Is There an Easier Way to Stand a Heavy Scooter on Its Center Stand?

My new scooter is about 230 lbs and as an 84-year-old guy, I cannot find an easy way to stand my scooter on its center stand. The kick stand is OK, but not as stable.


Any ideas about how to do it? My sales guy shows me how, but I can't do it by myself when I get home.

Thanks,
Tom Newitt
Edmonds, WA

Comments for Is There an Easier Way to Stand a Heavy Scooter on Its Center Stand?

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Aug 27, 2015
 GETTING scooter up on center kickstand NEW
by: Terri c. from CA

It's 107 degrees and I can't , (yet) " Git 'er done!".I'm a 5'2" single older woman (58 yrs). I have a very difficult time asking for help. Often there s NO ONE To ask for help where I am. Thank for your help. I'll keep aLl posted Terri
Oct 05, 2014
 TMI re: MUNDO NEW
by: dutch8926

TMI: I call mu 'MUNDO' a 'pedal mule': 200kg cargo / near 8' long. Needs big A KS. Blow tires regularly.

Sorry double posting: Computer OLD, OLD, slow and quirky.
Oct 05, 2014
 Got ideas. NEW
by: dutch8926

I'm a 'Professor Gilligan (Island - TV Show)' engineer searching for options to replace my 'YUBA MUNDO' kickstand, MSRP = $79. Goodness! I don't wanna fork over that. This KS is a diff design and these Engrs were actually smart: 2 Bolts

All of U R giving me ideas. Hmm... Solid Rect Bar... or 'semi' solid ('heavy' square or tube)... from a DIY Hm Store...Loews, Hm Depot, etc.
C'mon Y'all Creativity! Ideas?


TMI:
It failed from 'stress corrosion cracking' MS&E tech term, apparently - stress + rust = failure. ...many KS R dumb Enrs / 'ing: 1 Bolt... crazy - stress concentrations! ...and don't start me on dumb brakes - stress concentrations!
...'Professor Gilligan' - stuff from 'garbage'.
Oct 05, 2014
 Got ideas. NEW
by: dutch8926

I'm a 'Professor Gilligan (Island - TV Show)' engineer searching for options to replace my 'YUBA MUNDO' kickstand, MSRP = $79. Goodness! I don't wanna fork over that. This KS is a diff design and these Engrs were actually smart: 2 Bolts

All of U R giving me ideas. Hmm... Solid Rect Bar... or 'semi' solid ('heavy' square or tube)... from a DIY Hm Store...Loews, Hm Depot, etc.
C'mon Y'all Creativity! Ideas?


TMI:
It failed from 'stress corrosion cracking' MS&E tech term, apparently - stress + rust = failure. ...many KS R dumb Enrs / 'ing: 1 Bolt... crazy - stress concentrations! ...and don't start me on dumb brakes - stress concentrations!
...'Professor Gilligan' - stuff from 'garbage'.
Aug 20, 2012
 Center stand NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a 150 cc Run Master. I am 4'11' 117lbs soak-n-wet. I can't us my Center Stand without asking for help. I don't have the strength due to a broken left leg (car accident), shattered right ankle (same car accident) and broken right wrist (scooter accident). I use the side stand, if no one is around to help. Most men do not mind helping a women in need. That is how I do it.
Then there is parking on a hill with the back wheel rolls down is the only way I can do it alone.
Aug 20, 2012
 Center stand NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a 150 cc Run Master. I am 4'11' 117lbs soak-n-wet. I can't us my Center Stand without asking for help. I don't have the strength due to a broken left leg (car accident), shattered right ankle (same car accident) and broken right wrist (scooter accident). I use the side stand, if no one is around to help. Most men do not mind helping a women in need. That is how I do it.
Then there is parking on a hill with the back wheel rolls down is the only way I can do it alone.
Mar 11, 2011
 Check out YouTube
by: Rick Rudge

Hi Tom,

I'm sorry that you're having problems getting your scooter up on the center stand. That was my first learning experience with my scooter. There's a great YouTube video that shows you how to do this that will be very helpful. You'll have to do a search though.

With my Yamaha Zuma, there's a little piece of steal that sticks up that you put your foot on. You sort of stand on that and your body weight helps move the scooter back to it's center stand position without very much effort. You shouldn't have to do much lifting at all. I'm hoping that maybe your scooter might have something like that too.

Best of luck.

--Rick
Sep 20, 2010
 I hurt my wrist
by: Zoomie

I was new to scootering too and though I'm only 29 yrs old, I messed up my wrist pretty bad. I'm in slight pain as I'm typing on this keyboard.

I had jerked the handlebars in a quick motion which tore some of my tendons in my wrist. Not good.

In trying various methods, I've found:

1.That a lot of leg force can be applied to help alleviate the need to as much power in the arms when putting the center stand on.

2. There's also the rocking method where you use the momentum from the previous rock to help bring the scooter in place.

3. Angles matter. Every scooter may be slightly different. The motion isn't straight back and it's not straight up. There's sort of an elliptical motion that comes into play. Observe how yours works and try best to mimic what's most effective.

TAKING THE SCOOTER OFF THE CENTER STAND:
Since I hurt my wrist, it's hard for me to push the handlebars to get the center stand back up and ready to ride. Instead of holding the handlebars, I reach my arm under the right handlebar so that my bicep rests against the bar. Then I use my body weight to push it forward. Though it looks goofy and I'm sure I get weird stares from the public, it's very effective for me so far.
Aug 04, 2009
 Successful Mission
by: Ron Goldwyn

Dear Oldtimer,

In my original posting, I made a suggestion for both of us, but the need I see was not restricted to senior citizens.

Well, I took that rectangular piece of pipe that was about 1/2" x 2" x 8" long and with a lump hammer I banged it down onto the lever and step-pad. By doing so the pipe conformed to the shape of the lever, but was not stuck in place.
I majored in physics while in college over 50 years ago, but the principles learned I have not forgotten.

By increasing the lengh of the lever arm one does not need as much force to accomplish the task.Well my extention did the job for me, and when not in use I have it stored in one of my two saddle boxes. You can put yours in the underseat box. Good Luck in doing the same.

Since my scooter also has a side kick stand, I use that one 95% of the time.

If all else fails use a auto tire jack but where to stow it is now your problem.
Jul 10, 2009
 center stand
by: Ron Goldwyn

I'm no spring chicken either being 71. I have the same problem and I plan to add an extention rectangular tube over the foot plate to give me more leverage. will store this pipe in one of my saddleboxes. I hope this solves the problem for both of us. I must use the stand when giving an oil change as the plug is above the stand.
Jun 05, 2009
 Center Stand
by: Anonymous

The trick to a center stand is to make sure that the motorcycle or scooter or anything has both feet of the stand on the ground. Most people make the mistake of trying to lift the thing on one stand foot toward themselves. Once you have established that both feet are on the ground you get your right foot on the stand's extension and lift the bike and push down at the same time quickly.

The motion of lifting puts the weight on your foot and aids in pushing down. Usually there's a handle right above your foot on the bike and I grab it and the handlebar. Eventually you'll snap it through and it becomes quite natural.

I've done it on bikes from a 278 pound scooter all the way up to a 600 pound Kawasaki. I'm not a big guy and I've demonstrated this to younger, stronger people than me who couldn't do it at first.
Jun 05, 2009
 Don't Sweat It
by: Kathi

Hi Tom... I mentioned your question to my husband, who drives a sport touring motorcycle that weighs around 400 to 500 pounds, I think. He said motorcycles traditionally have only had the side kickstand and they are quite stable. He's never had any trouble at all with his falling over.

So you can probably relax and forget about using the center stand, since it's too hard for you to do.

Good luck,
Kathi

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