Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/orange-and-black-bmw-motorcycle-before-concrete-wall-104842/
Parking a motorcycle can feel like a bit of a minefield if you’re new to it, because the rules aren’t always as clear as they are for cars and you’re working with a much smaller vehicle that fits into spaces cars can’t, meaning your oftens are more numerous, not fewer. You might think that’s an advantage, and it can be, but it also opens up a lot of questions regarding where you’re allowed to park and what’s going to keep your bike safe while you’re away from it. Many bikers have found that getting it wrong can easily cause them to suffer tickets, towing, or worse, damage to your bike from people or the elements.
There’s also the practical side of securing your motorcycle properly so it doesn’t get stolen or knocked over, which happens more often than you’d think in busy areas where people aren’t paying attention (or just have no respect). Unfortunately, a bike that’s been tipped over or moved by someone trying to squeeze into a space can end up with scratched paintwork, broken mirrors, or if you’re really unlucky, damage that costs a fortune to sort out.
In this post, we’ll discuss some ways to perfect the art of motorcycle parking to prevent some of these issues:
Know The Legal Spots
Motorcycle parking rules can sometimes alter depending on where you are, as what’s fine in one city might get you a ticket in another. Some places have motorcycle bays that are free to use, and that’s great. However, many others lump bikes in with car parking and expect you to pay the same rates. To avoid any issues, get into the habit of checking local council websites or parking apps before you leave your bike somewhere new, because assumptions can cost you.
Pavement parking is another grey area depending on the country you’re in, as in some places it’s tolerated as long as you’re not blocking pedestrian access, but in others it’ll get you fined or towed. If your bike does get impounded, having impound insurance can save you from paying hefty recovery fees on top of any fines.
Use Multiple Security Measures
You’ll discover pretty quickly that a steering lock alone won’t stop a determined thief, because bikes are light enough to be lifted into vans if someone really wants yours. Using a disc lock on your front brake, a chain through the rear wheel attached to something solid, and a cover over the whole bike is a nice multi-pronged strategy, as that gives you multiple barriers that make your motorcycle way less appealing to opportunists who’d prefer an easier target.
Parking in well lit areas with decent foot traffic helps with this also, because thieves don’t like working where people can see them. If you’re parking somewhere often, mixing up your spot occasionally can help as well, since it’s harder to plan a theft if they don’t know where your bike will be.
Think About Stability
Always remember that motorcycles can tip over surprisingly easily if they’re on uneven ground or if the sidestand sinks into soft tarmac on a hot day. Always check the surface before you leave your bike, and if it’s gravel or grass, put something flat under the stand to spread the weight and stop it sinking. A crushed can or a small piece of wood can even work for this, and takes two seconds to sort out.
With this advice, you’re sure to perfect the art of motorcycle parking.
