K1300gt centre stand -har work

[Lordwanswell]

Have had the bike for 6 months,  only 20k miles, lovely condition. However, I find it really hard work to get onto the centre stand. Harder than my previous Pan, although that was a heavier bike. Any suggestions?

[flatfour]

I too find the K1300GT a struggle to put on the main stand, although I am 6'1 and some 14 stones. It is probably not helped by me having literally "thrown" a previous K series on the ground in France a few years ago, when my foot slipped from the treaded part of the stand as I lifted the bike up!

This was, I found caused by diesel on my boot, from a fuel forecourt.

Since then (and before buying the K1300) I've owned a Kawasaki 1400GTR (some 20kg heavier) and Kawasaki Versys 1000 (lighter but taller) and I was happy to let my daughter (5'8 and lightweight) put either of them on the stand, however with the K1300, I have to prepare even myself for the task.

[raesewell]

There is a bit of a knack to it. Press the stand down and balance the bike so that both stand legs are touching the floor. Then apply more downward pressure, then stand on the stand and pull up and back in one movement.
Once you have the knack you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

One other thing to consider is a previous owner may have lowered the bike, in which case the above still applies but it will be harder.

Not sure where you are located but if you're in Yorkshire pop over and I'll show you 

[raesewell]

Oh, one more thing, if you are trying to get it on the centre stand with full luggage, forget it, use the side stand and leave it in gear.

[flatfour]

Rae thanks for the advice, I'll try to ensure that I follow it.

Mine definitely hasn't been lowered, however I do have a 47 litre top - box fitted together with its inner bag and various useful items (waterproof coat and the like, road atlas) in it that I never normally remove, so that probably doesn't help matters.

[Lordwanswell]

Thanks for the advice. I don't live anywhere near Yorkshire so I will have to work on my technique alone!

[Phmode]

What technique are you using?

The manual (for the S, can't speak for the K) tells you to do it by pulling backon the bars and the grab handle. You'll never lift an S onto its stand like that.

You need to force down on the stand prong while pulling straight UP on the grab handle whilst using your left hamd for nothing other than steadying the bars.

[CrazyDave]

Yes, its a lot worse than any bike I have ever ridden, including a Gold-wing, Valkyrie and Triumph Rocket.

I do find that some heavy oil on the mechanism helps as does regular use .

[Costas]

There is a useful and good looking lever sold by wunderlich that really makes miracles.

[CrazyDave]

Don't talk to me about Wunderlich.

I bought a lighting kit from them for the K1300GT two weeks ago, and it arrived with missing parts. No bolts, fixings or housings for the lamps. Someone had raided it for spares I'm thinking. Useless as it is.

When I complained they said I would have to buy another kit at £200 - oh but with a generous 10% discount!

What??!!

Unbelievable. Shame on them.

[richtea]

Don't talk to me about Wunderlich.

I bought a lighting kit from them for the K1300GT two weeks ago, and it arrived with missing parts. No bolts, fixings or housings for the lamps. Someone had raided it for spares I'm thinking. Useless as it is.

When I complained they said I would have to buy another kit at £200 - oh but with a generous 10% discount!

What??!!

Unbelievable. Shame on them.

Sale of Goods Act - or the EU equivalent - will get you satisfaction.
You need to find the equivalent for the country you purchased it from.
But a royal pain, I agree.

[CrazyDave]

Takes some nerve I would think - to sell an incomplete kit and then try to bill the customer for the missing parts.

Unbelievable.

They have agreed to pay for some cheaper lamps off eBay.

Dave