FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BOOKING & PAYMENTS
HOW DO I BOOK?
Check availability for the dates and motorcycle you're interested in, then follow the booking process online.
The minimum booking is four days. Beyond that, choose the dates that work for you.
To secure your booking, we take a €500 non-refundable deposit per rider. The remaining balance is due four weeks before arrival.
If your preferred dates or motorcycle aren't available, we'll show you the alternatives.
IS MY BOOKING INSTANTLY CONFIRMED?
Your booking is confirmed once the booking process is complete and your deposit has been successfully paid.
Until then, availability can change.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
Your €500 per rider booking deposit is non-refundable.
If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible.
If we're able to fully replace your booking, we'll provide a credit that can be used towards another booking within six months of your original dates.
The full cancellation terms are set out before you book.
WHAT SECURITY DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED?
A €2,000 security deposit is required before the motorcycle is released.
This can be provided in either of two ways:
Credit card: €2,000 pre-authorisation
Debit card: €2,000 payment. A €20 administration fee applies.
Both are returned on delivery of an undamaged bike back to Horizon Rider at the end of your stay
Alternatively, you can choose our Damage Liability Reduction (DLR) product for a non-refundable payment of €199.
With DLR, the security deposit is reduced to €1,000 and your maximum damage liability is also reduced to €1,000, subject to the terms of the rental agreement.
Full details are provided before booking.
WHAT IS DLR?
DLR — Damage Liability Reduction — is optional.
For a non-refundable payment of €199, it:
reduces your security deposit from €2,000 to €1,000; and
reduces your maximum liability for damage to the Horizon Rider motorcycle to €1,000, subject to the terms of the rental agreement.
You don't have to take DLR. If you don't, the standard €2,000 security deposit applies and your liability for damage to the motorcycle may extend to its replacement value.
RIDING
WHAT RIDING EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
You don't need to be an enduro rider, but you should already be comfortable riding an adventure motorcycle away from tarmac.
HATs includes everything from straightforward gravel and forest roads to rocky climbs and technical trails.
We'll help you understand the route grading and choose riding that suits your experience.
The final decision about whether to ride a section is always yours.
IS THIS A GUIDED TOUR?
No.
Horizon Rider is self-guided.
We'll help you understand the motorcycles, routes and current conditions, but nobody rides in front of you with a timetable.
HATs is loaded onto your navigation system and you decide where you're going.
CAN I RIDE ALONE?
Absolutely.
Single riders are welcome.
If you're riding solo, we can activate the tracking device fitted to your motorcycle. Hopefully you'll never give us a reason to look at it.
HOW DIFFICULT ARE THE ROUTES?
That depends on what you choose to ride.
HATs ranges from straightforward gravel and forest roads to rocky climbs and considerably more technical trails.
Routes are graded to help you choose, and we'll happily talk you through current conditions and sections that might suit you.
Weather can change a trail surprisingly quickly, so route grades are guidance rather than guarantees.
WHAT IF I GET INTO DIFFICULTY?
Call us.
We'll help you work out the best way forward and coordinate practical assistance where we can.
Horizon Rider doesn't include free trail recovery and recovery costs remain the rider's responsibility.
For a genuine emergency, call 112 immediately.
DO I HAVE TO RIDE EVERY DAY?
No.
It's your trip.
OUR MOTORCYCLES
ARE THESE STANDARD MOTORCYCLES?
No.
We ride the same motorcycles on the same terrain you'll be riding, and we've changed the things we've found genuinely improve them.
Depending on the bike, that includes suspension, ergonomics, weight, protection, tyres, gearing, power delivery and navigation.
The Motorbikes page explains exactly what we've done to each one.
WHY HAVE YOU MODIFIED THE MOTORCYCLES?
Because standard motorcycles are built to work reasonably well for lots of different riders in lots of different situations.
We know where ours are going to be ridden.
Every change has therefore started with a practical reason.
If it improves the motorcycle here, we keep it.
If it doesn't, we don't.
WHY DON'T YOU JUST LEAVE THE BIKES STANDARD?
Because we ride them too.
WHY DON'T YOU USE BMW GS MOTORCYCLES?
Because bigger and more expensive doesn't automatically mean better for the riding we do here.
Weight matters off-road.
After thousands of kilometres riding Cyprus, we've chosen motorcycles that we think suit the terrain particularly well.
The Rieju 307 gives us a genuinely light, off-road-focused option. The CFMOTO 450MT covers an enormous range of riding without becoming cumbersome. And the 1000MTX takes over when distance, road comfort, luggage or a passenger matter more.
We're not anti-GS.
We just choose the tool for the job.
WHICH MOTORCYCLE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Rieju 307 Rally R — choose it when low weight and technical off-road ability matter most.
CFMOTO 450MT Horizon Rider Edition — our all-rounder and the bike we'd choose for most mixed riding in Cyprus.
CFMOTO 1000MTX Horizon Rider Edition — for road-biased touring, longer distances, luggage and two-up riding.
The Motorbikes page has the full specifications and comparison ratings.
If you're still unsure, tell us what you normally ride, your height, experience and what sort of riding you enjoy. We'll help.
CAN I CHANGE MOTORCYCLES DURING MY TRIP?
Whenever possible, yes.
It depends on availability, and a change fee may apply because the second motorcycle has to be prepared for you.
Ask us and we'll tell you what's possible.
CAN I TAKE A PILLION?
Not on the Rieju 307 Rally R or CFMOTO 450MT.
Our off-road bikes are configured for solo riding and don't have rear footpegs.
The CFMOTO 1000MTX can carry a pillion and is equipped for two-up road and adventure touring.
IS THERE A DAILY MILEAGE LIMIT?
No.
Ride as much or as little as you want.
IS FUEL INCLUDED?
No.
Fuel used during your trip is your responsibility.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH MY MOTORCYCLE?
Your motorcycle is supplied with the equipment we think is useful for the trip, including:
Adventure luggage
HATs routes preloaded
Navigation equipment
USB charging
Model-specific toolkit
Tyre repair equipment
Mini air compressor
First-aid kit
Security lock
Basic emergency spares
Motorcycle handbook
Third-party insurance
Telephone support & disaster recovery management
Every motorcycle is inspected and prepared before it goes out.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOOLKIT?
We don't try to put a workshop in your luggage.
The toolkit is built around jobs you might realistically need to do beside a trail to get the motorcycle moving again.
The exact tools vary by motorcycle because carrying tools that don't fit anything is rather pointless.
Depending on the bike, the kit includes the appropriate:
Spanners
Sockets
Allen or Torx keys
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Adjustable wrench
Tyre-pressure gauge
Cable ties
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Spare fuses
Tyre repair equipment
Mini air compressor
Chain lubricant
Chain-adjustment tools
Emergency tow strap
We'll show you where everything is before you leave.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
You'll need to provide your own:
Motorcycle helmet
Riding jacket and trousers
Gloves
Motorcycle boots
Any additional body armour you prefer
Waterproof riding gear
Personal hydration equipment
Sleeping bag if you're camping
Personal travel insurance
Fuel
Food and drinks
Flights
Recovery costs
Third-party motorcycle insurance is included. Comprehensive damage cover for the Horizon Rider motorcycle is not.
ACCOMMODATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH MY HORIZON RIDER BOOKING?
For our Rieju 307 and CFMOTO 450MT riding product, your booking includes:
Your chosen motorcycle
Rider accommodation
HATs access
Navigation equipment
Luggage
Trail tools and equipment
Third-party insurance
Telephone support & disaster recovery management
The CFMOTO 1000MTX road-touring price does not include accommodation unless specifically agreed as part of your booking.
WHAT'S THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?
You'll stay in The Cottage, our self-contained rider accommodation near Polis Chrysochous.
It sleeps four riders in two twin bedrooms and has its own living room, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, private garden, covered terrace, hot tub and private driveway.
The useful bit is that you unpack once.
Most riding days start and finish at The Cottage. Camping equipment is also available if you want to spend a night or two exploring further across the island.
DO I NEED TO BOOK HOTELS EACH NIGHT?
No.
Most riding days start and finish at The Cottage.
If you decide to head further across the island for an overnight or multi-day trip, we provide camping equipment.
CAN I COME ON MY OWN?
Yes.
Single riders are welcome.
Depending on the booking arrangements for your dates, you may share The Cottage with other Horizon Rider customers.
You don't need to arrive as part of a group.
CAN MY NON-RIDING PARTNER COME?
Yes, subject to accommodation availability.
The Cottage has four single beds in two twin bedrooms, so bear that setup in mind when deciding whether it works for you both.
There's plenty to do around Polis, the Akamas area and western Cyprus while you're out riding.
LICENCES, AGE & INSURANCE
HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE?
You must be 30 or over to rent a motorcycle from Horizon Rider.
WHAT LICENCE DO I NEED?
You must hold a full, valid motorcycle licence that entitles you to ride the motorcycle you're hiring in Cyprus.
Depending on the country that issued your licence, you may also require an International Driving Permit.
Your licence will be checked before the motorcycle is released. It will only be released if it is valid for the motorcycle and be unexpired.
WHAT INSURANCE IS INCLUDED?
Third-party insurance is included with every motorcycle.
It does not provide comprehensive cover for damage to the Horizon Rider motorcycle.
Without DLR, your liability for damage to the motorcycle may be up to its replacement value, subject to the rental agreement.
Choosing our €199 DLR product reduces your maximum damage liability to €1,000 and reduces the security deposit to €1,000.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DAMAGE THE MOTORCYCLE?
Adventure bikes occasionally fall over. We know that.
We're not interested in charging you for every scratch to a handguard or mark that comes from normal trail use.
There is, however, a difference between normal wear from adventure riding and actual damage.
If the motorcycle is damaged, your liability is governed by the rental agreement. Damage can be broadly defined as being
There is a hole or a crack in something rendering it unusable
Something is hanging off or snapped
Something is missing
Something is smashed
Something is bent- A handguard is fine, a frame isn’t
Without DLR, that liability may extend to the replacement value of the motorcycle. With DLR, your maximum damage liability is reduced to €1,000, subject to the rental agreement.
If something happens, tell us.
We'd much rather know about a problem and deal with it properly than discover it later.
TRAVEL
HOW DO I GET TO HORIZON RIDER?
Most riders fly into Paphos International Airport, approximately 45 minutes from Horizon Rider.
Larnaca International Airport is approximately two hours away by car.
We'll provide transfer advice before you arrive. Taxi services are available, and car hire can also make sense depending on your plans outside the riding.
WHAT'S THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT?
For most riders, spring and autumn are the sweet spots. There are 3 months where we advise not to come
February is miserable so we are closed. July and August we are open but be wary for the kind of riding Horizon Rider is built around due to the extreme heat.
Cyprus also gives us useful riding weather during months when much of northern Europe is cold, wet or under snow.
Winter can provide some excellent riding, although weather and trail conditions become less predictable.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN RIDING GEAR?
Yes.
Bring the riding equipment you're comfortable using.
At minimum, we'd expect a suitable motorcycle helmet, protective jacket and trousers, gloves and proper motorcycle boots.
Because you'll be riding away from tarmac, choose protection for the riding rather than for the flight luggage allowance.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
You decide whether you ride.
Weather can change trail conditions considerably, so we'll tell you about anything we're aware of before you head out.
Sometimes that means choosing another route.
Sometimes it means having another coffee.
HATs
WHAT IS HATs?
Horizon Adventure Tracks — HATs — is free.
It's our growing network of more than 2,100 km of adventure motorcycle routes across Cyprus, available to anyone who wants to ride them.
Bring your own motorcycle, rent one somewhere else or ride with Horizon Rider. It doesn't matter.
For Horizon Rider customers, HATs is already loaded onto the navigation equipment on your motorcycle before you arrive.
CAN I USE HATs WITHOUT BOOKING HORIZON RIDER?
Yes.
HATs is free.
Register at hats.bike and use the network independently.
No Horizon Rider booking is required.
CAN I BRING MY OWN MOTORCYCLE?
Absolutely.
HATs is free and available to riders using their own motorcycles.
GENERAL
HOW IS PRICING CALCULATED?
Pricing depends on the motorcycle, number of riders and length of your booking.
The current headline prices are shown on our Pricing page.
The minimum booking is four days.
Your final price is confirmed before you book.
WHY HORIZON RIDER?
Because we've already done the bit that takes time.
We've ridden the routes, worked out which ones are worth keeping, developed the motorcycles and built the infrastructure around them.
You get yourself and your riding kit to Cyprus.
We'll take care of most of the rest.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
If we've missed anything, get in touch.
We normally reply within 24 hours and often much sooner.
Every Horizon Rider adventure starts with a conversation.