Hi from Chagrin Falls Ohio - Snow capital of the US this winter

[Spdrush]

I just wanted to check in. I have a 2013 c650gt which was delivered by the dealer Monday. I was able to ride it yesterday and was impressed by the way it handled and the ease of twist and go.

I was initially concerned by whether this scooter would be fast enough off the line for me - it is - I'm happy. My cars are six speed performance cars so although I wasn't concerned with shifting it is nice not to.

I'm in my seventies and am very active but I have a bad knee and most bikes were not going to be comfortable. My last bike was a Honda Hawk from the 60s so I have a lot to learn.

I bought it for semi rural driving for summer pleasure.

Hope I can get some help with two questions: Is there a trick to getting the scooter up onto the center stand?

Are there any suggestions about a good waterproof cover?

SpeedRush

 

[Xian Forbes]

Would that be a 250 hawk? My dad had one, as well as a 305 super hawk. Great bikes.

Centerstand, for me is a combo of standing on the lever and pulling up on the rear hand hold. It is a 550 lb bike so it takes some practice to get familiar with it. As far as covers go, our bikes are about the same size as a R1200RT, especially if you've put a top box on your bike. There are loads of good covers out there. Mine is from bmw and it's a half cover. I like it as it keeps the sun and the rain off of the important bits and will pack easily in my top box. Plus it was only $40.

-christian

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[Oldscoot]

Welcome aboard. The trick to using the center stand (at least on the C600) is to step into it and let your body weight on the stand lift the bike. I only use my hand to steady the bike.

 

[Xian Forbes]

Anyone know if there is a rubber boot available for the center stand? It does get slippery on a wet day, or if I'm wearing smooth soled shoes. Now that I think of it, the kickstart lever on a Lambretta has a rubber boot that just might work with modifications, but who wants a modified item on something your placing your whole body weight onto.

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[Spdrush]

Thanks for reminding me my old Honda was a 305 Super Hawk with a repainted frame and chromed fenders. It was a nice bike but heavy.

Thanks for the advice on the center stand. I was worried about dropping the scooter but up on the back and full 230 lbs on the lever up should do it. It is still a bit of a struggle tho.

 

[Spdrush]

I think I was just too cautious and tentative. Thanks for your advice.

 

[Scorpion56]

Congrats on your new toy. I got mine delivered a month ago, and here in snowy/freezing Boston, I've only been able to get out on it a handful of times. Having the heated seat/grips and the adjustable windshield allow me to take it out in mid-30's weather. You've already got a lot of good advice on how to get her up on the center stand. I've found that rocking it back and forth a couple of times before the final push up on the stand makes it easier. I've also looked into discussion threads on using the center or side stand. The consensus seems to be that for "everyday" use, the side stand is preferable, and that for storage and servicing the bike, the center stand on a very hard surface (i.e. concrete) is the way to go. The thing I read that makes most sense is that on the side stand, the bike's weight is distributed over a fairly large triangle made up of the two tires and stand, so should provide a good deal of stability. (By the way, I carry a "hockey puck" in one of the storage pockets to put under the side stand - for less than ideal surfaces or for summer on hot asphalt). When on the center stand, it's one tire and the two points of the center stand making for a skinny, less distributed triangle. I'll experiment with this strategy over the coming riding season.

I hope I'm still riding in my 70's. Enjoy the new bike.

 

[SteveADV]

I center stand almost 100% of the time. Like all things done a few times it gets easier. Centered on both legs is important.

We'll be having center stand training classes in front of the Popcorn Shop this Friday

Pretty soon we'll have more Beemer scooters in town than we have stop lights.

 

[Spdrush]

We'll be having center stand training classes in front of the Popcorn Shop this Friday

We have about an inch of snow on the ground so perhaps Friday wont work. PLEASE LET IT BE SPRING.


Spdrush

 

[JaimeC]

Here's a hint about getting the scooter up on to the centerstand: Make sure you have the side stand UP when you try this. If the side stand is down, the built in parking brake locks BOTH the rear AND the front tire. With the tires locked, it makes it VERY VERY difficult to get the bike up onto the centerstand as you have to DRAG the front wheel back as the rear goes up. If you raise the sidestand, the front wheel will ROLL instead of drag and it makes it a whole lot easier.

 

[Xian Forbes]

I'm not certain the front wheel locks with the side stand. I believe the stand is linked via a rod to a specific rear caliper that is separate from the hydraulic unit mounted opposite it which is controlled via the abs sender.

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[justscootin]

I'm not certain the front wheel locks with the side stand. I believe the stand is linked via a rod to a specific rear caliper that is separate from the hydraulic unit mounted opposite it which is controlled via the abs unit.

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You are correct the side stand locks only the back wheel. This is proven when the bike is on the center stand with the side stand down and front wheel raised it will spin and the back wheel locks.

 

[SteveADV]

.....We have about an inch of snow on the ground so perhaps Friday wont work.....

Ha, snow on the "ground" is no problem. Clear roads and sunshine....perfect.

Well, include a beer and brats - then perfect.

 

[JaimeC]

I'm going to have to test that myself. It sure seems that both wheels lock when the sidestand is down. In any event, raising the sidestand BEFORE attempting to put it on the center stand will make it a whole lot easier.

 

[Xian Forbes]

Jamie, if you take a look at the sidestand you will find a simple connecting rod that goes to a dedicated caliper. It's so dead simple, it's genius. Plus it's separate from the abs system. I was surprised to find 2 calipers on 1 disc back there.

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[Cloud9]

I center stand almost 100% of the time. Like all things done a few times it gets easier. Centered on both legs is important.

We'll be having center stand training classes in front of the Popcorn Shop this Friday

Pretty soon we'll have more Beemer scooters in town than we have stop lights.

With three traffic lights in Chagrin ,you`re very close to reach your goals

 

[JaimeC]

Sounds like essentially they just took the hand brake mechanism off of a TMAX and combined it with the sidestand. Very simple, and you combine two functions that most people would do separately anyway.

Has the OP tried putting his scooter up on the centerstand with the sidestand up yet?

 

[Spdrush]

I'm still in elementary school on applying the center stand. I try to roll the bike back and then put weight on the stand. If the side stand is down the back wheel is locked and it won't roll.

I try to get the center stand legs both on the ground and then put my 230lbs on the pedal. Each time is easier as I learn the technique. I just was worried about dropping the thing.

The manual says that the side stand compresses a separate caliper (parking brake) located on the rear wheel.

 

[JaimeC]

The trick is to grasp the hand rail directly above the center stand. Then, while pushing straight down with your foot, pull straight up with your hand. Whatever you do, do NOT try to pull the bike BACK, just UP. My old bike mechanic said try to envision opening the jaws of an alligator.

 

[Spdrush]

Great advice. Thank you.

I just got back from the Everglades so I can visualize that!