Around where I live cars in the area require a specific parking pass but a law here allows these pass zones to be used by motorcycles for free at any time.
I use these spots all the time, but the nearest ones to me are on a notably steep incline.
The cars use these by spots because they have ebrakes and what not, but I never see motorcycles there.
Is there a reason why?
If I park diagonal to the curb(front wheel up) I can easily leave the bike in 1st gear and when I go to start the bike I can just roll backwards down the hill and start the bike when it's level.
But OFC to prevent the bike from rolling down the hill I have to leave it in gear. Doesn't that strain the engine or other parts?
What if I leave the bike in Neutral and get a lock or something that pulls and secures the brake lever down? would that harm the brakelines/ABS sytem?
I don't want to rely on a wheel chawk because then I'd have to start the bike on the hill and it's quite steep. I can put one down after the bike has parked to make sure if something does give up, the bike wont roll into the street.

 

It will be fine, Fran. Other riders may not be parking there because they doubt their level of skill and are fearful of dropping their motorcycle. From a mechanical standpoint, you won't damage anything parking on a hill in first gear to keep your bike from rolling.

 

It doesn't hurt anything. Cars. trucks, motorcycles and tractors have been doing that since all of them have been here.

 

Thank you for the replies!
I'm just curious at how steep of a grade at which you should not do this I guess.
It's quite a hill, definitely breathing heavy to get to the top of it just 1 block up.

 

If the bike is able to roll when the transmission is in first gear, the hill is too steep.

 

The strain on those parts is much greater with you accelerate down the road. Put it in first and give it a hard push backwards. If it rolls back you might want to rethink that parking spot.

 

Is it possible to park diagonal with the rear tire against the curb? I would still leave it in gear.

I was taught to back the bike in with the rear tire against the curb so you could start it and just drive off without backing into traffic.

 

I cannot. The spot's incline and the side of the road the parking is at means I need to park nose up and rear tire angled outward.
The incline is to steep to park any other way, and still be able to leave without immediately needing to throttle out once the bike is started. It's steep enough that I think it might make it difficult for the engine to cycle the oil.

 

Sounds like the one and only use for a Livewire.

 

...for a wheel chock? Brutal!