From time to time, new Riders will ask how to put their VFR on the center stand. This may be a little intimidating if your previous bike only had a side stand.First, here are several basic rules of thumb. Be sure you have on good shoes or boots and that the area is free of water, oil or anything slippery. Also practice in an area that is level and preferably on cement. If you are real nervous about trying to set the bike on the center stand, then perhaps you should have someone show you how the first time. Actually, the VFR is balanced and pops onto the stand easily using the following steps.
Some Riders also recommend that you make sure the side stand is in the up position when putting the bike on or off the center stand. If the bikes comes off the center stand at an angle, the weight of the bike can damage the side stand if it is down. Anyway, I hope this helps.
- Place your left hand on the left handle grip and your right hand on the handle near the helmet lock. Another point that I sometimes use is the right passenger handle on the rear of the bike.
- Next, place your right foot on the center stand lever until the stand touches the ground and then shift more of your weight onto that center stand lever arm until both legs of the stand are touching the ground at the same time. This will steady the bike a little.
- Now, keep your foot and weight on the center stand lever and simultaneously push down with your right leg on the center stand lever while firmly lifting up with your right hand on either the lower or upper grip point. (Your left hand is simply keeping the bike steady and giving you a place to maintain your balance). The bike will swing up on the center stand. The motion should be firm and smooth. It is not a matter of muscle or physical strength, but rather of leverage.
