question about center stand mounting using grab rails

[Sebsi]

Hi, as a noob to K bikes I spent my first couple of weeks with my 93 k11rs putting it on the center stand using the left grab rail. It was tough. I then read that the bar under the seat lock is for this purpose. I can barely "get it up" (ahem) using that bar, and I'm afraid I'll pop a disc it's so tough. So any worries about using the grab rail? I know it's not made for this purpose, but are other riders using it safely? Or am I going to experience something potentially very damaging to bike and myself using it?

Thanks,

Seb

[mjydrafter]

Push down harder with your foot, that should ease the "lifting".

I also think you should be just fine using the grab handle.

With a bit more backwards momentum and plenty of foot, the handles are more of a guide than anything.

[Grim]

I'm not sure what you mean by "grab rail". Nothing on my LT I could describe as that. If you are talking about the plastic "Z" bar for the saddle bags I'd avoid that. I seem to recall the RS has a small handle on the tail housing. Is that what you are referring to.

The spring loaded handle is set low enough to get some mechanical advantage. I would think its going to give you the best point to grab. I also agree that you need to throw your weight onto the foot lever on the stand. I'm 230 and it takes a bit of practice to be smooth on the stand. Also pay attention to where you park slightly nose up makes it easier to get on the stand but also makes it harder to get it off.

If you don't like how far the bike leans on the side stand there is quite a few that have put a pad on the stand to decrease how far it leans. Be careful how thick anything you ad is. The CG is low on these bikes and they may look like the are going to flop over but they are more stable then they appear.

I would also inspect the side stand. I found mine had not been regularly lubed and Needed a bushing replaced. mine was slightly bent at the fork where it mounts and just below the mount. I added .030 a abs sensor shim in the hinge to take a good bit of slop out.

[Scott_]

The spring loaded handle is set low enough to get some mechanical advantage.

RS's don't have the swing out handle like we do on our LT's.
All that's on an RS is a molded bar from the frame rail near the helmet lock location.

[Grim]

The spring loaded handle is set low enough to get some mechanical advantage.

RS's don't have the swing out handle like we do on our LT's.
All that's on an RS is a molded bar from the frame rail near the helmet lock location.

I thought the RS had the same frame. Didn't realize they had a fixed handle.

[bikerboy]

My '91 RS has a flick out handle the same as any other K.