Modern Vespa

Hi,

I have real troubles in using my center stand, and always fear that I will drop the scoot trying to put it on. I'm pretty sure this matter's been covered in the forum, but couldn't find it.

Vespa instructions recommend to hold the bars and pull the scoot back, but I find this advise not working for me, or maybe I'm just too weak or don't know the right technique.

Any advise, or link to the thread on the topic?

Thanks in advance.

to get the bike onto the centre stand I hold onto the grab rails with my right hand and hold onto the handle bars with my left - with the back brake on so it wont roll away. then with my right foot push on the centre stand until the bike is secure.

to get it off I keep the same holding position and push the bike off the center stand.

I'm not sure on your strength level etc but that method works for me

Put all your weight into pressing DOWN on the center stand and pull back slightly on the handlebars at the same time. It's that simple.

There's been a lot of discussion on technique. This thread is an example:

Proper center stand technique

I've found that the trick is to step down on the stand with quite a lot of weight after the stand has touched the ground and stabilized the scoot. It does get easy after a bit of practice.

cheers

Here's a pretty good Youtube video using a motorcycle but the principles are exactly the same.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDNqCMNau9A&feature=related

Dave

Thanks guys. I knew I could count on you!

I just have to use my weight, and rely on not tipping the bike on its right side.

Why not practise with someone standing on the other side of the bike so it takes away the worry. Are there any rufty tufty bikers in the area who might give you a quick lesson? Practising on a grass lawn would also lessen the risk - but make sure the owner isn't home!

To get it onto the centre stand - press down gently on the stand until it's touching the ground then move backwards and literally put all your weight on the stand. The bike will just rock back into place. There's usually no need to tug the bike hard as it will go back quite naturally.

To get it off the stand just stand in between the saddle and the handlebars. Put your hands on the handle bars and just push the bike forward with your stomach. It's a good idea to just cover the rear brake and give it a gentle squeeze once both wheels are firmly down.

Practise both again and again until it becomes easy. Best to park with the engine off as you then won't worry about twisting the throttle etc. The angle of the ground makes a bit of a difference to - slightly uphill makes it easy to get the bike off the centre stand but hard to get it onto the stand and vice versa. It's best to park on level ground though if you can.

Don't forget, before you try to push down hard on the pedal rock the bike gently side-to-side until you feel both legs are touching the ground.

If they are, you'll be very stable as you deploy the stand. If one of the legs (usually on the opposite side) is not touching you will have to deal with side-to-side motion which can be unsettling.

I also see people doing everything right while still facing the front of the bike somewhat. It seems to feel natural, but you're not moving so you're better off directly facing the bike, not direction of imaginary travel.

Left hand on left bar--hold the brake. Right hand on grab rail. Fish around for the stand with your foot and lower. Rock side-to-side to make sure both legs are touching. Release the brake, step down hard and guide bike onto stand with your hands. You shouldn't have to lift or pull backwards at all.

Easy as cupcake done right, hard work and scary if done wrong.

P.

Thanks also to Mike and Paul.

After reading the tips and watching the YouTube video I tried the center stand again, and now I'm wondering how come I thought it was so hard... It's pretty simple, really. I'm still getting used to my Vespa, and you've got to start somewhere, don't you.

Thanks again folks.

And you're starting with a GTV--lucky you.