I've found recently that pulling up on the handle just makes it harder. It's easier for me if I put the force backwards (towards the back of the bike) while stepping on the center stand.
If the bike is NOT in gear when you push it off the center stand, it can easily get away from you. If it is in gear, that will act as a "brake" to keep it from rolling too far.
I always park in neutral out of habit. ..........
I used to also, until the Loma Prieta earthquake rolled my Interceptor forward off the side stand onto the garage floor. Notice you are in earthquake country too, you might want to leave it in gear as I have done since then. When I stop to park I just put down the side stand and it kills the engine for me.
I used to also, until the Loma Prieta earthquake rolled my Interceptor forward off the side stand onto the garage floor. Notice you are in earthquake country too, you might want to leave it in gear as I have done since then. When I stop to park I just put down the side stand and it kills the engine for me.
Please excuse my noobness, but I'm planning on buying an ST very soon. I've never owned a bike with a center stand, so my question is:
When/why do you need to use it?
loading the panniers
doing an oil change
changing tires
getting gas
washing the bike
checking the oil level
In my videos, the only thing I'm doing with my hands is squeezing the clutch and guiding the bike. All of the movement is done with the center stand leverage. After you've practiced a few times, you'll know what the balance point feels like and you'll expend very little energy. +1 on being sure the bike is balanced on the stand before you try to get it to go up. Notice how I give a little pause after pushing the bike up-right to give it a chance to settle on the center stand feet, then I push down with my right foot. If it feels like work to get the bike on the stand, then you're definitely doing something wrong.
Here is a dumb question from someone new to centerstands:
When do you put the bike on the centerstand? I understand using it when servicing the rear tire, checking oil, and storing the bike. When else is it used?
thanks!
Thanks much for all these great suggestions guys!
It does appear there is a technique to it. Not just brute strength.
More suggestions are welcome. Meanwhile I'll keep practicing.
There, all fixed!
You'll notice that the list doesn't include cleaning the bike but I'm sure SOME folks use it for that, too!
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Mine goes up on the CS almost every time I park it. Makes it easier to put stuff in the left pannier and lets me set stuff on the seat while I'm putting things away.