Any tricks to getting it up on the Center Stand?

[exeric]

I've never had a problem pulling any bike up on the rear stand; regardless of surface conditions. When I work on a Henderson, or Big Twin H-D on my lift, I always put them on the rear stand, and that steel diamond plate is slippery. I think it is more a matter of focus, and concentration of motion, than just grunt, and muscle. Practicing in grass is a good idea and will help to develop the technique.

[Oldchief]

I asked a relative of mine why it was so hard to lift my one of my Four's onto the rear stand and he being about eighty years old and a lifetime Harley rider looked at me and said, "Because the rear stand only works on the grass."

He was right about that, it worked!

I also saw a video about this for a center stand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWEjyMGq8T8

[FUUN063]

I broke my jiffy stand foot off tilting it over onto it to get the bike on the center stand. I know just put the jiffy stand down all the way, flip the center stand until it touches the ground and the grab the rear crash bar and pull it up, rolling it up onto the center stand. I have done this for the 16 years I've owned my Chief. Gettin' older, though.............................

[Green Indian]

You could try building one of these nifty contraptions...or email the guy on YouTube to see if he sell them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdcgGddTclQ

[pisten-bully]

Geez, you guys are scaring me! I skipped out today for a ride (200 miles) and while waiting for my buddy to arrive at our rendezvous point I noticed my chain adjuster on the LH side was hanging loose.... and I had just adjusted the chain the day before. Long story short...I didn't fully tighten the axle nut...so up on the center stand it went....leaned over on the 1946 side stand then up onto the center stand. Full disclosure...thanks to this thread I fully supported the bike on my thighs when I leaned it over onto the side stand, just in case!

[fillibuster]

It's not that it is difficult, it's more about trust in your side stand. I've seen more than a few broken original Indian side stands with a chunk of rebar welded into the inside channel

might have been 18 years ago, loaded up "BIG LEAGUE" and halfway to Davenport, stopped to check the map (different route than usual). Set it on the center stand, sat on it and leaned back against the rear-heavy pile, and the bolts on the center stand sheared.
I've seen the frame castings broken on other frames, so I know I'm lucky. I might recommend grade-2 bolts anymore.

[exeric]

It's not that it is difficult, it's more about trust in your side stand. I've seen more than a few broken original Indian side stands with a chunk of rebar welded into the inside channel

[fillibuster]

I'm surprised at the difficulties mentioned here.
Okay, I haven't tipped the 03 Road King over since before my back surgery, but the Chief really is easy to do with the tip-over, on a concrete floor or piece of plywood under side stand on gravel. Use a little momentum to rock it. And righting it is a small chore with that low center of gravity (still comparing it to a modern HD). I presume the scout is easier.
That short 2x4 in the saddle bag can make a hero out of you too. ... and you can throw it at the smart-alecks.

[exeric]

That is a funny story, Kyle. Mine involves my '41EL, a slick cement floor, and trying to bring it up on the rear stand wearing flip-flops. . . Use your imagination

[koanes]

On a beautiful fall day in 1979 I had the idea to get some pictures of my motorcycles on the front lawn. I had my 75CH, 1945WL, 39EL, 61FLH, and 65FLH lined up for photos. As I moved the Electraglide in place my feet slipped on the freshly fallen and very slippery oak leaves. The heaviest of all fell on my legs and pinned me down. I couldn't escape this trap. The street was close by and had a fair amount of traffic, I was trying to wave somebody over to help but all they did was wave back and roll on. I can hear them, "What's that goofy hippy kid doing now". After a half hour or so, I managed to free myself, sacrificing my good jeans and a fair amount of flesh.

[exeric]

And you can also use that 2x4 as a splint when the bike falls on your leg However, that is a good idea, Kyle.

[koanes]

Simple solution is to cut a 45 on one end of a 6-8" 2x4, roll the rear wheel up on the board, the extra 1 1/2" will make it much easier to pull the bike up on the stand. Throw the board in your pack or saddlebags for on the road service.

[exeric]

Every time I put my Chief on the center stand (using the above method), I speculated on how badly MY leg would be broken if the jiffy stand broke

[Yellow53Chief]

Hi,
Here are two more photos of guys leaning the bikes over to put the center stand down. I have had my bike tip over - and it isn't fun. I personally wouldn't try this method. A period photo of a guy putting his center stand down.jpgBob Stark leaning his bike to lower the center stand.jpg

[tfburke3]

I don't know about the scouts but the correct chief method in the video is also a good way to dump battery acid all over your bike.
Tom