Getting the bike to the track - questions?

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Deleted member 40275

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I'm looking to do a few track schools this year as well as join a few lapping days. My only dilemma is how to get the bike to the track..

I drive a pretty heavily modified (ie. low and uncomfortable) 3 series which won't be able to tow a bicycle. Renting a trailer is the easy bit...

What's the best way to get the bike there without means to tow?

Thanks!
 
Trade your car with a friend who owns a pickup, for the weekend
 
You're gonna have to rent or borrow a pick up. Or at least a something that can tow.
 
Isnt there guys on this website or companies that will haul your bike for a fee ? You could always try posting well in advance for a spot in someone's truck/trailer if there heading too the track the same day your heading to the track, split the gas/ expenses, may be a long shot but worth a try.
 
Post up well in advance that you are looking for a lift, and failing that, rent a truck or van.

If the track bug bites, there's a pretty good chance that you'll sell the car and buy something else that will tow/haul. Or raise the suspension back up to stock height and put a hitch on the car ...
 
Rent a cargo van instead of a trailer. Just make sure you can tie down the bike securely inside.
 
I guess my options are to rent a van.. however, that would mean paying through the nose for mileage etc.

Apart from my car.. I do have access to a Honda Odysey minivan.. so I'm looking at possibly getting a trailer hitch installed for that... I'm pretty clueless as to what I need/where to get it. It looks like I would need a trailer hitch and a trailer ball as well as electric connectors for lights. Combined that looks like about $200-$250 worth of parts.. I'll also rather get everything professionally installed.. I'm guessing it would be an hour of labour? $130-$150 or so?
 
Bike will fit inside an Odyssey with ease just need to remove the seats.


Cheapest place for a hitch installed is uhaul.ca
 
If you've messed with your suspension you might not want to be towing. Even a low tongue weight can mess you up.
time to make some good friends at the track! Guys that rent trailers usually have room for an extra bike. Find a group or keep posting when you're going, that you're looking to share. Split the cost or even better, pickup more of the tab. you'll get repeat offers then.
 
I load my bike into my Odyssey. Just need $20 for an aluminium ramp ledge and 2x8 wood board. Tie down to the seat anchors after removing seats.
 
ORLY?! What year is yours?

I'm assuming I'll have to take the windshield and mirrors off (would have to for the track anyway). Is the height an issue.. do you have to load it at an angle or anything like that?
 
e90 said:
ORLY?! What year is yours?

I'm assuming I'll have to take the windshield and mirrors off (would have to for the track anyway). Is the height an issue.. do you have to load it at an angle or anything like that?
Click to expand...
Doesn't matter the year, I used to take mine to the track on a caravan which is smaller. In some cases you just have to remove your windshield but on that van probably there will be no need.

Get a ramp from CT or Princess Auto, Tie it to the back of the van so it doesn't slide when you trying to load the motorcycle, have the Tie downs ready and in position. I used to load and unload the bike in 10 min tops by myself including prep time and setting up the ramp etc, you get really good at it after a few times.
 
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In order for me to stick my 600 in the van, I had to remove the screen, I just found it easier to remove the upper and lower.
The problem is, with the bike in the van, I find it difficult to squeeze in the rest of the track related stuff, stands, generator, warmers, suit, helmet, cooler, etc.
A trailer is nice to have.

11821801194_080dde8868_z.jpg
 
Get an arched/curved aluminum ramp.

I think the older generation Odyssey's are probably the best 99-04.
 
e90 said:
ORLY?! What year is yours?

I'm assuming I'll have to take the windshield and mirrors off (would have to for the track anyway). Is the height an issue.. do you have to load it at an angle or anything like that?
Click to expand...
What ZX600 said; lotsa room, tie down ramp and get tie downs ready in van before you drive the bike into the back. Also, I found that the slightly uneven floor made it hard to get the bike out, especially if parked on the slightest slope. So I put another 2x8 on the floor in the van an tie the bike down on top of it. Rolls in and out like butter, one man job. Mine's a 2002.
 
If things go wrong and the bike goes down , will your mom or sister kill you for leaking oil and coolant in there van? Get the hitch
 
Tarp. Or carpet shampoo. Anyways, low risk of a leak big enough to spill over the wood board.
 
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DSCF2638sm.jpg
Here I have the bike loaded with the two middle captains seats still in the van (folded up). Taking out the seats I later added F + R stands, spare tire, 25L fuel jug, bedding and food for an overnight at Calabogie. Still left room for a passenger if needed.
 
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wow thanks a lot guys..

My options are:

1) To load it into the van... (only cons with this.. a) I'm terrified of dropping the bike off the steep ramps b) the cheapest ramps I could find were the same price as getting a hitch (150-200$) -- any suggestions on a cheap ramp?

2) Getting a hitch and just renting a trailer for $20 a day.. easier load/unload
 
Or you can take your bike to Rider's Choice and they will tow your bike to the track and back for you.
Obviously to a day run by RC.
 
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