Topic: Center Stand...

[SKTP]

I search and could not find the answer to the lamest question ever.

I recently finished my 1978 CB750K. I will be getting it regestered next week. I'm really happy about it. So here's the question; How the hell do you pull it up onto the center stand solo? I'm 6'3" and 200lbs and that sucker seems impossible to get up there...is there a technique that I am unaware of? Please keep in mind that this is my first bike ever...any help greatly appriciated...

[OldSchool_IsCool]

- tranny in neutral or clutch pulled in
- don't hold down the front brake
- use your foot to press the stand to the ground
- rock the bike a little until you feel both feet of the stand contacting the ground
- put your full weight on the center stand leaver while pulling the bike backwards.

If that doesn't do it, you may want to check your brakes to make sure they aren't holding.  If you can push the bike around easily, then you should be OK.  Another possible reason for difficulty with the center stand is if the bike has been lowered with shorty shocks in the back and/or slid down on the forks up front

[tmht]

1. Stand on the left side of the bike facing the bike.
2. Put your left hand on the left hand grip on the bars.
3. Put your right hand on the grab rail at the rear of the bike.
4. Put your right foot on the "tab" that sticks off the centerstand.
5. STAND WITH ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT on the centerstand while lifting lightly with your right hand.

Sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is. I weigh #160 and have no problem putting a 750 or Goldwing on the the centerstand using the above technique.

[jdigga]

I find it easier to lock out your right arm and dirve with your legs.

My XS650 is a smaller/lighter bike but takes more effort to put on the stand because the fulcrum point isn't in the best position.

[paxtonpony]

1. Stand on the left side of the bike facing the bike.
2. Put your left hand on the left hand grip on the bars.
3. Put your right hand on the grab rail at the rear of the bike.
4. Put your right foot on the "tab" that sticks off the centerstand.
5. STAND WITH ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT on the centerstand while lifting lightly with your right hand.

Sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is. I weigh #160 and have no problem putting a 750 or Goldwing on the the centerstand using the above technique.

I mostly use this technique but I concentrate more effort on pulling up the grab rail while pushing down on the foot tab.  I always start with the kick stand out alread so there's not a balance issue.

[rhinoracer]

I use the "Stand on the" side method by tmht. Way easier than the straddling the bike method described by Oldschooliscool which I could only pull off in a Vespa.

[cleveland]

Yea, I'm a weak tit too.    Every now and then I can get it up by myself, but that's few and far between.  My solution?  Hitting the weights. 

[Rocker]

Great thread. I've never had much sucess getting my bike on the center stand solo. I am 6'4"  235lbs. I will have to try these techniques. Thanks for the tips.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I use the "Stand on the" side method by tmht. Way easier than the straddling the bike method described by Oldschooliscool which I could only pull off in a Vespa.

Guess I should have said "stand to the left side"  I may be "lipid friendly", but I'm definitely "inseam challenged"!!

[merc2dogs]

 I'm 5'6", 145lbs, and have no issues getting either bike on the stand.
 
 Hold bike upright, push centerstand down till it touches the ground , rock the bike a bit to make sure it's touching both feet, then push down on stand while puliing up and back on the grab bar.

 I had a smaller bike that almost took a cherry picker to get on the stand, thing only weighed 300lbs or so, but was way off on balance.

 A smaller tire installed, or a lowered bike changes the whole geometry so it's much harder.

Ken.
 
 

[TwoTired]

1. Stand on the left side of the bike facing the bike.
2. Put your left hand on the left hand grip on the bars.
3. Put your right hand on the grab rail at the rear of the bike.
4. Put your right foot on the "tab" that sticks off the centerstand.
5. STAND WITH ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT on the centerstand while lifting lightly with your right hand.

This (above) is the technique I use/recommend.  To elaborate a bit, if you can keep your right arm straight and your back vertical during the lift, your slightly bent right leg provides all the lifting power needed to move the bike.  You do NOT need to apply any energy to move the bike backwards.  The mechanical arrangement of the centerstand will make that motion inherent.

If you are still having trouble with the centerstand, roll the rear tire onto a 1 inch or more wood block before attempting the above procedure.

Cheers,

[Uncleben89]

I have a really hard time with mine too.

I guess I should say it, although everyone probably knows it... but make sure the ground is completely level when you put her up on the center stand.  Apparently they are pretty easy to tip if they are leaning to a side.

[eldar]

I might have to try these methods sometime. I just push down the stand with my left leg and balance on my right and grab the grab bar with both hands and lift up with my arms. Bike is kinda heavy but goes up with no trouble for me.

[Rocker]

This is an example of what not to do.... 

[BobbyR]

I run the bike backwards with one hand on the handlebar, the other on the sissybar i and jump on the center stand.

[eldar]

See that vid right there is why I dont use my right foot!

[750goes]

I like the youtube clip -


not really lifting, but pushing down while rolling the bike back slowly on solid level ground works for me..

[Rocker]

1. Stand on the left side of the bike facing the bike.
2. Put your left hand on the left hand grip on the bars.
3. Put your right hand on the grab rail at the rear of the bike.
4. Put your right foot on the "tab" that sticks off the centerstand.
5. STAND WITH ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT on the centerstand while lifting lightly with your right hand.

This (above) is the technique I use/recommend.  To elaborate a bit, if you can keep your right arm straight and your back vertical during the lift, your slightly bent right leg provides all the lifting power needed to move the bike.  You do NOT need to apply any energy to move the bike backwards.  The mechanical arrangement of the centerstand will make that motion inherent.

If you are still having trouble with the centerstand, roll the rear tire onto a 1 inch or more wood block before attempting the above procedure.

Cheers,

Woo hoo! Worked perfectly for me. I do think the trick is leaving the kickstand down and putting all your weight on the center stand. I did exactly as what you guys said and it worked. Leaving the kickstand down takes away the fear of balancing/dropping the bike. Putting all your weight on center stand allows your right hand ample support to pull it up. Great techniques guys. Much appreciated!

[SKTP]

Thanks everybody...I'm finally able to rock that heavy sucker up and back ...I feel like far less of a tool than before!