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PARKING ON A HILL

• Leave the bike parked at an angle to the curb so it can be easily pulled into traffic.
• Leave the bike parked with the tire against the curb and in gear.
• Parking the bike where the lean on the side stand is going DOWN the hill could make it unstable and difficult to upright from its sidestand.You may want to park near a 35 degree angle to the curb.
• Parking the bike where the lean on the side stand is going UP the hill could make the bike easy to tip over. You will need to park closer to a 45-50 degree angle from the curb.
• Try various positions on a hill depending on whether the hill is going up or down to satisfy yourself that the bike remains stable, is easy to lift off its side stand, and is easy to ride away into traffic.

  OTHER PARKING TIPS:

• When parking in a parking lot, place the bike in the middle of the lane at the end of the space so motorists will be able to see you as soon as they try to park there.
• Know the local parking rules. Sometimes only one motorcycle may be parked in a space. Other places may allow several bikes to use the same parking space.
• Be aware of the surface you're parking on. Use a flat plate under the side stand to better support the bike.

  TECH TIP:

• Did you know that synthetic oils run cooler, reduce crankcase temperature, and provide maximum wear protection for all brands of motorcycles.

  GENERAL:

• Practice various riding skills, such as emergency braking skills, swerving, slow turns, and smooth throttle operation at least 15 minutes a week in a vacant parking lot or other open area.
• Slow down before entering blind turns and be watchful at intersections and when passing driveways and alleys.
• Stay to the left side of your lane when passing parked cars to your right.
• Park where either gravity or the engine will get you out of a parking spot. In other words, back into a downhill sloped space and pull straight into an uphill sloped space.
• Look ahead, plan ahead! Look as far down the road as you can. Pay close attention to colors and shapes on the road surface (scanning for trash, bumps, holes, cracks, new asphalt, old concrete, spills, puddles, etc.) Watch how other vehicles are reacting to the road (scanning for brake lights, swerves.)
• Practice hard braking when you don't need to so you can "safely" apply the brakes in an emergency. Practice in vacant parking lots or quiet streets that won't interfere with other people/vehicles.
• New riders shouldn't carry passengers until they're very comfortable with their bike, which usually takes at least a year.
• At low speeds, you can stabilize your bike by "loading" your rear brake slightly while idling in low gear. With practice, you can roll up to a light so smooth and straight you can balance for four or five seconds before you need to drop a foot.
• When stopping in traffic, position your bike either to the left or right side of the lane and stop at least 8-10 feet from the car in front. This gives a clear shot out if the guy coming up behind doesn't stop.
• Don't allow your eyes to fix on one object too long. Keep searching your surroundings including your mirrors for hazards and potential hazards.