Top Tips for the Best Time at Daytona Bike Week

From booming music to tattoo contests to a sea of shiny, revved-up engines, thereâs no event more pumped with adrenaline than Daytona Beachâs Bike Week. While motorcycle rallies boast of daring feats and a devil-may-care attitude, preparedness never ruined anyoneâs street cred! Weâve listed our top tips for your bike week vacation that wonât only keep you safe, but also grant you peace of mind so you can fully enjoy the event.

1. Get a tune-up before the race

Nothing deflates bike week hype than sitting roadside with a motorcycle that needs fixing. Save your vacation from a trip to the mechanic and give your two-wheel beauty a thorough tune-up before leaving. Youâll want to check tire tread, tire pressure, fluid levels, lights, and the battery to name a few items. Even if you live driving-distance to the fun, we recommend that you bring another vehicle besides your bike. Should you wish to explore the area or if your bike has a mechanical mishap, youâll be grateful to have a reliable back-up (plus itâll save your motorcycle from traveling miles!).

2. Keep your bike protected

While Daytona Bike Week is full of great people who love Yamahas as much as you do, itâd be remiss to not mention that motorcycle thefts occur. The event is abundantly regulated with police officers who watch for this, but itâs always better to err on the side of caution⦠especially when it comes to your prized possession! Always park in well-lit areas and use a front fork lock if your bike has it. During the times you plan to explore by foot, keep your motorcycle parked at the rental complex youâre staying at and take an Uber or cab to the event instead. Certain complexes like Oceanwalk and Ebb Tide have garage parking that will keep your bike especially secure. Havenât booked a vacation rental yet? Explore our best places to stay during bike week.

3. Make an itinerary of the big events

No matter what time you go, thereâs always exhaust-filled fun happening! Bike Week offers so much more than motorcycle shows; the entire week is filled with concerts, parades, vintage bike viewings, lively bars, and even the occasional free meal and pancake breakfast. Each day can hold up to eight different events, so look at the Bike Week calendar in advance to choose the ones you donât want to miss. Plus knowing which ones youâre going to allows you to beat the crowd and stake out the best spot.

4. Bring cash

Cash is king! From food vendors to outdoor bars, youâll find that most places will send you straight to the ATM if you donât have bills on you. Bike Week veterans know that some of the eventâs longest lines lead right to an ATM, but itâs a hassle you can easily avoid. Either pack the cash youâll need for your trip or visit a local bank before heading to the festivities. Credit and debit cards are certainly not off limits- keep at least one on hand

5. Drink a LOT⦠of water