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NighthawkVTX
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« on: February 27, 2016, 08:45:13 PM » |
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I was at the local walrmart today, looking for a parking spot.Suddenly I found an open spot only tbree rows from the door. With a slight grin on my face I began to make my right turn into the spot, when there it was .... a motorcycle tucked in deep in the spot..
Friggin bike...lol
Which makes me ask, when parking in a busy parking lot, just how far in do you put your bike. I tend to park fairly shallow so some one doesnt drive in and then realize too late that the spot is taken
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If at first you don't succeed, then perhaps skydiving isn't for you
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Valkorado
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Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2016, 09:06:38 PM » |
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I always park the same way in crowded lots, for the same reason. I've seen guys park right on the sidewalk at Wal-Marts, but that's not for me.
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" 
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #2 on: February 27, 2016, 10:34:24 PM » |
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I don't pull in more than a foot or two past the car bumpers besides me, for exactly this reason. If they do a power turn in, you can get hit. Watch the drivers at McDonald's in a hurry. ALSO, in busy lots, stopping short puts your front tire behind the engine oil stains/puddles on the pavement, which are often wet and greasy. (Like in 7-11s)
These are quick stops. If I will be inside for more than a few minutes, I park somewhere else (and rarely take my bike to do that kind of shopping anyway).
In other matters, I always tried to put in in as far as possible, at least to the best of my recollection.
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« Last Edit: February 27, 2016, 10:39:12 PM by Jess from VA »
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2016, 04:29:40 AM » |
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In our area many places make these WIDE spaces, probablybly for trucks. They tend to be farther from the doors so its common that even the trucks leave them open. I like to park sideways in them big spaces to avoid the oil slick but that makes the bike more visible also
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Rams
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Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2016, 06:18:06 AM » |
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Regardless of all other things, when I pull into a parking spot, I put the bike at a 45 degree angle so that I take up the majority of the spot side to side or, about the normal width of a cage parked in the same space and normally toward the mouth of the spot so, not nearly as deep into the spot as Jess. Just goes to prove, it's not so much how much of it you use but, how you use it that's more effective. 
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VRCC# 29981 Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Serk
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« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2016, 06:41:56 AM » |
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My Wal Mart has a spot up next to the door out of the way, not blocking anyone, that's perfect for bikes to pull up in, so that's where I park when there. Same at my Home Depot.
But in general, if I'm parking in a car parking space, I make sure the rear of the bike is clearly visible to someone looking for a space.
Not only because I hate it when I get tricked myself, but also for selfish reasons, I don't want someone to be over-zealously pulling into a spot and smack my hidden bike either...
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2016, 07:09:47 AM » |
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I thought those parking spots with the sign of a guy on a motorized cart are for us motorcycles ? And they are all convienantly up front. 
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Gryphon Rider
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Posts: 5232
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2016, 07:11:05 AM » |
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I usually pull in nose first, and park with the back of my bike somewhere between the bumper and back tire of adjacent vehicles, for exactly the same reason, to be visible to others searching for a space.
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da prez
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« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2016, 07:31:37 AM » |
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On several occasions when I park , blocking most of the space when I am alone , I come out and find crotch rockets parked around my bike. Usually in such a way that I can not move my bike without damage. So, I do the next nice thing I can. I will roll the offending toy out of the way and in the mainstream of the lot. Why should I be hampered by these idiots. Only once did a rider come out as I was moving his bike and get mouthy. I simply told him how ignorant he was and I was to tired to kick his ass. If he would like to meet up after lunch and bring a few friends , I would love to oblige them. I guess it scared him into rethinking the situation.
da prez
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cookiedough
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« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2016, 07:37:45 AM » |
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parking lots are the worst it seems. Last year I had to beep the horn in the parking lot for someone didn't look backing out and luckily they stopped but the next car behind me was NOT so lucky - SMASH!!!!
That is one reason, among many, I park way in back AWAY from anyone else if at all possible.
As far as pulling into a parking stall, I go like the rest, in 1/2 way or so about even with the rear bumper of cars parked next to me unless traveling in pairs of cycles then can get 2 Valks in one spot, just barely. I try to stay in the middle though since our Valks are pretty wide with other car doors opening up on rare occassion they swing open the doors all the way open and parking on the line in their stall or over it slightly.
Not pulling in far enough sticking the rear of cycle out though can be worse with the cars parked next to you clipping your cycle's back end when they swing their car around turning the wheel.
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fudgie
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Posts: 10629
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2016, 11:09:42 AM » |
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If I don't park in the yellow strips, I only park half way in.
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR
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csj
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Posts: 992
I used to be a wolfboy, but I'm alright NOOOOOWWWW
Peterborough Ontario Canada
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« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2016, 11:11:16 AM » |
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How Far Do You Put It In? Well... You Know.
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A guy called me a Ba$tard, I said in my case it's an accident of birth, in your case you're a self made man.
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fudgie
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Posts: 10629
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2016, 03:00:30 PM » |
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How Far Do You Put It In? Well... You Know. Sure would like a close up. 
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR
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cookiedough
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« Reply #13 on: February 28, 2016, 03:44:20 PM » |
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If I don't park in the yellow strips, I only park half way in.
 not to hijack the thread too much, but those yellow stripes parked up front at walmart, etc., are they for cycles or just NO parking areas. I don't see signs stating cycle parking only, but do see cycles from time to time parked upfront in those spots. My guess is if no signs stating cycle parking only, then not for cycles, but don't see the police giving tickets for cycles parking there either.
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Robert
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« Reply #14 on: February 28, 2016, 04:02:02 PM » |
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About a foot or two in from the rear bumpers of the cars next to me.
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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old2soon
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« Reply #15 on: February 28, 2016, 05:37:55 PM » |
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If I don't park in the yellow strips, I only park half way in.
 not to hijack the thread too much, but those yellow stripes parked up front at walmart, etc., are they for cycles or just NO parking areas. I don't see signs stating cycle parking only, but do see cycles from time to time parked upfront in those spots. My guess is if no signs stating cycle parking only, then not for cycles, but don't see the police giving tickets for cycles parking there either. All the wally wurlds I park on the yellow stripe areas at the end of the parking spots closest to the door. L E Os have watched me park like that and have NOT commented one way or the other no tickets and have not been towed. I also put her between the posts there to protect her. I DO NOT under any circumstances make handi cap parking anymore difficult for those that need that space. Micky Ds is ALWAYS a crap shoot!  Every so often I do find a biker friendly restaurant with designated M/C parking!  I duz git nervous when i' inside and can't see her!  RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam. VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Raider
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« Reply #16 on: February 28, 2016, 05:52:47 PM » |
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First, when I read the thread title, I thought this thread was about something entirely different.
Regarding yellow stripes- LEOs won't typically ticket for parking inside of parking lots. You run greater risk of the store calling to have you towed.
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« Reply #17 on: February 28, 2016, 06:04:16 PM » |
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Back in to the parking space and stop close enough to the entry point so that any eager driver can see the bike - hopefully.
Why pull in and have to back out???
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Gavin_Sons
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Posts: 7109
VRCC# 32796
columbus indiana
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« Reply #18 on: February 28, 2016, 06:21:31 PM » |
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You're suppose to park your bike while in the store? I ride mine through the front doors get what I need, pay and ride out. Explains why I get so many dirty looks.
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #19 on: February 28, 2016, 09:24:10 PM » |
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Back in to the parking space and stop close enough to the entry point so that any eager driver can see the bike - hopefully.
Why pull in and have to back out???
Many of us nose in uphill (to level), and back in downhill. Newton knew what he was talking about with gravity.  I will hook Uey's (and park nose out) if all (or three of) the spaces are open, but if it's very uphill nose in, it's just easier to ride nose in and let gravity roll you out. I'm not a fan of backing up hills (I have good strength, but short legs).
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« Last Edit: February 28, 2016, 09:33:23 PM by Jess from VA »
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Steel cowboy
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Posts: 1290
Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by.
Spring Hill, Fl.
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« Reply #20 on: February 29, 2016, 03:35:06 AM » |
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Ok let me add something else to you people. Do you back in or drive in. I'm asking because if the bike ever got hit in the back they could push you of the kick stand. Backing in they would hit the tire and just push you back. By the way I park far away from anything with 4 tires. Ride safe everybody.
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Raider
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« Reply #21 on: February 29, 2016, 06:01:26 PM » |
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Ok let me add something else to you people. Do you back in or drive in. I'm asking because if the bike ever got hit in the back they could push you of the kick stand. Backing in they would hit the tire and just push you back. By the way I park far away from anything with 4 tires. Ride safe everybody.
Depends ENTIRELY on the slope of the parking lot. If the spot is inclined as you enter, pull forward into it to allow gravity to help you back out. If it's sloped down, back in so gravity helps you get it in and you can drive out. 
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cookiedough
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« Reply #22 on: February 29, 2016, 07:01:26 PM » |
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Agree, 3x's since owning Valk 6+ years now or more, I have been stupid pulling straight in downword sloping stall and UNABLE to push it back out had to ask wife and others for help making me look stupid. Short legs 30" inseam does NOT help matters either.
Even backing up my cycle if having groceries, etc. in the bags, I am almost unable to back my cycle up an only about 5 degree slope uphill (almost level) in my driveway very tough to do.
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