Triumphrat

Gretsch

I’ve got a center stand on the Bonneville that I haven’t used yet. I'd like to use it for cleaning the chain and other things. The problem is I’m all of 5’ 7” and I can’t seem to use it sitting on the bike. I think I could prop er’ up when off the bike. Getting the bike off the stand presents a new set of challenges.

Any other short folk out there with advice?

MudTub

I haven't put a center stand on my Thruxton yet, but plan to. I am only 5'9", but do not understand your issue. To oil and lube chain you will not be sitting on bike, correct? Also, for raising it, standard procedure is not to be seated, but standing and using your inside leg to hold position on stand while pulling back on bars to raise. As to take of after starting on a center stand, a good rock forward, even if no feet on ground (may take some practice if you've never done it to get timing right) and away you go. I've done this plenty of times on other bikes I've owned.

Are both your feet hitting the ground when stopped and not on stand? If not, you might want to consider lowering your suspension, otherwise it might be a little dangerous.

mecscc

It does take a pretty good rocking motion to get off that center stand, so I can see the problem described.

However, I certainly think that it should not be all that hard rocking it off the stand by just standing next to the bike on the left side and leaning over the bars and pushing forward. I would practice that WITH SOMEONE ELSE STANDING ON THE OTHER SIDE IN CASE YOU ROCK TOO FAR TO THE SIDE INSTEAD OF FORWARD. It is essential that you rock the bike forward and not to the side. Practice should do it. Will be interesting to see what other shorter riders do.

Where is Ohiorider Bob when we need his imput?

Bob: you out there????????????????

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Monte

"The Old Ohio Preacher Man"

Old Scratcher

I'm 165cm, which is under 5"5" (I think), & I've never had a problem putting a bike on a centre-stand, provided I use the correct technique.
That is; stand next to the bike, level with the stand.
Make sure you're legs are nicely spread, you're feet firmly planted, & you have good balance.
Some bike's have grab points to lift from, if not, just grab the frame (not the plastic bits), fore & aft of the centre-stand.
Push down on the centre-stand with your right boot, while swinging the bike backwards, up into position.
The whole thing is about using the weight & momentum of the bike to walk itself up onto the stand.
It's not about size & strength, & I've seen tiny women haul big tourer's up into place.

Mind you get it wrong, like I did once when I tried to park my BMW without getting my balance right first, & it can leave you with permanent back trouble .

My biggest problem with a centre-stand now, is that my bad hip is the one I push down on the stand with.
& it don't like it (complains loudly)
But I'm having my centre-stand removed anyway (for the lean angles, not my hip), so I won't have to worry about that anymore.

PS Most bike's come off their centre-stand fairly easily, by just pulling them forwards.
However my Scram's stand is a bit too stiff, & requires me to stick my boot in front of it, to "trip it up". Otherwise it wants to walk forward on the stand

motoV8

Another important point when putting the bike on the center stand is to make sure both feet of the stand are touching the ground before lifting the bike.
If you have the bike at an angle and just one foot of the stand is touching the ground, lifting is going to be awfully hard.

ohiorider

I've certainly owned bikes that were heavier, but still easier to get up on the centerstand than my T100. My recently-departed W650 weighed only 35-40 pounds less than the T100, but practically jumped up on the center stand with minimal foot pressure and only light lifting.

I'm 5'7", and am able to rock the bike off the stand while straddling it. The only thing I can say about taking this or any bike off the center stand when you're standing beside it is to steer slightly (emphasis on slightly) away from you, toward the right, so the bike leans toward you when it comes off the stand. At least this is my approach, and I've never dumped a bike coming off the center stand.

I may install a slightly larger diameter rear tire to facilitate getting the bike onto the stand, perhaps a Metzeler 140-80/17. I've been wanting to try a set of 880s anyway. Then I'll create another small issue for myself, in that to get the rear wheel clear of the ground for chain maintenance, I'll believe I'll need to place a small shim under the center stand legs.

Bob

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2003 T100 (790cc) Lucifer Org and Silv: 122/42 jets, TORs, 17T, UNI filter, no AI, Polaris bellmouth, Metzeler ME880 tires, Progressive 440 shocks (105/150 springs),11-1126 fork springs, gaiters, MotoTwin low bars, 6024 lamp, htd grips, 12v outlet.

Brooksie

The springs do seem kinda stiff of the Triumph center stand. Also, a LOT of road cack gets into it. Try spraying WD40 into the pivot, keeping a rag over your rear tire. Let it set that way during the winter. Works like a charm on mine.

MotoBuddha

With heavy or tippy bikes, I have the kick stand out when I push the bike off the center stand. It's like an extra hand if the bike starts to tip.

As far as getting it up on the center stand goes, it's more a matter of lifting the tail than rolling the bike back. Left hand on the left grip to keep the front from swinging, right hand grabbing something solid toward the back, then put your weight onto the stand's lever while pulling up on the back of the bike. Up she goes.

Ready to Ride

I am 5'8' and put my Bonnie on her center stand by standing on the left side, left hand on grip, right hand on frame just ahead of shock, right foot stepping doen on stand and lifting her up and back while stepping down hard on stand with right foot.

She comes down standing on left side, hands on both grips, right foot "tripping" the center stand (keeping it from sliding forward) and pushing forward, then applying front brake as she comes down.

Works easily with a little practice.

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07 Silver Bonnie, TORs, Tach kit, knee pads, center stand, A/I gone, solo seat with rack, Progressive fork springs, Progressive 440 shocks, NM windshield, 125 db horn, analog clock, Signal Minder

Odysseus

Gretsch, I'm the same height as you, and Scratch's technique is similar to mine. You'd be hard put to do it using pure strength - it very much involves a kind of smooth swinging action. But even then, if you put it up on the stand facing up a hill, you'll find it a hell of a job getting it off again, but quite entertaining for the neighbours. You may wonder how I know this.

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Oddball: Man, I only ride 'em - I don't know what makes 'em work.