Center stand troubles

[baker]

I know this has probably been hammered on quite a bit in the past, but being relatively new to my LT. (2 months) I was wondering just how hard should it be to put it up on the centerstand? It seems like mine is extremely hard. My 1500 goldwing was fairly easy and I tried an 1800 wing the other day and it was like putting a 50cc bike up. I have taken it apart and lubed and reassembled whick helped, but not that much. Also how close should it tuck up underneath the bike when retracted. Mine is down almost 2 inches and drags alot in curves. I would appreciate any input
Thanks, Ron

[Zeke]

I know this has probably been hammered on quite a bit in the past, but being relatively new to my LT. (2 months) I was wondering just how hard should it be to put it up on the centerstand? It seems like mine is extremely hard. My 1500 goldwing was fairly easy and I tried an 1800 wing the other day and it was like putting a 50cc bike up. I have taken it apart and lubed and reassembled whick helped, but not that much. Also how close should it tuck up underneath the bike when retracted. Mine is down almost 2 inches and drags alot in curves. I would appreciate any input
Thanks, Ron

Ron;

I had the same trouble with mine in the middle of a trip. I thought she was just loaded down more or Im getting old. When I got home it got so hard that it snapped the center support. To much dragging in the corners
I rewelded it back a checked for parallel. Reinstalled and all is good.
So in short check the center tube that connects the 2 sides, yours may also be ready to break. I also ground off the the small section on the left side where I drag it all the time.
But dragging is normal, check your suspension.
I will try to get some pics if you need them.

Zeke

[baker]

Thanks Zeke, I'll check center support again. It did look good when I had it off. Also I have the suspension set to heaviest load

[mneblett]

I know this has probably been hammered on quite a bit in the past, but being relatively new to my LT. (2 months) I was wondering just how hard should it be to put it up on the centerstand? It seems like mine is extremely hard. My 1500 goldwing was fairly easy and I tried an 1800 wing the other day and it was like putting a 50cc bike up. I have taken it apart and lubed and reassembled whick helped, but not that much. Also how close should it tuck up underneath the bike when retracted. Mine is down almost 2 inches and drags alot in curves. I would appreciate any input
Thanks, Ron
If i's not a problem with the centerstand structure, it may be a problem with your technique (assuming you don't have lowered shocks). I found the LT to be one of the easiest bikes I've owned to centerstand; in fact easier than my current 250 lb lighter RT (let's not get into a "worst bike to centerstand thread -- I had an RD350 Yamaha in college that was a bi... but I digress :D).

The key (at least for me) is to not try to drag/pull the bike *backwards*.

Instead:

1. Face the bike, left hand on left grip, right hand on saddlebag handle.

2. Stand the bike upright and toe the centerstand down with the right foot.

3. Rock the bike gently left/right until you are sure you have both centerstand feet in contact with the ground.

4. Here's the important part: As you put all of your weight on the right foot on the centerstand, pull UP on the right hand -- think of trying to push down and pull up STRICTLY in the VERTICAL direction, and DO NOT WORRY ABOUT whether the bike will move backwards.

5. There is no step 5! If you have concentrated on separating your hand and your foot in the vertical direction, the bike will AUTOMATICALLY move backwards, as the stand rotates downward under the bike.

HTH! Let us know how you make out.

[zippy_gg]

Proper tire inflation can help a little, but if your rear shock is worn out that could be your issue. You didn't specify the year of your LT or the mileage, but suspect your rear shock is the culprit.
Have you tried tightening the preload (knob is under the seat)?
Also do a search on preload refill. It may help...

[baker]

Mark , That is pretty much how I try putting it up on the centerstand, maybe I need to pull up more, I'll try that.
Giles, it is an 04 with 14,000 miles, The tires are inflated properly .the preload is maxed out. I wouldn' think the shock would be bad at this point but stanger things happen. What would be a good way to check it?
Thanks ,Ron

[deanwoolsey]

Try putting your left foot on the center stand, right hand on the saddle-bag handle (not the handle below the seat) and simply push down and forward with your left foot as you pull up and back with your hand as you lean slightly towards the cycle. Everyone has their own method. That one works for me. You can also put the rear tire up on a 1" piece of wood before you start. That makes it real easy until you get comfortable.

[cealbrecht]

You probably just need to refill the preload adjuster as zippy suggested. If you have the preload maxed out, and you have a rough time getting it onto the center stand, then I would suggest that half of the fluid in the adjuster is missing. Once I refilled mine, it went onto the center stand much easier at 3/4 preload.

[baker]

Actually I have been using the 1" board quite a bit. I will check the preload level, What kind of fluid does the preload adjuster take. I really appreciate the input everything helps
Ron

[gbob]

Hello Baker

The step by step instructions by mneblett are very good , that is about how I do it , just snap it up quick at the start and let it coast over the top so to speak . If you have some one to demo it would help . If you are ever ride west on 54hwy to Neveda MO .Send a Private Message and stop by

Bob G

[bblalock]

For those who pooh-poohed it I say, "just stand over her and press the little button". So far, 86,000 miles and she rises every time, loaded or not.

[baker]

Well ,I checked the fluid level in the preload adjuster and it might have held a 1/4 oz but I doubt it. I also rechecked tire pressure it was ok. neither really helped at all. I'll keep working with it. and see what I can come up with, hopefully not a new shock.
Bob,I'll keep you in mind when I ride out towards Nevada, Sames goes if you ever come towards Camdenton, Thanks for all your help. I only wish I had the electric center stand, (envy)

[Tinks]

Hi

Can't offer you any other suggestions re pulling up on to centre stand, however I can offer a suggestion re "grinding" stand on curves...if you look under the bike there is a rubber "stop" for the stand,,,, it is possible to remove a substantial amount of this rubber which allows the stand to nestle further under the bike...but be warned it is still very easy to shower following cars in sparks if you are a little enthusiastic!!!

Tinks

[baker]

Well, I finally got my centerstand to function somewhat normal. I bought a used one off ebay and put it on today. Man did that make a difference!! :D Apparently mine was somewhat jacked up. Thanks for all the help
Ron