To avert hijacking, and focus on this single topic, this is a branch-off of JetMechMarty's thread:
http://www.xs650.com/threads/did-not-make-it-home-in-one-piece.46473/
I messed-up my right arm doing something stoopid, trying to muscle the bike up onto the centerstand in poor conditions. Can't do the centerstand dance normally now, so need an alternative method. Getting old I guess. Others have expressed interest in something in the way of making the centerstand dance easier, especially with saddlebags.
Lots of helpful hints and tips in Marty's thread, including RetiredGentleman's boards/plywood, and Grizld1's "bootstrap" technique.
But, Gordon has a great idea about some sort of a swing-out lift-assist handle Hence, this thread.
I used a strap trick to get the bike on the centerstand. Used an old tie-down strap, with included hook.
Slip the strap over your shoulder, hook into the frame near the shock upper.
Starting with bike on sidestand, left hand grabs left handgrip.
Apply a little upward lift with the strap, while getting the bike vertical.
Right foot on centerstand lever. Right hand, well..., in my case, stuck in the shirt.
For you healthy chaps, right hand gripping the frame/bar in the usual manner.
Step/press down on centerstand lever.
Feel for getting both centerstand pads firmly on the ground, they'll help to hold the bike level.
Lift the bike with the strap while stomping down on the centerstand lever, as though you're trying to tear them apart.
*Bingo*, bike's now on centerstand.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/did-not-make-it-home-in-one-piece.46473/
I messed-up my right arm doing something stoopid, trying to muscle the bike up onto the centerstand in poor conditions. Can't do the centerstand dance normally now, so need an alternative method. Getting old I guess. Others have expressed interest in something in the way of making the centerstand dance easier, especially with saddlebags.
Lots of helpful hints and tips in Marty's thread, including RetiredGentleman's boards/plywood, and Grizld1's "bootstrap" technique.
But, Gordon has a great idea about some sort of a swing-out lift-assist handle Hence, this thread.
I used a strap trick to get the bike on the centerstand. Used an old tie-down strap, with included hook.
Slip the strap over your shoulder, hook into the frame near the shock upper.
Starting with bike on sidestand, left hand grabs left handgrip.
Apply a little upward lift with the strap, while getting the bike vertical.
Right foot on centerstand lever. Right hand, well..., in my case, stuck in the shirt.
For you healthy chaps, right hand gripping the frame/bar in the usual manner.
Step/press down on centerstand lever.
Feel for getting both centerstand pads firmly on the ground, they'll help to hold the bike level.
Lift the bike with the strap while stomping down on the centerstand lever, as though you're trying to tear them apart.
*Bingo*, bike's now on centerstand.