Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Gsun on June 26, 2011, 07:04:04 PM
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Has anyone installed the ProjektD lift handle. I use the center stand a lot and it is hard to get a grip when the bags are on.
http://projektd.com/product_info.php?products_id=171 (http://projektd.com/product_info.php?products_id=171)
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Interested also.
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(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/confused1.gif)
Having the bags on shouldn't even come into play, you should have your hand on the handle behind the rear bag mount and in front of the rear luggage rack, same place that a passenger would hold on to... See pic, lucky for you I'm currently in the garage... ;)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00365-20110626-1823.jpg)
Also just FYI your hand shouldn't be doing any work, just use your hands for bike balance (right hand rear grab bar, left hand on left grip), you push down on the center stand with your foot to get the bike up on the stand.
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Little bit of help won't heard...btw, not everyone here is 6 feet+.
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Little bit of help won't heard...btw, not everyone here is 6 feet+.
I'm 5'8", she pops right up like toast... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif)
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Man, sorry to hear that. ;D
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Man, sorry to hear that. ;D
Hear what? You got something against toast? ???
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I can get the bike up, but am thinking it would be easier with a handle. I am only 140 lbs. and need all the help I can get!!
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I'm 5' 10", 175 lb, grab the rear stand on the center stand as hard as I can and have trouble getting it up. What am I missing?
Tony
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The technique is not to pull the handle, but to step/stand on the center stand. Step hard, give all your 5'10" and 175 lbs.
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(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/confused1.gif)
Having the bags on shouldn't even come into play, you should have your hand on the handle behind the rear bag mount and in front of the rear luggage rack, same place that a passenger would hold on to... See pic, lucky for you I'm currently in the garage... ;)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00365-20110626-1823.jpg)
Also just FYI your hand shouldn't be doing any work, just use your hands for bike balance (right hand rear grab bar, left hand on left grip), you push down on the center stand with your foot to get the bike up on the stand.
Thanks for the input. Went out and tried grabbing where you show and it is not any easier than where I usually grab. If the bags are full and the top box, it would actually probably be harder. I have to rock the bike a bit to get enough leverage on the stand as well. So, back to the original question, has anybody tried the handle?
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I usually grab it by the left passenger peg mount, and lay my right arm up against the left saddlebag. Pull up on the mount while stepping down on the centerstand tab...voila! Works for me.
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I have it and I like it a lot. I had no trouble putting the bike on the center stand before, but this makes it way easier. I had a Goldwing 1800 and currently also own a FJR1300. The C14 is the hardest to raise due to the wide stance when holding the grab rail. I am 5'9. Sam
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It already has two handles, one on each side. This is the easiest bike I've ever had to get on the center stand. For anyone that wants lessons I take beer, preferably in glass bottles.
:offtopic: As we're discussing the center stand and as a reminder for those that haven't heard of this before..... Please don't put it on the center stand on hot asphalt. It may sink in and cause a tip over. You're better off using the side stand in that situation. We've had a couple of reports of just that. Mine sunk in as well but not enough to cause a tip over.
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It already has two handles, one on each side. This is the easiest bike I've ever had to get on the center stand. For anyone that wants lessons I take beer, preferably in glass bottles.
:offtopic: As we're discussing the center stand and as a reminder for those that haven't heard of this before..... Please don't put it on the center stand on hot asphalt. It may sink in and cause a tip over. You're better off using the side stand in that situation. We've had a couple of reports of just that. Mine sunk in as well but not enough to cause a tip over.
Grrr... got that t-shirt. Reformed center stand abuser.
As for lifting it up, I believe it's a technique thing. My neighbor couldn't put his ZZR1200 up on the center stand to save his life. I am 40 lbs lighter and 4" shorter, and popped it right up. After he watched me, he could do it.
Barry
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Yeah, it has to be technique. I'm 5'5" 160lbs and I can put her on the CS while wearing flip flops, no problemo. Just step on her hard and up she goes.
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The technique is like judo or karate (and I know the latter quite well). You use the "opponent's" weight to make it go where it doesn't want to go. It's not about strength.
READ the manual. It actually explains it. One of the simplest bikes to get onto the centerstand I've owned. The Project D thingie isn't going to make much difference (opinion) since there's already a handle to grab on the bike and it's in the right damn place. It's all one fluid motion . . . and I'm 170 soaking wet, so the bike outweighs me 4:1.
Technique guys! When I rode Wings, I watched a teeny little woman that I probably could've tucked under my arm and walked around with, demonstrate how to pick up a Wing that had been dropped. She didn't look big enough to pick up a full shopping bag, but had no trouble getting the Wing up in one fluid motion. Same deal here.
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I have never really had a problem getting any bike on the CS, but without a chain to clean, I have yet to find a compelling reason to put the Connie up on it. Am I missing something?
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I have never really had a problem getting any bike on the CS, but without a chain to clean, I have yet to find a compelling reason to put the Connie up on it. Am I missing something?
Service?
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I have never really had a problem getting any bike on the CS, but without a chain to clean, I have yet to find a compelling reason to put the Connie up on it. Am I missing something?
I just find it better to load up, clean up, etc. I can also rotate both tires to get at the valve stems or clean the wheels.
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Service?
I guess you got a point for most folks. I use a lift for all my service needs. Nice to have a buddy with one in his garage :)
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I see no need for this product what-so-ever. There's already a handle right where this thing mounts from the factory...it's called the passenger peg mounting bracket. Just grab it right under the rear shock preload adjuster knob.
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1. Keep kickstand DOWN just in case you fail to raise bike
2. Grab left handlebar and left passenger grab rail
3. Put foot on center stand until it touches the ground.
4. Tilt bike until you can feel BOTH feet of the center stand firmly on the ground. (Most inexperienced users do not get the bike squarely upright on both feet as they feel the bike is going to tip.)
5. Apply pressure with your foot to put the bike firmly on the centerstand.
I am 5'2" and not very strong for a woman. I have no problems getting the bike on the center stand and neither should you.
P.S. Leaning the bike far enough to get both center stand feed squarely on the ground is the key.
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1. Keep kickstand DOWN just in case you fail to raise bike
2. Grab left handlebar and left passenger grab rail
3. Put foot on center stand until it touches the ground.
4. Tilt bike until you can feel BOTH feet of the center stand firmly on the ground. (Most inexperienced users do not get the bike squarely upright on both feet as they feel the bike is going to tip.)
5. Apply pressure with your foot to put the bike firmly on the centerstand.
I am 5'2" and not very strong for a woman. I have no problems getting the bike on the center stand and neither should you.
P.S. Leaning the bike far enough to get both center stand feed squarely on the ground is the key.
Okay I have to ask. You say you are a 5'2" woman. How DO you ride this thing? I'm 6'0" and I can't fully flat foot my bike. Is your bike lowered?
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Let's see. 23 responses and only one answer to the OP's question. Most are "man-up an put the thing on the stand. Or "women-up". What's up with this? Why do any farkles? If it makes life easier or things more convenient go for it.
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Let's see. 23 responses and only one answer to the OP's question. Most are "man-up an put the thing on the stand. Or "women-up". What's up with this? Why do any farkles? If it makes life easier or things more convenient go for it.
Just what I was thinking. My point was that I can put it up on the stand - not the problem. Just wondering if the handle made it easier. One response only by gadallah that has experience with it. And he likes it! Surprised nobody got into how easy it is to pick the bike up after dropping it too.
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Just what I was thinking. My point was that I can put it up on the stand - not the problem. Just wondering if the handle made it easier. One response only by gadallah that has experience with it. And he likes it! Surprised nobody got into how easy it is to pick the bike up after dropping it too.
I watched this thread from time to time with astonishment. I do have the ProjectD handle and think it is great. It does make it easier to get the bike on the center stand. I can also easily get the Connie on the center with the pass. grab rail but those who say that the passenger grab rail is where it should be are... well never mind. That rail is nowhere where it is on other bikes and I have had a lot of them. I have three right now. I find it odd that it seems the biggest critics are ones who have not even used it. It is very well made and is a great help for those who need to move to an awkward position to raise the bike. While I have not needed to pick my connie up from the ground... yet..., it seems it would also be invaluable for that. So... there are now two.
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I watched this thread from time to time with astonishment. I do have the Projectd handle and think it is great. It does make it easier to get the bike on the center stand. I can also easily get the Connie on the center with the pass. grab rail but those who say that the passenger grab rail is where it should be are... well never mind. That rail is nowhere it is on other bikes and I have had a lot of them. I have three right now. I find it odd that it seems the biggest critics are ones who have not even used it. It is very well made and is a great help for those who need to move to an awkward position to raise the bike. While I have not needed to pick my connie up from the ground... yet..., it seems it would also be invaluable for that. So... there are now two.
Thanks Red. I appreciate an experienced reply. I think I might get the handle....
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]Thanks for this thread. Had labored with that for the 2 months I have owned the bike. 7k miles later I got it figgerred out with a little help. Went right up after reading through here. Read owners manual several times but did not help. I haave a feeling with my newly reconstructed right shoulder this farkle may be very useful as I can deal lift a lot but twisting back to grab the passenger hand puts a bit more stress on the shoulder and the after market passenger boards on the bike are just big metal blocks
Only problem is the passenger boards the previous owner put on are 3 inches wide and 6 inches of solid metal. Hard to get my leg between the passenger boards and driver pegs. Rarely can I get my girl off her HD Dyna but when I do she likes a little variability. May switch to these Kuryakyn swing wing pegs......would really help get her off that 09 antique air cooled thingie and with her on back at least she could keep up!
(http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/543/SwingWing-Pegs)
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Mister Tee:
height has nothing to do with riding ability or skill. Dani Pedrosa is 5"2" and is one of the worlds best MotoGP riders with a seat height similar to ours. While I cannot reach the ground with both feet, there is really no need to. At stops my bike is leaned to the left with my left foot flat on the ground. If I want to put the bike into neutral, I come to a stop and lean to the right and put my right foot down. Only thing I cannot do is move the bike around by pedaling my feet. It does require me to be careful as to where I park.
It takes time to feel comfortable with a bike this heavy so I would not suggest the Concours as a 1st bike for anyone.
I guess you've never ridden a KTM with a 34" seat height.
88
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Hi all
I greet you from Melilla (North Africa)
The item I have placed in my c-14.
One of the best purchases I've made.
I'd advise
regards
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I send you some pictures of my C-14
Regards,
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Hi all
I greet you from Melilla (North Africa)
The item I have placed in my c-14.
One of the best purchases I've made.
I'd advise
regards
Welcome. Nice Bike.
How are the roads in Morocco?
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Thanks for the input. Went out and tried grabbing where you show and it is not any easier than where I usually grab. If the bags are full and the top box, it would actually probably be harder. I have to rock the bike a bit to get enough leverage on the stand as well. So, back to the original question, has anybody tried the handle?
Original question answer: Yes, I purchased it, tried it, immediately removed it and returned it.
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For those of you that have the McEnterprise saddlebag guards... they work well for a grip helping lift the bike too. ;)
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Original question answer: Yes, I purchased it, tried it, immediately removed it and returned it.
What was it that didn't work for you?
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What was it that didn't work for you?
I think, and I'm guessing a bit, but I would say the ProjektD handle...
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I think, and I'm guessing a bit, but I would say the ProjektD handle...
One in every crowd isn't there?
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I think, and I'm guessing a bit, but I would say the ProjektD handle...
:rotflmao: Now that's funny right there....
But seriously, you don't need a handle. Have a buddy stand on the other side, just to make sure it doesn't tip over, then step on the center stand with everything you got. Don't even touch the bike with your hands. (that's why you need the safety buddy). Just to prove it to yourself.
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Original question answer: Yes, I purchased it, tried it, immediately removed it and returned it.
OK, you are the first one that didn't like it - why?
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I send you some pictures of my C-14
Regards,
Welcome! What is that seat you have there? Great looking bike.
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One in every crowd isn't there?
Quite right....
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One in every crowd isn't there?
One? Oh there's lots more than that in this crowd. ;)
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Welcome. Nice Bike.
How are the roads in Morocco?
There are all kinds of roads and landscapes.
Sea, Mountain, Desert.
Rule the roads are empty except for big cities like Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Tangier, Tetuan.
In the rest of the country can move smoothly, and all Arab countries is that we can say that is more westernized.
It is ideal for travel between September and June.
In summer it is best to rest the bike
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The lifter looks like a good idea in theory, but the way the handle points looks like it would hurt your hand trying to use it.....
Just my 0.02
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There are all kinds of roads and landscapes.
Sea, Mountain, Desert.
Rule the roads are empty except for big cities like Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Tangier, Tetuan.
In the rest of the country can move smoothly, and all Arab countries is that we can say that is more westernized.
It is ideal for travel between September and June.
In summer it is best to rest the bike
Yeah Charlie, what seat is that you have? I don't think that I've seen that one before.
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Yeah Charlie, what seat is that you have? I don't think that I've seen that one before.
Looks like one of these?
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2546.msg28986#msg28986 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2546.msg28986#msg28986)
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Looks like one of these?
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2546.msg28986#msg28986 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2546.msg28986#msg28986)
Yep
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It really is mostly about technique, but no harm in wanting to make it easier. We tried to start up the BFCLA (Bare Foot Connie Lifters Association), but only had two members so we disbanded.
The steps listed above work. Perhaps the most important part is to make sure the bike is vertical and evenly balanced on both centerstand legs before attempting the lift.
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It really is mostly about technique, but no harm in wanting to make it easier. We tried to start up the BFCLA (Bare Foot Connie Lifters Association), but only had two members so we disbanded.
The steps listed above work. Perhaps the most important part is to make sure the bike is vertical and evenly balanced on both centerstand legs before attempting the lift.
BFCLA eh? I never tried it barefoot but I can easily do it with flip flops on. Would that be FFCLA?
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BFCLA eh? I never tried it barefoot but I can easily do it with flip flops on. Would that be FFCLA?
Yeah, I don't think I really want to try it barefoot. I guess the handle WOULD come in kinda handy then......
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What was it that didn't work for you?
I just think it's more awkward - a good 3-4 inches too low. Guess I have gotten used to grabbing the rail instead of relying on the swing out handles I had on my previous 2 rides - 04 1150RT beemer and 96 ST1100 Honda.