What is the secret?

[NJJim]

I just purchased a 2003 R1150R. I am still finding my way around the bike but what is with the center stand. My center stand is almost impossible to deploy. What is the secret to getting your foot on the stand. I can not get my toe between the peg and the shift lever to get it to go down. I think I finally resorted to putting it on the side stand and pulled the center stand down with my hand so I could get my foot on the "push lever". I have no problem getting the bike up on the stand once I get my foot on the lever. Is this normal or do I have a different center stand or peg positions?

[Airman]

Well, it is a small gap between the footpeg and the shifter to reach the center stand. I have a Redwing work boot that just about doesn't fit in there. My right boot always picks up a few scratches from being forced into that area. You do need to have a good plant on the stand or you'll end up trying to lift it, so I usually just touch it enough to push it down, then slide the boot fully over once the stand contacts the ground. They do make a folding assist handles that bolts to the subframe, but the trick is to let your weight do all the work.

[Photoguy]

Same here...I need to wiggle my foot around to engage the tab and then reposition my foot again prior to lifting. Done a few times, it becomes second nature.

[Daryl.Stamp]

+1 on wiggling the toe in first, pushing it down, then moving the ball of your foot onto the tab. Seems this season is not so second nature to me though. When I was getting used to it I singed the wax off the toe of one of my favorite shoes. Recently noticed some similar spots on my new riding boots.

DLS

[NoRRmad]

Some aftermarket peg-lowering kits cover the centerstand tang.

[Beemeridian]

11

[NJJim]

I think I have lowered pegs which is making it even more difficult. I saw a post with a picture of peg lowering fixtures in the classified forum. It appears, that is what I have on this bike. It not only lowers the pegs but moves them forward and makes the problem worse. I am going to leave them for now and see how the riding position feels. I guess I will have to start on the side stand and lower the center stand by hand until I can get my toe on it.

[rdsmith3]

Here is some wisdom for deploying the center stand.

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f ... 79&p=53607

[AndyRR]

I always place the bike on the side stand then deploy the center stand. It's safer and easier.

+1

Make sure the bike is turned off as well. Otherwise you could run a friend over and nearly drop the bike (the bike was OK !) by accidentally putting the bike in 1st when trying to put the center stand down.

[sweatmark]

I always place the bike on the side stand then deploy the center stand. It's safer and easier.

+2

It's just so much simpler to use the center stand when dismounted.

If your legs are long enough to straddle the bike and pull it onto the center stand, then you'd probably be more comfortable on a GS.

[wncbmw]

I used to just swing my leg over the bike while getting off without putting the side stand down, then put it on centerstand. But my bum knees gave out once and I nearly got pinned against a gas pump! So now I always use the side stand first, just in case.

And yes, it is a tight fit for your boot toe in there. Like many things, you'll get better with practice. Occasionally, I find I have accidentally put the bike in gear while pushing down on the centerstand. Excellent advice to do this with the bike off!

[riceburner]

Use your heel - it's narrower than your toes.



(good trick if you can practise it: park facing slightly uphill and you can put the bike on the centre stand without getting off it. )

[gregor]

Yup, had all the problems above. It's a good workout for the stomach muscles when you've also snicked it into first gear .
My size 12UK, (size 13 US) Altbergs are getting quite scratched with fishing for the centre stand.
Do not recall my R80 or K75 having this problem. Maybe people with small feet/pointy shoes are now employed in the centre stand design department?

[kantuckid]

IF!I have access to the side case holder frames there is a perfect hand hold for your right hand and by placing your weight toe first then simultaneously pulling rearward with the right hand it will move easily-well sort of- into position on the centerstand. When I am loaded for bear on a long road trip I look for another grab place as the handy spot is covered up. The guy that weighs 120# should be riding horses, not bikes!

[jm1515]

I use my left foot on the CS peg...easier to angle between the peg and shifter.
This also allows for a firm right leg plant behind the pivot point...where most of the weight of the bike is, I think.
A gentle pull up on the SysCase mount while firmly pushing the CS peg into the ground, and the R just about sits up on the stand by itself. Very easy....

[Photoguy]

BMW riding boots for engaging the center stand.

[Airman]

I always place the bike on the side stand then deploy the center stand. It's safer and easier.

+1

Make sure the bike is turned off as well. Otherwise you could run a friend over and nearly drop the bike (the bike was OK !) by accidentally putting the bike in 1st when trying to put the center stand down.

Does anyone actually stop and dismount without putting out the sidestand ? As you know, when the sidestand is out the engine will shut down. That's my normal way of shutting the engine off. It seems natural to me. Drive up, kick out the sidestand, dismount, lift onto centerstand, then remove the key. I also drive off the centerstand on a regular basis, which seemed to amuse some of the regulars here.