Hi Everyone - New Owner of an '06

Hello All,

I look forward to learning even more than I already have here. I recently picked up a Pearl White 06 with 700 mi on it. Aside from a few small scratches the bike is immaculate.

I have read the manual many times already but I am not able to put this heavy bike on it's center stand. Can anyone help a new guy out with this:unsure:?

Thanks,

Gunzer

 

Hi Gunzer and welcome! Nice bike! Yes I thought iw ould be impossible to get the bike on the centerstand. There are a few good how to's on here. Here's how I do it now; when you do it right it is almost effortless even with loaded side bags.

I had to try it many times before I got it up on the sidestand. Then it helped me to have a friend stand on the right side of the bike the first few times (to make it feel more secure that the friend can catch it if it starts to lean away from you) and it popped right up onto the centerstand then. I was leaning it too far toward me being scared that it might get away from me otherwise. When the friend was standing there, I thought he helped me lift it, but then he pointed out that he wasn't even touching the bike.

1. Bike in neutral (not sure if this is really necessary)
2. Left hand on left hand grip, right hand on grip near passenger left foot peg.
3. Side stand up & front wheel basically pointed straight.
4. Bring center stand down with right foot. When it touches the ground, make sure it is touching on both sides.
5. Put weight on side stand with right foot. I nearly lift my left foot off the ground as I do this. At the same time lift up and back slightly with right hand.
6. The KEY for me is I MUST pull backward on the left handgrip at this same time. Otherwise I cannot get it to pop onto the center stand.

When doing 5 and 6, I like to to have my head up (not looking down or at the ground), seems easier to keep balance this way. Also I like to take a breath right before 5&6 and then exhale while doing 5&6.

To take off the centerstand, I feel most comfortable doing this while sitting on the bike. I have to rock it a few times, then as it comes down I can squeeze the front brake. A few times I have taken it off the center stand while standing next to the bike but it feels more likely to me to drop it doing it this way, though it does come down very gently and doesn't roll very much.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of ownership.
The center stand seems to get the better of a lot of folks at first(including me). But once you know how it is a snap. One thing I would add to Porcupines excelent write up...I leave my side stand down in the event that I lose my balance. That way I can set it back down on the side stand in a hurry. Just a thought.
Enjoy your new ride.

 

Thanks for all the replys! I have developed my technique and this is no longer a worrisome situation. This site rocks. :strong:

Gunzer

 

congrats, welcome, and how about some pics of your new lady?

 

Welcome to the forum, Congratulation on your new toy.

 

welcome Gunzer. A white '06...that's the best kind! Ha ha ha...
cheers,
Jeff

 

Hi Franko,

I would be happy to provide a photo or two. How do I post pics on this site?

Thanks again,

Gunzer

 

Hi. Probably the easiest way is to click 'photos' from the navbar at the top of the page and upload your photos there. Then a 'view my photo gallery' link will appear in your info to the left in all your posts.

Or if you already have your photos hosted somehwere, you can put them in your posts by putting the url inside