Author Topic: Norge Center Stand: What is the Trick? (Read 16829 times)

JeffOlson · « **on:** March 12, 2015, 11:51:34 AM »

What is the trick to using the Norge center stand? I tried to use it the other day, in my garage, but could not get the bike on the stand... (I know, left hand on left handle bar, right hand on left passenger grab rail, foot on center stand extension, pull backwards.) I am afraid I am going to drop the bike if I really try to heave it.

I am fairly strong, 5' 10" tall, and 190+ pounds. I have used center stands before and have had no trouble, not even with my Ducati ST2... The Norge is another matter... If I cannot hoist the Norge onto its center stand, I might as well remove the center stand and stop scraping it!

Larry_77084 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2015, 11:54:59 AM »

I put them up on the centerstand all the time, the trick is to put all your weight on the stand tab as you are lifting on the bars and the rear. On the lift I use the left passenger peg.

JeffOlson · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2015, 12:00:59 PM »

^ Do you mean you grab with your right hand the left passenger foot peg rather than the left passenger grab rail?

Matteo · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2015, 01:57:07 PM »

I grab seat rail with right hand and then put all my weight on my right foot and step down hard while pulling up.

Larry_77084 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2015, 01:58:23 PM »

Yes, right hand on the left passenger peg

blackcat · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2015, 02:03:33 PM »

Lean into the direction of travel.

JeffOlson · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2015, 02:11:37 PM »

Thanks, everyone. I'll give it another try tonight, but I'll make sure I have a spotter on the right side just in case.

orion · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2015, 02:37:57 PM »

Im only 5'6", 160lbs. Once I got the hang of it it really became easy, it always goes on the center stand in the garage now and often when fueling at the gas station. I dont pull back, I pull staight up and it goes back on its own. The key for me is to have all my weight on the center stand.
I should add that when the stand first makes contact with the ground I rock the bike a little to make sure both sides are on the ground then stand up on the stand and pull up in one motion.

JeffOlson · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2015, 04:54:08 PM »

^ Thanks! I'll give that a try tonight.

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2015, 04:59:43 PM »

It helps to have on good sturdy boots to get better downward pressure.

guzzisteve · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2015, 05:02:49 PM »

There must not be any alcohol involvement.

Matteo · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2015, 05:03:32 PM »

Quote from: Guzzistajohn on March 12, 2015, 04:59:43 PM

It helps to have on good sturdy boots to get better downward pressure.

Yes don't try this with slippers! ::)

Bill Hagan · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2015, 05:20:19 PM »

It is a PITA, sort of the tank "quick release" writ large. :-[

But, as others note, it's more art than strength.

Still, unless I need the room (rare) and I have a lift for maintenance, I seldom use the center stand. The Norge is more stable on its side stand anyway, so why bother?

And, when Kathi is along, with her "required distaff luggage," fuggitaboutit; I don't even try to get the Norge up, at least by myself. I've had five hernia repairs. That's enough. ;)

Bill

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2015, 05:20:54 PM »

Quote from: MMNorth on March 12, 2015, 05:03:32 PM

Yes don't try this with slippers! ::)

Oh, that hurts just thinking about it :'(

youcanrunnaked · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2015, 05:24:25 PM »

Wear boots and press straight down with your right leg -- HARD! Stand up on your right leg; don't be afraid to lift your left foot off the floor as the bike moves up, so all of your weight is on your right leg.

Use your arms for guiding more than lifting.

EDIT: So you don't think I am selling you a load of bull, I used to own a 2008 Norge. I will admit that this was not the easiest bike to get on its center stand, but IIRC, Moto Guzzi changed the design of the stand as part of the 8V re-design to make it easier to use -- I can't imagine them making it more difficult.

Kiwi Dave · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2015, 05:30:07 PM »

Just checkin', your Norge doesn't have shorter than stock rear shocks, or the forks lowered in the triple tree? That would make it really hard to get on the center stand.

JeffOlson · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2015, 05:41:36 PM »

^ Nope. Brand new 2014. Unmolested (but not for long!).

GuzziPilot · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2015, 06:57:37 PM »

As stated...kinda gotta feel it....but think more of standing on that foot piece, pulling up & back and letting the bike rock up and over the pivot point.....just don't rush it. And once she gets going.....let the momentum carry it through. Then again, every center stand has its own feel, perhaps the 2014 is diff than my '12...

Having owned a Jackal with no CS, am quite curious about the EV'S CS........ I'll find out come June, when I finally go get the bike and meet some of you all at the National!!!!!

Lee

Gliderjohn · « **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2015, 07:08:27 PM »

:+1 on all the advice so far. The only thing that I would add is when getting ready to put it up on the CS be sure that the bike is balanced equal on both legs of the CS. You can kind of feel it as you gently rock it on the CS. Then do what has already been explained. Good Luck.
GliderJohn

Jim Rich · « **Reply #19 on:** March 12, 2015, 07:46:54 PM »

I try to use momentum, I get it level and ready to lift, then rock front to back a little a couple of times and give it a good push to lever it up. Use your whole body. All the other advice; no flip flops, tequila and such are also good points.

JeffOlson · « **Reply #20 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:06:23 PM »

Nope. No way. No how. Can't be done.

I think something must be wrong. I'll have the guys at the club breakfast have a go at in the weekend after next. Perhaps there is something preventing the center stand from deploying fully. Well, I'm off for a ride (and my back hurts now)...

LowRyter · « **Reply #21 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:13:36 PM »

You didn't say that you leveled the bike before you heaved it.

Make sure both center stand feet are on the floor. The bike will be level.

Edo · « **Reply #22 on:** March 12, 2015, 09:14:56 PM »

Jeff, to make it easier, roll the rear wheel onto 1" piece of wood. That will give things a head start.

frans belgium · « **Reply #23 on:** March 13, 2015, 02:41:00 AM »

Quote from: MMNorth on March 12, 2015, 05:03:32 PM

Yes don't try this with slippers! ::)

I can do it even with slippers and I am not a strong guy.
But I do weigh 95 kg and just put all my weight on the stand, even lifting the left foot for additional pressure.
Make sure both feet of the centerstand are flat on the floor. You can check by slightly trying to rock the bike from left to right (easy does it)
Otoh, why bother? Unless you want to clean the bike or do some work on the rear, just put it on the sidestand. I do...

Doppelgaenger · « **Reply #24 on:** March 13, 2015, 03:52:45 AM »

I had the same issue as you when I bought the Breva, I had no idea how to use the center stand and was about to take it off for the same reason. that is until I watched someone do it, then it became easy as pie. It's still a workout, but it happens every time.

Watch this video on how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6TGuO03wHM

There is no special handle on the Norge, I use the sissy bar in my right hand and the handlebar in my left as described in the video. Line it up, step up and put ALL your weight on your right foot and then pull up with your right hand.

If you're having problems, make sure that all of the following are true:

#1 Make sure the bike is out of gear, if the engine catches while you're rocking it back you may or may not be able to complete the action. It sounds like a dumb mistake to make, but I make it all the time. You CAN do it if the engine catches, but that's when your foot hurts.

#2 As mentioned in the video, the ground has to be at least level. Any downslope makes doing this almost impossible. I will even read the layout of a gas station so that I stop going uphill as much as possible. Uphill makes it easy. If you're having problems, point the bike uphill just a bit. Not too much or you'll never get the thing off of it after!

#3 The ground has to be FLAT Make sure there are no humps in the ground where the center stand touches down, they will make it impossible.

Learning to use the center stand is VERY worthwhile for the following reasons:
*I get about 0.6 of a gallon more into the fuel tank if I refuel with the bike on the center stand vs the side stand. That's that much more range in the bike.
*Doing any work to the bike of any kind is much easier with the bike upright. Adjusting the valves, changing plugs and all that is easier.
*You HAVE to have the bike on the center stand to change the oil, the gearbox oil and the CARC oil. This alone will cost you hundreds if you have someone else do it. Not to mention removing the wheels is a doddle.

Doppelgaenger · « **Reply #25 on:** March 13, 2015, 03:54:04 AM »

Quote from: youcanrunnaked on March 12, 2015, 05:24:25 PM

Wear boots and press straight down with your right leg -- HARD! Stand up on your right leg; don't be afraid to lift your left foot off the floor as the bike moves up, so all of your weight is on your right leg.

For me, this is also mandatory for it to work.

56Pan · « **Reply #26 on:** March 13, 2015, 06:50:03 AM »

Quote from: Doppelgaenger on March 13, 2015, 03:52:45 AM

There is no special handle on the Norge, I use the sissy bar in my right hand and the handlebar in my left as described in the video. Line it up, step up and put ALL your weight on your right foot and then pull up with your right hand.

What is the sissy bar? Grab handle? I'm 6'2" and not really a weakling, but have had trouble getting the Norge on the center stand. Thanks.

twhitaker · « **Reply #27 on:** March 13, 2015, 07:39:40 AM »

Quote from: Edo on March 12, 2015, 09:14:56 PM

Jeff, to make it easier, roll the rear wheel onto 1" piece of wood. That will give things a head start.

Makes a BIG difference.

ohiorider · « **Reply #28 on:** March 13, 2015, 07:45:49 AM »

;-T

I keep this little 'ramp' handy in the garage, and roll the back wheel onto it prior to using the center stand. It's small enough to fit in the bottom of a saddle bag when traveling, when using the center stand is more difficult, since the bike is fully-loaded. I think I made it out of 1" x 3".

JeffOlson · « **Reply #29 on:** March 13, 2015, 09:01:56 AM »

The wood-under-the-rear-wheel trick looks promising. I'll give that a try tonight.

By the way, flat, level garage floor, Norge leveled side to side so both center stand feet are touching, all my weight on center stand deployment tab...

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Author Topic: Norge Center Stand: What is the Trick? (Read 16829 times)

Bill Hagan

Doppelgaenger

Doppelgaenger

56Pan