I rented a bike in Japan.
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As noted here, I was recently in Japan for 10 days (business related). During my time there, I realized that one of my Japanese co-workers was also into motorcycles.
On my last day there, he offered to take me on a motorcycle tour, and help me with the translations in order to rent a bike (no one speakers English very well there... at all). I jumped at the chance.
To rent a bike, you need your passport, US license and Int'l Driver's license (available for $15 from AAA).
However, this was the legal form I had to sign. No idea what it said. I was slightly concerned about insurance deductibles, but just signed on the dotted line anyway.
I rented a CB400, because my host has a 250 V-twin. Bikes over 400 cc are hard to license and insure there, so almost everyone has a bike 400 or less *yawn*. Pretty surprising considering their history with native, large race bikes.
Cost was about $200 USD for 8 hours with the upgraded insurance (whatever that meant).
My CB in the foreground.
Saw this car wash at the gas station... it moves around your car. I'd never seen one like that before.
This is how cars are stored in the more populated areas... racks. There just isn't enough room for parking spots.
We pull off the highway because my co-worker had to take a piss. Nice cycle-only parking area, covered.
I'm taking a picture of all the TWs I see. There have been many. TWs seem to be one of the most popular bikes, at least where I've been in the Tokyo area.
Checked out the coast while I waited.
Snuck in this picture of an old man and the sea.
This is a pretty popular beach town, about 1 hr 1/2 from Tokyo. Lots of surfers, chillaxing, etc.
Eventually we reach a toll road (one of many) which will bring us to the remote Lake Ashi.
It's a sick road. That's what the sign says.
We get to Lake Ashi...
...and have lunch (I have tempura over rice).
Then we hit the bikes and climb the Hakone Skyline. So sick. Climbs up to 3,000 feet and is just constant curves, tight and sweeping. The drifters and racers love this road. Not a cop in sight, either.
This shot sums it up (starts on the far left, continues over to the far right). It reminded me of Route 17, only much much longer and in perfect condition. They also have markings on the road to indicate tight or very tight corners. They're useful.
Scenic overlook at the summit.
Looking down on the lake we just came from.
My rented steed (a real snooze compared to my Speed Triple)
Some sick vintage racer.
My coworker.
Proof I was here. Interestingly, the toll booth guys were Japanese but had "US Army" hats on. Not sure if the US gets some of the toll revenue from this road, or what.
It seems almost every single 5 mile stretch of road in Japan is a toll road.
Other side of the mountain:
You can usually see Mt. Fuji from here, but it was too cloudy today.
Then we went to visit an 800 year old shrine built by some samurais warriors.
On the way back home we spotted a Triumph dealership. I stopped in for a t-shirt but they were $70!!! Shit is fucking expensive in Japan.
THE END.
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Originally Posted by Evadd
