What a 'Tard

[Captain Slow]

So yesterday I dropped my bike for the first time.  I've been riding for about 6 months and have made it this far without any issues.  I wasn't on the bike, and it wasn't even running: pushing it into the garage after my daily commute, it just sort of got away from me.  I never even let go of the handlebars, so it didn't fall with full force, just a slow motion concrete kiss.  The bike's fine fortunately, save for a broken bar end mirror; if the bike had the normal style mirrors it would be a non issue.  I'm just pissed at myself for doing something so stupid, BUT, it could always be worse.  Dumber things have happened, right?

I think I'm going to put the remnants of the broken mirror on my desk at work as a constant reminder of "THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU STOP PAYING ATTENTION"


/self deprecating rant


So here's a motorcycling etiquette question.

There is no motorcycle parking at my workplace; there's a guy who rides a Vespa in most days and must get there early, because he always has a really good space.  Today I decided to park in the same spot with him; I've never seen the guy so I haven't had the opportunity to ask if he minds having another bike next to his, but he always parks a bit to the side almost inviting another bike in, unlike the Harley riding pirate costumed dip****s who park their enormous FLHQXSupderDuperElectroAstroGlides in the exact center of the space so that no one can come near them (This doesn't bother me in a non-crowded parking lot, but if you don't want anyone near you, go park far away and walk, you know?)  So when I came out later, there was a third bike in the space, behind the Vespa and my GS500.  SO, my question is, how many bikes it too many for one standard sized parking space, and does it bother you if another bike parks next to you (like I did with the Vespa) ?

[missk8t]

I don't think I would mind another bike parking next to me, but behind me? That'd piss me off. It'd mean I couldn't get out. Bugger that.

[Captain Slow]

Yeah, it was a little awkward for me to get out.

[yamahonkawazuki]

well as far as biker etiquette. i dont bash others crap. , ( not directed at you ). but as far as sharing spaces. if designed for only 1, then no i wont. but if more than one, and i can get into spot without getting too close to other bike, then yes. i dont like doing multiples for a reason tho. if some ill minded jackass, hte one on a crotch rocket or a harley or hell a vespa. sees a bike they dont like and wants to push it over, there is a chance i coudl be held responsible for the damage. so 3 may be pushing it. BUT let me ask, what is the approx. size of hte parking area?

[Big Rich]

Lets not forget the size of the bikes. A Vespa is a whole lot easier to move around in tight spaces than a full dressed Harley.

[Shaddow]

I think if the bikes are spaced well no problem parking next to a strange bike in a car park, as long as they have space to get out. Two max for a standard family car spot. Three for a disabled spot. We have four disabled spots at a work which were decreed as it was a RAAF base (I'm not RAAF, I'm a contractor)  if you get there early you use one of those prime parking spots as long as one spot was kept free JUST in case. So as I always was early I'd park my bike in one and the other bikes would join me.

Parking a bike in, is just asking for your stuff to get hurt.

[mister]

In public, two bikes to a car space
With friends, four bikes to a car space

Michael

[scratch]

If the first two park staggered, a third can park.

[Electrojake]

About that two-for-one parking spot. . .
Here in New Jersey you pay for everything. Repeat; everything.
So, if a second bike is in my spot after I get out of work, you can be sure that I will be talking to the other biker first, (perhaps we can double-up and screw the lot attendant).
If not, I'll talk to the lot attendant, (to see if he's making a profit on this chump without cutting me in).
At least that is what I feel would be the proper etiquette on this.

About dropping your bike. . .
Driveway drops, as they are sometimes called, are indeed annoying.
I find it amazing how quick a standing bike gets top-heavy soon as it gets a little bit off-center. I know all about it.

Captain Slow, your post was a nice thread-starter! 
Regards,
-Ej-