Lift Handles

Post by **Boxer** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:55 am

The Roadster IS a beastly heavy bike. And, as I too have found on many occasions, it doesn't help to have it in first gear. That aside, it might be easier and much less mental stress if you just don't worry about it and just use the sidestand unless you have help to pull it back.

It's not gonna hurt it to sit on the sidestand. Just make yourself one of those little pad thingies out of wood or plastic to put under the sidestand in soft ground. Tie a string on it and attach it to your tankbag or handlebar and then you can just pull it up after you get the sidestand off it.

And remember, if you DO happen to drop the beast and scratch something, you have immediately become an official Roadsterista in Waiting.

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:03 am

Just-Beeming - don't worry about it. I know lots of people who never use the center stand unless they are doing work on the bike. And definately don't worry about being skinny. Beats the alternative!

And actually, I have accidently knocked it into 1st while getting my boot done to the centerstand.

Just-Beeming · Post by **Just-Beeming** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:50 am

Thanks all....We are supposed to get some decent weather this weekend and I will get out .

Maybe I will eat a power bar and try again...ha

Its a combination of lack of mass and leverage.
It feels like even using the recomended 'grip' I just dont have any leverage in that right arm to pull back with. I need some caveman arms.

Thanks again for listening to me whine....I will focus on the things I CAN do, Like riding....and not the things I CANNOT.

C'MON SUNSHINE!

Post by **Boxer** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:52 am

You can always eat spinach! It seemed to do wonders for Popeye's arms!

Hiker · Post by **Hiker** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:32 pm

Small or no consolation I know, but I can't do it either. And my friend, no hulking he-man for sure, just walks up to it and well, I think it levitates for him...

Grrr...

Hiker

Kabusa · Post by **Kabusa** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 9:14 pm

Just-Beeming
If you have lowered your bikes suspension (i.e put on shorter shocks, springs or even installed lower profile tires) it will be more difficult to put it on the centerstand. My bike was a bear to get on the centerstand when I had a flat last year. Still, that wouldn't effect getting it off the stand.
You could just remove it and save some weight in the process!
Steve

Post by **queenpdog** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 11:19 pm

I'm coming into the conversation kind of late, but I wonder if my tactic might help. I put my foot on the center stand and lift the bike to the position where there is equal weight on both "feet" of the stand. It might help your confidence to hold it here and realize that as long as you keep your foot on the stand the bike is very stable here. I think a lot of the technique has to do with keeping the bike very upright and balanced equally on both feet. You can even try to rock it from side to side and feel just how stable it is. This helped me realize that I was probably way more worried about dropping the bike than I should have been. Now, put all your weight on the foot that is on the center stand lever thingy (for me, 140 lbs). At the same time, smoothly move the bike towards the rear. It also helps to make sure your bars are completely straight. You don't want the extra weight of dragging the front wheel along sideways. Once you get the feel for the whole motion it becomes second nature. It is WAY more about technique than strength. Good luck!

Post by **machew01** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 7:52 am

Just-Beeming,

Isn't it interesting that this thread could grow so quickly to 4 pages!? So you tried 8 times, huh. That isn't enough.

Whoever said that getting the bike on the centerstand was an exercise in technique was correct. I think of the process as rolling the bike backward just before the push & pull technique. If the bike has even a little backward momentum, it doesn't take much more to roll it back onto the centerstand.

Keep trying. You'll get it!

mac

Post by **wncbmw** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:25 am

Just-Beeming - With all these people trying to help you, I think you should just come across the country in mid-May and join us at the East Coast Bash and we will all get together and help you learn the technique!

A good excuse for a ride! As if you need one!

Post by **Boxer** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 9:44 am

You could purchase one of those big LT things! I think that's the model. It has an electric center stand that moves the bike back while your on board. I saw it demonstrated at the dealer a while back. Pretty cool...and I suppose necessary for that big whale of a stratocruiser bike.

Post by **wncbmw** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 9:35 pm

I know a guy that has an LT. He says it stands for Light Truck!

He also has a Norton and a R69S.

Just-Beeming · Post by **Just-Beeming** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 8:05 pm

Thanks for all the tips and techniques....I cannot believe this thread grew to this either. Nice to know so many care and/or are willing to share...I believe it is because 'center standing' is TRUELY an accoplishment to be proud of.

You all rule!

I am being good to myself and not sweating the center stand. I will try again later when my confidence is up.
I am busy riding for now....getting some miles on the bike before Scot (my husband on his 1200 GS) and I go from Oregon to Arizona (and back) next month. It will be a great adventure as I have taken many 'all day' rides but never in consecutive days on a trip.

When I try the center stand again I will try to employ all the ideas you have all shared with me.

This forum is rich with sharing individuals.

And great BIKES!

Post by **LonestaRR** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 8:25 am

Just when you thought this thread was ending..........

I decided to try to get the bike on the center stand yesterday since reading all the technique advice. Three attempts. 1st attempt, unsuccessful. 2nd attempt. SUCCESS!!!! I too am only 5'4" & less than 125 lbs. So with a sense of pride but also questioning if it was a fluke and if it could repeated, I tried the third time. My ankle twisted off the stand and now I have a bruised and swollen ankle. I decided I'll try again at a later time. I'll eventually get it right. I did it twice at the BMW dealer where I bought it, with my salesman standing on the other side to catch it if it started to fall. So, I know I can......I just need more practice and a stronger ankle now.

Just-Beeming · Post by **Just-Beeming** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:09 am

Kristi
Sorry about your ankle. Rats!

I tried three times yesterday to center stand. I still cannot.
I am Ok with it for now. I will keep trying...someday it just might click.