Finally Took Delivery of '08

[Av8rider]

You too!

SR-71, I wasn't even aware that those handles were there, [i never plan on being a passenger!] The technique you described makes using the center stand quite easy.

Thanks again.

 

[08FJR4ME]

Flying down to D & H next Thuresday!!!

8 more days till lift off! I have allready started smiling!

 

[Rondo777]

I'm a bit surprised by some of these replies. If I were a new rider do you think I'd get much encouragement or help by questioning my riding ability? Don't get me wrong, I don't mind being questioned about my ability but I guess I thought others might share in my excitement, remembering what it was like the day they took delivery of their new FJR and let me know what the trick was to getting this bike on the center stand easily.

Welcome and congrats on the new ride. Don't be surprised by any responses you get to posts. If you stick around you'll develope a thick skin. The kick stand topic has been brought up quite a bit. I'm surprised you weren't just told to do a search and ignored. The forum has tons of information and I guess its just old news to the guys that have been around for like, Ever. I personally dont mind repeating myself or including a link thats relevent to your question if I have one. Its all about helping each other out. Again, congrats on your bike.

 

[SR-71]

Flying down to D & H next Thuresday!!!
8 more days till lift off! I have allready started smiling!

Wow, two members flying from CT to AL, eh? D&H must have some good pricing!

SR-71

 

[jesse]

Welcome to the club here,

I bought my bike new in the summer of 06 and I'm as thrilled with it today as I was then. Just doesn't wear off. Here's to thousands upon thousands of pleasureable, safe miles on your new baby. Ride like you want to ride again tomorrow...............Jesse

 

[ShawnKing]

In any case..., on to the the center stand issue.

Thanks for this! I'm big enough to almost bench press the FJR but I couldn't get the sumbitch up on that stand for the life of me. I'll try your technique.

 

[Av8rider]

In any case..., on to the the center stand issue.

Thanks for this! I'm big enough to almost bench press the FJR but I couldn't get the sumbitch up on that stand for the life of me. I'll try your technique.

The first couple of times I tried using the center stand my wife thought I was going to drop it and asked me not to use it.

After practicing a couple of times I showed my wife and made it look so easy she gave it a go and on the the second attempt popped it right up on the stand.

The key for me was lifting with the passenger handle and then transferring the energy/weight from the right hand [passenger grip] to my right heal pressing down on the center stand. I only use my left foot for balance, in fact its barely on the ground and I use my left hand to keep the bike straight.

Wow, I've hardly ridden my bike but I think I'm becoming an expert on the center stand and polishing <_<

 

[odot]

I'd ease up on the polishing remarks......they may become misconstrued.

 

[Bustanut joker]

I'd ease up on the polishing remarks......they may become misconstrued.

Polishing??? Well thats just gay!

:jester:

 

[rogdeb]

It didn't take too long for "Gay" and "Polishing" to raise their heads huh?

Jeez !! What did I just say? :lol:

Welcome to the forum Av8

 

[painman]

All this polishing business, one could get all scarred up...oh, and welcome to the group and enjoy your new ride. PM. <><

 

[jwilly]

Two Things:

1.)Welcome to the forum!

2.)Can we get some pictures of the sales lady?

Worth a shot?

JW

 

[BlueMoto]

I am 65 and getting a little weaker than I used to be (bad shoulder and such). But putting the FJR on the Center stand is a piece of cake once you get the hang of it. One thing I have started doing and you may want to try for a while is I ALWAYS use my side stand when I get on or off the bike. When I park and get off the bike I use the side stand. After dismounting I lift the bike vertical while pushing down on the center stand, rock the bike back and walla, it is up. I have even done it barefooted. <_< No I don't ride barefooted.

When mounting the bike and it is on the center stand I rock it off the stand holding both handle bars and when it is off the center stand I place it on the side stand to before mounting the bike.

I sure you will find a method that works for you. Hope this makes sense.

Bob

 

[Av8rider]

I am 65 and getting a little weaker than I used to be (bad shoulder and such). But putting the FJR on the Center stand is a piece of cake once you get the hang of it. One thing I have started doing and you may want to try for a while is I ALWAYS use my side stand when I get on or off the bike. When I park and get off the bike I use the side stand. After dismounting I lift the bike vertical while pushing down on the center stand, rock the bike back and walla, it is up. I have even done it barefooted. <_< No I don't ride barefooted.When mounting the bike and it is on the center stand I rock it off the stand holding both handle bars and when it is off the center stand I place it on the side stand to before mounting the bike.

I sure you will find a method that works for you. Hope this makes sense.

Bob

Thanks Bob,

That's pretty much the same way I get the bike on the center stand. To take it off the center stand I mount the bike first and just rock if forward with me on it. I'm worried that if the bike starts to fall away from me if I'm off to the side, I will end up on top of the bike which is now on the ground.

 

[Flyguy]

Whats the technique for "easily" getting this bike up on the center stand? The first time I tried it I almost bailed over the top of the bike nearly dropping it, scarring the crap out of myself. :blink:

In your center stand technique be sure you feel BOTH center stand feet in contact with the pavement before shifting all your weight onto the stand lever. A slight rock back and forth will verify this. If even contact is not achieved the FJR will feel nailed to the pavement. One aid while learning is to practice on a slight upgrade.

Also I keep a piece of laminated 5/16" birch plywood under the seat that is epoxy coated and has a slight dimple for the sidestand foot. I slip it under the foot on questionable surfaces. It is thin enough to not take up storage space and has been handy for driving up on with the rear tire, THEN putting on the centerstand. The slight extra extention it permits makes center stands use a breeze even on more difficult surfaces.

 

[Brody]

............................................................
In your center stand technique be sure you feel BOTH center stand feet in contact with the pavement before shifting all your weight onto the stand lever. A slight rock back and forth will verify this. If even contact is not achieved the FJR will feel nailed to the pavement. ..................................................

Glad you mentioned the slight rock back and forth. That's important! It allows you to feel that both feet are down.

I've never put an FJR up. (I am currently thinking hard about getting one, that's why I'm here.)

But I used to have a Honda Valkyrie with a center stand (aftermarket--Rivco). Man O man, that was a heavy beast, especially fully loaded. Your technique had to be perfect!!

And then, I lost some weight. Good? Maybe but not for getting the beast up. If I didn't have someone on the other side, then the only way I could do it myself was to put on a backpack weighing at least 20 lb. :blink:

 

[mcatrophy]

... To take it off the center stand I mount the bike first and just rock if forward with me on it. I'm worried that if the bike starts to fall away from me if I'm off to the side, I will end up on top of the bike which is now on the ground.

As one of those of lesser stature, sitting and rocking it is not an option for me. I stand on the left side and push forward on the bars, making sure they're pointing straight ahead (very important). Then as it drops, I put the front brake on (which can control the rate of descent), stopping it before it can move anywhere. So long as it's been parked on a reasonably level surface, it'll be fine.

I also always have the side-stand down when putting it off the centre stand, ready to take the load. Just make sure the bike's not still rolling forward as you put its weight on the side-stand, or it will fold oster_oops: .

I know some people comment about the side-stand catching as the bike comes off the centre stand, but there seems plenty of clearance on my (bog standard suspension) '06, even with loaded bags.

 

[fattymoon]

I think the mind has almost as much to do with getting a heavy bike on its center stand as does the body. My brother had a Norton Commando and he occaisionally let me borrow it. There were good days when I felt confident about kicking it over and, voila, no problem. Then there were days when I had this little teeny weeny doubt peeking out from a corner of my mind and DAMN! Felt like I been kicked by a mule.

So, this morning I decided to place my newly purchased Raven on the center stand. I weigh about 150 and had no real problem, although I was wary that the bike would lean to the right and topple over before I could stop it. I did make sure that I could feel both feet of the center stand parked evenly on the concrete... once I confirmed this I simply transferred all my weight to the center stand lever. Really, it felt about the same as putting my Honday Interceptor on its center stand. (Also, I had the side stand down when I did this. Once on the centerstand I put up the side stand.)

Now, having said all that, I confess to being a big weenie when it comes to moving the bike. That is, I always SIT ON THE BIKE and move it forward with my legs. Very inefficient, and stoopid looking too. I watch the sales people move their stock in and out of showrooms and it looks so damn easy. But I'm afraid. AFRAID, I tell you!

Tomorrow I'll put a Tiger Eye in my pants pocket and see if I can work up the guts to move my bike the right way.

 

[mophead]

I purchased a new '08 about a week and a half ago and after a business trip and taking the motorcycle safety class I had the dealership deliver the bike yesterday. Unfortunately I have to wait until Friday to get the certificate for the training class to get insurance, so I can look but not ride yet. :angry2:
Whats the technique for "easily" getting this bike up on the center stand? The first time I tried it I almost bailed over the top of the bike nearly dropping it, scarring the crap out of myself. :blink:

I'm working out of the house today and desire to go and ride it is overwhelming :yahoo:

Wow, page two and no ignacio scolding about search welfare. You must have pictures of him in a compromising position. Probably on a Harley.

Welcome. Get a buddy to stand on the other side of the bike and practice. You'll have it down in no time. Beware of full saddlebags and a full tank of gas. It does get heavier.

 

[luvtoride]

Wow, page two and no ignacio scolding about search welfare.

Perhaps I will take up for him, today. Sir, here is a search that a girl did for you: And you too can search like this!

Congrats on your new bike. Purdy, ain't she?