PARKING a MOTORCYCLE? Here Are 3 Mistakes You Never Want to Make!

[@MCrider]

Thanks everyone for watching... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Why are you looking down here? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . There is nothing to see down here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I promise, well maybe this. 🐸 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and this.🐏 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ok Since you were so persistent. Maybe you should subscribe to MCrider. Just click this link and subscribe kzbin.info/door/C4gEs8RahtTYiBqsiziudQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You are persistent...Here is a link to get the MCrider Newsletter. Released weekly with every new MCrider video and other special offers. www.MCrider.com/email That's it...really this time. 🤪

[@jonathonpursell1268]

Good tips always leave in gear when parking or can put something for the brake pedal make the foobrake on .

[@Chopperdavemays1]

I have a dilemma that I’m not sure that you’ve covered yet. I was taken out by a 18-year-old. On my way to work on my tour bike broken pelvis, broken back etc. etc. long story short I’m being told if I get on another motorcycle again that I will be single and I am 56 and I’ve been riding since I was five and it’s just something I love I know this doesn’t have anything to do with what you’re talking about now but if you could reach out I’d appreciate it

[@jlrutube1312]

My motorcycle weighs almost 750 lbs and I'm 64 years old. Once on a really hot day (105) I wasn't thinking and just pulled into a parking space that was heading downward. When I was ready to leave I found that cars had pulled in on both sides so I could only back out straight back and had to go uphill. No one was around to help me. So I strained and strained and finally managed with the greatest of difficulty to get the bike out, but was covered in sweat and was breathing hard and felt like I was going to have a heart attack. It was awful. I never want to make that mistake again.

[@spencerb8609]

Been there

[@michealmadison9233]

Should’ve had a Goldwing reverse is standard

[@johnrborges2363]

It happens to us all ... before you know it, "Oop's!" because, we know better. -- Even me, a little Spanish man on a 750 Phantom struggles when I don't pay attention. 🧑🏽

[@mwalker63]

This happened to me once on my BMW K1600 and my reverse wasn't working....LOL... My shins were sore for a week and I will NEVER do it again...

[@larrys.3992]

Did the same thing, except the bike fell on me punching a hole in my leg and $900. damage to the paint.

[@iangrimshaw1]

It's amazing what you can get wrong with even the simplest of things. I've been riding for over fifty years and a few weeks ago I did something I'd NEVER done before. Parked up, killed the motor, still sitting on the bike I lent it over onto the side stand....but I forgot to kick the side stand out. I managed to slow the bike down as it dropped so no damage but a hasty pick up before the neighbours saw me.

[@chipblanc6037]

I'm a 64 yr old lifetime rider and did this for the 1st time just a few weeks ago with my new Vulcan 900....been riding a diff Vulcan 900 for yrs, lol! At least you were at home, I was at gas station 😉

[@iangrimshaw1]

@@chipblanc6037 Always more memorable with an audience!

[@usernamemykel]

Lent is a good season.

[@ralphmezey9171]

Done that about 20 years ago and dropped my buddies Wide Glide... Had to buy / install a new clutch lever, grip and primary cover. Lesson learned !!

[@karelkrticka2786]

Man, I am a pretty new rider - I have been riding for two years. This happened to me with my Tmax scooter about a month ago. It was awkward :)

[@MrEiniweini]

Tip 4. Always park at the entry end of the bay if parking in a car bay, about a foot inside and in the middle. Cars just see an empty bay if you pull all the way in. Same thing parked as when riding, make your bike visible.

[@Reparo96]

Yep. I made that mistake once. I parked and pulled in deep into the parking spot. I came out after dinner to see that someone hit my bike from behind and tried to pick it back up. Of course, they didn’t stick around so I had to fix the bike with my own money. Never again. I’m very paranoid when I park in any parking lot now. I try to use little weird areas of parking lots that usually have lines painted through them, those areas are too small for any car to consider parking there.

[@johncmoney8394]

Yup. And I look for single spots with a curb on the back end, preferably away from the most congestion. Avoid back to back spots in large parking lots.

[@DavidNewmanDr]

I never understood that advice until I realised people are talking about the enormous parking spaces in the USA. In the UK, parking spaces, like our cars are small, only 1.5 motorbike lengths from back to front, so wherever you park they can see you. If there are lots of empty spaces, park right at the back in case the cars cut into your space when trying to park in the next one.

[@rogercohn]

I always back into parking places if possible. With a bike or a car or a truck. Half of collisions are backing up. Eliminating backing into traffic is always a good idea. Exceptions is it's diagonal, a pull thru or uphill parking place. Thanks for the obvious tips for parking motorcycles. Many riders have no clue

[@1234567marks]

Another reason not to park pointing forward on a down gradient is the the bike can roll forward and take itself off the sidestand. I did this in-front of a large crowd at the Isle of Man TT, luckily I was still standing next to the bike and caught it, great round of applause from the crowd though! 🙂

[@JackTRyan]

“Round of applause”: stupid mistake rewarded! No offense intended.

[@ntdscherer]

You parked facing downhill in neutral? Or did it slip out of gear somehow?

[@1234567marks]

@@ntdscherer downhill in neutral, it was such a shallow angle I’m amazed it did it, but 42 years on motorcycles I guess I was bound to make a mistake some time 😉

[@ntdscherer]

@@1234567marks Hey if that's the only one you're in great shape

[@gwillard19]

Harleys stand locks in place when there is weight in it and won’t fold up like that v

[@NorthernKitty]

From day one of riding, I got myself into the habit of parking my bike so I could just ride off, backing it into parking spots if necessary. As for my helmet, I always locked it to my bike with a small cable lock, hanging it off the grab bar at the tail of my bike seat. Then I didn't have to worry about it falling off the bike or anyone stealing it.

[@jimfarnell5813]

I carry a kickstand puck… In hot weather, asphalt surfaces get soft to the point where the kickstand will penetrate… the motor may not fall but it can be severely leaned over & once righted will often leave a sticky, unsightly tar mess to be cleaned off…

[@Magnarmis]

You can also crush a soda can and put it under the kickstand.

[@richardparkersmith4810]

Another one that I have experienced is parking across a slope. If it falls away to the left the motorcycle will lean too far and may throw you off balance in the process. The other way around you may not get the the side stand down or the bike maybe too close to vertical. Always take a puck with you to speak the weight on soft ground. It needs to be accessible without getting off the bike of course. 4x4x0.5 in ply should do it.

[@JP-mq7pg]

To your point I witnessed a rider parking across slope that almost ended in disaster. She was riding a large cruiser and pulled into a parking spot with the kickstand on the down slope side. I was sitting at a coffee shop across the street and I could see her eyes get as wide as saucers as the bike started to go over with her on it. Fortunately her two riding mates had already parked and ran to her side and stopped the bike from going over with her under it😱.

[@تَأَبَّطفِكْرَاً]

Dear Kevin, I want to thank you very much for your informative videos and helpful advices... I have watched many of the videos you have uploaded. Yesterday I got my class A driver's license on the first try. I have to say that your tips have made me more aware and confident when riding a motorcycle. Thanks to our Creator that there are people like you in the world. When I travel to the US next year I will try to stop by your shop. Kind regards from Germany 🇩🇪

[@johnrborges2363]

Be sure to bring your German insurance card with you, you might need it. Traffic in the USA is nuts😃...

[@Yamahog]

Good points, Kevin. As for the Helmets..... around my neck of the woods, force of habit for us is to hang our skid-lids off of the throttle grip. This does three things; it is a secure place for the helmet to be hung from... Two: you can stash your gloves inside the helmet too while it's hanging from the chin strap. and the third thing is, you can never forget to put your helmet and gloves on before you throttle up to leave your parking spot. It's a no-brainer ...;) .

[@chipblanc6037]

Like thus and will use it.....Normally i totally agree with Kev but I strongly disagree with this one and get pissy when someone puts their sweaty skid lid on my clean, adjusted mirror. Like the throttle cuz it lets it air out as well

[@onerider808]

It also offers thieves a free helmet and gloves.

[@WayneEvans-zy8kv]

Hi Kevin. I agree with everything you say although I would like to add two thoughts, firstly when backing my large sports tourer I was taught to turn the engine off, bike in gear and then use the clutch as the "brake" thereby eliminating any potential problems if something untoward were to happen (this supports the concept of never using the front brake at slow speed). Secondly, depending on your mirror shape, one needs to be careful because the mirror might deform the protective cushioning inside which could be dangerous. I am very appreciative of your videos, keep them up, God Bless, Wayne

[@rag_man673]

I was wondering if someone was going to reply with this point. Great to see someone else thinking of this. The mirrors on my sports bike are kind of diamond shape. Although I put my helmet on the mirror, I'm aware the shape of the mirror will damage the internal foam so I put the mirror through the visor part.

[@BearsTrains]

Why would you not use the front brake at slow speed? They are designed for all speeds. And sitting the helmet on the mirror for 30 seconds deforms the cushioning and is dangerous? I am just going to come right and say "that is complete bullshit"

[@richardwestmoreland4796]

If I understand you correctly I think I probably tend to agree with you.. I am an old fart that sometimes gets confused easier than I should so everyone don’t say I didn’t warn you..

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Great show and advice! I would add that there CAN BE just one little exception to the parking in neutral thing. AT HOME, when you have a bike with a carb', it can be a nice convenience between the "morning warm up routine" and occasionally "for troubleshooting purposes" that you arrange a particular parking place where it's perfectly safe to have the bike on the stand in Neutral. This let's you start the warming up process, and not have to sit RIGHT THERE the whole time supporting the bike... If you should think of "the one little thing", then you're also not trapped on the saddle and can take care of it while the bike continues warming on its own... so for convenience, yeah, it can be a fine idea... MOST of the time. In rougher areas where a man needs his head examined for leaving a bike unattended, obviously, this won't help... AND at the end of the day, I still put her back in first when I ride into the shed/garage or what have you as normal... BUT I've also had that "neutral parking space" set up in said shed or garage, etc... Keeping the bike in gear "at all times" IS just plain and simply a good habit to build and keep. You are completely correct about that... SO this isn't to start an argument. It's only to say nobody's necessarily "committing biker sin" to make such arrangements at their residence. That's especially understandable for some certain older bikes that are "kind of a cold-natured b*tch" in the wee hours. ;o)

[@Big88Country]

I normally buckle my chin strap and hang my helmet from the grip. Never made the mistake of pulling into a parking spot going down hill. Normally, when on a flat surface I leave the bike in neutral, I'll change that! As always, thanks Kevin!

[@onerider808]

While it may seem like stealing someone’s helmet is like stealing a toothbrush, many thieves don’t see it that way.

[@Big88Country]

You are correct Sir!@@onerider808

[@LTVoyager]

Many helmet makers recommend against placing a helmet on things like mirrors that provide nearly a point load to the internal foam structure. I am not sure if this is a real issue from a damage perspective, but I try to avoid storing my helmet on ways that place concentrated loads on the internal lining and foam.

[@jeffreylong9405]

O’boy 😂

[@rogersmith5371]

Tip number 2 is very important. Some cities and towns in Australia (including the city where I live) have angle parking with the nose in. Now, whilst I have mostly backed in to a parking space and had no problem technically, I could be fined for parking incorrectly. Trying to duck walk a Kawasaki Voyager out of a nose in parking spot is impossible. Not only that riding out into the traffic so you can see what is coming is, to me at least, preferable to backing out. Fortunately, I now have a Can Am Spyder that has reverse so it is no longer a problem. I also have a Suzuki 650 Burgman which whilst not as heavy can be difficult to get out of nose in parking places that slope with the camber of the road.

[@peterfreund539]

if stuck with your front wheel, on an inclined gutter, you can jack-hammer the motorcycle back out of the incline by holding the front brake, compressing the forks with a push on the bars, and when the forks rebound, release the brake, and you will jack-hammer the machine out.

[@rogersmith5371]

@@peterfreund539 Thanks for the tip. I'm fortunate now that I have a Spyder with a full reverse. Your method would probably work but with the nearly 400kg Voyager I'd feel exhausted and that would take all the joy out of riding.

[@luisoutumuro424]

Good stuff Kevin! Just add-on about the helmets on the bars, mirrors, etc... do it gently. Don't want to crush the foam, or catch a communicator speaker or wire. 4th tip: Don't park in the accessible parking space unless you have a DP (Disabled Person) or DV (Disabled Veteran) plate on your ride. With a DP/DV plate or not, don't park in the accessible hash marks. Thanks in advance from both of the adaptive riders and drivers.

[@HarleyGurl114]

I normally use my back rest, I never use my mirror but the backrest works. As for neutral for parking, oh no, I was always taught in gear only. Good stuff as always thank you so much Kevin for all the goodness you share.

[@MCrider]

Thanks for sharing!

[@j_k9643]

I was once ticketed by some over zealous municipal parking lot attendant for backing my motorcycle into a downward facing parking space in a lot that had a sign that stated that all parking must be NOSE IN, no backing into parking spaces.

[@hoffmanshaven]

All I've ever ridden in the past 30 years is small dual sports so no problem with a lot of this but I never park and leave one in neutral. Always leave in gear. Even in level ground. Keep in mind you walk away and some small child disrupts the bike, it rolls, and falls on them. Always leave 'em in gear. I usually allmost always back into parking spaces. Just much easier to leave that way.

[@backthebadge4009]

Also keep a flat crushed soda can with you….if you park on hot asphalt surface the kick stand can sink into the hot asphalt and knock the bike over..put the can under the kickstand foot to provide a larger surface area for the kickstand foot to sit on

[@hokaheyrider059]

I did not read all the comments so please excuse me if I'm repeating something that has already been said. Whenever I park in a parking space at a store (especially if it's a convenience store) I always leave my bike close to the entrance end of the space near the isle where the vehicles drive by. If parked deep in the space with cars parked on either side of you and someone in a hurry is looking for a space to park, your bike is not visible from the entrance end. This can create a situation where the person looking for a quick space to park in may not be expecting anything to be in that space and will plow right into your bike before they even realize it is there.

[@doc650adventures]

Great tips! I cannot imagine having to back a heavy bike uphill after parking. Yup, I have scratched my faceshield also after a helmet drop. Love your channel and what you do for all of us! Cheers!

[@chrisheggie952]

All good points as always. One small point; some mirrors will leave an indent in the helmet padding if you are in the habit of doing this and may in some cases lead to the weak point you mentioned later when one hits the pavement with head/helmet...

[@tubmanheating8717]

I learnt the hard way about leaving helmet on seat.....many years ago a gust of wind blew it off the seat and landed on the visor which was up and as a result broke the mechanism so the visor wouldn't stay in place......had to ride 400kms...some of it in the rain... with no visor to get home

[@ler3968]

yup, I did the in-neutral rollaway trick on my heavily loaded bike on a lonely very slightly sloped road while on a long trip. In my 50 yrs of riding then, I never figured that out myself and never heard that tip before. Since then I only park in flat areas and always set in 1st gear.

[@GenXBiker]

What are these "incline," "decline," and "hill" you speak of? I'm not sure we have those in Florida. ;-)

[@motorradmike]

Excellent suggestions, Kevin! Thanks for the reminders we all seem to forget from time to time, especially after a long ride when all we are thinking about is getting OFF the bike!

[@roadglide]

A kickstand pad is very helpful in areas of the unknown like soft tarmac having been baking in the sun. Or instances of gravel of grass areas and no other choices. They either are affixed to the kickstand permanently, the best kind, or used as a separate puck style pad placed underneath.

[@NorthernKitty]

I learned this the hard way at my employer's parking lot. It left a really big, deep gouge in the asphalt. It was all good, though, as there was no damage to my bike and I was laid-off a few weeks later. Actually kinda wish it had done more damage. 😋

[@PapaEsch]

Very smart, I just bought one for my Street Glide Special, leave the pad/puck in the saddlebag so it's always available if you have to park in baking sun on asphalt when there's no other choice. I got one on amazon for $15 as a head up many to choose from but basically just need a 6" circle of thick hard plastic or even a small square piece of plywood from your shop scraps would do the trick, sounds funny, but saves damage to your bike if she tips. When I was a motor cop I came out to my police bike on it's side once due to the above, no damage thankfully but a heavy bike to lift.

[@ihatetacocasa]

if ur financially challenged a flat soda can will work as well

[@roadglide]

@@ihatetacocasa Of course. A flat stone, piece of wood, etc.

[@wflentge]

I have a '19 DCT that I have trained/training myself to set the brake and to Release the brake before pulling off. Luckily, I ride daily so training comes more often. Taking a minute or 90 seconds longer to position the helmet when parking/dismounting so it does not roll to the ground is prudent. I am speaking from experience..

[@qdllc]

Also, if it’s not perfectly level, bias how you park to favor weight on the kickstand/side stand. Some bikes naturally have a decent lean, others do not, and you’d be amazed how a slight slant to the right makes the kickstand support very unstable.

[@rtoyama]

I was leaving a parking garage, and the payment booth was on a downward-sloping ramp. I needed my hands free to settle up with the attendant. So in first gear, I killed the engine, lowered the side stand, set the bike down on it, and let go of both levers. The bike rolled forward a couple of inches as the slack in the drivetrain tightened up. That rotated the side stand back far enough for it to retract. The bike ended up leaning against the booth.

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Three very important Do's for sure. I'd only add "Always keep a small kickstand disc in your saddle bag for soft earth parking when that's the only real estate around. MIght also work on blistering hot asphalt".

[@doshonace7669]

I always back the moto into the parking space so I am facing forward when I leave. Also park so the bike is easily visible to others pulling into adjacent spaces & park to one edge of the space leaving enough room for other motos to be able to use the same space.

[@roguecheddar]

Yep, helmet rolling off the seat, been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

[@Jagshemasher]

lol - learned number 2 the hard way with my FJR1300 shortly after I got it. My previous motorcycle was much lighter so you could push it around easily - the 600+ lb FJR - no chance - good job my son was with me to help haul it backwards.

[@bissellsmith8690]

Several years ago - 2019 - when I was working in Reno...I used to go to church in Virgina City to enjoy the ride up the mountain and down....I walked out of church one day...the Indian was leaned over. I parked it on what I thought was a flat space, but it moved forward and fell. Never again. Always leave it in 1st gear now.

[@bikerbobcat]

Good reminders. I've done all these things. I parked but still sitting on and was absorbed in my maps and didn't notice it slowly, slowly creeping forward until the kickstand folded and it tipped over. Later, pulling the 700lb Valkyrie backwards was... a learning experience. I don't know why I never thought of using the mirror for the helmet. I always hang it off the highest handlebar through the chin bar. Mirror just seems smarter.

[@MrEiniweini]

If you like adjusting your mirror every time you get on your bike. Just hook the chin strap on the brake lever or do as you are doing, chin guard over the throttle bar.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Cruisers seem to suffer more from the rolling away on a stand issue, and having stand retraction issues. You can solve issues one and two by getting your parking angle right with the rear wheel against the curb, and picking a good parking spot. You can essentially lock the bike in place against the gutter generally, done right and it won't go anywhere. Only downside is you need to roll it a tiny bit forward to clear the tyre to push it upright, or it can catch on the gutter.

[@johnrborges2363]

Nice leather work, by the way. Also, Wow! ... I'm so glad I watched your video today, everything you said I needed to know. Also -- Kevin, I have something I've always done when I park which may interest you. Maybe, something to pass on. A van, car or truck, can park next to me anywhere in town and you can see my motorcycle's tail-end [or front tire] "visibly" - "distinctly" without effort as you drive by, because I always park where my motorcycle can be seen from the end of the parking line. In other words, I don't park up to the parking bump all the way forward [or backward]. A habit I've done for years. Be well. Peace in Christ. J Borges

[@jamesstead1496]

You own a Triumph Rocket? Me too. That bike will never be sold to anyone. I will have it until I can no longer ride it and will give it to someone who respects it. Best bike I ever owned. Have owned it since 2016. Great site here. Learn more and more each time I see it.

[@LawrenceBroussard]

I got a top box mainly for the helmet! Never put your helmet on the ground either since it a perfect home for ants. Don't ask me how I know.

[@MCrider]

In Texas we learn to check for fire ants first. LOL

[@Rezaz32]

I’ll add, don’t park parallel to a curb when street parking. Park perpendicular or at least at a 60+ degree angle to it. No need to take up a whole parallel parking spot downtown.

[@ruckus48]

Dropping a helmet onto a hard surface (asphalt, concrete) can cause microfractures in the outer shell. The outer shell keeps all the inner components of the helmet together. If the outer shell fails in the event of an accident, your helmet will not protect your head like it should. Also, I like to hang my helmet on the throttle grip by the chin bar (full-face), hooking it around the brake lever (which keeps it from sliding off the throttle grip). Very secure. Helmets are good for one impact. Don't let that impact be a careless drop.

[@stephennadworny8401]

Great video, Kevin. Excellent reminders for any rider. Those hats look pretty great too. Well done! Keep up the good work.

[@runalongnowhoney]

If you can park with the bike at an angle to a curb, and the curb is on the right, roll the bike back while leaned over on the side stand. The curb then works as a stop, and it kinda locks the bike into the leaned-over position. Gust of wind or anything that might push the bike over off the sidestand is going to b;e slowed down by the curb holding the tire. Just sayin'.

[@mldiode]

My Harley has passenger arm rests. When I put my helmet on the passenger end of my seat I pivot the arm rest as a block to prevent accidental roll off of my helmet. Good advice on putting bike in gear. I also have a Ural w/sidecar so no need for kickstand when parking. Also it has a gear driven reverse so I can go nose in on inclines. I have folk watch me get on my rig with it parked that way only to be surprised when I backed up in reverse. Fun to see their expression.

[@brianlittell6322]

Awesome videos, wish ya kept your Goldwing tho.....but your still on 2 wheels... Want to talk about your hats. Like them and would love to order one ..Next time you order your hats get the stretchy band , get rid of that big plastic adjustment......out dated.. Just something to ponder on. Thanks for what you do for us riders

[@fredstraw]

This is just common sense but unfortunately some don’t have it

[@ahmedalhosani]

Fact: common sense is not very common 😂

[@neildewitt2869]

Amen

[@nightfury6836]

Thank you for everything that you do for the motorcycle community!!! I try to steer as many new riders as I can to your brilliant channel 😉

[@karlbishop7481]

I always park in neutral unless on a slope. A habit left over from the old days when bikes had kick starters. Mostly with early BMWs where the kick starter lever was on the left and swung to the outside. This would require me to get on the bike to put it in neutral and then get off to start it and then get back on to ride. Same thing with a Yamaha I had with the kick starter on the left. Easier to be off and kick with my right leg. For those of you that came after kick starters they don't engage when the clutch lever is pulled in.

[@benedictionj5469]

Thanks a lot. I’m so sharing this with my folks. Greetings from Nigeria 🇳🇬 🤗

[@chipblanc6037]

Love these and watch often, thanks bud! I disagree with the helmet tip, however. I would say it's pretty irrelevant if someone sets a helmet down somewhere it will get scratched a bit, purely cosmetics and MANY riders couldn't care less. HOWEVER, lol, you better NOT put your helmet on my mirror, ever. I would say it is a definite safety tip not to alter the mirror settings by dropping something as heavy as a helmet on or pulling them out when the strap catches them plus whatever is in your hair is now hindering a clear reflection in an oily or dirty mirror

[@stevenjanssen8182]

Yea I don't like messing with my mirrors in any way once their set to my specs.! And my helmet is for safety and gets used and abused like my leathers and myself.. but I don't care what what other riders do with their helmet and gear.!

[@pianoboogieman7290]

Another mistake you only make once is chaining up your bike and then forgetting it’s still chained when you try and pull away. Have you ever tried lying down in the parking lot with a Goldwing across your leg and tried lifting it off while everyone watching from the café is wetting themselves with laughter !! Now I always attach one of those brightly coloured stretchy curly jobbies to the clutch lever to remind me. Also, if you’re gonna leave your bike in gear when parking ,if you decide to start it up, in order to warm up the engine whilst you load your gear on to it ,you need to put it in neutral, or, on some bikes as soon as you hit that button it will fall over .Don’t ask me how I know ( if you’re lucky your bikes fitted with a failsafe that wont turn the engine over unless the clutch is disengaged or the engine is in neutral - mine wasn’t! )

[@williamdobbins3131]

I advise other riders not to use the mirror in most cases. The mirror can compress the foam. On my FJR, I would remove my helmet while!e still on the bike, then reattach the chin strap, and hang it from the grip. On my Trader9, right on top of the ignition key is a well held spot.

[@roryolson61]

I was taught to hang my helmet on my right front foot peg. And it's the last thing I put on so I can scan my surroundings until the moment I want to pull out. Thx for sharing this video!

[@yanassi]

At a motorcycle show, i asked one of the cops who had a stand at the time for the best way to legally park a motorcycle, he said with a wheel touching the curb.

[@bobkelly2447]

Very good tips on parking.... especially for big heavy bikes ! well done

[@MCrider]

Early Bird gets the news...The cat is out of the bag...there is a limited supply of custom MCrider-made Leather Patch Hats and Keychains for sale. www.MCrider.com/hat I make these leather patches from veg-tanned leather and then sew them onto high-quality, one-size-fits-all caps. In addition, I make two styles of leather keychains that would look great with your motorcycle keys. You cannot find these hats or keychains anywhere else...they are made by me, in Texas, right inside the MCrider Garage...where the weekly videos are shot. The orders made this week I will get shipped out before I leave for Thanksgiving break, but you will need to hurry, the supply is limited and I think they will sell fast. If you buy a hat and keychain at the same time I will discount the keychain. Each Hat or Keychain takes 3 days to produce. Day One: - The veg-tanned leather sheet is cut and cased (water applied) - Patches are pressed or run through a laser - Dried for 24 hours Day Two: - Stained, antiqued or dyed - Drying time - Top coat - Protective finish - Drying time - Edge finish Day Three: - Sewn onto the hat - Keychain formed and sewn - Accessories applied where applicable, snaps, keyrings, etc. - Sold and shipped from me to you. Get an MCrider Leather Patch Hat and Keychain! www.MCrider.com/hat

[@ariesmarsexpress]

I am not sure always what the fix is, but I saw something recently. If you keep expensive items on your handlebars, make sure they can't be yanked of easily by someone else either walking or riding past. Maybe also keep your key tethered to something for the same reason.

[@richardahola692]

Leaving it in gear is a parking brake. I put a steel plate under the kickstand on soft ground. I welded a 3"X3" plate to the kickstands. No more sinking. My buddy parked on asphalt at the airport. Four days later he returned and the kickstand had sunk halfway into the asphalt. Half hour of pulling to get it out. I hate pulling downhill into parking spaces. Very hard to back up my old Wing (no reverse).

[@michiganborn8303]

How'd you like the Indian Challenger? I was looking at a Challemger Pusuit about 2 weeks ago and aside from the tour pack the only difference from the Challenger is an electronic preload adjustment. The Pursuit premium package is supposed to be $41,500 out the door. That to me is a better value than the the Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra CVO.

[@dougemery2519]

I had a crazy incident backing into a parking spot. When I turned the handle bars all the way in one direction the throttle cable was pulled wide open. This startled me and I let off the clutch the bike popped up and flipped over smashed out the taillight. After that I started putting the bike in neutral while backing up. The bike was in the shop for work the previous day and the cable was not routed correctly.

[@beepbop6697]

Scary to have that happen. That check is part of the first C in the motorcycle TCLOCS checkslist. Throttle: Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are turned.

[@neildewitt2869]

Lesson learned the hard way.

[@krisholt8390]

My main concern for dropped helmets is with any form of a composite shelled helmet, if the shell cracks and and delaminates the foam might be okay but the shell could be junk. A person should do to a coin tap test where it hit the ground and check to see if it should be replaced.

[@jonparmelee6567]

That first guy was probably so mad until he saw the security footage 😂😢

[@neildewitt2869]

Then he taught, he was a dumbass!

[@Knoxvillemoto]

To be totally fair, I'm sure he's still mad. He's just mad at himself now.

[@Eric_A.]

If he even saw the security footage, that is.

[@Knoxvillemoto]

@@Eric_A. that's a good point. I feel for him. That sucks.

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Excellent dissertation. TY

[@dcccharles4569]

Great all around parking advice Mc Rider. Thank you!

[@michaeljulian4997]

I want to know where you got that Shoei helmet for $500.00. ;) This was a good video that may save some new riders some cash or injury. Keep up the good work!

[@beepbop6697]

Great tips! Another tip is to crush a soda can and use that as a kickstand puck if parking on soft turf.

[@neildewitt2869]

Soda can, ha ha ha just say beer can.

[@beepbop6697]

@@neildewitt2869 lol, yep. Only when done with riding for the day though.

[@neildewitt2869]

@@beepbop6697 me too!

[@rickconstant6106]

That was always the first thing we did when arriving at a bike show in a muddy field - drink a beer then put the can under the stand. Great way to start the weekend.

[@roberttolley5055]

Kevin I took basic course, we had a 1inch of rain each day of course. The instructor was getting upset kinda, great guy, no one would do the 10 ft stop. To scared in rain???? When I got up to bat. I came into the point of begin the emergency stop. I jammed them brakes,slow steady. With power of say fear, strong hands. That bike stopped, never slid, had it back in first pulled away. Me and instructor was shocked. I definitely came in top of speed he wanted! Great video I have a tablet of your tips, that important, thank you sir

[@dfavilla2]

I am a new rider and found these tips excellent! Thank you

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Great point about the helmet, I struggle with that issue frequently, on a super sports.

[@chonkyb3134]

Thanks for the valuable information!!

[@powamoto]

Always the best content 🤘

[@larissacheremetieva4421]

Good to hear you again

[@sman6435]

Another NEVER DO parking tip is - in extreme hot weather conditions, do not put the kickstand on bare asphalt otherwise hours later you'll find it significantly leaning over or lying on the ground. Instead, bring a small block of wood to place between the kickstand foot and the asphalt. This happens all the time in places like Phoenix, AZ for newbies.

[@sunshine-nk9sv]

I always look around for a ran over aluminum can and use it.

[@shellyjackson3887]

Great tips on parking! Can you or, have you; done a video on actually parking your bike? I've been riding my own bike now for about 4.5 years. I rode on the back for decades. I still struggle when it comes to parking my bike (backing into a space). Went to Sturgis for the 3rd time this last year with my hubby and two brother in-laws so, four bikes in total. I went to park along with them and ended up REALLY close to my brother in-laws bike. I can't seem to get it. I do the same thing when it's just me and my hubby. I could really use some help here. Thank you!

[@frankqroosma2372]

I have gotten in to a bad habit of parking in neutral because my Road King will only start in neutral. Why it's designed this way I don't know. In any event I will be leaving it in gear for now on. Thanks for the tip.

[@davidvanbrunt4233]

Seeing my new Neotec2 rolling in a parking lot don't sound like fun...not after chasing IT for a year !!!

[@hydrogen.jukebox]

As for leaving the helmet on the seat, I've seen a lot of people hang their helmets on the passenger pegs or frame sliders if they have that installed, but there's probably a chance of that they'd fall off anyways. As for me, I keep a helmet lock on the handlebars; it's essentially a carabiner with a combination lock that you can stick through the D-ring of the helmet. It's never dropped like that and it works great for anti-theft.

[@rpmfreak9150]

I naturally always back my bike in because I got used to it when I was riding with a club, and I have watched a $1200 Shoei RF 1400 helmet bouncing all the way out of my garage and down the Hill. By the time it stoped it was completely spotted up, I took a black magic marker and fixed it. LoL great video thanks for sharing.

[@daryllmroberts7958]

i always keep a rubber band on my throttle side,,so i can use it to lock the front brake,,as my busa rolled forward abit,,and landed on my gsx-r1000,,,that was expensive

[@sammorgan2390]

Thankyou for the good advice

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

4. Don't put your kickstand down on an asphalt spot where cars have been leaking oil. The spot can be soft and the kickstand can sink. Also try to put the stand down in the shadow of the bike. The sun can make asphalt soft as well.

[@garyehrhardt3136]

Great information for newbies thank you

[@GM-HD-PM]

Great video, but I would like to comment on a dropped helmet. If you believe in helmets and want the safety that they afford, then I would argue that once a helmet has impacted a solid surface, or the ground (head in it or not) it should be replaced. The reason for this, is that the integrity of the shell (the hard outer component) could be compromised by the impact, and could greatly weaken the helmet structure causing it to fail if it had another impact occurrence. Even if there is no visible damage. I wear a beanie, or no helmet at all when law permits, but if you are wearing one for safety, don’t take chances. Even a $500.00 helmet is cheap compared to a head injury, or losing your life.

[@touring03able]

Always hang my helmet on the passenger foot peg, it's out of the way and hangs about 4 or 5 inches above the asphalt.

[@lauralittle1970]

Thanks for the great videos!

[@Timeline916]

I never park my bike, I have been riding it since I bought it non stop, when I git gas I stay on it, no problems here mate

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

Thank you, good information

[@raynaldtorres1731]

When i was new to riding i parked front wheel first in an inclined parking. Plus there was a dip on the pavement where the front wheel dropped in. I could not get out and had to ask someone to help me push me out.

[@MCrider]

Unless you have a bike with reverse like a Goldwing...it can be a problem.

[@gbrown5823]

Hats look great. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@MCrider]

Thanks! You too!

[@cidifede1]

So happy 2/3 of this safety parking video had so many tips on how to buy a hat. Very useful while parking. ❤

[@edwardoller7855]

Regarding the helmet, on my Street Glide I generally snap the strap and hang it on the highway peg. On my Tri Glide, a lot of options are obvious. I agree though, a helmet dropped off a seat could render it useless.

[@timcapuchino3563]

I beginner rider and these tips are very important for me thank you so much for this video

[@razbit]

if you have to explain downward parking......you should also tell them to take off their flip-flops & swim trunks.

[@stanleysmith8922]

I have a DCT and when using the parking brake I just stuff one of my riding gloves into the hole under the e-brake handle so I remember to release the brake… works for my memory lol

[@roywalls5595]

I always back in my Piaggio MP3 250cc parking lot and put center stand down and put on emergency brake and locked steeling wheel & locked tilting system because I do not want my motorcycle be stolen again! MCrider

[@jadonx]

Be careful with bar end mirrors. I put my hjc helmet on left side one after I pulled over. It slipped off and I lunged across to catch it causing bike to fall too😢😢. Helmet was badly scratched with a small hole in it. Binned the helmet and bought a Shoei and needed a new engine cover so was an expensive mistake.

[@Mr.FLOYDs]

I never put motorcycles on 1st gear. Not because it’s something I should do, but because I know how gearing works, the likelihood of you damaging your transmission to always park on 1st gear is extremely high. I once disk locked a bike that someone tried to steal. They thought it was put on first gear, and after that night, they broke the countershaft inside the transmission by putting it on gear and thinking it was off gear. They managed to even break the headlock, which that alone weakened the engine a bit. Up until recently I wouldn’t walk with a disk lock but because I have a FLHP Police Roadking, I use the disk lock as a choke system depends on the slope I park and I always park in reverse. Been riding for 11 years. Each year I always have 2 or more bikes in my possessions and I passed at least 9 motorcycles. 1 that almost got stolen and only proven my safety measure is extremely effective. I took my time like a serial killer to make sure the 3 point safety lock mechanism is in effect each time I park for more than 8 hours at a place like home. Headlock, disk lock, alarm, & or Cover. If I have an alarm for vibration I don’t cover it. If I cover it, I don’t activate the alarm. Covering your bike and someone to try to steal it, will take the thief a quite amount of time to unwrap it for someone to get suspicious. Same effect as the alarm.