Not the Honda, but it was fun!

[Inhouse Bob]

I drove up to Vermont to visit my daughter at school last week and while there I rented a GS 700 for a couple of days and spun around the state. The weather was cold and rainy but the fall colors and all was great. These shots are from the first day when the temps were in the 30s to low 40s. It snowed a good deal the next day and made things a bit dodgy for a guy of my skill level. But I made it through in good order and look forward to going in the Spring. Late Spring!

Nearly ate it going through this bridge. Very slimy boards in there!
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Big Round Church. I think that is what it's actually called.
[url=http://s1331.photobucket.com/user/inhousebob/media/IMG_0631_zpsk68qhjgn.jpg.html]

Lots of really well groomed dirt roads. Loudoun County, VA, are you paying attention?
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[the Ferret]

sounds like a fun time. riding other bikes gives you great appreciation for what you have sometimes. I rode a friends BMW single (650?..looked like the one you are riding) around in the desert of AZ and golly it made me appreciate NOT having one lol

Nice pics!

[redbirds_imp]

I love having the chance to ride something different. Last bike I rented was a 1200GS. Loved the bike but it sure was tall for me.

[the Ferret]

I last rented a BMW R1200R which I liked, and borrowed an NC 700 which I also liked.

[Inhouse Bob]

The GS 700 has a parallel twin and is relatively low for a duel sport, as it has a 19" front wheel. It handled great and had enough power (though not nearly that of the awesome CB 1100) and cruised comfortably at any speed.
It is actually an 800cc motor, despite the name. BMW went off on a tangent when naming this series and the name isn't related to engine size, but rather refers to different levels of features and engine tuning. I think that was a marketing mistake, but whatever. I liked it.
The first gear is pretty tall and I think I only got into 6th gear once the whole ride. My favorite part of the bike was the heated grips. Did I mention that it was freaking cold? Oh, and the abs and traction control. And on the fly adjustable suspension. And etc. etc.
All in all, a fun time.

[the Ferret]

Oh completely different bike then. The 650 I rode was a single, was brand newish, but the engine clattered like it had marbles in the motor. Brand newish too. Gas cap was by the rear fender.

[Inhouse Bob]

This one filled up in the back as well. I like that idea. Keeps the weight lower. But this motor sounded smooth, but had a nice growl when you got on it.
It was very comfortable as dual sports tend to be. I kept the suspension soft and never thought about my comfort at all. That's a good sign! Not a cool looking bike, though. Pretty generic.

[Carguy1959_imp]

So where do you go to rent motorcycles? The Harley dealer will rent bikes, but where else?

[kmoney_imp]

So where do you go to rent motorcycles? The Harley dealer will rent bikes, but where else?

If you Google for places near you there are usually lots of independent rental places.

That's cool that the OP got to rent a BMW though, it seems that all the rental places I've ever been to only rent Harleys.

[the Ferret]

When Cormanus and Ptero came in for the rally last year they rented an FJR and an ST 1300, and Chapomis ended up renting a Ducati multistrada but could have had a BMW if memory serves me.