WhatsApp.
Do self-drive packages include flights and hotels?
There are two versions: flight + bike (no hotel, from 3 days / 2 nights) and flight + hotel with breakfast + bike (5 days / 4 nights; 4 days / 3 nights for Okinawa). Both include a return economy flight from Hong Kong. Prices exclude HK and Japanese departure taxes, HK airport security charge, travel insurance and fuel surcharges. Packages are provided by Go Asia Plus Travel & Tours Co Ltd (Travel Agent Licence No. 354367).More →
Choosing a bike
Can I specify the model year and colour of the bike?
The year and colour of the vehicle may change and cannot always be guaranteed. If you have a specific requirement, let us know early when booking and we will do our best to arrange it.
Can I carry a passenger?
Passengers are not allowed on bikes of 50cc or under, on bikes registered with a single seat, or on some Metropolitan Expressway routes (e.g. the Central Circular and Bayshore routes). On bikes under 125cc, the included insurance does not pay passenger injury or death benefits.More →
Fees
How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Japan per day?
For 1 day (24 hours), reference rates for classes P-1 to P-7 run from HK$295 to HK$1,765, then HK$195 to HK$1,175 per day from day 2. Compulsory and voluntary insurance are included; fuel, expressway tolls and parking are not. Vehicle-damage compensation and gear are charged separately, and your final quote is confirmed after you book.More →
Can I rent a helmet and other gear?
Yes. Helmets can be reserved in advance at HK$60 for the first day and HK$10 per day after that; tail boxes, side bags and side boxes can also be reserved (availability varies by bike), and a phone mount is free. Gloves, jackets and similar items can only be rented at the branch on departure day and are paid in yen. At pick-up you must wear proper riding gear, including a helmet, protective jacket, protective trousers and riding boots.More →
Is fuel included in the rental?
Fuel is your responsibility. The tank is full at pick-up; please return it full, otherwise a refuelling charge applies (and it may cost more than a petrol station).
Is there a mileage limit or extra charge?
There is no mileage limit. All fees are itemised before you rent.
Can the bike use electronic-toll expressways?
Yes, except bikes under 125cc, which may not use expressways. Most Rental819 bikes already have an ETC unit; ETC cards are limited in supply, so ask staff at the branch when you collect the bike. The card costs 220 yen for the first day, and tolls are settled from the ETC record when you return it.More →
Insurance & accidents
If I buy insurance, am I free of any liability in an accident?
No. Every policy has a deductible; in an accident you pay up to the deductible and the insurer covers the rest. Deductibles differ by bike class — please ride carefully.
What should I do if there's an accident?
Take these four steps: 1) assess the situation and check for injuries; 2) call the police (110); 3) contact the insurer; 4) contact the Rental819 centre. Outside business hours, call Emergency Road Service (ERS), and remember to get an accident certificate from the police.
What is 'non-operation charge' (NOC)?
If an accident, theft or fall means the bike needs repair and can't be rented out, you pay a NOC: 20,000 yen if you can ride it back to the branch, 50,000 yen if you cannot. This is charged in addition to the vehicle-compensation deductible.More →
Can I swap bikes with a friend?
No. If an accident occurs, insurance won't pay out because the insured party differs. Please note this.
Pick-up & return
Can I pick up at an airport?
The branch list on our booking form includes branches named after airports — for example New Chitose Airport, Kansai International Airport, Osaka International (Itami) Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Kumamoto Airport, Kagoshima Airport and Naha Airport. Ask us about the exact pick-up location and how to get there. Pick-up and return must be at the same branch.
Can I return the bike after business hours?
Please return within business hours, otherwise the branch may charge an overtime fee.
How is a late return charged?
Overtime fees vary by bike class. If you return late without telling us in advance, a penalty applies. For special circumstances, contact us first.
Can I extend the rental after picking up?
Yes — tell the pick-up branch in advance. If your bike is already booked by the next customer, you must return it on time and cannot extend.
Can I pick up at one branch and return at another?
No. Please return the bike to the original branch within business hours.More →
What do I do with luggage while riding?
Most branches can store your luggage — please contact us in advance to arrange it.
Can I leave my own vehicle parked at the rental shop?
Rental shops generally don't have spare space to store customers' cars or motorcycles, so we recommend taking public transport to pick up your bike.
Cancellation
Can I cancel on a rainy day?
In severe weather you may cancel on the morning of the rental, but you must contact us beforehand.
What is the cancellation policy?
6 days before: 20% of the invoice total; 2 days before: 30%; same day: 50%. A no-show forfeits any refund. Each branch retains final discretion over rentals.More →
Still have a question?
WhatsApp usReady when you are
Book a rental or plan a tour with our Hong Kong team.
- From HK$295 a day (reference price, compulsory & voluntary insurance included)
- Same rent as Rental819 Japan — no extra charge for booking via Hong Kong
- Book at least a week ahead; first come, first served
