Author Topic: Another newbie (aka how I learned to use the center stand) (Read 12232 times)

orionburn · « **on:** May 28, 2007, 10:59:38 AM »

Hi, all. Nate here from Northern Indiana. Just picked up a '03 1200S on Saturday. Sadly I can't get the plates until at least Tuesday, so haven't had a chance to really take her out and see what she can do. She has a few nicks in the tail section, but other than that it's in pretty tip-top shape. Only 6200 miles on the clock. Not a newbie to riding, but am to this bike. Good looking board and I'll be doing a lot of lurking in the next few weeks digging up info and learning about this bike.

Btw...it's been a long time since I visited Squidbusters, but am I wrong in seeing some familiar names from there?

Here's some pics of the new toy. Bone stock at the moment, but hoping to change that soon. Was raining the past few days, so the people I bought the bike from were kind enough to trailer it down for me yesterday. After being out in the weather she needs a good washing.

And some pics of my other pride & joy, my 87 FZR1000 -

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2007, 11:05:08 AM »

Nice rides.
Feel free to ask questions and join the banter. More fun than just lurking.

LowRyter · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2007, 11:07:47 AM »

welcome to the board

ZenMan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2007, 11:13:10 AM »

Ah, another teal bandit! Wait till Sven sees it...

Raphy · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2007, 11:47:12 AM »

Nice ride - great colour !

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2007, 11:30:45 PM »

I really like that color seems to make the bike look slimmer to my eye. I wonder what that color was called, Ocean teal or sea green maybe, very nice.

willo · « **Reply #6 on:** May 29, 2007, 01:30:28 AM »

Nice colour don't get that one in Aus. Graham

orionburn · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2007, 11:33:08 AM »

Thanks for the welcome guys.

I thought I saw on some site awhile back it was called seafoam green. Hell if I know...I'm colorblind

Although I can at least tell that it's green.

Heading to the DMV tonight to get the plates. Sucky thing is that they're calling for rain again today, and possibly for the rest of the week. I may get to ride it before summer is over.

Red01 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2007, 11:42:20 AM »

Actually, the official name is Metallic Surf Green, code YV4

orionburn · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2007, 11:55:34 AM »

Quote from: "Red01"

Actually, the official name is Metallic Surf Green, code YV4

I knew it had something "water" sounding in it...lol. Planning on at least getting the tails repainted this winter to fix the scratches & scuffs. I'll admit I was considering going a different color route for the whole, but I really have taken a liking to this color and don't think I'll be changing now.

And after repainting the Fizzer two years ago I'm not exactly in a big hurry to repaint an entire bike.

Red01 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2007, 01:29:08 PM »

And repainting the B12 is more of a chore than the yammie since the frame is body colored, too.

orionburn · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2007, 07:58:51 AM »

Quote from: "Red01"

And repainting the B12 is more of a chore than the yammie since the frame is body colored, too.

Yup, and at that moment of noticing that was when I said "you know, green ain't so bad after all."

Ok, I probably have THE worse n00b question of all time...lol. I'm going to clean and oil the chain when I get home from work. I have yet to put the center stand down, so what's the trick in doing it? Call me paranoid...don't want to drop the bike since I won't have anyone there to help. Is it easier to do it from the side or sit on it and rock it back?

ZenMan · « **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:56:51 AM »

Don't feel bad... you'd be suprised how many old veterans out there still don't know how to put their bike on the centerstand properly.

Stand on the left side next to your bike.

Put your left hand on the left handlebar grip.

Put your right hand under the rear grab rail, or under the rear seat/tail section somewhere relatively solid.

Put your right foot on the centerstand lever/pedal and push it down to the ground.

Make sure the bike is balanced so that both feet on the centerstand are touching the ground.

Now, in one smooth movement, step down with most of your weight on the centerstand lever/pedal, at the same time lifting up on the rear with your right hand. Use your left hand on the bars to keep the bike steady and straight.

Should pop right up on there no problem at all.

zeebandit · « **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2007, 11:58:44 AM »

Did you buy it at Xtreme Motorsports on Kennedy Ave. in Hammond. They had one in there last Saturday. Nice bike

leedogg · « **Reply #14 on:** May 31, 2007, 05:21:55 PM »

Quote from: "ZenMan"

Don't feel bad... you'd be suprised how many old veterans out there still don't know how to put their bike on the centerstand properly.

Stand on the left side next to your bike.

Put your left hand on the left handlebar grip.

Put your right hand under the rear grab rail, or under the rear seat/tail section somewhere relatively solid.

Put your right foot on the centerstand lever/pedal and push it down to the ground.

Make sure the bike is balanced so that both feet on the centerstand are touching the ground.

Now, in one smooth movement, step down with most of your weight on the centerstand lever/pedal, at the same time lifting up on the rear with your right hand. Use your left hand on the bars to keep the bike steady and straight.

Should pop right up on there no problem at all.

wow- I learn something new everyday...I just sit on the bike, and push the stand down with my left foot, til it touches, then pull the bike up and back while pushing the stand down. I will have to try the above method now.