Thanks for the kind words, everyone. One thing, however, continues to elude me. And since they say there's no such thing as a stupid question...so here goes...
What's the best/proper procedure to bring this baby up on the center stand???
I've been attempting this by standing on the right side of the bike with my right foot on the centerstand. I push down on the stand while trying to "rock" the bike backwards by pulling on the handlebars. All it does is slide backwards.
I'm a big guy at 6'3" and can handle a 650lb bike well enough. But it seems to take more effort than it should. :huh:
I'm 6'1" and 190lbs. 90% of the time I park the bike on the center stand.
Mount on stand:
- Bike currently on side stand.
- Stand on the left side. Chest should be directly facing the seat/tank.
- Align front wheel with rear.
- Place left hand on left handle, and right hand in the hand-hold that is on the left side of the bike underneath the seat area.
- Slowly move the bike off the side stand, meaning push bike away from you.
- With your right foot push the center stand down until it touches ground.
- Keep the stand in contact with the ground and slowly move the bike so you can feel when both left and right side toes of the stand touch ground. You will need to move the bike to/away from you to find equilibrium. Don't move bike forward/backward.
- Keep right foot on the center stand.
- When both toes touch ground, press hard on your right foot at the same time lifting up with your right hand and pulling strongly with your left hand.
- After a successful mount say "Whose your daddy!"
If you want pain then do this without wearing shoes!
Dismount from stand:
- Stand in same formation as above with left hand on left handle and right hand in the underneath hand-hold. Do NOT put foot on center stand.
- Be sure front wheel is aligned with rear wheel.
- Pull bike forward.
- When bike moves forward move right hand to right handle.
- When center stand has returned to up position then brake with right hand. Perform a slow brake. A fast brake may alter your balance and bike may drop.
- Bike has come to a stop, simply put down the side stand and rest the bike.
You can also dismount from being on the bike and rocking it forward.
You can also dismount with both hands on the handlebar standing on either side of the bike.
My dismount instructions look like something the military would print, but after you've done it a few times it's very easy and can be accomplished in a few seconds. I've parked mine on the center stand on pavement, dirt, grass, gravel, and on slippery wet surfaces.
