How to Park a Motorcycle?
4 Answers
Observe the road conditions ahead and behind, confirm safety, release the throttle, turn on the right turn signal, use engine braking to slow down, and apply the brakes to decelerate. Without affecting the normal driving of other vehicles, gradually move to the right side of the road and park by the roadside. Hold the handlebars to avoid deviating from the intended path during parking and failing to stop at the desired location. Pull the clutch lever to effectively disengage the clutch before stopping to prevent the engine from stalling after parking. Park the motorcycle on a firm, flat surface, turn off the ignition switch, and remove the key.
Parking a motorcycle actually requires attention to detail. I usually start by slowing down in advance, avoiding sudden braking right before stopping. Check the rearview mirror for any following vehicles and use the turn signal to indicate pulling over. Find a flat surface, ideally within the white line on the roadside or in a designated motorcycle parking spot. Gradually pull the clutch, apply the rear brake, and when the bike is upright, gently use the front brake. Wait until fully stopped before putting your foot down. Remember to shift to neutral, turn off the engine, and remove the key to lock the steering. When parking on a slope, always point the front uphill and ensure the side stand is firmly in place. Once, I skipped locking it for convenience, and someone cut my chain lock—now I always use a U-lock plus a disc brake lock. After parking, quickly check the exhaust pipe temperature to avoid burning passing children.
Parking may seem simple, but it's not that straightforward. I usually follow a three-step process: observe-operate-confirm. Starting about 50 meters from the parking spot, I scan the surroundings to avoid manhole covers and potholes, looking for areas with surveillance cameras or high foot traffic. With my right hand, I release the throttle while pulling in the clutch, gently applying the rear brake to slow down, using the front brake for additional control. As the bike comes to a stop, I grip the fuel tank with my knees to maintain balance, touching the ground with just one foot. After confirming the bike is stable, I turn off the ignition and remove the key, making sure to kick the side stand all the way down until I hear the click. I either lock my helmet in the tail box or carry it with me—I once left it on the handlebars and it got stolen. On weekends when I go to the mall, I deliberately park near the attendant; it's always safer under the watch of surveillance cameras.
There are two things motorcyclists fear most when parking: backing up and theft. I always do five things when parking: turn off the engine and remove the key, deploy the side stand, lock the handlebar, attach the anti-theft lock, and remove the Bluetooth earpiece. The key technical point is to decelerate smoothly—sudden braking can easily cause skidding. Choosing level ground is crucial; when parking on a slope, make sure the front of the bike faces uphill. Beginners are advised to keep both feet on the ground for added stability, while experienced riders can look cooler by just tapping one foot. Once during a heavy rain, I parked under a tree, and a falling branch damaged the rearview mirror—now I always look for covered parking spots. If temporarily parking by the roadside, remember to turn on the hazard lights to make your position clear to other vehicles.
