Parking Your Motorcycle - BMW K 1200 GT Rider's Manual

You can compensate for this
5
initial reduction in braking ef-
ficiency by exerting greater
74
pressure on the levers.
New brake pads can ex-
tend stopping distance
by a significant margin.
Apply the brakes in good
time.
z
Tyres
New tyres have a smooth
surface. This must be
roughened by riding in a
restrained manner at various
heel angles until the tyres
are run in. This running in
procedure is essential if the
tyres are to achieve maximum
grip.
Tyres do not have their
full grip when new and
there is a risk of accident at
extreme angles of heel.
Avoid extreme angles of
heel.
Parking your
motorcycle
Placing motorcycle on
side stand
If the ground is soft or
uneven, there is no guar-
antee that the motorcycle will
rest firmly on the stand.
Always check that the ground
under the stand is level and
firm.
Switch off the engine.
Pull the handbrake lever.
Hold the motorcycle upright
and balanced.
Use your left foot to extend
the side stand fully.
The side stand is de-
signed to support only
the weight of the motorcycle.
Do not lean or sit on the mo-
torcycle with the side stand
extended.
Slowly lean the motorcycle
to the side until its weight
is taken by the stand and
dismount to the left.
If the motorcycle is on
the side stand, the sur-
face of the ground will de-
termine whether it is better to
turn the handlebars to the left
or right. However, the motor-
cycle is more stable on a level
surface with the handlebars
turned to the left than with
the handlebars turned to the
right.
On level ground, always turn
the handlebars to the left to
set the steering lock.
Turn the handlebars to full
left or right lock.
Check that the motorcycle
is standing firmly.