Centerstand - Noob question...

[Ole_imp]

Your right leg does all the work to get the bike up.
If you are using your arm or back, you are doing it wrong.

[Jim21680_imp]

As for the original question of can it be lifted while on the saddle....and I'd say no, definitely not.

At least by me. Not a chance

[kmoney_imp]

I'm your size and I could never get the bike up with while straddling it.

As said above, your leg should do most of the work. If you don't get it in one push you can also use the front brake to keep the bike partially up until you can reset your footing and give it another good push to take it over the edge. This requires a somewhat different position though -- two hands on bars, right foot facing forward pushing down on stand.

I hated the centre stand at first. Being left handed, the entire process/motion is backwards for me and I have probably half the coordination I would if it were reversed. Once you do it a few times it gets easier.

[4 Paws_imp]

Am I the only one who cheats by riding the bike onto a length of 2x lumber them putting the center stand down?

It's a must do to get the Ural onto the center stand.

[Lord Popgun]

The CB is easy to get up, unless you have a back problem or something.

Try a ST1300. I can barely get it on the stand and usually need help getting it off.

[Inhouse Bob]

I was always scared of the center stand as well. I am small and light and weak. I got a friend to spot me for a few practice tries until I was sure of myself and am now competent. It wasn't the lift that was scary but the drop. But knowing that I could put the side stand down was a big help. An uphill driveway is a problem, as someone else said. Makes getting it down again much more challenging.
My experience with the lift: It was really hard until I watched the videos and learned to push straight down and lift straight up. If you try to pull the bike back, it won't work well at all. Straight up, straight down.
Good luck!

[the Ferret]

The CB is easy to get up, unless you have a back problem or something.

Try a ST1300. I can barely get it on the stand and usually need help getting it off.

+1. I carry a wedge board in my trunk for getting my ST on the center stand. My gosh, what a pain. If my wife is around she will help, but by yourself it is tough.

[redbirds_imp]

I like the handy folding lever the ST1300 has. A little scary to put on the stand at first but not bad considering the weight.

[immgunn_imp]

The CB is pretty easy getting on the center stand, but my '99 BMW 1100RT was SUPER easy. My 2004 KLR 650 with an after-market center stands was impossible to do solo.

[Lord Popgun]

Ferret, I might have to start doing that. Can you post a pic of your wedge?