Suggestions for entering parking deck?

[Amlethae]

So I'm an idiot and I'll only admit this to you guys (love being anonymous) but I just tipped my bike over entering the parking garage in my building -- I've only been parking there for the past two days.  The entrance is a very steep (prob 35deg down from level) downhill ramp at the bottom of which is a 90deg right turn, also going downhill.  It is in the turn that I dumped it.... because I was using the front brake (my feet were to the side trying to help walk it down but I lost my footing and grabbed the front brake).  Now I know that it was retarded of me to use the front brake and that's what ended me... but I'm looking for suggestions on how to deal with this inane entrance.  There isn't much room to continue when the ramp finishes and it finally levels off... have to make another immediate 90deg right turn... so going down the ramp at speed isn't much of an ideal option.

Hope you guys can help this newbie.  The bike is fine btw... only scratch is on the tip of the front brake lever... rubbed the paint off.... sharpie should fix that right up.  These 696's take dumps pretty darn well.... believe me *sigh*

Thanks!
-Amlethae

[somegirl]

Not sure I'm picturing the ramp right, but I think I would probably just roll it slowly down in neutral, heavy on the front brake, and keep my feet ready to put down.

[He Man]

Not sure I'm picturing the ramp right, but I think I would probably just roll it slowly down in neutral, heavy on the front brake, and keep my feet ready to put down.

Decreasing radius turns are tricker than most even at slow speeds. i would clutch it in, heavy on the fraont brake lean back and  have my foot out to kick up if  i need to ( dont use it as a pivoting brakepoint, youll snap your knee)

[Howie]

Probably the best idea is to beg for a spot on ground level.  Typical of NYC parking lot ramps, besides the the tight, downhill, reducing radius turns, is low available traction.  Otherwise, follow msincredible's advice.

[Amlethae]

Thanks all, you've been a big help.  Ultimately what I imagine I always need to do is take it easy and slow and not get in a hurry.  Sadly a ground level spot is not an option, the ramp is the only entrance/exit.  I can get out just fine, getting in is a bare.  Thanks again!

[ScottRNelson]

I'm betting it's nowhere near 35 degrees, but I'm sure it's still steep.

If I were in a similar situation, I would be heavy on the front brake while going straight down the hill, then release the front brake to make any turns and be using the rear brake as needed while in the turn.  My feet would be on the pegs while still moving, and my knees would be clamped to the tank.

One big advantage to riding dirt bikes a lot in my younger years is that I learned how to go down steep hills.

[mihama01]

Whats with the front brake? I don't use it anywhere near steep slow downward turns and try to avoid it at slow speed down hill, the back brake or engine braking is a safer bet since it isn't transfering so much weight through the steering. Its much safer at slow speed in confined spaces.

Going up, the twin isn't that smooth low down in the revs, so keep the revs high, and use the clutch to regulate the power, you won't stall it that way.

Also always be aware which is the downward side of the slope, always put your foot down on the upward side.

If you are leaving the bike on a slope, try to point it either down or up the slope so that the angle of the sidestand isn't too extreme and the bike won't fall over. Leave the bike in gear to stop it rolling off the side stand.

Consider how you are going to ride out when you return also. Don't really want to be pushing the bike backwards up a slope!!

Going down, lean body back, going up, lean body forward. Be gentle, there is less weight on the back going down and less on the front going up. This can lead to a locked up rear brake going down or unintended flip going up if too much power is applied.

Reversing backwards down a slope into a parking spot. sitting on the bike, keep both feet on the ground and walk it backwards, use the front brake to control speed.

I learnt this the hard way, I am not that physically strong and there are a lot of mountains in Japan. Some roads are about 45 degrees in places, seriously...WTF  Its all technique.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Whats with the front brake? I don't use it anywhere near steep slow downward turns and try to avoid it at slow speed down hill, the back brake or engine braking is a safer bet since it isn't transfering so much weight through the steering. Its much safer at slow speed in confined spaces.

Going up, the twin isn't that smooth low down in the revs, so keep the revs high, and use the clutch to regulate the power, you won't stall it that way.

Also always be aware which is the downward side of the slope, always put your foot down on the upward side.

If you are leaving the bike on a slope, try to point it either down or up the slope so that the angle of the sidestand isn't too extreme and the bike won't fall over. Leave the bike in gear to stop it rolling off the side stand.

Consider how you are going to ride out when you return also. Don't really want to be pushing the bike backwards up a slope!!

Going down, lean body back, going up, lean body forward. Be gentle, there is less weight on the back going down and less on the front going up. This can lead to a locked up rear brake going down or unintended flip going up if too much power is applied.

Reversing backwards down a slope into a parking spot. sitting on the bike, keep both feet on the ground and walk it backwards, use the front brake to control speed.

I learnt this the hard way, I am not that physically strong and there are a lot of mountains in Japan. Some roads are about 45 degrees in places, seriously...WTF  Its all technique.

Er....I think you may be under the wrong impression. The biker is riding down a ramp, to a flat parking spot.

Getting out is ok.

Going down is a little more difficult.

[Slide Panda]

Personally, in situations like this I fore go using the front brake in lieu of a rear brake+clutch+throttle control combo unless I really need the fronts to damp down the speed.  IF I do, then I use them like Scott

Something that might help you in your deck is doing some flat land 'slow riding' drills.  Basically using the clutch, throttle and some rear brake you can keep a bike upright and in control a very low speeds - like walking pace or even less if your balance is good.  It takes practice to get a feel for, but once you do it's very handy to have in in your arsenal for things like parking lots.

By developing your slow control of the bike you'll feel more stable (and confident) in situations like this.  Also it lets your front tire devote all it's traction to redirecting the bike, as opposed to splitting it between braking and turning