Re: Center stand. Gear selection awareness.

Posted by Thorby on Oct 17, 2012; 7:13pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Center-stand-Gear-selection-awareness-tp4030324p4030860.html

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!