Rider Briefing
What To Know
Street Bike Edition.
Everything you need before you roll out — licensing, border crossings, road rules, and the best routes around Bozeman, Montana.
Riding off-road instead? See the Dirt Bike Edition →
Licensing and Laws
All 2 Down street bikes are properly licensed and titled in Montana and covered by the required liability insurance. On bikes with luggage bags, this paperwork is stored inside. On others, it's handed over with your riding gear.
Canada
Our bikes are insured for trips into Canada, but do require extra paperwork for border crossing. You will not be able to cross the border without the needed paperwork. Ensure that you inform us if you plan to ride into Canada so we can prepare a paperwork package to make your crossing easy.
Other States
We have no mileage restrictions or restrictions on states. However, note that should an issue occur, mileage charges apply for recovery. These are detailed in the rental agreement. Bikes must be returned at the scheduled time and date.
Other Countries
Bikes may not be shipped or ridden outside the US or Canada.
Helmet Laws
Helmet laws are in effect for Washington, Oregon, and all of Canada. We provide helmets and encourage their use.
Usage
Trail bikes may be used for dirt roads and trails, but Touring and Street bikes (Harleys) are for pavement only. Short gravel detours where necessary are allowed but maintain low speeds. Damage resulting from gravel or rough roads is chargeable per the rental agreement.
Trailering
Trailering of street bikes is not considered standard use, but may be approved after 2 Down staff inspects the trailer and securing devices (chocks, straps, etc.).
Where to Go
Big Sky is an iconic ski resort area and summer haven for mountain views. Take Highway 191 south to Lone Mountain Rd and head west. You'll pass through Meadow Village before ascending to the resort area.
Go south, past Big Sky, and stay on Highway 191 south to West Yellowstone. The West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is here, and it's a great waypoint on your YNP ride. This is the closest entrance to see Old Faithful.
Hard to beat the views from a motorbike in Paradise Valley. At the south end is Gardiner and the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. This is very close to Mammoth Hot Springs and some of the more dramatic geothermal features of the park.
The Beartooth Highway (US Route 212) is widely considered one of the holy grails of American motorcycle riding. Starting just south of Red Lodge, Montana, it ascends via hairpin switchbacks, tight curves, and sheer drop-offs up to Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet. Climbing from pine-forested valleys into alpine tundra above the tree line, riders are treated to 360-degree views of 12,000-foot peaks, glacial lakes, and sweeping vistas before crossing into Wyoming. Take I-90 east past Livingston to Columbus (Exit 408). Turn south onto MT-78 south, passing through Absarokee and Roscoe all the way into Red Lodge. Fill up your tank completely in Red Lodge — options are sparse once you hit the switchbacks until you reach the Top of the World Store or drop into Cooke City.
The scenery begins while still leaving Bozeman, taking Highway 86 towards Bridger Bowl ski area. Keep riding north on Highway 89 and head to White Sulphur Springs and up to Showdown ski area. For a longer loop, take a left on Highway 12 towards Townsend and loop around Canyon Ferry Lake, going north on Route 284 on the east shore of the lake, then over the dam and back down Highway 287 to Three Forks and then East I-90 or frontage roads to Bozeman.
Take I-90 west or the frontage roads to Three Forks and Highway 287 south. Then take Highway 2 west towards the Lewis and Clark Caverns. Ride along the Jefferson River to Cardwell, then duck under the interstate and follow the two-lane to Whitehall. Keep heading west through Whitehall to Highway 2. You'll approach the mountains and work your way up before a twisty drop down into Butte.