Putting a scooter or motorbike on its center stand looks simple, but hauling it up with your arms is how riders strain their backs or let the bike roll off. This guide explains how to put the bike on the center stand and take it off again as described in the Honda Vision owner’s manual, how to park securely on the side stand, and how to check the stands before riding using the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) checklist in the Utah motorcycle handbook.
Quick answer: how to put a motorcycle on the center stand
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- Switch the engine off and choose flat, firm ground.
- Stand on the left side, left hand on the left handlebar grip, right hand on the rear grab rail.
- Push the tip of the center stand down with your right foot until both legs of the stand touch the ground.
- Lift up and pull the bike backwards at the same time, putting your weight on the foot on the stand rather than pulling with your back.
- To take it off, push the bike forwards off the stand, then check that both stands are up.
- On the side stand, lean the bike to the left until its weight rests on the stand and turn the handlebars fully to the left.
Center stand or side stand: which to use when
The Honda Vision owner’s manual describes both ways of parking and asks for the bike to be on its center stand on flat, firm ground for several maintenance checks.
| Point | Center stand | Side stand |
|---|---|---|
| Bike position | Upright | Leaning left, resting on the stand |
| Good for | Checks, maintenance, longer parking on flat, firm ground | Quick stops and short parking on firm ground |
| Technique | Foot pressure on the stand plus a lift | Flip it down and lean the bike |
| Watch out for | Soft or sloping ground makes the bike unstable | A side slope or soft ground can tip the bike over |
Putting the bike on the center stand, step by step
The steps below follow the Honda Vision owner’s manual; on another model, check that bike’s own manual:
- Engine off, and make sure the bike is on flat, firm ground.
- Stand on the left of the bike, left hand on the left grip, right hand on the rear grab rail.
- Put your right foot on the tip of the center stand and push down until both of its legs are on the ground.
- Put your weight on your right foot while you lift the bike up and pull it backwards with the grab rail. The stand works as a lever, so most of the effort comes from your leg and your arms mainly guide the bike.
- Keep your back straight, bend your left knee slightly and do not twist.
- Check it is stable: both legs of the stand on the ground and no rocking when you push gently.
If the bike is heavy or loaded, take some luggage off first. If it goes over while you are lifting, use the leg-lift method in our guide on how to pick up a motorcycle.
Taking the bike off the center stand and getting on
The Honda Vision owner’s manual describes this sequence before riding:
- Push the bike forwards off the center stand with the throttle closed.
- Apply the rear brake lock if the bike has one, so it cannot roll.
- Check that both the side stand and the center stand are fully up.
- Get on from the left, keeping at least one foot on the ground.
- Release the rear brake lock before riding; the manual warns never to lock the brake while riding.
As the bike comes off the stand it can roll forwards a little, so keep a firm hold of the handlebar and be ready to brake.
Parking securely on the side stand
According to the Honda Vision owner’s manual:
- Switch the engine off and flip the side stand down.
- Slowly lean the bike to the left until its weight rests on the side stand.
- Turn the handlebars fully to the left: the manual notes that turning them to the right reduces stability and may cause the bike to fall.
- Lock the steering and take the key or remote fob with you to reduce the risk of theft.
- Keep flammable materials away from hot parts such as the exhaust.
If you are worried about theft on overnight stops, see our guide to a motorcycle GPS tracker.
Parking on slopes, soft ground and sloping pavements
The Honda Vision owner’s manual advises parking on a flat, firm surface; if you have to park on a slope or a slippery surface, park so that the bike cannot fall over. In practice:
- Side slope: if the camber makes the bike lean away from the side stand, it can tip to the right; turn the bike round so it leans firmly onto the stand.
- Uphill or downhill: the bike can roll off its stand; use the brake lock if fitted, or find flatter ground.
- Soft ground, sand or hot tarmac: the stand can sink; put something flat and hard under it or move.
- Kerbs and steps: keep the stand away from the edge of a step, where the surface can crumble or slip.
- Hot parts: do not touch the engine, exhaust or brakes until they have cooled, as the Honda manual warns.
For stopping and pulling away on steep mountain roads, see motorcycle hill starts and riding uphill.
Checking the stands before you ride
In the pre-ride checklist of the Utah handbook (MSF curriculum), the stands item says the side stand should operate smoothly with the spring holding it tightly in the up position, and a center stand, if fitted, should be held firmly against the frame whenever the motorcycle is moving.
| Item | How to check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Side stand | Moves smoothly without sticking or squeaking; spring not damaged or weak | Utah (MSF), Honda Vision |
| Center stand | Held firmly against the frame when up, not hanging loose while riding | Utah (MSF) |
| Side stand engine cut-off (Vision) | Sit on the bike, raise the side stand, start the engine, then lower the stand fully: the engine should stop at once; if not, have the bike checked | Honda Vision |
When you collect a bike from Mr Tú – Old Quarter Motorbike Rental, try the center stand once on the spot and check the side stand at the same time as you check the brakes on your rental motorbike.
Center stand FAQ
Why can I not get my scooter onto the center stand?
Check whether you are pulling with your arms without putting your weight on the stand. Following the Honda Vision manual, stand on the left, push the tip of the stand down with your right foot until it touches the ground, then lift and pull the bike backwards while keeping your weight on that foot.
Which side should I stand on to use the center stand?
The Honda Vision owner’s manual says to stand on the left of the bike, holding the left grip with your left hand and the rear grab rail with your right hand.
Should I turn the handlebars when parking on the side stand?
Yes. The Honda Vision manual says to turn the handlebars fully to the left; turning them to the right reduces stability and may make the bike fall.
How do I know the side stand is in good condition?
It should move smoothly and the spring should hold it tightly when it is up. On bikes with a side stand engine cut-off such as the Vision, the engine should stop as soon as the side stand is fully lowered.
Sources: Honda Vietnam – Vision owner’s manual (parking on the center stand or side stand; riding; side stand check); Utah Driver License Division – Motorcycle Handbook 2024 (MSF curriculum, pre-ride check: Stands). Checked on 13/11/2026.
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