Center stand??

milo · December 14, 2003, 09:12:59 PM

Okay, I'm having some trouble here and it's a bit embarrassing. I went to lube my chain for the first time the other day, which meant I had to get the bike up on the center stand. And for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to do it. I was probably being too careful, but it seemed difficult to control the bike with my arms, hold the center stand with one foot and push with the other foot. What's more, I don't have a garage like some of you guys, I was out on the street in plain view struggling like a fool. I ended up just lubing part of the chain and then rolling the bike forward and doing more.

So what was I doing wrong? What's the proper technique to put the bike up on the stand? I need to figure this out cuz it needs an oil change.

vtlion · December 14, 2003, 09:22:28 PM

two techniques work for me...

1. Stand with ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT on the center stand while holding the front of the bike with your left hand and the rear grab bar with your right... just stand on the centerstand and pull the bike to the right and it will bring the bike up.

2. I'm 6'3", so I'm able to bring it up by straddling the bike, grabbing the bars with both hands, putting my left foot on the centerstand and kicking my right leg straight back as far as possible while simultaneously pulling back on the bars and pushing down on the stand.

I would recommend the first method, it works like a charm, no matter how tall or heavy you are.

good luck

pantablo · December 15, 2003, 12:07:28 AM

Standing on left of bike.
left hand on handlebar (some people turn bars to the left), right hand wherever your reach allows-at subframe in front of rear pegs, grab bar, etc.

Left foot stays on ground-right foot brings centerstand down till it touches ground. Rock bike side to side very sllightly until you feel both "feet" of the centerstand touching ground. Put ALL your weight on the centerstand tongue (where your foot is) while pulling a bit back on the bike.

The major effort is NOT in the hands pullling motion- The major effort, and what brings the bike up on the stand is the force you put down through your LEG to the centerstand itself.

Hope this helps.

Adam R · December 15, 2003, 12:59:27 AM

Put a GSXR 750 rear shock in and you'll have no problems at all using the center stand. Plus, you'll have a sportier riding position.

Blueknyt · December 15, 2003, 05:39:45 AM

why is it everyone try thier backs before thier brain pan?

go find yourself a short chunk of 2x4 say about 6 inches long and place it on flat ground( assuming your on concrete) standing on left side of bike, roll the back tire up onto the 2x4, with right foot, push down on centerstand till it touches the ground then stand on it with all your weight while lift up on rear with your right hand, you should be able to get it up and past center now.then just kick the wood out of the way. This is how i do it for 800lb 1977 honda goldwing, never once straining.

vtlion · December 15, 2003, 06:29:14 AM

Quotewhy is it everyone try thier backs before thier brain pan?

I think that would be because we don't want to have to carry a 2x4 around with us just to be able to check our oil at a gas station or perform any emergency maintanence roadside....

there is a proper technique that's pretty easy with practice and doesn't require any extra items (like 2x4's).. best to learn it so that you can pop 'er up anytime you might need to.

peace

Woz · December 15, 2003, 08:54:07 AM

I don't want to sound smug or anything (sorry if this comes across that way), but here in England, the first thing you are shown in any motorcycle training is how to get the bike on and off it's stand.

Is training compulsory over in the US and if so, don't they bother with the absolute basics?

vtlion · December 15, 2003, 10:17:23 AM

nothing like that is compulsory. The system is set up to try and persuade people to take the MSF course to get your license (i.e. the road test is notoriously difficult to pass, and most states pay for or subsidize the cost of the MSF course for residents). But over here we don't take too kindly to being forced into a 'safety course'. (I'm not really sure why... seems like an ok idea to me, but many americans just won't have it).

I guess the idea is that if you can pass the skills test without trashing the bike, then you are safe enough to let out on the highway. It's up to the individual to get any training they feel they need.

Blueknyt · December 15, 2003, 11:03:27 AM

Souldnt have to carry the 2x4 around with you, even if you did, you could cut it down small enough to fit under the seat. besides, you should be checking your oil BEFORE you leave the house.

vtlion · December 15, 2003, 11:15:07 AM

the point was that you never know when you'll want/need the bike up on the stand. Emergencies happen, plans change, road-trips are taken, etc. It's all good.. do what works for you, but I don't consider my way to be any less intellectual (or frankly, any more difficult) than yours.

... so there :nana:

seriously though... its all good. to each his own.

Cal Price · December 15, 2003, 03:22:55 PM

If you are not 100% confident with it you can easily end up dropping the bike, loads of us have done it. First few times get a mate to help balance it from the far side or behind and just pull it back a little. When you see how simple it is confidence grows and all it well. If you are simply not big and heavy enough the piece of wood trick works for me.

Turkina · December 15, 2003, 03:34:46 PM

As Cal said, you might want someone around until you get the hang of it. Since the bike is vertical, it's pretty unstable. Keeping pressure on the centerstand will keep it from tipping in either direction. When you go to swing the bike up on the centerstand, don't pull the bike towards you or push it away by mistake! Just a nice lateral motion with your arms to roll the bike onto the stand.

miket · December 15, 2003, 03:52:39 PM

Quote from: vtlioni.e. the road test is notoriously difficult to pass.

To me the test in NC looked ridiculously easy compared to the test in Italy. And so for the car license as well.

powrful1 · December 15, 2003, 04:32:15 PM

Well my manual says not to put it on the centerstand to check the oil.

As for the centerstand issue.....I start rolling the bike backwards at a nice little pace holding as mentioned above, and then take the left foot on the centerstand and pop, right up!

JLKasper · December 15, 2003, 06:35:04 PM

QuoteAs for the centerstand issue.....I start rolling the bike backwards at a nice little pace holding as mentioned above, and then take the left foot on the centerstand and pop, right up!

I've always found that rolling the bike is the key (but I use my right foot to press down). I always likened it to pole vaulting, where you use the force and leverage for the vertical lifting motion. I shopped around quite a bit this year for a replacement motorcycle, and on one occasion, I was asked to show the owner of a Honda PC800 how to get it up on the centerstand, since he was so impressed with the ease I lifted it.

It helps to park uphill when possible, so you can use the slope to your advantage

vtlion · December 15, 2003, 09:19:10 PM

QuoteWell my manual says not to put it on the centerstand to check the oil.

REALLY?!!

Mine says to check it on the centerstand ('97, U.S. page 44 column 1)... weird...... other manuals I've read for other bikes usually indicate to check the oil leven when the bike is upright (if it has no centerstand) or on the centerstand (if equipped).

hmmm... i'm pretty sure its supposed to be on the stand... anybody else have more experience with this issue?

Cal Price · December 15, 2003, 09:32:52 PM

In my U.K. Anglo-French manual it says not on the centrestand, I always thought this a bit odd but that is what it says.

Dana · December 15, 2003, 10:18:56 PM

This topic came up on the V-Strom site (which is an easy bike to put on the center stand even though its tall). It's mostly done with downward pressure on the center stand arm.

One of the mistakes people were making was keeping the bike leaned toward them and trying to hoist it up on one of the center stand legs.

When you do the "left hand on the handle bar and right hand on the grab rail (under the seat)". Lower the stand with your right foot and make sure both feet of the center stand are touching the ground. At first it's a little unverving leaning the bike away from you. If you're really nervous have some one spot you on the otherside till you get the hang of it.

Hannah Hawkins · December 16, 2003, 09:56:19 AM

My " Haynes " manual says to check the oil with the bike on it,s centre stand. Putting the bike on its stand is 90% technique- I used to find it hard, but find it easy now. Just a question of putting your weight in the right place

dmp221 · December 17, 2003, 03:07:17 PM

Interesting, the few things that the MSF course omits at this time. Putting a bike on centerstand is one. Picking up a downed bike is another. With the proper method and leverage (god bless Archimedes), the smallest person can get a downed bike back up again. And, like VTlion says, this is another skill you'll probably need when you're alone with no help and no 2x4 around.
Anyway, one more hint regarding the centerstand. Some people have found that bending the legs, locking the bars left, with the left hand on the handlebar and grabbing the PASSENGER PEG with the right hand, then stepping downward on the stand (right foot) while standing up and pulling back (holding the passenger peg with the right hand, use the legs, back kept straight) is foolproof.

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Center stand??