Put bike on centerstand

[Red Mist_imp]

I think that the CB1100 is one of the easiest bikes to put on the center stand.
I NEVER use the side stand on any of my bikes.
Over the years I have seen too many bikes fall over from not having the side stand on a firm enough ground.
A friend of mine had his brand new Suzuki fall over after it sunk into hot black top.

Live and learn. A smashed soda can works well as a sidestand support. Of course, a centerstand tang can sink into hot blacktop just as easily; and they do.

Anyone can have an incident with a bike toppling. Usually we get those out of the way in the first year riding. Many of my bikes have had centerstands, but most have not, and most bikes sold don't have a centerstand. I did a lot of touring on chain-drive bikes with no centerstand. One has to roll the bike a few feet to lube the chain, and keep a can of the stuff in the luggage. Other than that inconvenience I can't think of any reason I'd miss a centerstand. I'm sure as hell not going to be able to pull off a wheel and remove the tire for repairs. Tubeless tires respond well to a plug and a can of sealant without needing removal and will generally get you to a place that can repair or replace the tire, so any rationale that a centerstand is needed these days for tire replacement has been long deprecated.

Let us just be honest for a moment. Among all bikes with centerstands, the CB1100 is by no means an easy lift. I've had a couple of BMWs that ranged from nearly effortless to a light pressure. Among bikes I recall, the CB1100 is among the hardest of lifts. My R100GS, one of the old-school BMWs, had a perfect balance front/rear, so either wheel could be removed using just the centerstand, and the bike would rock on to the remaining wheel. It was a piece of cake to get on the centerstand. The leverage and position was so well worked out that it could be done by anyone.

The CB1100 requires focus and a mastery of the technique, and some due diligence. A healthy spinal column is also handy. Weight is an advantage.

I really don't want new riders having difficulties with the centerstand to get the notion -- especially after visiting this forum -- that they are somehow wimpy or deficient because they are having trouble. This poor guy dumped his bike in the garage (we've all done it) and has a few yards to go to get to where he can use the mainstand without issue. There is no shame in removing or ignoring the centerstand. It is not a "man" test. You want your man test, come out to the racetrack sometime. No centerstand needed. Bring your kneepucks instead.

Our CB1100 IS very easy to put on the centerstand. If you want to practice on something, find an old Kawasaki C10 Concours! YIKES!

I agree. I can't imagine anyone having problems doing this.

Hold by the bars. Get to desired spot.

Left hand - left bar.

Right hand, under rear grab rail, knuckles down.

Right foot, on stand lever (this is important!!!)

Left foot, about 10 inches from right foot, to it's left

NOW TAKE NOTE: push the stand lever with the right foot. THIS ALONE WILL ALMOST GET THE BIKE ON THE STAND.

Now whilst it is moving rearward and IN ONE SMOOTH MOTION TUG THE REAR RAIL UPWARDS AND EASE THE BIKE BACKWARDS, STILL APPLYING FOOT PRESSURE.

Sorry for the capitals.

If that doesn't work, put some weight on, buy a lighter bike, join a gym or as Red Mist says, use the side stand. Phew.

I agree. I can't imagine anyone having problems doing this.

Hold by the bars. Get to desired spot.

Left hand - left bar.

Right hand, under rear grab rail, knuckles down.

Right foot, on stand lever (this is important!!!)

Left foot, about 10 inches from right foot, to it's left You put your right hand in,
You put your right hand out,
You put your right hand in,
And you shake it all about,

You do the hokey pokey
and you turn yourself around
That what it's all about.