Went to the light side, now can't get it up!

[EricSuz]

Made the trade of the 05 LT for an 06 RT. Now having second thoughts. Wifes first words when she saw the RT "you got ripped off". Got her to set on the RT--"don't like it, not as comfortable as the LT". She has only rode with my 4 times in 30,000 miles on the LT. So-----

I love the way the RT handles at all speeds--a joy at parking lot speed.
However, I do have one big problem. I can't get the RT on the center stand by myself. Don't have the manual yet, maybe the secret will be revealed in the manual. Sure is embarrassing--almost as much as dropping the LT. Anyone have suggestions?

[fdgibbons]

I also traded in my LT for a RT. It is lighter, but I like it better. The RT is so much easier to handle and much more responsive. I think it is easy to get on the center stand. I put my left hand on the handlebar, right hand under the "tail rack" and simply step down on the centerstand. It goes up right up. I don't like the seat, so I am going to see Rick Mayer this week to get it modified. I am also having to buy a lot of stuff to equip it like my LT was. I still love it and would just say that there is no going back.

Frank

[fdgibbons]

Oops, I need to change my picture. I am still on my LT.

[DPWiegs]

Eric,

I've had excellent luck with this technique the local sales rep showed me...

1. Start with the bike on the sidestand
2. Ensuring your front wheel is in line with the frame (left hand), push the center stand down to where it meets the floor with your right foot. At this point you will need to be grasping the rear rack by your thigh with your right hand.
3. Now, gently stand the bike straight up to get both of the center stand feet flat on the floor...do this by carefully pushing the bike away from you since it it leaning left on the sidestand.
4. When you feel both centerstand feet squarely on the ground, simply make a lever motion by pushing down with your weight on your right foot and pulling slightly back on the rear rack with your right hand...it should pop right onto the centerstand. If you are straining to pull, you're not quite getting it right.

For me, the key is getting both centerstand feet squarely in contact with the garage floor/road first.

Hope this helps,

Dave
2007 Silver R1200RT
2003 Silver F650CS (sold)

[motoguy128]

The key to get it on the center stand is leverage. Don't try to lift the bike. Rather, push down squarely on the center stand with you leg to lever the bike up. Then just use your upper body to stabilize the bike and help rock it backwards.

important keys (as montioned above) 1) stand close to the bike. 2) make sure the center stand feet are both on the ground (the bike is upright)... if they aren't, it's hard to lift and you cna get off balance and drop it.

I find it's harder often to get off the stand... expecially when loaded with luggage and fuel.

[Christoffel]

All of the above so true. Once you get the feel for it, it is just so easy. Make sure it is level (both feet down) - balance and put your weight on the right leg - slightly pulling on the rail with your right hand.
RT -greetings from a warm Cape Town SA
Christo

[DaveDragon]

Same Procedure as the LT and GS Adventure

In Neutral
Right Foot down on the Center-stand arm
Rotate the bike Toward the Right till Both Center-stand Feet are on the ground
Stand on the Center-stand Arm while pulling rearward, Not Up

It's a coordination exercise and practice makes perfect.

[paulcbrowne]

I did the same trading my LT for an RT. Took the wife for a two-hours ride first. Now, I just keep hearing how comfortable the LT was!! For me, it's so much easier to handle the RT that there's no question about the decision, except my riding partner seems to show little interest now.

Any suggestions?

[Effjay]

<snip> Anyone have suggestions?

Have you been practicing? Any improvement? This morning while topping up for a SoCal FJR Forum group ride, your "can't get it up" topic came to mind while I was doing my routine. Maybe one thing some of us do relates to your issue. When I stop the bike and shut it off, I always leave it in 1st gear, deploy the sidestand, then step off. Normally I lift it onto the centerstand and always do that when refueling. What others have said applies, but my bike is still in first gear. As I initiate the centerstand drill, I also squeeze the clutch lever at the same time. Doing so reduces enertia moment since the rear tire is free to roll and friction with pavement is reduced. Just a thought...

Jeff

[bmwrubbercow]

OK no body else bit on the part about your wife having lots to say about the switch to the RT but only rode the LT 4 times in 30K so....................

My wife also rides with me but not too often. I want her to be comfortable but I also want a ride that I like and I ride a lot. If all she does is ocasionally go for a day ride and you ride many thousands of miles a year be realistic. Virtually anyone can ride virtually anything for a short day ride. Frankly your wife (as well as mine) is not a dedicated rider. She goes ocasionally, probably to attempt to please you. Choose your ride for yourself here. She does not ride anyway..........And when you do take her along, make it a ride based on what she wants to do and likes to do even if it is just a 20 mile tiip to a good resturant. She doesn't really want to ride thousand miles next week end anyway, so don't ask her!

Good luck. :dance:

[motoguy128]

You guys made the mistake of riding a really comfortable bike first. When I met my wife, I had a R1150R. It's more comfy than a sportbike, but I used comfort as part of the reason to upgrde to a RT. My wife would definitely be PO'd if i went back to a smaller bike. But we've never ridden an LT, so ignorance is bliss in terms of comfort.

On the other hand I ride 2-up about 80% of the time.

[Jentine]

I find the change to the RT from the LT to be the best thing I have done. The wife agrees. She was, certainly, more comfortable on the LT, but she feels more secure on the RT (less to fall on her).
As for the center stand, I find it easiest to remain in the seat, step on the center stand bar and while pushing down, pull back on the handle bars. It will not work for shorter or lighter folks, but it works well for me.
Jim

[cfell]

Hey, Eric...
If you like the new bike, congrats....

If you NEED a bike that is comfy enough for your lovely bride, you can borrow Misty... she's not as purty, but she's reliable...

[EricSuz]

Chan,
I think you have forgotten how many times I dropped the LT. It may be a bmwlt record.
Don't think you would want me on your bike.

I did get it on the center stand today at the dealers. I think with a little more practice, it will become second nature. This is the first bike I've had that had a manuel centerstand.

[bubba_hashbrown]

Not sure if this was already mentioned: make SURE it is in NEUTRAL. I felt like a dummy shortly after getting my RT--suddenly I could not get it on the center stand. Damn--it was so easy yesterday??? :confused:
It was in 1st gear and wheel would only roll a short distance before it locked up. :histerica

[travelingman]

Everyone was spot on with there procedures just make sure you feel
the machine go over center an settle on the stand . If not an you think
your home free to soon it will go back foreword fairly quickly an possibly
cause you to loose balance an fall over with it.
As for LT vrs the RT I sold my 05 LT an kept my ole 96 RT which I always seemed to be my first choice unless my wife was going . I did put 14000 mi
on it an they are great for traveling but the weight just made me uncomfortable for everyday use .

[Bob1200rtc1]

My wife is loving our new RT. The key was not letting her ride an LT or Wing for that matter. (as was previously mentioned) I want a bike I can have fun with and the RT is it. :bmw:

[GolfGuy]

I bought the LT because she said it was more comfortable than the RT. And like so many SO....she hasn't put any miles on. Fortunately I Love the LT!
I agree ...buy for yourself!