OK, we just returned from the Smokies and here's my report on rentals.
We rented from Smoky Mountain HD in Pigeon Forge, an 09 Softail Heritage for 1 day only. We reserved the bike on Monday for a Thursday ride on advice from HD because they said that time of the year is very popular and the bike may not be available. (good advice here, a lot of folks renting on the day we picked it up). The cost for 1 day (6hr), was $79 + the optional insurance and tax bringing the total to $126 and change. Chose the optional insurance because mine does not cover rentals, Safeco.
The upside... had a great ride, the bike we wanted was available as stated earlier and the weather was great. The bike was in great shape and we had no problems.
The downside... a little pricey..and if you have an accident, a $2000 deposit on a credit card (required) becomes your deductible. Unfortunately..some of the roads we wanted to ride were closed due to rockslides. The Dragon was closed, Clingmans Dome was closed, and the 441 Parkway was closed, although it opened the next day.
But all in all a nice day to ride and we had a good time, that's what it's all about.