Topic: handle for lifting onto centerstand

[beemerbum]

Hi .. new to this forum. Also new to CB 750's. I bought a decent 1977 K7. Where is the best place to grab the bike with the right hand when lifting up on the centerstand? Am I missing some sort of grab handle such as the ones on my BMW's?

[Powderman]

Should have a passenger grab bar that wraps around the seat at the rear and both sides. I don't think the K7 had a proper grab handle for the center stand.

[Wobbly]

Yep, the chrome bumper (i.e. grab rail).

[chewbacca5000]

Make sure you have work boots or other hard sole boot or shoe on.  Ask me how I know.  I got really bad tendinitis in my right foot putting bike up wearing crocks.  Bad idea.

To answer your question you can get a grab bar or K1 style handle that attaches to the frame.  I like the grab as it makes it easier to get up on the center stand.

The latter style center stand are easier anyway.  Bigger more leverage.

[whizzer]

Plywood trick. I use a small enough piece of 5/8 inch plywood. Roll rear tire on it then grab rear fender with right hand while almost standing on center stand. Without the plywood my old knee is not having fun. The extra 5/8 inch stopped any pain. No hyper extension of right knee. Scraps of lumber always worth hoarding.

[beemerbum]

Thank you all for your replies. Fortunately, I found the grab bar (hoop) on ebay and will install it. It just seemed flimsy for the relatively large lifting force needed. Wobbly... beautiful machine. What color is that bike? I thought '77 was either black or a type of red?

[seanbarney41]

don't try to lift the bike...plant the stand with your foot, then simultaneously pull the bike backward with your hands while pushing down and forward with your foot on the ball of the centerstand.  Its all leverage.  Takes a little practice too...maybe have someone help hold the bike up while you get the hang of it.

[Wobbly]

Thank you all for your replies. Fortunately, I found the grab bar (hoop) on ebay and will install it. It just seemed flimsy for the relatively large lifting force needed. Wobbly... beautiful machine. What color is that bike? I thought '77 was either black or a type of red?

Alpha Candy Red--which, in reality, is more of a maroon color. It's the same color for both years. The K8, however, might either have a blue or red stripe. I got both tanks--for variety.
There is nothing flimsy about the grab rail--it's totally solid. Nor do you need a lot of force if you do it right. You just guide with the right hand--the right foot/leg is doing all the work. Although, if I have to, I can put the bike on the main stand without getting off. Of course, I have 38 years of practice with this bike so I can still do so when I park in front of the retirement home--waiting for someone to bring me my wheelchair. 

[Wobbly]

See: original color.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Or build yourself one of these...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,74140.msg824010.html#msg824010

[Wobbly]

If you are not able to put your bike on its center stand, perhaps the problem isn't with the bike. 
I suggest some of that:

[lrutt]

It's all technique. Make sure you put a lot of weight on the center stand tang when lifting it up. It will pop right up. I'm no big guy by any means but have never had a problem getting my K6 on the center stand.

I will admit that my brit bikes are infinately easier, but they are also lighter.

[Wobbly]

What you all are not recognizing is that BMWs, seems that what the OP is most familiar with, all have a pivoting handle along the rear seat strut that is rotated and used (adjacent to your right hip when standing) to hoist the bike up and onto the center stand.

My BMW doesn't even have a center stand. 

[70CB750]

Cal, would you have  a picture of that wife handle?