Is there a trick to raising the bike on the center stand? Can't figure out how to do it.
Is there a trick to raising the bike on the center stand? Can't figure out how to do it.
Former owner of a 99 Valkyrie for 15 years.
Put left hand on left handgrip, put right hand on rear grab bar, put right foot on center stand pedal, keep left foot on floor. Make sure both legs of center stand are on floor by slightly rocking back and forth, push down on center stand pedal with right foot and pull up and back with right hand on rear grab rail. Practice with a friend on other side of bike in case you need help. If you want to make it real easy, roll rear wheel up on a 3/4" board and then lift.
There are many youtube videos on how to do it.
But Jake summed it up right.
Here you go:
Another option is to gain 80 pounds. It's amazing how easy it was to put any bike on its center stand when I weighed more.
As I stated in an earlier thread, wearing a stiff soled pair of boots makes this much easier. I'm pretty strong after years of doing heavy labor and I can barely manage to pull the F6 onto the center stand without some stiff boots on allowing me to get my full weight on the tang. As stated, a 3/4" board under the rear tire really helps.
Agree with sturdy boots. I find it works better if I am facing forward when stepping on the centerstand (eyes towards windshield). Bike in neutral and pull in clutch. Use your right heel on the stand and let your weight do the work. Also, it's easier on a concrete surface verses softer asphalt.
He sure makes it look easy.Originally Posted by CheesyRider
If you don't get both feet of the stand down on the ground you will never be able to put the bike on the center stand. Took me years to figure that one out.
Yep. Not something ya want ta do in house slippers,,,
I get better 'leverage' with my R arm when facing forwards. Lean back into the grab handle a bit and let my R leg do the work.
Once ya get the 'move' down, it's not bad at all.
Same as a few of the other posters, it's easier for me when I face the front of the bike.
I keep my left hand on the the left handlebar grip, and push the bars into a slight right turn position - that seems to make it easier for me to keep the bike perfectly balanced on both feet of the stand as I'm popping it up.
Somebody mentioned trying to have a friend on the other side of the bike to assist while you're getting the hang of it - I think that's a good idea - not necessarily to help lift, but also because it might make it easier for you to feel confident getting both center stand feet on the ground without worrying that you're going to push the bike over onto its right side.
It seems that a lot of us have struggled with this during our first few attempts.
Just stick with it - you'll develop the knack for it in no time.
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