Getting Z1 KZ900 up on center stand

Just wondering if anyone else has a hard time getting their Z1 or KZ900 up on the center stand. I've had dozens of bikes over the years, never smaller than a 750 and this is the first one I really struggle with getting up. I understand the technique, do most of the work with your right leg, pull back not up etc. but still... I don't know what it is. Might be there's no place to get a good grab with my right hand... the grab bar is too far back, the cross bars on the frame are too low, the bottom of the seat isn't really firm or secure enough.

Are you a less than 180 Pound? It´a Combo of right foot pressure (Body weight) and right arm lift skills.
The Z1 is a bike for a real man :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Especially be aware you must use your foot pushing down on center stand !!!!!!!

Push down and pull up, not back it's going to head that way on it's own.
This is it in a nut shell , just a bit tougher

Yeah.. I get it. I've put every bike I've ever had on it's center stand and never had a problem till the KZ900. Was wondering if others found it as challenging.

When I first bought my KZ1000 in '79, I'd be surprised if I was a buck 40. It's never been a problem as long as you use the right technique. Push with the right foot as hard as you can and lift with your right hand. I put my right hand on the grab bar right behind the shock and my left hand on the left grip to steady the bike. It helps to have sturdy footwear on.

Having the front tire on a cleat helps.
Steve

Good topic for another clip.
Steve

If the rear shocks are shorter than stock, if shock lowering mounts have been added, if a 16" rear rim has been fitted, or any combination of those, it will be much harder because the leverage advantage will be less. If the front forks have been pulled up in the triple trees that will make it more difficult also.


Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

My 1976 KZ900-B1 LTD came stock without a centerstand. My earlier owned 1973 Z1 and 1976 KZ900 street model each came stock with a centerstand which functioned rather easily as intended and wasn't at all difficult to use. For servicing the 1976 KZ900 LTD, I fitted a 1976 KZ900 street model centerstand, but found the LTD to be extremely difficult to lift onto the centerstand.

Rolling the rear wheel up onto a wood block makes putting bike on centerstand a piece of cake, even for a ninety pound weakling. Almost fun! :laugh:

Once on the centerstand, it's easy to push the block out from underneath the tire.

The block pictured here is made from a short length of 2x12, and with a hi-tech tapered edge.



Good Luck!

I'm a hair under 120 and I don't have issues getting my (admittedly lighter) 440 up on the centre stand. There's definitely an upward-lift component, so you want to grab the frame under the seat or the pillion grab (depending what you have) and heave up. Make sure both pads on the stand are in contact with the ground before trying; either not in contact with the ground will cause great difficulty.

Yeah, I understand how to get a bike up on a center stand... The KZ900 is the only one I've ever struggled with. Was wondering if it was just me or if others had problems.