Are you considering getting your motorcycle licence? Riding a bike is an exhilarating experience, but if you are new to the skill, knowing how to dismount a motorcycle and the best method for securely parking motorbikes can appear a little daunting.
Here at Perth Harley-Davidson, we help customers of all experience levels, which is why we thought we would put together this handy guide for mounting, dismounting and parking your machine.
How to Mount a Motorcycle Safely
Knowing how to mount your motorcycle correctly is critical to safety and a simple misstep can result in your bike hitting the ground or, worse, injury to yourself.
Positioning Yourself Correctly
When mounting your motorbike, the first step is to ensure you are positioning yourself correctly. Make sure that the bike is stable and on firm ground and then move to the left side of the machine. Firmly take hold of the handlebars with both hands and swing your right leg over the seat and sit down.
Balancing the Bike
Once seated, place both feet firmly on the ground and lift the bike off the stand, holding it upright underneath you. Adjust the mirrors as needed and ensure the bike is in neutral before switching the engine on.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is mounting the bike too aggressively, which can unbalance the motorcycle and make it difficult to keep upright. Another mistake many new riders make is not having the bike in neutral when starting the machine. While this is not a huge issue if you have the clutch held in, it is much easier if the bike is in neutral.
How to Dismount a Motorcycle Like a Pro
Now you know how to mount the bike, how do you dismount like a pro? The first step is to bring the motorcycle to a full stop before shifting into neutral and switching the engine off. Then, put the kickstand out and gently lean the bike over until you feel it is sturdy and in place beneath you.
With your left foot on the ground, carefully swing your right leg back over the seat and ensure the motorcycle is firm before you let go.
Avoiding Common Dismounting Errors
Dismounting safely is vital, but there are plenty of common mistakes riders make. The first is not doing so on level ground, trying to dismount safely on an incline is much tougher and can lead to the bike tipping over.
Another common mistake is letting go of the handlebars too soon and before the bike is stable, causing the bike to tip over. Finally, make sure to check the ground for loose gravel or slippery spots before stepping off.
The Right Way to Park Your Bike
Now that you know how to dismount a motorbike, what about parking it? When it comes to parking your bike, there are some essentials to keep in mind:
1. Choosing the Best Parking Spot
electing a safe and legal parking spot is essential to keeping your pride and joy secure, so make sure you look for designated motorcycle bays whenever available. If parking on the street, avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or passing traffic as this could increase the risk of a fall.
2. Using a Kickstand and Centre Stand Correctly
You should make sure that the kickstand is fully extended before leaning the bike over and, if you’re going to be leaving the bike for a long time, then the centre stand should be deployed to provide extra stability.
3. Parking on Different Terrain
The joy of motorcycling is that you can travel and explore almost anywhere. That means you will likely be parking across different terrain, from flat ground and slopes to gravel and other soft surfaces.
If you are parking on flat ground, use the side stand for short stops and the centre stand for longer periods. For parking on a slope or an incline, park with the front wheel facing uphill and lean the bike into the hill. Engage first gear to prevent it from rolling and make sure you control the front brake when dismounting for added stability.
If you are going to be parking on gravel or soft ground, then use a kickstand shoe or puck to place your kickstand on. Make sure the bike is fully stable and secure before leaving it.
Motorcycle Security: Keeping Your Bike Safe
Of course, when parking a motorbike, you want to keep it safe and secure - it’s your pride and joy! Making sure you invest in high-quality security measures will help reduce the risk of your bike being targeted by thieves. Some of the most effective products to fit to your machine include:
- Disc Locks
These fit onto the front brake and prevent the wheel from moving, making it far tougher to manoeuvre the bike. Just remember to remove it before riding away to avoid major damage.
- Chain Locks
For added security or when parking your bike for long periods, add a thick bike chain and secure it to a fixed object.
- Alarm system
Make sure your motorcycle’s alarm is working and engaged whenever you park it up.
- Use a Bike Cover
Finally, for long periods of inactivity, place a bike cover over your Harley-Davidson. This will not only stop potential thieves from seeing what’s underneath, but it will also protect it from the elements.
When parking your motorcycle, try to always park in well-lit areas with high visibility and ensure you lock the bike every time you leave it. Installing a GPS tracker will help give you added peace of mind and you will also want to be fully covered by insurance.
Visit Perth Harley-Davidson for Expert Advice and Accessories
No matter whether you are just starting out on your two-wheel journey or you are a seasoned biker, our team here at Perth Harley-Davidson is here to help you.
We stock the latest equipment and accessories to help you keep your bike protected and running smoothly, so come and pay us a visit to find out more.