Taking advice to heart

You guys were pretty brutal to me on another thread. (Not complaining, it's what I needed, thank you.)

This weekend is devoted to the bike. Carbs are being done, oil change, new plugs and new air filter. Oh, god, that air filter was bad.

In the similar vein, though probably less important, the seat is being reupholstered.

I am having a mechanic clean the carbs for me (that is where the bike is now, sans the seat) it was beyond my ability. I should be able to pick it up Friday afternoon/Saturday morning.

I'm having issue getting the bike up on the center stand. It took three of us to get it the other day. I know they are stubborn, but that seems excessive. Its not hard to push the stand down to the ground, so I don't think its rusted out.

What else would you guys recommend that I do? It runs, the only outward sign was the stubborn start when warm.

 

Practice. Dave (Hogfiddles) can attest to the struggle I had figuring out how to get the bike on the center stand. I was really getting ticked off at myself so I determined that I was going to figure it out. My biggest fear was tipping the bike away from me while trying to get it on the stand. Once I overcame that, it became easier. I put one hand (left) on the handle bar, the other just below the seat, and step hard on the stand while rocking back the bike. It is more technique than muscle.

 

Don't feel bad, it took me almost 30 years to figure out I was doing it wrong, once I got it right, it is really easy. Lightc1776 speakers the truth that you first have to overcome your fear that tipping the bike onto the center stand will have it fall away from you.

Read this post, my experience is on page 3: http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/c...new-to-center-stands.27464/page-3#post-478254

After reading the above thread and viewing some youtube vids, the night I finally figured out how to do it, I was in the garage at midnight, laughing at myself and practicing. My wife got out of bed and came to the garage to find out what I was laughing about!

 

Center Stand Trick for new riders or new to center stands


or video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC6jGdzn4V4



www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC6jGdzn4V4

 

easy peasy push on center stand with your right foot ( with you on left side of bike) lift under frame under seat . I amazed a guy who could not get his bike on center stand with out 2 people (Suzuki 1100) when I showed him how to do it this way ... He laughed too

 

one thing to check ,if the bike is difficult to get on the stand , and you are doing it right, have the rear shocks been lowered or changed for shorter ones. its suprising how shorter shocks can make this hard
stu

 

I was also having problems with my xj700 until I statted using the rear fender bar that has Maxim on it. It is lower than wherever I was initially pulling and maybe a little further back. But in any case it is much easier. Look at the video XK550h posted above and try it like I do. I'm 5'7", 150 pounds and I can do it easily. You will also once you get the hang of it.

 

Retrain your mind.
Think of it as stretching the bike onto the centerstand, instead of lifting it.
Your right leg pushes down as your right arm is lifting (but not lifting) up and back.
Imagine a large rubberband between your right foot and right hand.

 

The video changed my life. Getting it onto the centerstand was a PITA before that. It's soooo simple now that I spent a year and a bit being a dork.

 

PilotSmack it is like riding a pushbike, one you get used to its easy.

 

The grab handle on the rear fender is key. I use the center ALMOST exclusively. IMHO, on the center stand, it's more stable, takes up less room in the garage and I like the idea that the carb set (floats, bowls, etc.) remain level when the bike is at rest for days at a time.

On the other hand, when leaning on the side kick, it looks waaay more bad ass. I'll admit I lean it over when I know friends and family are coming over and inevitably the guys gravitate to the garage for a cigar and another round of IPA's... Because... Why wouldn't you?

 

Definitely agree with using the rear fender grab technique. May seem blatantly obvious, but I always get the feet on the ground and give it a little rock to make sure both sides are down before pushing further. Once both feet are down, a nice smooth push should easily get it up if you have the correct angle of pressure with your right foot. I have seen an XJ get put on it's side going up on the center stand and had my own almost get away from me when I first picked it up.