Can't Get It Up...On the Center Stand!!

[dialtones6]

Now that I have your attention...newbie here, had my '07 about a month now.  Don't want to appear woosy here, but I am having the dickens of a time trying to get this behemoth up on the center stand...have only gotten it up there a couple of times, and thought I was going to drop it then.  Is there a knack, a method, or do I just need to man up and do a few more reps at the gym?  Thanks to anyone who can help!

[OldGuy]

Don't know about the X-500 for sure, but the part of the center stand that you use to kick it down is usually designed so that if you put your weight on it it levers the scoot up onto the stand without having to lift with your arms.

[dialtones6]

Yep, that's how I did it on my previous 250's...no problem.  Bought this bike from a soldier who needed the money and the stand has always been a problem...it also does not come all the way up once you push down...will actually drag on the ground if you forget to manually lift it back up.  Oh, well...I'll keep mucking around with it...isn't that one of the reasons we buy these bikes anyway??  Thanks for your reply.

[Alex]

you are not alone, if you dont weigh 200lb it aint easy

1) Grind a bit ( about 1/8")off the bottom of the centre stand legs  and at the same time shape them to be a bit rounder..as stock supply  there is a bit of a "lip"  on the base which needs to be "climbed" over to get it up so if you grind that rounder it gets easier...you need to take it off and on a few times until you find that you have ground enough and are acheiving it without drama
2) extend the lever arm on the part where you stand to put weight on.  this involves cutting the end off and fitting a piece of steel pipe over both cut ends to extend it..I  araldited it in even though it was a biff on fit and I think I pinned it as well, but am not sure about that..if you want pictures let me know

I know that there is a knack to getting the beast on the stand which with practice makes it easy to lever, lift , heave up all in one deft motion , but its not all that easy and can leave you half up/down overbalancing ooops SHHH....Heeeelp.

[axy]

Yep, that's how I did it on my previous 250's...no problem.  Bought this bike from a soldier who needed the money and the stand has always been a problem...it also does not come all the way up once you push down...will actually drag on the ground if you forget to manually lift it back up.  Oh, well...I'll keep mucking around with it...isn't that one of the reasons we buy these bikes anyway??  Thanks for your reply.

You need to grease the joints of the center stand and then it will come all the way up without any problems. One rain is enough to flush away all the grease that is initially put on the center stand, so you need to grease it from time to time. I use grease in can spray.

[dialtones6]

Thx, first, for letting me know I'm not a big loser!  I've never had problems before but I've also never had a bike this heavy...and your description of the thoughts that run through your mind as you try to judo the thing into place was priceless!  I have actually thought that an extension of the push pad piece might let me get more leverage on it as I have to get up close and personal now and can only put one small area of pressure on the push pad with my foot.  And, I've nearly slipped off a couple of times!  (That could leave a mark!)

Anyway, thanks for the commiseration and the advice.

[dialtones6]

Thanks for your reply about greasing the stand.  I plan to do so this weekend...by spray can, do you mean something like WD40?  Thanks.

[winginman]

On my 09 assuming they have not changed the center stand design.   Stand with your right hip next to the seat with your right foot on the center stand lever with your leg bent.  Grab the passenger handrail it should be pretty close to your hip or there abouts.  Lock your arm straight and at the same time push down with your right foot straightening your leg (use your leg muscles not your back or arms) while pulling up on the handrail.  Doesn't hurt to shift your weight as well to the right foot.  Mine will pop right up.  I also have an 800 pound Goldwing 1800 and the same method puts it on the center stand as well.  I am 62 and no muscle guy, it's in the getting the technique right.  Also make sure the center stand is properly functioning, I use something like WD40 to loosen a get it working freely, but lube it with spray white lithium grease. (the white lithium grease comes in a spray can like WD40 with a nozzle so you can put it where you want it. Got mine at the Honda store where I also bought my Kymco)

Now lets get out and do some riding...

[dialtones6]

That's all around GREAT advice...especially the "Let's get out and ride!!" part.  Been raining almost all week here in Maryland, but it's supposed to be gorgeous weekend!  Everyone have a great and a SAFE weekend!

[dialtones6]

OK...it's technique!  Figured out what I was doing wrong, so here's my advice to all Xciting 500 newbies:
1. You can NOT raise this beast on ONE stand leg!  Both legs of the stand have to be flat on the deck.
2. You have to lean the bike further away from you than is comfortable at first (I was WAY afraid of dropping it).
3. So, with side stand down (at least until you get practiced), push the center stand down with your right foot until the left center stand leg touches the deck.
4. Hold passenger side rail with right hand.
5. Slowly, while holding the center stand down with your right foot, push bike away from you until you feel the other (the right) center stand leg touch the deck...both center stand legs are now planted and flat.
6. Now, push on the center stand pedal with your right foot while lifting on the side rail...
it pops right up on the center stand.

It's pure, brilliant physics!  Very cool.

Thanks to all who responded...but this case is NOW closed!!javascript:void(0);

[bongoman]

Remember WD40 is not a lubricant. It's a great solvent, and will clean, but parts will not stay lubed.

Use a spray lubricant, or saqueeze a little grease in the joints.