Frequently Asked Questions – During Your Rental

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful guidance while you’re on the road

Why does GS Africa transact a pre-authorisation or sale on my credit card for the Insurance Excess Deposit?

Upon collecting your motorcycle from GS Africa, the Insurance Excess Deposit is placed on hold against a credit card to ensure sufficient funds are available. This authorisation acts as a security hold in case of damages and is released once the motorcycle is returned in the same condition as at collection.

The rider must present a credit card in his or her own name. Please notify your bank in advance that you will be travelling abroad to avoid any delays on the day of your rental. Remember to factor in the deposit hold to ensure sufficient funds remain available for the rest of your tour.

Once the motorcycle has been returned, the hold will be released or debited back in the same amount, unless additional charges apply (e.g., fuel, tyre replacement, or recovery costs not covered by the Warranty Plan in South Africa or neighbouring countries). The authorisation or sale amount will be released back to your card within 7–10 working days.

What is the procedure to follow in the event of an accident and request for a replacement unit?

Most importantly, if the rider and/or pillion passenger is injured, please contact Emergency Services immediately on 10177.
All accidents, however minor, must be reported to the nearest South African Police Station by calling 10111, and GS Africa must be notified on +27 (0)65 860 2520 or +27 (0)71 515 3808. Please take photographs of the accident scene and any damage to the motorcycle. Do not sign any paperwork until you have spoken with GS Africa. Be sure to record the details of any third parties involved.

If the rental motorcycle becomes unrideable due to an accident, no refund will apply. Should you require a replacement motorcycle (subject to availability), you will be asked to sign an addendum to your current contract. Transportation (ReturntoDepot fees) will be for the rider’s account.

What do I do if the bike experiences a mechanical breakdown or a puncture occurs?

Unfortunately, mechanical faults can occur — these are machines after all. First and foremost, ensure you are safely off the road surface, preferably under cover at a fuel station or homestead if possible. Please call GS Africa on +27 (0)65 860 2520 or +27 (0)71 515 3808, and we will immediately contact Roadside Assistance (available within South Africa only). If we are able to locate an alternative service provider nearby, we will do our utmost to assist as quickly as possible.

Each rental includes a complimentary, easy to use puncture repair kit, with full instructions available via our mobile application download.

What happens if the motorcycle is damaged whilst being in my possession?

Unfortunately, incidents can occur, whether within or beyond your control – and we fully respect that no client intends to cause damage to a GS Africa motorcycle. If damage is noted while the motorcycle is in the rider’s care, the bike will be inspected for any issues not recorded at the time of collection. Any damage deemed to have occurred during the rental period, regardless of how minor (scratches, dents, or other parts affected), will be repaired or replaced at the prevailing manufacturer/dealer retail cost, including labour. A quotation will be obtained, and repairs will be carried out at the rider’s expense.

Can I connect my own GPS unit to the rental motorcycle?

The only addition to the power supply units must be through the BMW approved Hella plug in the cockpit of the motorcycle. No connection in the CANBUS (main electrical system on a BMW motorcycle) nor battery and under no circumstances can this be interfered with as it will affect the safety and performance of the motorcycle.

What happens when I modify my original booking?

Should you amend your initial reservation in any way, it may result in a change to the rental rates. Please note that no rate is guaranteed once an amendment has been made. If you cancel any items or extras ordered, refunds will only be processed in accordance with our Booking and Cancellation Policy.

How do I extend my rental?

If you need to extend your rental, please contact GS Africa immediately before your original scheduled return time and advise us of your new requested return date and time. Kindly note that any changes to the original agreement may result in a rate adjustment. When extending your rental, the additional amount is due and payable immediately.

Can I return my motorcycle after hours?

At GS Africa, a rental day runs from 08h00 to 17h30 on the same day. All motorcycles must be returned by 17h30 at the latest (preferably earlier), as each bike needs to be inspected for any new damage while in the rider’s care. This also helps expedite the deposit refund process. We encourage returns during office hours to avoid the late fee of R850. While we understand that circumstances may sometimes prevent this, please note that the late fee will apply if the motorcycle is returned after hours.

What happens if I return the motorcycle late?

At GS Africa, a rental day is defined as from 08h30AM – 17h30PM the same day. All motorcycles must be returned by 17h30PM latest (preferably earlier as the motorcycle has to be inspected for any new damage whilst it was in the riders care – this is also to expedite the Deposit Refund Process). Should you be later than 17h30PM, a Late Return Fee of R550,00 applies and the motorcycle has to be returned the next day no later than 08h30AM.

What happens when I exceed my total free kilometre mileage allocated to a 1 - 6 day rental?

At GS Africa, every rental includes a specified number of free kilometres per day, as well as a total allowance for the entire rental period. Please note: if a rider exceeds the allocated kilometres for the rental period, an additional charge of R8.50 will apply for each extra kilometre ridden.

Will I be charged if I return the motorcycle without refuelling?

Upon bike collection, you receive the motorcycle with a fully fuelled tank. Should the motorcycle be returned not fully refuelled, the rider will be charged the applicable amount to refuel and fill the tank as well as a fee of R250,00.

ABOUT US

GS Africa is a passionate family-run, turnkey motorcycle rental & tour agency based in Cape Town. We offer rentals of BMW, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, KTM & Ducati motorcycles, along with bespoke tour itineraries.

For your convenience, we also have a presence in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Namibia, and the Garden Route. We are proudly affiliated with EagleRider as a trusted partner in Africa.

OPENING HOURS
Monday – Friday
08:30am – 17:00pm
Saturday
09:00am – 11:00am
Sunday
CLOSED

GS AFRICA MAIN BRANCH

21A Rose Street
Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town, 8001
E: rentals@gsafrica.com
T: +27 (0) 71 515 3808
W: www.gsafrica.com

GS Africa Cape Town

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