Center stand. Gear selection awareness.

[Elliot Cannon]

So far I have put about 120 miles on my new (to me) 1975 cb750.  I need advice on two subjects.  Is there any trick to remembering what gear you're in when between 5th and 1st?  I try to remember how many times I have shifted up or down but my senior moments are getting closer and closer.LOL  
Secondly, I strained my back a bit trying to raise the bike on the center stand.  Is there a trick/procedure/technique to getting the bike on the stand without falling over or getting a hernia?
            Cheers,    Elliot

[MarkPBG]

Well, you could always add an aftermarket gear indicator like this...
http://www.marcmart.com/6-speed-universal-digital-gear-indicator-red-gear-indicator-for-motorcycle.html

[shinyribs]

I used to have a hard time remembering which gear I was in,too. After a while I got tired of trying to keep track..12345432343234543234543234 whew!!!  Now,if I need more power I downshift and leave it at that

[Elliot Cannon]

OK, I ordered one of the gear indicator thingies.  Thanks for the link.  Now, about that damn center stand...

[Rodgil]

Roll the back wheel onto a 1'' thick plank or similar. It is then much easier to get onto the centre stand.

[icerigger]

Rodgil wrote

Roll the back wheel onto a 1'' thick plank or similar. It is then much easier to get onto the centre stand.

GREAT tip!  Thanks

[eric moon]

Just need somewhere to stow that plank now!!

[Ooldskuul]

Elliot Cannon wrote

OK, I ordered one of the gear indicator thingies.  Thanks for the link.  Now, about that damn center stand...

Hi Elliot;
When you get the Gear indicator will you please let me know all about it?  I went to the site.  It looks like you have to order 2 of them.  If so, I will buy the extra one and pay all freight.  Please advise.  I'm old and grey also and have the same problem.
Especially at stop lights.
Cheers

[Ooldskuul]

Marc;
 Thanks for the info.  been looking for something like that gear indicator.  Probably a bunch of us old geezers could use one.
Is Your name connected with that store name?  It would be interesting to hear about some of these unusual items.
Thanks again

[Piute]

shinyribs wrote

I used to have a hard time remembering which gear I was in,too. After a while I got tired of trying to keep track..12345432343234543234543234 whew!!!  Now,if I need more power I downshift and leave it at that

                                                               

[MarkPBG]

No, it was just the first one that came up in a google search. It may not be the best or the cheapest, I don't know, I've never used one. I've got one of those artists minds that can easily visualize images, so as I upshift and downshift there's a big neon gear number displayed in my mind, and it doesn't change until I shift. Weird..... I know.

[Elliot Cannon]

MarkPBG wrote

No, it was just the first one that came up in a google search. It may not be the best or the cheapest, I don't know, I've never used one. I've got one of those artists minds that can easily visualize images, so as I upshift and downshift there's a big neon gear number displayed in my mind, and it doesn't change until I shift. Weird..... I know.

Weird is good.  

[Elliot Cannon]

Ooldskuul wrote

Elliot Cannon wrote

OK, I ordered one of the gear indicator thingies.  Thanks for the link.  Now, about that damn center stand...

Hi Elliot;
When you get the Gear indicator will you please let me know all about it?  I went to the site.  It looks like you have to order 2 of them.  If so, I will buy the extra one and pay all freight.  Please advise.  I'm old and grey also and have the same problem.
Especially at stop lights.
Cheers

I'll post something when I get it installed.  

[Hellbilly429]

Get a buddy to help you

[Elliot Cannon]

Rodgil wrote

Roll the back wheel onto a 1'' thick plank or similar. It is then much easier to get onto the centre stand.

I love simple solutions like this.  Thanks.
       Cheers,   Elliot

[Thorby]

Getting the bike up into the center stand is all about leverage.  You have to put all your weight into the peg as you lift the bike with your hands (95% of the energy going into putting your weight into your foot, not actually lifting the bike).  What really worked for me was practicing on my cousin's ST1300, a much heavier and bulkier bike.  

I have learned to remember what gear I'm on just by looking at my current miles per hour.  I'm not on my bike now so I won't remember exactly but it goes something like:
1st   - up to 20 mph
2nd  - up to 30
3rd - up to 40
4th - up to 50
5th - 60 mph

I suppose this works mostly if you always upshift at certain RPMs.  Otherwise you could be cruising at 60 while revving your bike like crazy on 3rd!