Pulling Bike Onto Centerstand

Well, I didn't mention this previously but I ruptured a biceps tendon pulling a KZ900 carb test bike onto center stand a few weeks ago. I was also sick as a dog and couldn't get the tendon repaired until I was well enough and then had a cast on my arm for awhile. I did get the tendon fixed and all is healing nicely... getting back to pulling the bike onto centerstand. The KZ900 has no place to grab other than on the frame and this sets your grab point at an awkward angle. POP GOES THE TENDON although I have done the centerstand thing thousands of times. While recouperating, I noticed www.z1enterprises.com had a grab hand sold for the KZ1000 models that might be of help as it offers a better location for your rear grab point when rocking the bike up onto the centerstand. I bought one and installed it and it is now super easy to pull the bike up as the grab point is very ergonomic. I just put one on the left side of the bike but you can put one on either side if you like to balance out the look. The rail mounts onto the shock mount under the shock mount nut and the back mount point is on the tab that the rear turn signal mounts to... there is an extra hole there. They supply the needed bolt and washer with the rail although it doesn't show in the picture. Unfortunately, the rail doesn't fit my KZ1000E1 which has about two more inches between the mount points. The rail fits any KZ that has the 4 inch offset betwen mount points. It is one of the best accessories I have bought. Cudos to Z1E! wg

To prevent such a thing happening to me, I removed that pesky centerstand completely:) :laugh: :laugh:


And, sorry to hear about your injury...

When parking the bike, can pull the rear tire onto a piece of 2x12 (or 2x-anything) whereby the rear end is higher. A beveled edge makes it easy for the rear tire to roll up onto it.

Here's a pic of a KZ900 LTD on its sidestand with a 2x12 wood block in place ready to push bike forward with rear tire sitting on the block just before rocking bike back onto the centerstand -- you won't believe how easy it is (no tendons required). When on the centerstand, the rear wheel may be freed by simply pushing the block out from under the tire.

Good Luck!

Yeah... I know... sigh... pulled the KZ900 onto centerstand probably 5 times a day, 6 days a week of years. NO problemo then one day, my decrepit arm just went POP... I have to use the method shown with the board for getting my Voyager onto centerstand. I am pretty strong but have NEVER figured that one out. It has a two stage centerstand. First is a lever that you push down to get the centerstand down then the centerstand itself. It is like trying to deadlift 700 lbs! If I use a 5/8" piece of plywood under the rear tire, it comes up effortlessly. The 79 shafty E1 is the easier bike I have ever owned to get onto the centerstand. It must be in the balance as that bike isn't light...

It was the lack of a grab rail that caused me to drop my SR the first time I tried to put it on the centerstand. I managed to score a pair of the correct ones and I'm fortunate the 650B already had them on it. It does make a tremendous difference handling the bike.

Great tip Patton about the piece of wood, I'm going to have to try that one. Thanks.

When on the centerstand, some bikes have more clearance than others between the rear tire and floor.

The 2x (which actually measures 1.5" thick) works well for Z1 and KZ900 LTD, but might be a little too thick for a different bike where a somewhat thinner board might work better.

For example, wg's Voyager does well with a 5/8" thick board.

It's desirable to have a loose fit between the tire and board so the board may be readily pushed out from underneath the tire in order to free the rear wheel for servicing, etc.

Would probably be a good idea to first measure the clearance between tire and floor, and choose the board thickness accordingly.

Good Luck!

Yep, that handle makes a HUGE difference...although the correct geometry in/of the centrestand makes a big difference too. My 650 with the handles in place is close to effortless to put on the stand PROVIDED that I don't have a bunch of heavy stuff strapped to the carrier. Without any cargo, I can almost put it on the centrestand simply by stepping of the centrestand extension and pushing forward a bit with my foot. The grab handle almost is a "steadying" device, rather than a lifting device.
BTW, I'm no Arnie either....rather the opposite.:laugh: :laugh:

I tried the wood trick and it works great!!!

Hey, First, hope your healing well! Second, I dont want to oversimplify the process but, a friend of mine was watching me put my 82 50 gpz on the centerstand and he showed me something that really surprised me. He showed me that the more weight I put on my right foot the less I had to pull up w/ my arm. As I have some crunching going on in my right shoulder,it sure has helped me. Maybe it will help you also. Joe