How to Park a Motorcycle Correctly: A Comprehensive Guide

It’s a joke topic until you drop your new bike.

Parking a motorcycle might seem straightforward, but doing it correctly requires attention to detail and understanding of various factors to ensure safety, stability, and compliance with local regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to parking your motorcycle properly.

### 1. **Choose a Suitable Parking Spot**

– **Level Ground**: Always look for flat, stable ground to prevent your motorcycle from tipping over. Avoid parking on slopes or uneven surfaces.
– **Legal Area**: Ensure you are parking in a designated area where motorcycles are allowed. Look out for signs that prohibit motorcycle parking.
– **Security**: If possible, park in a well-lit, visible area to deter theft. Some places offer dedicated motorcycle parking with security measures in place.

### 2. **Angle Your Bike Correctly**

– **Perpendicular Parking**: In parking lots, angle your motorcycle perpendicular to the curb or the parking lines. The front wheel should be facing outwards for easy departure.
– **Angled Parking**: On the street, especially where parallel parking is allowed, park at an angle (typically 45 degrees) to the curb with the front wheel pointing towards the street. This makes your bike more visible to passing drivers and easier to exit.

### 3. **Secure the Kickstand**

– **Deploy the Kickstand**: Ensure your kickstand is fully extended and locked into position. Push the bike slightly forward to make sure it’s stable.
– **Right Side Lean**: Lean the bike slightly to the left so it rests securely on the kickstand. This ensures stability and prevents the bike from falling over.

### 4. **Check for Stability**

– **Shake Test**: Give the motorcycle a gentle shake to ensure it’s stable. If it wobbles or feels unstable, adjust its position or find a different spot.
– **Consider the Surface**: On soft surfaces like grass, dirt, or hot asphalt, use a kickstand puck or a piece of wood to distribute the weight and prevent the kickstand from sinking.

### 5. **Lock and Secure Your Motorcycle**

– **Handlebar Lock**: Engage the handlebar lock to prevent the front wheel from turning, adding an extra layer of security.
– **Disc Lock**: Consider using a disc lock on the brake rotor to deter theft.
– **Chain Lock**: Use a chain lock to secure your motorcycle to a fixed object if possible, such as a post or a designated motorcycle parking rack.

### 6. **Additional Tips for Safe Parking**

– **Cover Your Bike**: If you’re parking for an extended period, use a motorcycle cover to protect it from the elements.
– **Avoid High Traffic Areas**: Park away from areas with high foot traffic to minimize the risk of accidental bumps or scratches.
– **Mind the Weather**: In windy conditions, ensure your motorcycle is parked in a sheltered spot to prevent it from being knocked over.

### Common Mistakes to Avoid

– **Not Using the Kickstand Properly**: Failing to fully extend the kickstand or not ensuring the bike is leaning on it correctly can lead to a fall.
– **Ignoring the Slope**: Parking on a slope without taking proper precautions can cause the motorcycle to roll or tip over.
– **Leaving it Unsecured**: Not locking the handlebar or using additional security measures makes your bike an easy target for theft.

By following these steps, you can ensure your motorcycle is parked safely and securely, preventing potential damage and reducing the risk of theft. Always be mindful of local parking regulations and consider the environment and security of your chosen parking spot.