Centerstand

[Zorba]

Hi guys,
As a new owner to the GL1800 I cant believe how the difficultness has increased getting it up on the centerstand.
This is only thing that really disappoint me. As a GL1500 owner for many years, they are very easy getting up.
But it could be that the PO has lowered the 1800, as I think the 1800 is much lower than the 1500. That could be the issue
or what do you think?

[wingpilot08]

Just curious as to the condition of the tires...much wear on them??

[raven41951]

I am also a PO of a 1500. Yes, the 1800 is lower, but I have had no issues getting it up on or off of the center stand.

[joeincalif]

I have also owned both 1500's and 1800's and don't see any difference in putting them on the center stand. One thing you might try is putting the rear shocks on a higher setting. Also check the tire size of the rear tire and make sure it is correct.

[DCTruncale]

When I first got my 2012, I was having great difficulty as well. Then I discovered that I had the front wheel turned to one side or the other, and even if it was slightly turned, it made backing it up on the centerstand much harder. You might just check and be sure your handlebars are absolutely straight - then I just put all of my weight on the stand arm, and up she goes! One more thought - you might want to lubricate the bearings with oil / WD-40 to reduce any friction to a minimum.

[thrasherg]

I fitted progressive fork springs at the front and a complete progressive rear shock, that raised the static height of the wing by almost 1.5 inches, gave it a lot more clearance in the corners, made the bike handle much better and also made it so much easier to get on the center stand.. I highly recommend updating your suspension, the stock springs front and back on the 1800 are just far too soft, and as a bonus you can use the center stand afterwards

Gary

[Zorba]

Thanks for your replies.
I´m waiting for my Haynes to arrive so I can read some about suspension settings and tire sizes.
Rgds

[DCTruncale]

Here is something I observed this week after putting a slightly taller rear tire (180/65 Michelin Commander II) on the bike. With the taller tire, it's noticeably easier to put the bike on the center stand. I think it's because it now sits 9 mm higher than with the 180/60 tire, which means the stand has less distance to raise the bike, and the initial angle of the stand to the ground is reduced. It's a nice outcome I had not anticipated.

[52wingnut]

Well after recently injuring myself trying to lift my 1800 onto the centerstand I decided enough was enough. I researched and ordered Phillip Ham's E-Z lift for the 1800. I'm 5' 7" and it has always been hard for me to lift the bike onto the center stand even with the suspension raised to its highest setting. After straining all the muscles on my left side (both front and back) I had to either find a better way or get rid of the bike. I don't normally have a bunch of farkles on my ride but this is one is EXTREMELY EASY for me to use and I would recommend it especially if you've had knee surgery or like me just have a hard time with the original equipment. As always YMMV.

philsfarkels.com

[Justin K.]

Well after recently injuring myself trying to lift my 1800 onto the centerstand I decided enough was enough. I researched and ordered Phillip Ham's E-Z lift for the 1800. I'm 5' 7" and it has always been hard for me to lift the bike onto the center stand even with the suspension raised to its highest setting. After straining all the muscles on my left side (both front and back) I had to either find a better way or get rid of the bike. I don't normally have a bunch of farkles on my ride but this is one is EXTREMELY EASY for me to use and I would recommend it especially if you've had knee surgery or like me just have a hard time with the original equipment. As always YMMV.

philsfarkels.com

Big +1 on Phil's Easy Lift. Hope he's still making them.

[52wingnut]

Big +1 on Phil's Easy Lift. Hope he's still making them.

He is. This just occurred 2 weeks ago. I ordered it on 6/26 and had it in about 2 days. Great turn around time.

[Zorba]

Tanks for the tip about the E-Z lift, will have that in mind if I don´t get it up as easy as the GL1500.

Gotta try the tip about raise the suspension to the highest first. Also read somewhere this is recommended
when using the centerstand. Guess it has the lowest setting now.

Have the 180/60 tire size on the rear which seemes to be the original size.
What will the 180/65 tire affect more then giving somehigher ground?

[DCTruncale]

I just installed a 180/65 tire (Michelin Commander II) tire this week on my 2012. It raises the bike about 9 mm (a third of an inch). Putting it on the center stand is noticeably easier. Other affects are the speedometer reads about 2.85% slower than GPS measured speed (2 mph at 70 mph), and the bike turns in a bit quicker than with the 180/60. The Michelin is also a bias ply tire, instead of radial, so the sidewall is a bit stiffer. That's a good thing for heavy loads (like me ). I lowered my preload from 15 to 10, and the ride is nice and soft, but she still corners well. I am trying the Michelins because they have a higher load rating and I am hoping to get more than 10,000 miles from a set of tires.

[FlyBoy2121]

I Zorba
I settled this problem, I always hurt my back when putting the center stand, I installed a CRS center stand, fabulous have little even put it with the back of the bike.

FlyBoy2121