FAQ for newbies going to the track?

[speuci]

I'm assuming there is not FAQ presently in existence for those of us who are about to experience our first track day.... so I have a couple of questions

1) Tire management - do all Trackday Providers provide tire changing services such that I can buy a dedicated set of track tires for my first 3 or 4 track days? How much do these services cost?

2) Transportation - I don't have a tow capable car, what are the best/most convenient options for getting my bike to the track?

Thanks!
Jeff

[Zerox]

Check with your particular trackday provider, they will probably have a FAQ or "stuff to bring" list.

Don't forget the bike key! Don't laugh, happens at every track day, some poor rider sitting there with the bike and no key.

[dubels]

There are usually tire providers at every trackday. Best bet is to get them before you trackday if you don't have the tools to get the tires off. Tires can be cheaper at the track but depends if you like their selection. Check on the track providers website and they will list what services that are going to be there that day including what brand(s) of tires that the provider is going to have.

As for transportation you can always rent a truck from Enterprise but it will be pricey. Some people ride to their trackdays but I find that very risky in the event that you do have an off you might be stuck. What kind of car do you drive?

[ulrichw]

Disclaimer: I'm a newb, too, but I went through a similar thought process to yours...

Originally posted by speuci
I'm assuming there is not FAQ presently in existence for those of us who are about to experience our first track day.... so I have a couple of questions

1) Tire management - do all Trackday Providers provide tire changing services such that I can buy a dedicated set of track tires for my first 3 or 4 track days? How much do these services cost?


It sounds like you're considering switching your tires before each trackday and then switching them back.

I don't think this is a great idea, and probably not cost-effective either (I believe a common fee is $15 per tire to mount/dismount - if you're doing this twice at each track day, that's $60 per track-day, which adds up quickly).

I picked up a set of spare wheels from the forums and Ebay, and will be using those for my trackday tires. The wheels cost me about $250 for my SV650S (including rotors and a spare cush drive with sprockets).



2) Transportation - I don't have a tow capable car, what are the best/most convenient options for getting my bike to the track?

Thanks!
Jeff

Are you certain that your car is not tow capable?

All you need to tow a motorcycle is a Class I hitch. With a single motorcycle, you'll be able to get the entire rig weighing as low as 800lbs, which means around 80lbs of tongue weight.

As long as you take it easy and don't have major hills to climb over, you should be fine in almost any car.

Class I hitches can be found as bolt-ons for most cars for around $100.

U-Haul rents a basic motorcycle trailer for around $15 a day (http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.aspx?equipment=towing-motorcycle)

I'd recommend calling U-Haul to see if they'll let you tow with your car, and if there's a hitch available. Hitches can also be found online (e.g., http://hitches4less.com/trailer-hitches.html)

-- Ulrich

[speuci]

Thanks for the advice all... Right now I'm driving an old NSX - definately a car never intended to be used for towing, so I was hoping there would be a cost effective solution. I'll definately evaluate the situation a bit more and see what I can do.

As for tires, my concern is that I drive my bike on the street quite frequently and I don't want to have to purchase new tires for every track day.. Purchasing a backup set of wheels to mount the tires on might be plausible though, I'll have to check that out too.

Thanks for the advice!

[dubels]

If you want to go cheaper then you can get a spare rear only. Your front wont wear as fast as your rear. I know someone that has a rear f4i rim for $75. I was going to pick it up but I never got around to it.

Do you have any friends that are willing to lend you a truck or a wagon with a trailer?