Getting an 850T onto the center stand and storage racks

[BIF]

two questions actually.
I have a 75 850T which I recently installed a factory center stand on,and am I missing something for getting it on the stand. I have a Vespa 300gts and a pair of Ducs, 907ie and 900ss) that are near as difficult. The Vespa is heavy for a scooter at about 350 lbs but is childs play to get on the center stand, so I know Piaggio at least figured it out. The Ducs are a little more difficult but not too bad. I have considered putting a side handle like on the duc's to help leverage it up, but I wanted to get feedback of what am I doing wrong.
The second what kind of stand are you using to store your bike for the winter, assuming that you are storing your bike.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

This is for the "Loopframe" Guzzis, but applies to the early Tontis as well.
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_center_stand_usage.html

As far as a "stand" for Winter storage... none! Once it's on the centerstand, there's really no need. You could put a wooden block under the engine oil pan to raise the front wheel off the ground as well as the rear, but I never do.

[PeteS]

Greg has it right. It helps if you pull back on the handlebars while lifting the back up. Fortunately those early Tontis are pretty light.

Pete

[Perazzimx14]

For winter storage some people get all whipped into a frenzy and do not want the tires contacting concrete for long periods of time. If you are one of these worrier's then bike on the centerstand and a piece of cardboard, wood, plastic, sheet metal, gold leaf etc to slide under the front tire to create a barrier.

My winter storage is park the bike on the side or center stand in the garage. Fuel petcocks off, carbs drained (is so equipmed) and walk away. If its a FI bike, just walk away. It'll still be there is a couple months (which is not long term storage). After winter all you have to do check/adjust the tire pressure open the petcocks, key the ignition to "on" and poosh the starter. Once the bike whirls to life, ride it.

Motorcyclists have over complicated overwintering.

[Tom]

Good vid on using the center stand.   Loops are front heavy.  In isolation, I figured it out.  Asking an AZ DPS officer didn't help.  They only rode them.    

[Guzler]

two questions actually.
I have a 75 850T which I recently installed a factory center stand on,and am I missing something for getting it on the stand. I have a Vespa 300gts and a pair of Ducs, 907ie and 900ss) that are near as difficult. The Vespa is heavy for a scooter at about 350 lbs but is childs play to get on the center stand, so I know Piaggio at least figured it out. The Ducs are a little more difficult but not too bad. I have considered putting a side handle like on the duc's to help leverage it up, but I wanted to get feedback of what am I doing wrong.
The second what kind of stand are you using to store your bike for the winter, assuming that you are storing your bike.

My T3 is a bear espcially when full of gas. So far I roll the rear tire onto 3/4 inch wood and loop a leather belt through the frame over the battery for lifting.

[chuck peterson]

Momentum rearward, while the stand is kept on the ground, is 95% more important than lifting

[SIR REAL ED]

This is for the "Loopframe" Guzzis, but applies to the early Tontis as well.
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_center_stand_usage.html

Thanks Charlie.  Great video.  I've been doing this for decades.  When I read the post title I thought:  "What?  There is only one way to get a bike up on the center stand."

Of course for flyweight/low bikes and/or real men with long legs, you could always straddle the bike and pull back on the bars, I guess.....

[Moparnut72]

I didn't watch the video. My yet to be finished T3 comes up on the stand quite easily if I put my foot on top of the loop of the foot on the bottom of the stand and add a little weight. The bike comes right up. Trying to lift it while standing on the tang is generally fruitless.
kk

[DoubleGuzzi]

This, I have to try with my V50 - it's the toughest bike that I've tried to put on the main stand.

[John A]

On my wife’s Stone after I put on shorter shocks I have to put some plywood under the rear tire and roll it up on those to use the center stand. Its almost impossible without raising it first.

[DoubleGuzzi]

On my wife’s Stone after I put on shorter shocks I have to put some plywood under the rear tire and roll it up on those to use the center stand. Its almost impossible without raising it first.

Yup, that's my "trick" too. An off-cut from a kitchen unit, in my case.

[Tkelly]

What Mopar says,make sure both curve parts are on rhe floor ,hold your right foot on the end of the one closest to you,left hand lift on the grip ,bars slightly turned toward you,right hand lift while pushing down with right foot.Best have someone on the other side of the bike lifting simultaneously until you get the knack.It used to be easier 40 years ago but I still can get mine up.For the Stelvio I don’t attempt without help.

[BIF]

OK I got it and thanks for the video. I was trying to just use the tab, and didn't consider that I needed to stand on the curved part underneath, that did make it easier. I just got it back on the road with good brakes and hopefully better electrics, but I am still figuring out the bike. In a couple of days I am off on a trip for 7 months and will not get to ride it. It will sit on its center stand on a concrete floor and I will tell you if I have any flat spot problems or not. Hopefully all will be good.

[matt franklin]

Lower-than-stock profile tires will make it more difficult, as well.

[theoneandonlymin]

Foot on the " shepherd's crook,  pull back horizontally, no lifting required. My G5 goes on with just my knee against a pannier.

[moto]

Two other things can help. First gain about 30 pounds. When I lost 30 pounds it became much harder to put the bike on the stand. Second, put a fiberglass saddle bag on the left side and then push against it with your thigh as you do the maneuver of pressing down on the curved end of the stand. That makes it almost effortless, at least if you have those 30 extra pounds.

[yackee]

Maybe I'm fat, as my kids say, but my t3 easily goes up on the center stand if I stand on the curved-up end of the stand, and not the welded-on arm that sticks out. And slightly pull back. That has worked quite well for winter storage (here in Wisconsin, 6+ months). And every-day.