Centre stand buffer refit

[donnie]

Bit of an odd one this. I've repainted my centre stand but made the mistake of removing the old rubber buffer. I'm now having a real problem installing a new one. I've already broken one so now on my second. I've tried meths as recommended by BMW, warmed it in boiling water to soften it, tried grease, wrapped wire around it to pull through the hole but still no luck. There must be a knack to it.

Any top tips regarding refit would be welcome.

Thanks