Parking lot to practice braking/maneuvering? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Parking lot to practice braking/maneuvering?

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torontoZX6R

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Hey everyone,

Does anyone know of any big, open parking lots where one could practice emergency braking and slow speed maneuvering. My buddy just got his first bike, and I have a new bike as well, and it would be helpful before the riding season gets going to really get to know our bikes in a safe environment. I'm not talking about stunting or speeding.

Any advice?
 
I know of several but since the OP can't be bothered giving his location I can't be bothered listing them.
 
nobbie48 said:
I know of several but since the OP can't be bothered giving his location I can't be bothered listing them.
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Whoa! Someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed?

I should have clarified, I am located near Yonge/Finch

I guess I didn't list a location because anywhere in the GTA/Richmond Hill/anywhere is fine, just an excuse to go for a longer ride. Doesn't need to be in my backyard

Thank you
 
Maybe a tertiary parking lot of a nearby college/university?

p.s. You don't have to go super fast to practice emergency braking.
 
Exhibition Place and Ontario Place have nice big lots. There are some big lots near Cherry Beach. Get some pylons too if you don't have any.
 
Bad time of year, and not the greatest location. Watch for the front to tuck or slip out! Lightly travelled road in one of the car tracks probably will give you the most traction. Just my $.02 ;)
Be careful...
Cheers, Sadz
 
Parking lots at suburban malls is where I and most members of my generation learned to drive on Sundays.
In those days, all the stores were closed on Sundays.
Our dads would take us there to teach the ways of the clutch and other long lost arts.
The big box stores don't open until about 11 AM on Sundays so if you make an early start, you should be OK.
Also, the TTC lots at Yonge and Finch are huge and are only about one-third full on Sundays.
 
I practice in parking lot of town's hockey arena on the weekends. Always empty in summer.
GO train lot was always good on weekends as well as there was no weekend service
 
Woodbine Park at Cowell and Eastern has a big lot - Learning Curves has some Painted lines in the Southeast corner... It's a big lot that usually isn't too full, just make sure you go when there isn't an MSF.
 
seagull21 said:
Woodbine Park at Cowell and Eastern has a big lot - Learning Curves has some Painted lines in the Southeast corner... It's a big lot that usually isn't too full, just make sure you go when there isn't an MSF.
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I'm not sure whether they use cones to mark off that part of the lot through the week or just during weekends, but if they do keep the cones out during the week, would be an awesome spot to practice.
 
+1 for Yonge/Finch lot. Massive.
If your bikes are loud, you might have the local donut patrol swing by and kick you out.
The industrial parks in Markham are another option.
 
Downsview has some areas around the MTO Driver Testing Centre. Mini Cooper used to use the lots for closed course advertising events to drum up customers.
 
Just ride up to Aurora, I always got bothered by cops when I tried to ride around Richmond Hill lots; so I went up to Aurora and just went to some high school lot.
 
torontoZX6R said:
Whoa! Someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed?

I should have clarified, I am located near Yonge/Finch

I guess I didn't list a location because anywhere in the GTA/Richmond Hill/anywhere is fine, just an excuse to go for a longer ride. Doesn't need to be in my backyard

Thank you
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I took the trouble of informing you of a problem. I wonder how many people ignored your question because of lack of information. Your loss.

I do service work and when I ask for make and model often get the "Do you need to know that?" reply so yeah I've become a old crusty fart.

Re Exhibition Place, the cops used to train there. If they still do you may have company. Not sure if that's good or bad.

On weekends I use the commercial parking lots north of Eglinton between Dixie and Renforth. There are several so you can alternate and not wear out your welcome with security. 410 isn't too far away so you can follow up with a trip to scenic Caledon where they hate bikes.
 
Just make sure there's no trees or poles around. Last year a poor kid killed himself after crashing into a tree after his riding course finished for the day in the same damn lot. True story, no joke.
 
LoneRonin said:
Just make sure there's no trees or poles around. Last year a poor kid killed himself after crashing into a tree after his riding course finished for the day in the same damn lot. True story, no joke.
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Damn. He must've been going pretty fast though
 
You are smart for asking and doing this.
Before you start, inspect your bikes for leaks (forks leaking).
Check your tire pressures (when cold, before you leave)

Check the area first for sand/gravel and broken pavement.
Do quick walk of your course.

Your tires are cold, less traction.

Make sure that you NEVER pull the front brake when you are going slow AND turning.

It is a good idea to understand how your bike accelerates and stops. Don't panic if your back wheels comes up a bit, just let go of the front brake and keep looking ahead.
Check youtube for videos, there was thread here (sticky) about braking.

While you are there have a slow race with your friend, last to the finish line wins without putting your foot/feet down (look up and far ahead).
When you guys are comfortable (later) try riding in a circle, start wide then decrease the radius...you will go slow but it will teach you to look far ahead, your head should end up cranked like you are turning your head around, don't stare at the ground. When you are proficient going slow, your become better.

Remember, don't pull the front brakes when going slow and turning (leave the rear brake alone for now...I only use it with a passenger, gravel, going slow and straight e.g. rolling up to a red light...and wet conditions).

Just a thought, record each other. Then you will likely get a different perspective when you watch the video.
 
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