Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I've recently changed work locations, and with the warming weather, I can commute to work on my bike. The parking lot at work has almost nothing available for shade or cover. My only real control is which direction I leave my bike pointing. Besides parking next to tall vehicles, what suggestions do you have to help 1, keep my seat from becoming blistering hot, 2, prevent vapor lock 3, what else should i be thinking about?

Does your bike typically get vapor lock if left out in the hot sun? I leave a carbureted bike out in the blazing summer sun all day, every summer, and I've never had problems with it.

An inexpensive half-cover would do the trick. Also, Lockitt sells something called a "cycle shade" which is a suspended awning that covers the rear 2/3 of your bike. I personally would be leery of parking next to a tall vehicle that blocks the view of someone who may think the parking space is empty. But that's just me.

I do tend to get vapor lock if left in the hot sun (also if I park after a long ride, and try to start again within 5-10 min).
That cycle shade may be just what I need, thanks for suggesting that.
I do try to keep towards the back of the stall.
So far facing south in a stall open to the north, with a tall vehicle to the west, gives me decent visibility, as well as shade from the west side vehicle, and worked out better than facing north in a stall open south, with a tall vehicle to the west (guessing because my fuel lines are towards the west in this situation.

I've always used a white or light colored towel to cover a seat or steering wheel in bright
sun, whether bike or convertible car...

If the parking is asphalt, you'll need something to put under your kickstand. A flattened soda can will work. A kickstand will cut right through hot asphalt and the bike could tip.