Parking in gear

[indybobm]

This is the second Valkyrie Tourer I have had. I still have fear of parking the bike with the transmission in nuetral. I am concerned about the bike rolling forward and falling off of the side stand.  With both bikes it was very easy to push the bike forward while on the side stand. I always try to park it heading uphill when possible and in first gear. Do other people do this? Has anyone had the bike roll off of the side stand?

[Bone]

I always park in gear except for my garage. When outside I will put the side-stand down then raise the bike slightly and let it roll (just an inch or two) to take any slack out of the drive train.

[The Anvil]

It totally depends on the ground I'm parked on. Flat parking lot? I leave it in neutral. But I will put it in gear on a hill or off-camber.

[Daniel Meyer]

It has a neutral?

[Grandpot]

Always park in gear.

[BF]

I live in Florida.  Finding a flat place to park isn't much of a problem.       I park it in netural. 

[John U.]

I have the same worries about the bike rolling in neutral. I always park a bike or a manual shift car/truck in gear.
Even with the bike in gear I don't park facing downhill.
Never had one roll off the side stand, those precautions could be the reason.

[Richythebluesman]

My IS has rolled off the stand although it was in 1st.  ???
On that was on level ground,    
on sand that was soft,    
recently rained,    
sand washed in with the rain   ,
on a sunny day    
with no wind  
so I figured I better no do that again ... I gave up riding  

     
 

[R J]

Normally I park in neutral.

A lot of it depends on how I got in the parking spot.

I've probably left it in gear 30% of the time.

If it is on a downhill slope, it will be in gear, that is if I'm too lazy to turn it around.     I always back into downhill sloped parking slots, and it will be in neutral.    Don't feel like pushing it uphill to get out of a parking slot, so it is backed in..

[tank_post142]

i'm usually stinking drunk when i come out and get back on the bike, so I always leave it in neutral otherwise i tend to have problems starting the bike.

[tmfp]

I always park in gear, facing downhill if that's the direction I'm going to be going in.
She's never rolled off the sidestand, although on a warm day and new tarmac I found it buried about an inch into the road.

[9Ball]

always use the emergency brake.....

[franco6]

Hey the CB750 A had parking brakes!

[olddog1946]

I park mine in gear....after having it fall over twice, while filling up with it in neutral ...learned my lesson.....

[Chrisj CMA]

I park mine in gear....after having it fall over twice, while filling up with it in neutral ...learned my lesson.....

Gas stations are pretty darned flat.  If your Valkyrie rolled off its stand on its own at a gas station while fueling, there is something wrong.  Bent kick stand, crossmember.......something, that just should not happen

[fudgie]

i'm usually stinking drunk when i come out and get back on the bike, so I always leave it in neutral otherwise i tend to have problems starting the bike.

+1. I hear ya. 

[Ricky-D]

Whether or not the place you pick to park is downhill or level.

Parking the bike on a downhill slope is something even new riders learn not to do.

That's unless you have reverse like that supplied on many trikes. And some GW's also.

Harley's have a stop feature built in to their kickstand to prevent the bike from over riding the kickstand and falling to the ground.  Valkyrie's do not!

I cannot imagine any circumstances where a rider is forced to park the bike on a downhill slope. Have you never though about turning the bike to a position where the downhill slope becomes an uphill slope. All sensible people will recognize the need to not park on a downhill slope, even the cops, and they will never see a problem with this need.

Any time I park on an uphill slope where I feel the kickstand is not adequate to hold the bike from rolling backwards, I put the bike in first gear.
And what a pain in the ass when going to start the bike with it being in gear and the kickstand down.

First you have to hold the front brake on to keep the bike from rolling backwards, stand the bike up to get the kickstand up, put the bike into neutral so you can use the left hand to push the starter button. I know you can push the button with the throttle hand, but that is always an awkward exercise when you are still holding the brake to keep from rolling.

***

[Chrisj CMA]

Whether or not the place you pick to park is downhill or level.

Parking the bike on a downhill slope is something even new riders learn not to do.

That's unless you have reverse like that supplied on many trikes. And some GW's also.

Harley's have a stop feature built in to their kickstand to prevent the bike from over riding the kickstand and falling to the ground.  Valkyrie's do not!

I cannot imagine any circumstances where a rider is forced to park the bike on a downhill slope. Have you never though about turning the bike to a position where the downhill slope becomes an uphill slope. All sensible people will recognize the need to not park on a downhill slope, even the cops, and they will never see a problem with this need.

Any time I park on an uphill slope where I feel the kickstand is not adequate to hold the bike from rolling backwards, I put the bike in first gear.
And what a pain in the ass when going to start the bike with it being in gear and the kickstand down.

First you have to hold the front brake on to keep the bike from rolling backwards, stand the bike up to get the kickstand up, put the bike into neutral so you can use the left hand to push the starter button. I know you can push the button with the throttle hand, but that is always an awkward exercise when you are still holding the brake to keep from rolling.

***

little hint.  anytime you need to stop the bike from rolling while getting ready to start it or take off........why not have your left foot on the ground and your right foot on the foot brake and then you dont have to use the front barake and do three things at once with your right hand?

[Ricky-D]

little hint.  anytime you need to stop the bike from rolling while getting ready to start it or take off........why not have your left foot on the ground and your right foot on the foot brake and then you dont have to use the front barake and do three things at once with your right hand?

I've often done just that!

But I prefer to keep both feet on the ground when the slopes are making it difficult for me and there is always a more secure situation (to me) with both feet on the ground as opposed to one foot on the ground.

I most all the time, when standing still, want both feet on the ground and the front brake applied.
Makes me feel the most secure in this posture.

I feel less secure with only my left foot on the ground and the right foot on the brake regardless of hands on the bars.   I like the feel of the bike being balanced when I am sitting in the saddle and with only the left foot down you necessarily have to have the weight of the bike leaning over onto your left foot since to have it otherwise would mean the bike is falling over.

This is especially so when the bike is on a slope, where now the bike has more forces acting against it.

***

[tmfp]

Parking the bike on a downhill slope is something even new riders learn not to do.
I must have been outside having a cigarette during that lesson, 40 years ago.

That's unless you have reverse like that supplied on many trikes. And some GW's also.
And some Valks.

Harley's have a stop feature built in to their kickstand to prevent the bike from over riding the kickstand and falling to the ground.  Valkyrie's do not!
Yeah, was looking at a friend's Evo today and the kickstand just about makes 90 degrees with the frame. I asked him if he trusted it, he shook his head and smiled "It's a Harley.."

I cannot imagine any circumstances where a rider is forced to park the bike on a downhill slope. Have you never though about turning the bike to a position where the downhill slope becomes an uphill slope.
The only time I feel uncomfortable with maneuvering the Valk is rolling it backwards downhill.

 All sensible people will recognize the need to not park on a downhill slope, even the cops, and they will never see a problem with this need.
I'm definitely not a cop, and obviously not sensible.

Any time I park on an uphill slope where I feel the kickstand is not adequate to hold the bike from rolling backwards, I put the bike in first gear.
I leave it in first irrespective of where I park, on the compression stroke.

And what a pain in the ass when going to start the bike with it being in gear and the kickstand down.
First you have to hold the front brake on to keep the bike from rolling backwards, stand the bike up to get the kickstand up, put the bike into neutral so you can use the left hand to push the starter button. I know you can push the button with the throttle hand, but that is always an awkward exercise when you are still holding the brake to keep from rolling.
It's called multi tasking 

***

Thanks for the advice, taken in the spirit it was offered 

[olddog1946]

I park mine in gear....after having it fall over twice, while filling up with it in neutral ...learned my lesson.....

Gas stations are pretty darned flat.  If your Valkyrie rolled off its stand on its own at a gas station while fueling, there is something wrong.  Bent kick stand, crossmember.......something, that just should not happen

Both times it has happened is at the same station, and at the same pump. My bike seems to sit up higher/straighter than others I have been around, but don't know why as nothing seems to be bent or broken..at least that I can recognize..

[Ricky-D]

I park mine in gear....after having it fall over twice, while filling up with it in neutral ...learned my lesson.....

Gas stations are pretty darned flat.  If your Valkyrie rolled off its stand on its own at a gas station while fueling, there is something wrong.  Bent kick stand, crossmember.......something, that just should not happen

Both times it has happened is at the same station, and at the same pump. My bike seems to sit up higher/straighter than others I have been around, but don't know why as nothing seems to be bent or broken..at least that I can recognize..

So when it falls over,,,, does it fall towards the gas pump or away from the gas pump?

***

[olddog1946]

I park mine in gear....after having it fall over twice, while filling up with it in neutral ...learned my lesson.....

Gas stations are pretty darned flat.  If your Valkyrie rolled off its stand on its own at a gas station while fueling, there is something wrong.  Bent kick stand, crossmember.......something, that just should not happen

Both times it has happened is at the same station, and at the same pump. My bike seems to sit up higher/straighter than others I have been around, but don't know why as nothing seems to be bent or broken..at least that I can recognize..

So when it falls over,,,, does it fall towards the gas pump or away from the gas pump?

***

Falls toward the pump...

[Chrisj CMA]

little hint.  anytime you need to stop the bike from rolling while getting ready to start it or take off........why not have your left foot on the ground and your right foot on the foot brake and then you dont have to use the front barake and do three things at once with your right hand?

I've often done just that!

But I prefer to keep both feet on the ground when the slopes are making it difficult for me and there is always a more secure situation (to me) with both feet on the ground as opposed to one foot on the ground.

Takes  a bit of practice, then you will enjoy the freedom.....Feels very stable to me, been doing it left foot down only for years now....one up, two up, slopes.......on the rare ocassion I need the right foot BOOM its there, not a big thing

[Ricky-D]

I park mine in gear....after having it fall over twice, while filling up with it in neutral ...learned my lesson.....

Gas stations are pretty darned flat.  If your Valkyrie rolled off its stand on its own at a gas station while fueling, there is something wrong.  Bent kick stand, crossmember.......something, that just should not happen

Both times it has happened is at the same station, and at the same pump. My bike seems to sit up higher/straighter than others I have been around, but don't know why as nothing seems to be bent or broken..at least that I can recognize..

So when it falls over,,,, does it fall towards the gas pump or away from the gas pump?

***

Falls toward the pump...

Then my suggestion would be to pull to the pump from the opposite direction having the bike leaning towards the pump when parked.   This actually is the more common way to gas up, since the fill is easier to access with it leaning towards the pump rather than away from the pump.  Not to mention that any pulling from the hose would tend to keep the bike on the side stand as opposed to the hose wanting to pull the bike off the side stand making it want to fall towards the gas pump.

***

[Ricky-D]

Takes  a bit of practice, then you will enjoy the freedom.....Feels very stable to me, been doing it left foot down only for years now....one up, two up, slopes.......on the rare ocassion I need the right foot BOOM its there, not a big thing

Yeah, especially the BOOM when the bike starts rolling uncontrollably because, the right foot forgot about the job it was doing holding the bike, and you're crashing into the motorcycle behind you!  Does you rider appreciate how you risk their injury with unnecessary and careless riding habits?

***

[Chrisj CMA]

Takes  a bit of practice, then you will enjoy the freedom.....Feels very stable to me, been doing it left foot down only for years now....one up, two up, slopes.......on the rare ocassion I need the right foot BOOM its there, not a big thing

Yeah, especially the BOOM when the bike starts rolling uncontrollably because, the right foot forgot about the job it was doing holding the bike, and you're crashing into the motorcycle behind you!  Does you rider appreciate how you risk their injury with unnecessary and careless riding habits?

***

You very funny guy Ricky.......the Motorcycle Safety Foundation teaches left foot down, first gear, right foot on the brake EVERYTIME you stop...for SAFETY.  The fact that you dont practice it and feel unsafe doing it doesnt make it irresponsible motorcycling, in fact the opposite is true.  Not taking the time to practice riding skills like this or counter steering, counter leaning....slow riding, panic stops and such are what differentiate motorcycle "DRIVERS" that can physically make the machine go and stop and maybe get somewhere, to a "RIDER" that can get the maximum safety, performance and enjoyment from their motorcycling experience............oh, will you stop sucking on that lemon already you are always so sour  

[fudgie]

Takes  a bit of practice, then you will enjoy the freedom.....Feels very stable to me, been doing it left foot down only for years now....one up, two up, slopes.......on the rare ocassion I need the right foot BOOM its there, not a big thing

Yeah, especially the BOOM when the bike starts rolling uncontrollably because, the right foot forgot about the job it was doing holding the bike, and you're crashing into the motorcycle behind you!  Does you rider appreciate how you risk their injury with unnecessary and careless riding habits?

***

My rider steps off when we pump. If not she will get hit in the face with my boot as I swing my foot to step off.  

[9Ball]

 

[Disco]

Just like all the standard transmission cars/trucks I've driven, I always park bikes in first gear.  Kill it with the right thumb, return the kill switch to run, side stand down, key off.  

[dukesguy]

I had my new 1980 CB750F roll off of the side stand once. It brushed the side of my knee as it went down. Since then I always park in gear if any sort of downhill. I was a new rider then and I like to think I've learned from my mistakes.

[Ricky-D]

Takes  a bit of practice, then you will enjoy the freedom.....Feels very stable to me, been doing it left foot down only for years now....one up, two up, slopes.......on the rare ocassion I need the right foot BOOM its there, not a big thing

Yeah, especially the BOOM when the bike starts rolling uncontrollably because, the right foot forgot about the job it was doing holding the bike, and you're crashing into the motorcycle behind you!  Does you rider appreciate how you risk their injury with unnecessary and careless riding habits?

***

You very funny guy Ricky.......the Motorcycle Safety Foundation teaches left foot down, first gear, right foot on the brake EVERYTIME you stop...for SAFETY.  The fact that you dont practice it and feel unsafe doing it doesnt make it irresponsible motorcycling, in fact the opposite is true.  Not taking the time to practice riding skills like this or counter steering, counter leaning....slow riding, panic stops and such are what differentiate motorcycle "DRIVERS" that can physically make the machine go and stop and maybe get somewhere, to a "RIDER" that can get the maximum safety, performance and enjoyment from their motorcycling experience............oh, will you stop sucking on that lemon already you are always so sour  

Thank you for the compliments but I must point out that you are incorrect in what you say and including a few truths will not make the falsehood that you state any more palatable (ie:left foot down). Or, as maybe was your individual case, the instructor just got it wrong.

***

[Chrisj CMA]

Takes  a bit of practice, then you will enjoy the freedom.....Feels very stable to me, been doing it left foot down only for years now....one up, two up, slopes.......on the rare ocassion I need the right foot BOOM its there, not a big thing

Yeah, especially the BOOM when the bike starts rolling uncontrollably because, the right foot forgot about the job it was doing holding the bike, and you're crashing into the motorcycle behind you!  Does you rider appreciate how you risk their injury with unnecessary and careless riding habits?

***

You very funny guy Ricky.......the Motorcycle Safety Foundation teaches left foot down, first gear, right foot on the brake EVERYTIME you stop...for SAFETY.  The fact that you dont practice it and feel unsafe doing it doesnt make it irresponsible motorcycling, in fact the opposite is true.  Not taking the time to practice riding skills like this or counter steering, counter leaning....slow riding, panic stops and such are what differentiate motorcycle "DRIVERS" that can physically make the machine go and stop and maybe get somewhere, to a "RIDER" that can get the maximum safety, performance and enjoyment from their motorcycling experience............oh, will you stop sucking on that lemon already you are always so sour  

Thank you for the compliments but I must point out that you are incorrect in what you say and including a few truths will not make the falsehood that you state any more palatable (ie:left foot down). Or, as maybe was your individual case, the instructor just got it wrong.

***

Well, I can tell you......I took both the basic and the experienced rider courses.  I cannot remember for sure if they taught left foot down in the basic course, but I was already doing it when they told us to practice it in the experienced rider course.  My best memory is I learned it in the basic.....ok all that to say WHEN I TOOK THE EXPERIENCED RIDER COURSE THEY TAUGHT LEFT FOOT DOWN RIGHT ON THE BRAKE.

Now, I surfed on line and snooped in on discussion boards and many are like you, they would rather have both feet down.  Thats not the issue, do what you feel comfortable with, but we can do without slandering someone who does it different than you

My point was more this.  Trying and learning and refining technique increases control, awareness balance and SAFETY.  Someone that wont practice skills is less than a safe rider.  Doing as you say you have to working the brake throttle and starter button with the right hand all at once is silly if you dont have to do it.

Additionally stopping with one foot down and the other on the brake (while you dont like it) is a popular and safe practice when done well.......so get off my case, I was just trying to help give you an alternative to an uncomfortable situation.

[BF]

Takes  a bit of practice, then you will enjoy the freedom.....Feels very stable to me, been doing it left foot down only for years now....one up, two up, slopes.......on the rare ocassion I need the right foot BOOM its there, not a big thing

Yeah, especially the BOOM when the bike starts rolling uncontrollably because, the right foot forgot about the job it was doing holding the bike, and you're crashing into the motorcycle behind you!  Does you rider appreciate how you risk their injury with unnecessary and careless riding habits?

***

How is your bike going to start "rolling uncontrollably" when your foot is already on the brake?


I'm firmly in the Chris camp with this one.  I left foot down, right on the brake most all the time.  I find it gives me more control.  

I have to approach and enter a military gate on a very busy and crowded AF base all the time.  The traffic crawls approaching the gate.  Most other bikes I see (mostly Harley owners and sport bikes) do the duck walk as they approach the gate.  I do the left foot down and right foot on the brake thing.  Maybe I'm in a minority with Chris, but it works for me.  

[tmfp]

.... the bike starts rolling uncontrollably because, the right foot forgot about the job it was doing holding the bike, and you're crashing.....

When your limbs start 'forgetting' what they are doing maybe it's time to stop operating machinery, for the sake of your good self and others.

[Chrisj CMA]

.... the bike starts rolling uncontrollably because, the right foot forgot about the job it was doing holding the bike, and you're crashing.....

When your limbs start 'forgetting' what they are doing maybe it's time to stop operating machinery, for the sake of your good self and others.

Cant deny that thar is good safe advice 

[Valkpilot]

How is your bike going to start "rolling uncontrollably" when your foot is already on the brake?


I'm firmly in the Chris camp with this one.  I left foot down, right on the brake most all the time.  I find it gives me more control.  

I have to approach and enter a military gate on a very busy and crowded AF base all the time.  The traffic crawls approaching the gate.  Most other bikes I see (mostly Harley owners and sport bikes) do the duck walk as they approach the gate.  I do the left foot down and right foot on the brake thing.  Maybe I'm in a minority with Chris, but it works for me.  

The safety classes advocate this technique, so you're not in the minority.  After applying brakes, left foot down before the right after downshifting to first gear is taught as the correct stopping procedure.

Left foot on the ground, brake in gear, right foot on the brake, right hand ready to apply throttle is the safest way to sit at an intersection.  Your brake light is on for those approaching from behind, yet you're still in a ready posture for a quick takeoff in case you need to get out of the way. 

It is also recommended when performing a takeoff on a straight uphill incline as it provides the best combination of brake and throttle control.

What I've found is that it takes a little while to develop the muscle memory that results in feeling secure in this posture, and this varies from bike to bike.  When I went from a smaller bike to the Valk, I had to develop "new" muscles.  When I got a second Valk that sits higher and has an Interstate tank, I had to develop "new" muscles.  Once developed, it's perfectly natural to sit this way or even lean over an pick stuff up from the ground on the left side without fearing the bike will fall.

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks BF and Valkpilot.  I knew I wasnt crazy.  Hey BF,why not go for a beautiful evening cruise tonight.  Bike night at the Sonic just before the High School in Crestview tonight starting at around 1800 or so for a couple hours.  Would be cool to have a cup of java with you and to have two red and whites there. 

[Grandpot]

This is the longest thread I've seen in a long time. Let's make it simple. Keep the bike on the trailer with good quality tie down straps.

[Dodis]

This is the longest thread I've seen in a long time. Let's make it simple. Keep the bike on the trailer with good quality tie down straps.

HEY!!! This ain't the Harley forums!!!