Lifting bar

[Rockred]

Any body fitted a lifting handle to 1200GSW, if so where did you bolt it to? I fitted one to the main frame in the tri-angle for the rear foot rest. I'm only 5'9" and I'm having to bend down to grip it, and struggled so much so that I put my back out...

I could put on the centre stand before I bought the lifting bar, but thought it would be easier with the bar. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance.

PS I had the alli panniers on at the time.

 

[brummy bloke]

sorry if I've misunderstood your post.I'm shorter than you and have no problem with the mainstand.I put my right foot on the stand and hold onto the passenger grab handle to steady the bike and stand on the centre stand lever and the bike pops itself up easily.I had a lever on my old k100 rs and rt which helped but I believe they where standard kit on those.If the bar is making it harder for you to use the mainstand you may as well not bother,use it for chasing monkeys around the rock or somat

 

[Rockred]

. I use the same method as you no problem, but bought the bar because on rough ground in the campo , I thought it would be easier. That why I think I'm doing something wrong. i.e. I'v put the bar in the wrong place .

 

[fredaroony]

I'm 5'8" and have zero issue lifting the bike. Maybe it's your technique

 

[Rockred]

Where did you position your lifting bar?... Maybe I have fitted mine in the wrong position ( on the frame near rear foot rest ). I can put it on the centre stand no problems using passenger grab handles with foot on the CS. Bought the lifting bar thinking it would be easier on rough ground. Is it fitted in the wrong position?

 

[a2zworks]

Like it's been said, just stand with your weight on the stand and up she goes.
I am 170cm 73kg and I don't do much if any lifting.
Keep trying and you'll figure it out.

 

[snaponphil]

If anyone finds a suitable lifting handle & position let me know as I do find the GSLC hard to place on the main stand, I'm sure they all can't be the same judging by the above posts.
I've had various bikes including a twin cam GSA & never had problems with it including fully loaded with panniers & top box.

 

[Alex B]

Had same issues as I already have a problem with my lower back (discs are gone) and I'm over 60 and it's now telling

So to get my GSA WC onto and off its main stand with less drama I fitted the very handy Wunderlich lifting handle. It has made life easier. The other thing is practice and keep practicing to get the technique right...takes time but is worth it.

Good luck.

 

[Alex B]

Complete with picture of its location on frame.....

 

[Rockred]

Thanks Alex, that's just the information I have been looking for . What is your technique , i.e. Where do you put your feet and hands. I had my left hand on the handle bar with my right hand trying to lift the bike with the lifting bar,with my foot on the CS. I'm obviously doing something wrong. Thanks again.

 

[matchbox]

I wonder if there is a difference between lowered and standard bikes? Presumably lowered bikes would use a shorter CS. But the bike would be a little lower and therefore perhaps easier to get on stand? I am short(5'7")and 'old' but have no real difficulty unless I am really tired after a long run. But it is a knack developed over 50 odd years...

 

[Alex B]

Hi RR.

Well, I do pretty much what you described. Left hand on handlebar/grip, left foot on centrestand and right hand on lifting handle. Then I get a bit of momentum swing going by getting close to the bike, (almost nudging my right knee/thigh into the bike), doing a sturdy "downward step" movement onto the centrestand and "continue with the thigh nudge" up onto the main stand. It takes practice and more practice....

Every now and again I have asked for help though....... by getting the wife or someone around to pull gently back on the topbox mounting

She's a heavy old bird isn't she ? (the bike, that is).

 

[Alex B]

Sorry, RR, that's "right foot" on centrestand, not left foot..... it's easier when you have your mc boots on although I have done it when wearing slippers every now and again in the garage ...yes. true. I'm 5 feet 10".

 

[Rockred]

I think I was standing to far away from the bike. I need to be touching it with my knees. Or find a heavy old bird to give it a tug.....The bike that is.

Thanks for you help.

 

[Deleted account 200502001]

When I arrive home on the GSA I just pick it up, lift it over my head and hang it off the garage rafters. Eazy peazy lemon squeezy. But then I'm a Yorkshire man (bear).

 

[Rockred]

Yea Yea Yea..........Yoggie.

 

[roamer]

I think the rear pre load affects the ease of getting on the main stand,
I don't have difficulty using the mentioned full body weight on the stand method, but noticed more effort required with less pre load, and easier with more pre load,
Not sure how the ESA may affect this as mine is poverty spec, i just have a black knob to fiddle with,,,,
Roamer

 

[Mawnanian]

I think the rear pre load affects the ease of getting on the main stand,
I don't have difficulty using the mentioned full body weight on the stand method, but noticed more effort required with less pre load, and easier with more pre load,
Not sure how the ESA may affect this as mine is poverty spec, i just have a black knob to fiddle with,,,,
Roamer

All I can think of is that the bike will be higher so the centre stand will be closer to vertical when it hits the ground so the bike won't have to lift as much.

 

[tanneman]

Since you have the same thread on ADVrider and I can't be bothered to read it all. Is there any consensus about the placement or the technique used to put the bike on the centre stand?

 

[Rockred]

Just to clarify, the original question was to see if the lifting bar/grab handle was fitted in the right place, because when I first tried it, I put my back out, so thought what am I doing wrong. I have always been able to put the bike on the centre stand, as we all know it just takes practice. I tried again today with the lifting bar and hey presto up she went. Keep your back straight and no probs now..

Thank for all those that replied, with some good advice.