Parking lot safety

[lizmcg]

After reading the current thread "Parking Lot Maneuvers" and all the threads/posts about hostility from some bike riders, as a newbie, I was wondering if things like this happen often. Vandalism and nastiness, I mean, just because we dare to be different. Personally, just being a generally paranoid and overcautious person in general, I've been parking in a less-traveled section of the parking lot when I can and not next to anyone. The salesperson at my dealership also advised me not to pull too far into a parking space to avoid people thinking it's an empty spot and barreling in with no time to stop when they finally see me, which seems wise (I'm still pulling in forward, since I haven't mastered reversing into a tight spot yet). Are there any other parking (lot) tricks I should know?

 

[WEB-WVR]

After reading the current thread "Parking Lot Maneuvers" and all the threads/posts about hostility from some bike riders, as a newbie, I was wondering if things like this happen often. Vandalism and nastiness, I mean, just because we dare to be different. Personally, just being a generally paranoid and overcautious person in general, I've been parking in a less-traveled section of the parking lot when I can and not next to anyone. The salesperson at my dealership also advised me not to pull too far into a parking space to avoid people thinking it's an empty spot and barreling in with no time to stop when they finally see me, which seems wise (I'm still pulling in forward, since I haven't mastered reversing into a tight spot yet). Are there any other parking (lot) tricks I should know?

I agree with your dealer on parking.
I would also avoid parking in motorcycle spots as you would likely take up 2 spots and piss off some 2 wheeler.
Vandalism can and does occur on bikes and new cars...like a muscle car....usually out of jealousy.
I always try to park in an end stall to the outer side slightly to avoid car getting to close AND in a highly visible area. :thumbup:

 

[kngfsh27]

I carry a half cover to deter people from getting on it. Parking toward the back of your parking spot can help keep you from getting your Spyder shorten up, but may create another issue for those parked beside you. I agree with parking on the end or out away from the crowd. There is only so much you can do to protect your bike. There are always going to be jealous and devious people. Even other motorcycle riders. Just our society.:dontknow:

 

[Dan McNally]

That "Parking Lot Maneuvers" story could just as easily be about a car - there are lots of jerks - and drunks - in the world - and even some drunken jerks. If the jerk wasn't paying attention, he might have been pulling forward, out of the parking space, and assumed the Spyder was a two wheeler and he had room to go forward. When he hit the wheel, he did a hit and run.

Don't be overly paranoid about this - it is no more or less common that a car getting hit in a parking lot when parked.

+1 on the half cover to keep people from getting on it. I use a Spyder Sisters sun shade - works great, and, in the summer, keeps my seat at ambient temperature, rather than getting hot enough to scorch flesh!

 

[ARtraveler]

No problems with parking lot vandals so far. I am legal to use handicapped parking spots, but that is another story. :roflblack:

 

[SteveP]

I'm picky

Good thread . I am always trying to find a "safest spot" to park the Spyder. I do the same with my trucks because as mentioned above people tend to either be jealous or careless and damage and run . I park in clear areas in corners and walk further if needed all the time , but understand people with less mobility can't always do that . Lucky with :spyder2:so far ray: . At the Spyder course I took they spent a little time discussing ways to park to avoid getting hit , staying to the front of a space is one way to help ensure you are seen , always back the bike in as well to avoid the 2 wheel misconception

 

[Motorcycledave]

In over 50 years of riding

I have only had one time anything happened
I always park in the motorcycle parking area

 

[Bob Denman]

 

[Rf4ee]

I had a license plate with a new registration stolen at a Walmart. I think they were also trying to get my backup camera but it was attached too well.


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[Kwalsh]

At work I always park in motorcycle section, there is usually only 1 other bike there. I have never had anybody even look at me when parked there

 

[SpyderAnn01]

In crowded lots I do like your dealer suggested and don't pull all the way into the space.

 

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

I always back into a parking spot, and leave it towards the front of the space. I had a guy at work ask me why I did that, and I told him so Cocaine can be easily seen. It must work cuz you saw it. He has been doing the same on his Gixxer ever since. I try to park away from vehicles but there is always someone who feels the need to park right next to me. When I see them doing that, they get out of their car and take a good long look at it. Must be curious.

 

[Bob Denman]

That's the "herding instinct of dumb animals" kicking in... :gaah:
No matter WHER you park; they'll find you! :shocked: