Q. Do I need a motorcycle licence?

A. Yes. You need a full motorcycle licence to ride a motorcycle or scooter in Ireland. The category of licence must match the category of motorcycle or scooter being rented. Generally, if you are licenced to ride a particular category in your home country then you can ride the same here. Learner permits are not sufficient, you must have passed a test. All overseas licences are accepted. An English language international licence is needed for non-English language licences. If in doubt please ask.

Q. Does the hire rate include insurance?

A. Yes. Our rates include THIRD PARTY cover for named drivers only.

Q. Am I covered in the event of damage to or theft of the motorcycle?

A. Damage and theft is covered by the renter but is limited to a maximum of €1500 in the case of damage caused by a genuine road traffic accident and theft whilst the motorcycle is locked and secured with all security devices issued. Security deposit for all rentals is €1500. (€1000 for a scooter and €3000 for a sidecar.)

Q. Can I pay the insurance excess / security deposit in cash?

A. No. We require a credit card or debit card for the security deposit (Visa or MasterCard or Maestro only).

Q. Will the insurance excess deposit be debited from my card?

A. No. The security deposit will be deducted from your available funds by your card provider and made available to us as a pre-authorisation. We will cancel the pre-authorisation on completion of the rental in accordance with our terms of hire.

Q. What's my maximum financial liability in the event of an accident or damage?

A. Damage and theft is covered by the renter but is limited to a maximum of €1500 in the case of damage caused by a genuine road traffic accident and theft whilst the motorcycle is locked and secured with all security devices issued. Security deposit for all rentals is €1500.

Q. Can I pay the hire rate in cash?

A. Yes. However we also accept credit card and debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard and Maestro cards).

Q. Where are you located?

A. We are located in the beautiful village of Adare in County Limerick, Ireland. We can give precise directions before your visit but you'll find our exact location on Google Maps. We are within walking distance of the main bus station in Adare.

Q. Can I use your motorcycles outside of Ireland, such as the UK, France, Isle of Man, and will I still be insured?

A. Yes. You can take our motorcycles to the continent (inc UK, Isle of Man, France etc.) and you will be insured with the necessary minimum third party cover to comply with the laws on the compulsory insurance of motor vehicles in any country which is a member of the European Union, Andorra, Croatia, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Q. What happens if the motorbike breaks down?

A. In the unlikely event that there is a problem with the motorbike, we would ask that you first contact us and we can offer advice over the phone. The hire rate includes full breakdown cover and expert assistance is available on the phone.

Q. How long does it take to complete the payment process and test drive?

A. We would ask all customers to allow up to 60 minutes to complete the check-out process, test drive and demonstration of the controls and other items.

Q. What happens if I don’t demonstrate adequate competence to ride a motorcycle when I arrive?

A. Although you may have a full and valid driving licence to ride a motorcycle you may not have ridden one in a while. We will normally establish your level of experience during the booking process and ensure that you are completely happy with the rental. We will not allow the rental to proceed if you shown a lack of competence during the check out process and you will not be refunded.

Q. Can I take a pillion passenger and is it permissible for the pillion passenger to drive the motorcycle during the rental period?

A. Yes, once this is agreed at the time of collection, and once the pillion rider meets the rider requirements.

Q. Do I need to bring my own gear?

A. Yes. We have full gear here for you to hire (jackets, trousers, waterproofs, gloves and boots). However, you may feel more comfortable in your own gear and we recommend you bring it with you. You'll save some money that way as well.

Q. Do I need to wear a helmet?

A. Oh yes.

Q. Do I get a choice of colour?

A. We’re afraid not. Colours vary as our collection varies and gets replaced. Colours cannot be guaranteed.

Q. Are trackers really fitted to the bikes?

A. Yes. We have real time tracking for insurance purposes. We would ask that all customers stay within speed limits and drive with due care and attention. Information from the trackers will be used in the event of an accident, damage or theft.

Q. Do you rent during the winter?

A. Yes! We get some beautiful fall and spring riding conditions but bring your thermal underwear and willy warmer / padded brassiere.

Q. What's your cancellation policy?

A. All payments are final and no refunds will be given if you cancel unless you have our selected cancellation insurance. In this case you can cancel up to one week in advance of the start of your rental and receive 100% of your payment as a credit note valid for 12 months from the date of the start of your original rental. If you do not use the credit note within 12 months you will not be eligible for a refund or rental.

RetroVentures Hire Services Agreement & Terms and Conditions 2024 – Motorcycle, Sidecar and Scooter Hire

1. Parties

Parties to this Agreement are:

“RetroVentures” - Meaning Fine Mess Entertainments Ltd t/a RetroVentures of Amiganbeg, Croagh, Co. Limerick, Ireland, trading at Killarney Road, Adare, Co. Limerick, V94 WY00, Ireland.

“The Hirer” - The individual person named in this Agreement and whose full name, address, licence details and signature are shown below herein as part of this Agreement.

2. General

The conditions of this Agreement apply to any vehicles, including replacement vehicles, hired by the Hirer from RetroVentures. Hirers must wear full protective clothing at all times and wear a crash helmet in accordance with Irish and EU Law.

3. Hire Period

Vehicle hire periods are on a 24 hour basis, commencing from the time of hire. Return of the vehicle is required at, or before, the expiration of the relevant hire period. Vehicles must be collected or returned between 10am and 4pm unless agreed otherwise at time of booking. The Hirer will hire the vehicle for the hire period shown on this Agreement. RetroVentures may agree to extend this hire period but the hire period may not normally exceed 15 days. If the Hirer does not bring the vehicle back on time he / she is breaking the conditions in this Agreement. RetroVentures will allow a grace period of 30 minutes from the agreed vehicle return date and time, after which the Hirer shall be charged a full days hire as compensation to RetroVentures. RetroVentures may charge the Hirer for every additional day or part-day the Hirer has the vehicle after he / she should have returned it to RetroVentures. Should RetroVentures have to call the Hirer to extend the hire of a vehicle, due to the customer not notifying RetroVentures of changes to the reservation, then an extension fee of €100 plus VAT will be applied. RetroVentures will also charge the Hirer at the full daily rate until it gets the vehicle back. By accepting this Agreement the Hirer agrees to rent the vehicle for the hire period shown on this Agreement and agrees to pay the charges set out in this Agreement. Accordingly the Hirer acknowledges that they shall be charged the full hire amount shown in this Agreement regardless of whether the Hirer chooses to return the vehicle before the date and time shown in this Agreement.

4. The Hirer's Responsibilities

(a) The Hirer undertakes to give timely notice of any defects in the vehicle not spotted by RetroVentures at the time of its delivery to the Hirer. In the absence of such notice it shall be deemed that the Hirer received the vehicle in acceptable working order. The Hirer undertakes to return the vehicle to RetroVentures in the same condition in which he / she received it, save for the normal wear and tear in relation to distance travelled, including (but not limited to) tyres, fittings, documents and complete equipment outfit. The Hirer must look after the vehicle and keys. The Hirer must always lock the vehicle when he / she is not using it, and he / she will incur a charge (which RetroVentures will set from time to time) for lost keys. The Hirer must use any security device fitted to or supplied with the vehicle. The Hirer must make sure that he / she uses the correct fuel.

(b) The Hirer must not sell, rent or dispose of the vehicle or any of its parts. The Hirer must not give anyone any legal rights over the vehicle.

(c) The Hirer must not let anyone work on the vehicle without RetroVentures' written permission.

(d) The Hirer must let RetroVentures know as soon as he / she becomes aware of any defect(s) in the vehicle.

(e) Where RetroVentures has agreed to deliver the vehicle to the Hirer, the Hirer's liability for damage and theft shall begin on delivery of the vehicle. The Hirer must bring the vehicle back to the agreed return location, at or before the time agreed. One of RetroVentures' staff must see the vehicle to check that it is in good condition. Where RetroVentures has agreed that the Hirer may return the vehicle outside of business hours, or during an absence of staff, or where the Hirer has requested collection of the vehicle, the Hirer's liability for damage, theft and parking violations shall extend to the earlier of midday of the first working day following the requested collection time or the time of re-inspection by a member of staff.

(f) Responsibility for damage and damage limitations are set out in the provisions of Clause 9 below.

(g) The Hirer will have to pay for repairs if the vehicle needs more than RetroVentures' standard valeting (cleaning), or if the vehicle has been damaged (whether or not it is the Hirer's fault).

(h) The Hirer must check before he / she brings back the vehicle that he / she has not left any belongings in the vehicle.

5. RetroVentures' Responsibilities

RetroVentures has maintained the vehicle to at least the manufacturer's recommended standard. RetroVentures undertakes that the vehicle is road worthy and suitable for hiring at the start of the hire period. RetroVentures will identify and agree any existing damage with the Hirer. RetroVentures is responsible for losses suffered by the Hirer as a result of RetroVentures' breach of this Agreement where such losses are a foreseeable consequence of the breach in the circumstances of the case. Losses will be foreseeable where they are in RetroVentures' and the Hirer's contemplation at the time the vehicle is hired. RetroVentures is not responsible for indirect losses which happen as a side effect of the main loss or damage and which are not foreseeable by RetroVentures and the Hirer (such as loss of profits, loss of opportunity, missed departure or arrival times).

6. Property

RetroVentures is only responsible for loss or damage to property left in or on the vehicle if the loss or damage results from RetroVentures' negligence.

7. Conditions for Using the Vehicle

The vehicle must only be driven by the person(s) named in this Agreement, or by anyone RetroVentures subsequently authorises in writing. All drivers must comply with the following:

• Be aged between 21 and 99 years of age.

• Hold (and present the original for copying by RetroVentures) a full valid Driving Licence for the class of vehicle being hired for at least 12 months previous.

• Have not been convicted of an offence in connection with the driving of a motor vehicle or motorcycle and/or have had their driving licence endorsed or suspended or more than 8 penalty points imposed.

• Have no mental or physical defect or infirmity or suffer from fits, diabetes or any heart complaint.

• Have not had their insurance declined and/or renewal refused and/or special insurance terms imposed as a result of claims experience and/or have had their insurance or cover cancelled by any Motor Insurer.

• Must not have been involved in more than one accident during the past 3 years whilst driving.

The Hirer or any authorised driver must not:

• Use the vehicle for hire or reward.

• Use the vehicle for any illegal purpose.

• Use the vehicle off-road, or for racing, pacemaking, testing the vehicle's reliability and speed or teaching someone to drive.

• Use the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Carry a number of passengers and/or baggage which would cause the vehicle to be overloaded.

• Drive the vehicle outside of the island of Ireland unless RetroVentures has given the Hirer written permission.

8. Charges

Before hire commences, the Hirer and a representative of RetroVentures shall inspect the vehicle being hired and any defect will be noted. This inspection will be repeated upon return of the vehicle and any new defects or damage also noted.

The Hirer will pay the following charges:

(a) The hire charge, and any other optional charges at the rates shown on this Agreement.

(b) Any charge for loss or damage resulting from non-compliance with this Agreement including, where applicable, an administration charge to reflect RetroVentures' reasonable administration costs which arise when RetroVentures deals with these matters.

(c) A refuelling service charge of €25 plus VAT plus the cost of the fuel if the Hirer has used, and not replaced, the same amount of fuel as RetroVentures supplied originally.

(d) On demand, all fines and court costs for parking, traffic or other offences (including any costs which arise if the vehicle is clamped or impounded). The Hirer acknowledges and accepts that Hirer is responsible for paying the appropriate authority or company for any such charges and costs. RetroVentures shall, where reasonably practicable use its reasonable endeavours to transfer all fines or charges in relation to any parking, traffic or other offences to the Hirer, together with all relevant information relating to the claim, and the Hirer will be responsible for an administration charge of €25 plus VAT to compensate RetroVentures for its costs in dealing with such matters. However, where it is not reasonably practicable to transfer any such fine or charge, RetroVentures may at its discretion settle the fine or charge with the appropriate authority and may re-charge the Hirer such amounts together with an administration charge to reflect RetroVentures' reasonable administration costs which arise when RetroVentures deals with these matters. Should the Hirer wish to appeal, contest or dispute any such fine or charge RetroVentures shall pass all relevant information to the Hirer and the Hirer must liaise directly with the appropriate authority to obtain any refund and/or compensation.

(e) On demand, the full cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle if it is damaged or stolen (even if it is not the Hirer's fault) plus an administration fee of up to €150 plus VAT. The Hirer may not have to pay the whole of the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle if the Hirer has accepted and complies with RetroVentures' insurance provisions as shown on this Agreement under Clause 9.

(f) On demand, a loss of income charge. RetroVentures will charge the Hirer at the normal daily rate if it cannot rent out the vehicle because: it needs to be repaired, or is a write-off and RetroVentures is waiting to receive full payment of the vehicle's value. RetroVentures will do everything it can to make sure the vehicle is repaired or gets payment as soon as possible. RetroVentures will never charge the Hirer for more than 30 days loss of income. The Hirer shall also be liable to a charge for any diminution in value of the vehicle on resale as a result of damage to the vehicle during the hire period.

(g) On demand, any charges made by Customs and Excise or any other authority as a result of seizure of the vehicle by them as a result of the Hirer’s activities, together with a loss of income charge, as provided under (f) above whilst the vehicle is unavailable for hire.

(h) Any amounts for delivering and collecting the vehicle and any waiting time.

(i) Interest which RetroVentures will add every day to any amount the Hirer does not pay RetroVentures on time, at the rate of 5% per annum above the base lending rate of the Bank of Ireland from time to time.

(j) On demand, RetroVentures' costs, including reasonable legal fees where permitted by law, incurred in collecting payments due from the Hirer under this Agreement.

(k) Value added tax and all other taxes and levies on any of the charges listed above, as appropriate.

The Hirer is responsible for all charges, even if he / she has asked someone else to be responsible for them. If it is the Hirer's intention to pay by credit card or charge card then the Hirer's signature on this Agreement shall constitute authority for RetroVentures to compute and debit the final total charges against the Hirer's account with its specified card-issuing organisation, including charges due as a result of theft of, or damage to the vehicle and any fines and court costs for parking and traffic offences as described in Clause 8 (d). RetroVentures will endeavour to make all charges at the close of each hire period. However, the Hirer remains responsible for (and RetroVentures reserves the right to make) any charges following the close of the hire period should this not be possible. Where the Hirer elects to add additional drivers to their hire the Hirer acknowledges and agrees that they shall remain liable for any costs incurred by such additional drivers. Provided that, RetroVentures shall use its reasonable endeavours to ensure that fines, claims and court costs for parking, traffic or other offences (including any costs which arise if the vehicle is clamped) are directed to the additional driver where possible. All charges, other than the initial hire charge and any other optional charges at the rates shown on this Agreement, will be deducted from the pre-authorised insurance excess charge deposit held by RetroVentures as set out in Clause 9 below. Where the charges due exceed the amount of the pre-authorised insurance excess charge deposit the remaining charges will be invoiced to the Hirer for immediate payment.

9. Insurance Provisions

When the Hirer rents a vehicle from RetroVentures, the price quoted includes Third Party Insurance Cover (the minimum statutory requirement under the Road Traffic Act 2004). This insurance covers the Hirer in the case that the Hirer causes damage to third parties, including passengers and their property, when using the hire vehicle. It does not cover theft or attempted theft of the hire vehicle, theft of personal belongings from the hire vehicle, death or injury to the driver of the hire vehicle or damage to the hire vehicle. Damage and theft is covered by the Hirer but is limited to a maximum of the security deposit placed by the hirer as part of this hire agreement in the case of damage caused by a genuine road traffic accident and theft whilst the vehicle is locked and secured with all security devices issued by RetroVentures and or as fitted to the vehicle. In all other cases damage to the hire vehicle not caused by a genuine road traffic accident, damage caused intentionally or by gross negligence, damage caused as a result of a breach of the hire agreement, damage caused by failure to use the correct fuel, damage caused whilst driving on a surface other than tarmacadam, concrete, bonded natural cobble stones or paving sets (except where authorised on an accompanied/guided tour), damage to items or parts of the hire vehicle specifically excluded from any insurance cover as listed below, and theft of the hire vehicle including negligence by the Hirer regarding the vehicle being left unsupervised whilst not secured with all security devices or keys being left unsupervised in the ignition, external lock or luggage, remains the responsibility of the Hirer to the full amount of repairs to and or replacement of the hire vehicle. Theft or attempted theft of the hire vehicle whilst left unattended on a public street or unsecured public or private parking area (whether or not locked and secured with all security devices) in the following city centre and greater city locations is specifically excluded from any insurance cover: Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Galway, Belfast and Derry. In these cities the hire vehicle should be parked and secured in an enclosed paid barrier-secured car park. A security deposit in the amount agreed at the time of hire must be paid by the Hirer by way of a pre-authorisation on a credit or debit card.

RetroVentures will not receive any money from the credit or debit card provider but the pre-authorised amount will limit the Hirer's credit by the same amount. If the security deposit becomes payable under the terms of the hire agreement then RetroVentures will automatically recover the money from the pre-authorised amount. Amounts due which are above the pre-authorised amount will be invoiced separately to the Hirer for immediate payment. RetroVentures will cancel the pre-authorisation as soon as the Hirer returns the hire vehicle and RetroVentures are satisfied there are no deductions required. The determination of any deductions will be made the next morning if vehicles are returned outside of daylight hours. RetroVentures reserves the right to not release the security deposit for up to 15 days after the end of the hire period in order to address issues or damage which may have been covered up by the Hirer that was not reported at the time of the vehicle’s return. The following other charges will also be deducted from the pre-authorised deposit amount:

• Fines and penalties issued by statutory authorities (charged retrospectively)

• Unpaid toll charges and any associated penalties or fines (charged retrospectively)

• Re-fuelling costs

• Increased valet / cleaning costs for the vehicle if returned heavily soiled

The following items are specifically excluded from any insurance cover. They are not covered by any kind of insurance provided by RetroVentures and the Hirer will be required to pay in full for damage to the:

• Exhaust

• Tyres and wheels (Hirer is responsible for cost of puncture repairs and tyre and tube replacement and associated and incidental travel and accommodation costs incurred by the Hirer)

• Engine

• Gearbox and clutch

• Detachable SatNav, cameras and security devices

• Riding gear including helmet, boots, trousers, jackets, gloves, waterproofs (burn holes or tears in riding gear or dropped / damaged helmets will incur the full replacement cost at retail price - the Hirer my keep the damaged gear if full payment is made under these terms)

• Luggage including soft and hard panniers, soft and hard tail packs / top boxes

(Fair wear and tear excepted in all cases)

RetroVentures does not allow the use of third party insurance excess re-insurers, including cover provided by credit card providers, to cover insurance excesses. The insurance excess risk must remain with the Hirer at all times. Credit and debit cards used for the payment of the insurance excess deposit must be in the name of the Hirer and must be registered at the normal residential address of the Hirer. The Hirer will be required to present the Hirer's photo ID, full driving licence and recent proof of address (the address the Hirer's credit or debit card is registered at) at time of hire.

10. What to do in Case of Accident or Theft

If the Hirer has an accident he / she must not admit responsibility. He / she should get the names and addresses of everyone involved, including witnesses. The Hirer should also make the vehicle secure, tell the police / gardai immediately if anyone is injured or there is a disagreement as to the facts, and call RetroVentures straight away. The Hirer must make an accurate written record of the circumstances of the accident or theft and send it to the address given as soon as practically possible. The Hirer shall remain liable irrespective of any or all actions taken.

11. What to do in case of Mechanical Breakdown or Failure

If a mechanical breakdown or failure occurs RetroVentures will attend to the issue if the breakdown occurs within a reasonable range of the hire base, or will assist the Hirer in calling for the 24 hour breakdown assistance provided by a third party. When a breakdown occurs the Hirer must remain with the vehicle and await assistance. In the event that the vehicle can be repaired within six working hours of the breakdown being diagnosed, the Hirer must remain with the vehicle at all times until the repair has been carried out. In the event that the vehicle cannot be repaired within six working hours of the breakdown being diagnosed, RetroVentures shall either offer a replacement vehicle of a similar standard at no additional cost to the Hirer or this hire Agreement will be cancelled by RetroVentures and the limit of RetroVentures’ liability in this event shall be the refund of payments made against the remaining period of hire. If the Hirer chooses not to accept a repair (where it can be carried out within six working hours) or replacement vehicle (where it can be provided within six working hours) following a mechanical breakdown and chooses to cancel this hire Agreement, no refund will be given.

12. Cancellation of Agreement by RetroVentures

This Agreement may be cancelled or curtailed in extreme weather conditions (e.g. very strong winds, extreme cold, ice, snow or flooding). If, for reasons beyond the control of RetroVentures, a vehicle becomes unavailable for hire at any time up to the day of hire then RetroVentures will use its best endeavours to alert the Customer as soon as possible and, at its discretion, to offer an alternative vehicle if one is available. If no alternative vehicle is available, or it is unacceptable to the hirer, then this Agreement will be cancelled by RetroVentures. In the case of cancellation by RetroVentures, the absolute limit of RetroVentures’ liability shall be the full refund of all deposits and payments made.

13. Cancellation by the Hirer

In the event of cancellation of this Agreement by the Hirer for any reason no refund of any payments or of any kind will be made by RetroVentures. Hirers that have paid for Cancellation Insurance at the time of entering this Agreement (that is to say at the time of booking and making payment) Hirers can cancel up to one week (7 calendar days) in advance of the start of the hire period and receive 100% of any payments as a credit note valid for 12 months from the date of the start of the original hire period. If the Hirer does not use the credit note within 12 months the Hirer will not be eligible for a refund or alternative rental. RetroVentures reserves the right to cancel this Agreement at any time if the driver of the vehicle does not hold the necessary driving licence, does not meet the insurance requirements, or demonstrates a clear inability to drive the intended hire vehicle, or if the information supplied is incorrect or cannot be verified at the time of hire. In such instances RetroVentures will treat this as a cancellation by the Hirer and no refund will be made.

14. Ending this Agreement

RetroVentures will end this Agreement if the Hirer does not meet any of the conditions of this Agreement. If RetroVentures ends this Agreement it will not affect RetroVentures' right to receive any money it is owed under the conditions of this Agreement. RetroVentures can also claim extra reasonable costs from the Hirer if the Hirer does not meet any of the conditions of this Agreement. In the event of material breach by the Hirer, RetroVentures can repossess the vehicle and charge the Hirer any reasonable costs of repossession.

15. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of Ireland. Any dispute may be submitted to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid or unenforceable the remaining provisions shall not be affected.