How To Center Stand Your Big Motorcycle K1600b Grand America HONDA, HARLEY

This is the first of a 3 part series. Here are the links to the other 2 videos that may be of interest.
Center Stand Board Technique: • Center Stand Using Boa...
How a 5'6" guy utilizes the Center Stand: • Best Center Stand Shor...
If you have a big heavy bike like this BMW K1600B Grand America weighing in at 800+ lbs or a Honda Gold Wing or Harley touring Bike and you have had problems putting it up on the center stand watch this how to video!
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[@lewsoltis5142]

Thank you! I've always found getting any of my bikes on the center stand a daunting task. You made it easy.

[@californiahikebike]

You're welcome! Glad to help! You might want to take a look at this one as well. It has some more detail that I went into that may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbQp2eVpcp_sKs

[@mattthomson3464]

Great technique, definitely ‘the way’ to success…..for those of us who have yet to do the impossible, a simple carpenter’s shim-wedge under the back tire (roll it up forward or back) provides enough lift or height to make the task much easier. A standard shim is only about 3/16” at the thick end, tapering to zero at the other end. The home-improvement stores have small packets over in the door sales area. 😎

[@californiahikebike]

@@mattthomson3464 kzbin.info/www/bejne/foLSeIKpg9eLrrcsi=G8wXxrVI0fPYKZhi

[@jimzazenski6303]

Hi Rob - excellent video. Your presentation skills are top notch. As a fellow GA owner, and after several unsuccessful attempts to do it on my own, I have newfound confidence to try it once again. Thank you for making this video. Jim

[@californiahikebike]

That's great Jim. I appreciate the feedback! Good luck with your effort and don't give up. One day it will click for you. Let me know how it goes...

[@californiahikebike]

Hey Jim...just an FYI..I made a third video to complete this series with a shorter rider. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbQp2eVpcp_sKs

[@colinmorton7037]

What seat do you have on the bike?

[@PaulMcConnell-p6v]

Thank you! New to motorcycling, no longer a youngster, thought I was going to have to go to the gym (?!) to be able to get the bike on it’s centre stand. Can now do it with ease. Thanks you your video.

[@californiahikebike]

Awesome! You're welcome.

[@claytonwchurchill9308]

Great video, well said, thanks. Lessons I’ve learned center standing my K1600B GA. 1) Reaffirming your point, center stand it while you still have your riding boots on, sandals are too soft and will require a monster lift effort and hurts the foot. 2) Level and firm ground to set the center stand on is a must. 3) I one time center stand it with the bike facing a slight uphill. Center Standing it was easy but trying to take off the stand ( I prefer to be on the bike) while pushing it uphill was impossible. I had to drive it off the stand. 3) Taking it off the stand, I sit on the bike, leave the side stand down, bike in gear (not running), depress the clutch and roll it off the stand. Depressing the clutch allows the bike to roll off the stand and settle on its own. If the bike wants to roll away after it comes off the stand you have the brake or release the clutch to stop the roll. Side note, I added a side stand enlarged foot pad from Illium. Awesome! High quality and very functional and versatile. I no longer dread finding the perfect firm ground for the side stand. Sand is still the bikes enemy riding and parking. :)

[@californiahikebike]

All great points Clayton. I go a bit more in depth in the short person video I did here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbQp2eVpcp_sKs I agree with you about riding this bike in sand or dirt (basically off road of any type) I don't like to do it at all!

[@6speedsti241]

well done feels so good when done right

[@ToddEdmondson]

Thanks for this. I’m about same size as you, I’m a Harley guy and getting one of these this summer - and this is good to know. It may seem like common sense to many but dropping your bike is never acceptable and I’ve never owned a bike with a center stand. Getting 1600 GTL 2022 and can’t wait

[@californiahikebike]

I came from a Road King to my first Beemer and never looked back. If money was no object I would probably own both but it is part of the equation. You'll love it!

[@ToddEdmondson]

@@californiahikebike I heard from the dealer today that they found me a blue one. I am keeping my Softail with V&H and lots of chrome. I'll put a solo seat on it, change the bars and it will be my buddy ride bike or the days you want to be a badass, but the rest of the time it will be the BMW. I can't wait, the specs and features are world-class.

[@californiahikebike]

@@ToddEdmondson Congrats! Lots of videos here on my channel. If you diy oil changes look that one up on this channel. It's a doozy.

[@ToddEdmondson]

@@californiahikebike I will checkout the channel for sure. Thank you. I have always done the maintenance, so it will be interesting with the new bike. I got a GoPro last year, was making these time warp videos, here is what I am switching from. bike is at the end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqjEi6SIfrmfgJI

[@Ken_829]

Hey you are the right guy to teach thanks just looking to buy exact bike and was just wondering about this subject appreciate your video

[@californiahikebike]

Awesome. You're welcome! If you haven't done so please subscribe. I'll be back from vacation sion and will be posting some good content if you are interested.

[@stewartmcneill2262]

Thanks for the advice just got my new k1600 today yours b Ute

[@californiahikebike]

Thanks Stewart! Later today I'll be posting a follow up review of my Russell Day Long that in working on right now which will include highlights of our 10 trip from Cali to Yellowstone and back. A subscribe and like will be truly appreciated and would help greatly. In the next few weeks here are some of the reviews I'll be posting: Helite Air Mesh full jacket airbag, Illium bar backs to raise/extend your handlebars, 7JUROCK windscreen and more...enjoy!

[@DavidSmith-ve5kj]

Thanks I didn’t think about 2 up setting that will make it a lot easier

[@californiahikebike]

You're welcome. You might want to watch the one with my friend who is 5'6". We dove a little deeper into the technique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbQp2eVpcp_sKs&t

[@RaiderWolf-yd6nm]

I bought a 2020 Triumph Bonneville T120, not saying it's a particularly heavy bike, but bought one and with that being my second motorcycle, trading in a Yamaha SCR950 that I didn't get along with, was struggling to get the Bonneville on it's center stand. I watched a couple of videos and now it's pretty simple.

[@californiahikebike]

All in the technique!!! 😎

[@demzunoplayer]

Very good Mike!

[@Ken_829]

Thanks I give it a go definitely have to master technic… BMW told don’t worry we use two guys too lol appreciate your technic

[@californiahikebike]

Don't give up! You'll get it and the light bulb will go on!

[@kevinrobb86]

Try this later, I'm 5.11 and not quite as heavy as the bike, yet! Subscribed too

[@californiahikebike]

Cool! Hope it works out for you. Keep trying. Once you get it, it "clicks" and you're off to the races!

[@jerryforese2908]

Helps having it on slope like you do as well lol

[@californiahikebike]

LOL...Actually that's an optical illusion created by the background and the high camera angle. My driveway is pretty level there and actually slopes away from me in the video for drainage. You can see what I'm talking about with the camera angle change at 6:24. Thanks for watching!

[@tenabang]

Nice seat with the backrest, what brand is that ? Thank for the tip

[@californiahikebike]

It's a Russel Day Long custom seat. The "Cadillac of the Industry." Here's a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXzQoaqMZbV8e6c

[@bonsaigardenwithmarksander968]

Great video thank you 🙏🏻

[@californiahikebike]

You're welcome! Thanks for the sub!

[@bonsaigardenwithmarksander968]

Your welcome 🙏🏻

[@ReggieTerry]

What type of backrest you have installed and where was it purchased?

[@californiahikebike]

Russell Day Long - Cadillac of the industry! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXzQoaqMZbV8e6c

[@markswaine2200]

Love the handle bar risers. Could you put a link to them on here?

[@californiahikebike]

They work great! Make sure to use some medium (blue) locktight: bar backs - iliumworks.com/BMW_Motorcycle_Accessories.cfm?pn=33%2D500&pID=147 Locktight - amzn.to/3QZxkVC

[@jleadbetter29]

Good tips. I have one more...Make sure the transmission is in neutral.

[@californiahikebike]

Lol. That certainly helps! Thanks Jason!

[@Puppunanne]

Hi, great guide. But does the video seem to be shot uphill or is it just an optical effect? In any case, I never sit on the bike, never. With no stand extended either central or side. Uphill I never put the central stand, only the lateral one and positioned on the side where the road leans towards the correct side (left) and always leaving absolutely gear engaged and also elastic in the brake so as do not stress the transmission. I'm used to doing this .... and I've never changed even with a scooter and motorcycle too (I have a BMW RT) Regards.

[@californiahikebike]

Good advice. It's a very slight grade for water drainage on my driveway but probably mostly optical due to terrain in the background.

[@Puppunanne]

@@californiahikebike I assumed it was almost level ..... tks . Greetings from germany ;-)

[@alcohol8827]

I'm very curious to know what type of seat you have for your GA! I have the 2018 GA and would like to upgrade my seat as well. Thanks

[@californiahikebike]

It's a Russell Day Long. Nothing compares frankly. I'll be doing a follow up video in a couple weeks regarding RDL after my 3400 mile ride in 10 days to Yellowstone. Here's the review on the RDL. Please subscribe and like. I'm trying to build my channel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXzQoaqMZbV8e6c

[@alcohol8827]

@@californiahikebike Truly looking forward to that review.

[@scottfairweather8625]

What seat and Topcase is that!? Love the rider backrest!

[@californiahikebike]

Topcase is stock for the Grand America version. Seat and rider backrest is top of the line Russell Day Long custom. Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXzQoaqMZbV8e6c

[@TRocksGarage777]

Does it matter what kind of foot wear you have on? I have a 2019 BMW K1600B and going to try the two up position. Im glad that you don't have to lift with you right hand, got got carpel tunnel and my right hand is shot at the moment.

[@californiahikebike]

I dont like using sport shoes. It's not very comfortable on your foot. Riding boots work best for me. You don't have to lift but you do have to hold it against the push down with your foot.

[@ricardowalterrodriguez3270]

I have the same back, but i did not understand the "2up" that you mention could explain?

[@californiahikebike]

Hello Ricardo. If you have the K1600 you have the ability to set your bike's suspension according to the load you are carrying. There are 3 positions: Single rider, Single with luggage and dual riders. "2up" is lingo used in the biker world meaning you are carrying a rider as in 2 up on the bike. I leave my setting on my BMW on the "2up position" mainly because it seems to help to reduce the wind buffet at high speeds near a big rig truck. Hope this explains it!

[@jimmyjohnson6496]

To ge it off I put it in 1st gear with kickstand down. Rock back then forward.

[@ReggieTerry]

I’m liking your back rest, what kind is it and where you get it from? Looks very comfortable.

[@californiahikebike]

It's a Russell Day Long custom. The Cadillac of the industry. Check this review out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXzQoaqMZbV8e6c

[@ansum100]

Good morning from Australia Rob. just a quick one mate, where did you get your seat with the backrest . Please enjoy your channel,Later Rob.

[@californiahikebike]

Glenn...Australia will be one of my trips one of these days!!! It's a Russel Day Long custom made seat. I did an in-depth review of my ride-in appointment but you can also ship them your stock seat. They are by far the best on the market. Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXzQoaqMZbV8e6c

[@roadglide]

Great tip. Bike’s looks superb. What saddle is on that bike and are there bar risers?

[@californiahikebike]

Russell Day Long custom seat. You can look in my vid list for an in depth review. Yes I do have Illium bar back risers which helped my comfort level quite a bit.

[@roadglide]

@@californiahikebike Awesome. Thank you. Appreciate.

[@californiahikebike]

@@roadglide Certainly!

[@danipavei]

Have you ever experienced the front end wobble. I have a 2021 and saw it first hand yesterday on open hw at about 70-75 mph. Any tips?

[@californiahikebike]

Your timing is impeccable! I am uploading a review of a 7Jurock windscreen as well as the Aeroflow wings as I write this. I'll link in the next hour!

[@californiahikebike]

Daniel - The first video for the Aeroflow Aerowings is live. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoKme2OJgs56naM The Windscreen video is currently uploading and will be linked in the Aerowing video description.

[@DavidSmith-ve5kj]

My belief is BMWs center stand is to tall, if it was shorter it would be a lot easier. I use the board method at home, I’m lookin forward to try your hint of 2 up mode method.

[@californiahikebike]

Agreed on center stand too tall. Parallels other questionable engineering in my opinion like the interior crankcase plug. Not sure what they were thinking. Overall though, can't beat the bagger!

[@Cupat1]

As I've said in other vids, if you've got lower back problems you've had it. Yes you stand in the stand and be as upright as you can but as soon as you press your foot down you get a pressure on the lower back and that's it you've had it.

[@californiahikebike]

Lower back pain sucks...

[@Cupat1]

@@californiahikebike Exactly and why I said that, when any part of your back's screwed you'll lift virtually nothing, certainly not one of these bohemoths no bloody way!

[@thierryhillewaere9254]

Use the reverse gear?

[@californiahikebike]

Pretty sure that would not work as the process of rolling onto the center stand lifts the rear tire off the ground at least partially. Plus you would need 2 people to do it since you would not be able to put enough pressure on the center stand downward to keep it from simply sliding.

[@wzeiser]

Try this on a straight piece of road instead of a down-slope.

[@californiahikebike]

Please subscribe and help me hit that 500 mark! This is the first of a 3 part series. Here are the links to the other 2 videos that may be of interest. Center Stand Board Technique: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foLSeIKpg9eLrrc How a 5'6" guy utilizes the Center Stand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbQp2eVpcp_sKs

[@californiahikebike]

Russell Day Long custom seat and backrest. Cadillac of the industry! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXzQoaqMZbV8e6c

[@darrylwbraun]

Why do so many guys explain it wrong and then do it right? You said to, first, stand up your bike and then put the center stand down. Then when you demonstrated it, after you returned from in front of your bike, you put the center stand down first and THEN stood up your bike. Small detail, but I can see a lot of newbies, especially smaller guys with larger bikes, pushing their bikes over trying to balance it while they look for the center stand. A bike that gets just a little over center to the right, while you're on the left and there's just about nothing that you can do to recover it. Putting your stand down first will go a long way to preventing that. If it does get a little to the right, just stand on that center stand and it'll right itself with no upper body effort from you whatsoever.

[@californiahikebike]

Good point! Hopefully they will watch the series if they are newbies and get all the good points. At 3:15 I fully explain it and demonstrate the correct way.

[@j.c.meijer9068]

What brand is the saddle?

[@californiahikebike]

Russell Day Long...on a 9 day ride as I write this. All Day Long is the right name.

[@masterspin7796]

this is one of my worries...140-150lbs. 5/8 62 years age athletic daily and buying a 2022 BMW 1250 R/T for some long touring, the size has me worried..

[@californiahikebike]

My 2016 R1200RT was MUCH easier to put onto the center stand than this Bagger is. You might want to check out this other video in my series I shot with my buddy who is 5'6". If you still have a hard time look at the board technique I shot as well. Both links in the description above. Here's the 5'6" person video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbQp2eVpcp_sKs

[@masterspin7796]

@@californiahikebike thanks, I beat you to it...I will practice it before I go out with it..

[@californiahikebike]

@@masterspin7796 OK good luck. Great bike btw...

[@georgesteventon5396]

Why didn't you bring the camera on the other side to see your leg movement Still it was a good video

[@californiahikebike]

Hey George check this one out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbQp2eVpcp_sKs

[@mml1224]

helpful but way better if teh camera was on his feet and the other side angle!fyi

[@californiahikebike]

Cool thanks. You might want to check this one out if that's what you are looking for. I go more in depth: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbQp2eVpcp_sKs

[@sait33]

👍❤️🙏

[@adriansmit4238]

I wish I fucking knew this yesterday... my k1600gtl fell on my foot ffs

[@californiahikebike]

Yikes!

[@crashmandude]

I still cant get it. Il put my entire weight on it...

[@californiahikebike]

@crashmandude Take a video from different angles, post it and send me the link. I'll tell you what is happening.

[@jorgemtds]

If you understand physics, what you just explained is the only thing that makes sense. There is no better way to do it. My Yamaha FJR1300 even had a handle on the left side of the seat specifically for that purpose. I would just need to grab it from below and lift up while putting all my weight on the right foot to press the kickstand down. It's just physics.

[@californiahikebike]

Yes sir! Thanks for stopping by!

[@laryangel4082]

9

[@xyzyyz]

What happens when you’re 6’0 and only 115 pounds and 68 years old and sore?

[@californiahikebike]

Lol...I feel ya. What bike?