The solution for GoldWing Centerstand weaklings

motorcycle on centerstand


I'm a centerstand weakling. After 17 years hoiking my ST1300s on and off their centerstands easily, I just can't get Sherbert on their stand without injury.

The weakest solution

Max at Traxxion Dynamics says I'm a weakling. Chris the Cruiseman doesn't understand the issue for people under 3 meters tall and even Robert White, if more empathetic, doesn't really get the problem. 

The problem is nothing to do with the "secret sauce" of planting both centerstand feet on the floor, although that is essential. It's not being able to hoik the beast up and over onto the centerstand, period.

In case you've missed their combined athletics, here's the trio happily telling me I'm an idiot on YouTube.

Robert White

"Did you see how easy that was?"

Chris Dickenson (Cruiseman)

"I can even do it on these firm rubber tiles".

Max McCallister

"Truly, if you understand how to do it, it's really easy."

The strongest solution

I love that Chris, Max, and Robert want to help and I wish they'd have offered the alternative I'm about to share with you here. 

It's not my own solution, of course. I read it in a chat board and failed to note the author after I dropped everything, ran to the garage, and tried it out. Boy, did it reveal the simple life! Sherbert is more on the centerstand now than off it.

What I noted in my research was the number of riders who share the same problem as me. It can't be only technique as I'm competent with the Arod the ST1300. It's just lack of strength, weight, or a manufacturing difference in the stand's height.

It's really the best solution. An alternative is a ride-on-off centerstand.

Ride-on-off centerstands

I was researching the ride-on-off centerstands that are available. They look great and I worry that around these parts we almost always park on a slope. I'd worry about Sherbert fecking off downhill on their own. Yes, I know we have a parking break and there's this problem called a human brain.

The stands look like a great addition overall and come at a price on import. Problems with manufacturing make one version I found a high risk purchase.

Here's a ride-on-off centerstand in operation with Shane from Oz on YouTube. Scrub forward to around 2 minutes for the demonstration.

The winning technique for weaklings

Do the following and save your back without forking out a fortune.

Step A. Find a plank

Find a piece of 2cm or half inch thick wood plank or similar material that won't crush. You'll decide how broad or long the plank needs to be when you plan for the next steps.

Step B. Place the plank

Place the plank behind the rear wheel ready to reverse onto it.

Step C. Park the bike

  1. Park the bike with the rear wheel on top of the plank you placed. I find Reverse works well.
  2. Apply the parking break.
  3. Place the bike back onto it's side stand

Step D. Deploy the centerstand

As demonstrated by Chris, Max, and Robert, we'll position the centerstand on both of its feet to balance the bike, and then lift the bike up and rearward as follows:

  1. Grab and straighten the handlebar with the left hand.
  2. Grab the left passenger handle with the right hand.
  3. Place your right foot on the centerstand footplate.
  4. Stand the bike up vertical and be sure both centerstand feet connect with the ground.
  5. Use your left hand to release the parking brake, and then re-grab the left handlebar.
  6. Lift the bike rearward while putting weight on the centerstand footplate.
  7. When the bike is on its stand, decide to leave the side stand down, or not

Finesse

To finesse the technique, you can do the following:
  • Cut a short board to stow with the bike.
  • Place a longer board under your bike mat.
  • Style the board as you like.
Here's Sherbert on the centerstand after using the technique. The board is placed under the rubber mat.

Motorcycle on centerstand over rubber mat with plank under it


Thank you for reading. I hope this helps.

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Location: Wexford, Co. Wexford, Ireland

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