[gobucks]

My first track day is at the end of this month, and have not even considered the most basic question!!! What is the common mode of transportation to the track!! I always just throw my mx bikes in the back of my truck, is this safe for the daytona? I also have a trailer when I have to take more than two mx bikes. Also, what is the best tie down to get, with the mx bikes you just hook the tie downs to the handle bars, that does not seem to be the best way for the 675. Sorry for what seems obvious, but this really is my first time!!

 

[Will]

Getting to and from the track is about the same, whether it's an asphalt track or a MX track. It's the same idea, and if you go about it in a similar way, you'll be fine. The only differences are bike weight and the speeds you end up going at the track. Well, aside from everything having to do with riding style, but riding style isn't transportation to and from the track.

Secure the bike however you think it will hold, taking into account the roads you have to travel on, etc. You will probably want a bar harness to slip over the clipons, since trying to get tie downs attached to them is pretty tough. Alternately, straps called soft-ties work pretty well. It's a challenge getting it all tied down without a strap rubbing the paint.

 

[gobucks]

thanks, will be picking up those two items this weekend. now if the weather ever breaks i can get the break in miles done!

 

[TripleThreat]

There are two popular tie down devices for sportbikes that allow you to attach ratchet type or regular tie down straps.

Canyon Dancers
http://www.canyondancer.com/

Cycle Cynch
http://www.cyclecynch.com/CCpages/CCproduct.html

You may want to eventually consider a tie down system that doesn't compress the suspension like an STS Stand or a Pit Bull Trailer Restraint.

STS Stands
http://www.ststands.com/main.cfm

Pit Bull Trailer Restraint System
http://www.pit-bull.com/trailer-restraint.shtml

If you are hauling the bike in the back of a truck, the main thing to be aware of is the limited amount of ground clearance. When pushing the bike up a ramp into the back of a truck, once the front tire breaks over the top of the ramp, it is very common for the bottom of the belly pan to drag on the top of the ramp and damage the bodywork on the bike. You will need a long, arched ramp to avoid this problem. Dirt bikes have so much ground clearance that this is not a problem.

in the trailer vs. pick-up truck bed argument, you have a couple of points to consider. The truck will get better mileage without pulling a trailer, but it is much easier to load the bike onto, or into a trailer at the end of a long day than it is to put it up in the back of a truck.

The other thing that you need to be aware of is tire pressure if this is your first trip to the race track on a street bike. You will run far less pressure in your tires on the track than you will on the street. Consult with the track side tire vendor about the appropriate pressures to run for the conditions of the day.

Have fun, ride within you limits and enjoy your time at the track.

TripleThreat