Only a few things about motorbikes are as challenging as parking a motorcycle on a hill. The chances of the bike tipping over are high. But once you learn how to park a motorcycle on a hill, the whole thing becomes effortless.
Parking a motorcycle on a hill correctly begins with picking a safe spot, preferably away from people, and then angling your bike about 35-45 degrees away from the curb.
You should then reposition the side stand, press the tire against the curb, angle the handlebar, and stay in gear.
That’s how you quickly and safely park your bike uphill or downhill. Of course, there are a few adjustments you may have to do downhill that you may not do uphill, but the process remains the same.
Let’s explore the process in detail and share with you other essential motorcycle parking tips you may require. We’ll also look at how you can safely get your bike out of a parking spot on a slope.
How to Park a Motorcycle On a Hill in 6 Steps
The key to preventing your motorcycle from tipping over and causing damage is parking it correctly on a hill. Ideally, that takes the following six steps:
Step 1 – Choose an Ideal Parking Spot
You cannot park a motorcycle just anywhere on a hill. It has to be the safest and most comfortable place to do it. Often, that means looking for a few road markers, which include the following:
- White circles – Look for white circles as they indicate the depth of the slope. Typically, the wider the circles, the deeper the incline, which means the less room you have to squeeze in and park.
- Speed limiter signs – Consider parking in spots with speed-limiter signs as most motorists are likely to slow down there while reading the speed limit.
- Slope indication – Consider parking on the right side of the slope if there is a slope indication. That makes the side safer than the left side.
Step 2 – Angle Your Motorcycle Against the Curb
Your motorcycle should remain stable on the slope once you park it. You should turn the front wheel about 35-45 degrees away from the curb. Doing so minimizes the risk of the motorbike falling.
Step 3 – Reposition the Side Stand
Take advantage of the side stand and position it correctly to stabilize the bike. It shouldn’t lean towards the slope as that could destabilize the motorcycle.
Step 4 – Press the Tire Against the Curb
You need your motorbike to be as stable as possible. One way to do that is by applying slight pressure on the fore tire against the curb.
Step 5 – Angle the Handlebar
Go a step further to enhance your bike’s stability by angling its handlebar in the same direction as the side stand. That makes it more stable than just altering the position of the side stand.
Step 6 – Stay in Gear
Never leave your motorbike in neutral gear when parking it on a hill. You can do it on flat ground but not on a slope.
The bike becomes unstable in neutral gear and is thus susceptible to unnecessary movement. Instead, leave the bike in 1st gear, but remember that it won’t start unless it’s in neutral gear when you come back to ride away.
Tips for Parking a Motorcycle Uphill
It’s worth remembering these steps when parking a motorcycle uphill:
- The side stand shouldn’t lean towards the hill. If that happens, it compromises the motorcycle’s stability, and subsequently, the bike will most likely tip over.
- Keep the curb angle at about 45 degrees when parking uphill instead of 35 degrees. It keeps it more stable.
Tips for Parking a Motorcycle Downhill
It’s not advisable to park a motorcycle facing down a hill. If you must, these tips are worth remembering:
- Keep the curb angling angle about 35 degrees instead of 45 degrees when parking downhill to give the bike more stability.
- Flip the motorcycle to point downhill when parking downhill to make it easier for you to get it out of its parking spot.
- Park diagonally to also improve the bike’s stability downhill.
General Tips for Parking a Motorcycle on a Hill
While the six steps above offer you a rough idea of what it takes to park a motorbike on a hill, you may need to observe a few guidelines to do it safely. These include the following:
1. Stay Away from People
The last thing you want is your motorcycle falling off the hill and injuring people or their property. Try to park as far from people and property as possible to reduce this risk.
2. Don’t Leave the Bike in Neutral Gear
It’s best not to leave your bike on a hill in neutral gear for safety and stability reasons. You can do that on flat ground (although also not recommended) but not on slopes, as neutral gear destabilizes the motorcycle.
3. Use a Wheel Chock
If you have a wheel chock (wedge wheel stabilizer), use it to stabilize the motorcycle’s rear wheel when parking uphill or the front wheel when parking downhill. It’s advisable to carry one when planning to park on a hill. It secures the wheel and prevents bike tip-overs.
When buying a motorbike wheel chock, check for bike stability, given its front-wheel crossbar, adjustable rear wheel cradle, and ability to work with different motorcycles.
4. Consider Your Surroundings
Don’t be too quick to park your motorcycle on a hill even after locating a good spot. You should look around to see if the conditions are favorable for parking.
Each hill will be different and might need a different parking style, even as these universal downhill or uphill parking protocols apply.
5. Know the Local Jurisdictions
Parking rules vary from state to state, and you should familiarize yourself with them before parking. For example, some laws forbid touching the curb with the bike wheel, while others require you to park within the bay’s white lines.
6. Balance the Bike’s Weight
Assess the stability of your bike and adjust it if need be to ensure the weight is even. Do this before you leave the bike on the hill.
7. Secure Your Bike
Your motorcycle will likely attract unwanted attention on a hill, which means thieves may want to steal it. To deter them from doing it, secure the bike there with a lock. If you can, install an alarm or bike tracker and activate it.
When choosing a motorcycle lock, check that it has an anti-drill keyhole core, a long throat pin, and a reminder cable so that you don’t ride away when the lock is still fastened.
How to Get a Motorcycle Out of Its Parking Spot On a Hill
It’s just as essential to get your motorcycle safely out of its parking spot on a hill as it is to park it there. For that to happen, you should observe these tips:
Scan Your Surroundings
There shouldn’t be people or fast-moving vehicles when taking your motorbike out of its parking on the hill. Scan around to see any imminent risk and avoid it.
Flag Up
If you notice some motorists, wave up a colorful bike safety flag. The chances are that they’ll see the flag even though they may not see you clearly from afar.
Take the Bike Out Slowly and Gently
Don’t be in a hurry to take your motorcycle from its parking spot. Just do it slowly and gently before riding off.
Conclusion
Now you know how to park a motorcycle on a hill. Follow our recommended 6-step guide and observe the general tips to ensure you park safely and within the stipulated state guidelines. While at it, ensure it’s easy to get the bike out of its parking spot on a hill.
People Also Ask
After looking at the basics of safe hill parking, the chances are that you have a few questions, and so do most online searchers. We have collected some of these questions and answered them below.
How Do You Park a Bike On an Incline?
If you want to park your bike on an incline, you should face it uphill and angle the rear tire about 35-45 degrees. Also, angle the side stand and handlebar to ensure the bike stays diagonal and enjoys utmost stability.
How Do You Pick Up a Motorcycle On a Hill?
The motorcycle is likely to be heavier when lifting it. You must gain ground leverage by standing on a stable surface and lifting the bike by its front end. If you can, stabilize it with the side stand once you get it up.
Can Motorcycles Go Up Steep Hills?
Yes, motorcycles can go up steep hills, but it’s never easy. You’ll need to use more gas and increase your RPM to above 2000. You’ll also need to downshift smoothly and engage the brakes to stabilize the bike.
What Gear Should I Be in Going Downhill On a Motorcycle?
When going downhill, you shouldn’t use the first gear as it may spike up the motorbike’s RPM, requiring you to brake often. Instead, settle for a gear that allows you to stay within the acceptable speed limits and not have to step up the RPM excessively. A good recommendation is second gear.
What Gear Should You Be in Going Uphill On a Motorcycle?
Consider starting with the first gear when going uphill on a motorcycle. That will allow you to take on the hills more confidently while maintaining the utmost stability.
