Simmans, Mark's method 1 is the way to go. While brute force and ignorance will get you through many tasks in life, picking up a 250kg motorcyle on your own ain't one of them. Technique is vital.
A few tips:
If the bike is in neutral, put it in gear before you try and lift it. You can usually reach the gearlever even if it's fallen on its left side.
If it's fallen on it's right side, put the sidestand down before you start to lift.
Turn the handlebars so the bar nearest the ground (which you'll be grabbing with both hands to lift) is toward the front of the bike on full lock, i.e. if the bike is on its left side, turn the bars to full right lock. That gives you masses of leverage. Don't lift with the bar end back towards the seat, it's harder, and the bar levers etc get in the way.
Get in a comfortable squat position very close to the bar end, one foot either side. Get a good two-handed grip on the bar end. Deep breath, back straight, arms straight, then lift it right up in one go using just your leg muscles to start with (the hardest part), then the higher it gets the easier it gets.
Don't overdo it in the last stages and flip it right over to the other side
Finally straighten out your mirror and anything else that is flapping around loose.
If you're on a slope then do a 'Ricky spin' first to get your wheels downhill.
Beware well-meaning assistants trying to help lift it by tugging on the indicators, beak etc that will break off in their hand.
If you do it right it's a piece of cake. If you don't believe me try it - you'll have to sooner or later so why not have a go when you've got a buddy or two standing by to take the p*ss and help if you really can't lift it. Practice on a soft level surface that won't scratch your cylinder head (obviously).
