Parking.

[MBellRacing]

So I've always been a car guy and never really paid much attention in the parking lots to where bikes park. I now have a Superhawk that I am partially restoring and have some questions for the knowledgeable people here! I've not gotten a clear answer from anyone I've asked about where they park their valuable or classic bike on the street or in a lot. Some people say that they don't like risking it being parked in a normal car spot because they're afraid of someone thinking there's nothing there and running it over. Others say that they try to just park on walkways and such but warn that the bike may get damaged by angry people walking by or get ticketed. As far as street parking, I've noticed most bikes in smaller towns seem to just park between cars. I did this once on my one and only ride but was quite worried that all the puffy haired ladies in Mercedes won't notice it behind them. I feel like a twat taking a whole marked car parallel spot since there is a massive buffer around the bike and it seems wasteful. Until recently in San Francisco (closest big city to me) people used to just park on the sidewalk if it was big enough for people to still get by. Now there are sparsely-placed motorcycle parking spots on some streets so DPT has been going nuts on all the people not using them.

Where do people park the bikes they care about?

[Gunner_CAF]

When I have to park in a lot, I part to the rear of the stall so others can see the bike. On the street, I back it in at a 45 so the front tire is out, but not sticking out into the traveled lane. Park with other bikes if you can, the are easier to see.

One thing to be aware of is on hot sunny days, the asphalt will become soft and kickstands tend to sink into it and tip over. Center stands are a bit better, but they can sink in to. If you can put something under the kickstand like a small square of wood, or even a pop can it will help. Better yet, find some concrete.

Sidewalks may be ileagle, so check your local law.

Gunner

[cyclon36]

I live in a small town so I'm not sure if they overlook things here that they wouldn't in larger cities. I usually park close to whatever store in the parking lot in that section that usually has stripes across it to fill in a half-space. Doesn't really happen in square lots, mostly oddly shaped ones. If they're room on the curb, I'll park there. If I see a few other bikes, I'll try to park close to them so others see my bike easier. If I do use an actual parking spot, I tend to stay towards the back of it so cars don't think its a free space (I hate when that happens in my car). Although, I think I've used an actual spot maybe a handful of times. Riding a bike comes with privileges like parking rights in places that are not ordinary in my book, as long as you aren't blocking anybody.

[brewsky]

An empty pistol holster laid on the seat makes a cheap insurance policy against theft, and at least will make whoever runs into it nervous.

[Gun]

I park on sidewalks near store entrances generally. they are shaded, and I have never had a problem with anyone fussing with my bike any more than taking a cell phone photo. Course, my bike that i'm talking about looks like a death machine, so i'm not sure if the superhawk (which i have spent more time restoring than riding) would get the same 'respect'.

the very front of the parking lanes is a good spot too, there are huge lined-through areas on the store side of the handicap spots that aren't accessible to the handicapped due to the poles/garbage cans that are usually in that area.

if in a stall, i park far enough back in the stall that my rear is clearly visible to anyone coming up the lane.

on the road, i park with my rear to the curb at a 45, makes for easy take offs and the curb helps stabilize the bike.

with the 305's it's not a huge issue, but you never want to park so you have to back out while going UP hill. with my larger bike, I could certainly get myself STUCK very easily, in those cases, back into the stall so when you leave you are going forward and uphill.