FJRiders.com

Ok, so as some of you know I just got my FJR and all i've ever had before is sport bikes so nothing has ever had that stand thingy under it. I have always had those stands for the rear and front tires when the bike was gonna go unused for more than a couple days. I tried to get the bike up on that stand thingy the other day as it was gonna be raining for several days down here in the swamp but shit that thing is heavy. the little handle in the frame was no help. Does anyone actually use that stand thingy and if so how in the hell do you get the bike up on it?

For the first tries, you might want an assistant on the other side of the bike, to help in case you lose the balance of the bike. The FJR is a heavy beast. Boots or heavy soles will help, here. Put the stand down to the ground, with both bottom pads on the ground (the bike needs to be level, left and right). Grab the handle under the seat. Hold the handlebar grip with your free hand, to keep the bike balanced. Stand most or all of your weight on the center-stand pedal, while you pull UP and REARWARD on the grab-handle. You are not trying to lift the bike, you are trying to put distance between the foot pedal and the grab-handle.

If that trick is a problem at first, roll the rear wheel up onto a short 2x4 to start, to make things easier. Once you practice with the board, it will be easier to do it later, without the board. If the bike suspension has been lowered, using lowering links and/or clamping lower on the fork tubes, the stock center stand will probably not be an option.

Cheers,
Red

I use it all the time, and once you get the hang of it, it ain't no thang.

Make sure you have the centerstand bearing on both supports before starting.

Step on the tang while pulling back on that frame grip.

If you've never had a centerstand on a bike before, I suggest you meet up with your new FJR pals, have them demonstrate for you, then spot you while you give it a go.

What these guys said. I like to use a rocking motion to get the bike up onto the center stand. It consists of putting quite a lot of weight on the stand tang thang, while at the same time pulling up as strongly as I safely can on the frame rail grab thang.

The first bunch of times I did it, I thought I was going to flop the bike over on the right side. It does take some getting used to. Up-sizing your tire to a 190 makes a considerable difference.

I thought putting up my 2014 was difficult until I had to put up a 2006. I think my testicles are still on the pavement from that one.

Getting it off the stand is another matter entirely. It can be a pain, especially on a smooth garage floor.

Twigg wrote:Getting it off the stand is another matter entirely. It can be a pain, especially on a smooth garage floor.

I always sit on the bike to get it off the center stand. It ain't no thang.

I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK
I sleep all night and I work all day
(He's a lumberjack and he's OK
He sleeps all night and he works all day)
I cut down trees, I eat my lunch
I go to the lavat'ry
On Wednesdays I go shopping
And have buttered scones for tea
(He cuts down trees...)
(He's a lumberjack...)
I cut down trees, I skip and jump
I love to press wild flow'rs
I put on women's clothing
And hang around in bars
(He cuts down trees...)
(He's a lumberjack...)
I cut down trees, I wear high heels
Suspenders and a bra
I wish I'd been a girlie
Just like my dear papar
(He cuts down trees...)
(He's a lumberjack...)

Like was mentioned, make certain both feet are on the floor. Also, have the front wheel facing straight forward. Lastly, keep trying to do it. Like anything done the first couple of times, it seems difficult, but then it will become easy.

I too struggled at first, but now it's a very effortless maneuver for me. Also, like Wheatie, I sit on the bike, give it a good rock forward, and land gently down.

The key is finding the handle under the seat. That puts you in just the right spot to do the correct technique. Then stand the bike up and push down on the stand lever till you feel both feet are in contact with the ground and then push back and down on the stand and she'll go right up. I'm 5'7" and park mine on it daily in the garage and at work. It's all in technique, not weight or strength. Check youtube as well as there's plenty of videos showing how to do it on multiple bikes.

And now for something completely different......

wheatonFJR wrote:I always sit on the bike to get it off the center stand. It ain't no thang.

It's also quite easy to pop it off the center stand, in gear, and ride away without touching your feet to the ground.

(No shit, brothers and sisters! It's not hard, really; but recommended only for smooth, asphalt/concrete surfaces.)

Twigg wrote:Getting it off the stand is another matter entirely. It can be a pain, especially on a smooth garage floor.

I had an old rubber truck bed matt that I cut down the middle. I pull my bike on that and that fixed the sliding on my smooth floor.

Uncle Hud wrote:

wheatonFJR wrote:I always sit on the bike to get it off the center stand. It ain't no thang.

It's also quite easy to pop it off the center stand, in gear, and ride away without touching your feet to the ground.

(No shit, brothers and sisters! It's not hard, really; but recommended only for smooth, asphalt/concrete surfaces.)

Just, you know, make sure your not loaded down and forgot to put your kickstand up. Sigh.

I am going to have to just ride over and see what I can do to help this guy. It will be difficult to fit into my schedule because of the time and distance involved. I am estimating he is at least 15 minutes from my (wife's) house.

Better yet - let's all get together on Saturday. We can plan the Center Stand demo about 200 miles from Prairieville - that ought to be about right.

I'll come to ya'll - it's all riding to me.....

Sounds like a heck of a good deal to me.

I remember when i was a kid watching my grandpa put his Gold Wing up on its stand. He made it look easy. But, then again i was 10. Would love some lessons. Half a day of riding and a 10 minute lesson. Sounds like a perfect use of a Saturday.

400 miles in a 1/2 day? Easy now sport bike rider - no point in going to jail over it.

I'm planning to ride Saturday - weather should be nice. Holla!