BozBoz

Hi Chops, Sorry for the delay in replying to this. I have not had any problem with the centre stand bending or buckling. From memory, the maximum payload for the 900GT is (I think as I don't have the handbook in front of me) 190kgs. I guess the simplest way to check this is to call your dealer. I would assume, perhaps incorrectly, that with a permitted payload of 190kgs, the side stand is capable of taking this weight. Of course, the payload isn't normally distributed in this way but I think that would be the manufacturers start point. Hence my suggestion to check with the dealer. Option two would be to put the bike on the centre stand. Once mounted you can 'jerk the bike forward off the stand'. Takes a bit of practice but doable. The other point to bear in mind is that the side stand does not have a very big foot on it. So, there is risk the extra weight, as you mount, may sink the stand into softer surfaces. Again, you can just obtain a wider foot for the site stand to help spread the load. Lastly, and it is a bit of diversion, but there have been problems with the pin bolt on some centre stands not being sufficiently strong. Triumph had a recall on their 1200 Tiger Explorers (I had one at the time) to replace the bolt as it occasionally snapped causing the side stand to collapse. Not ideal if you were in the process of mounting the bike.

Slightly simple answer for the 'getting on bike question", but why dont you just mount the bike like a horse....just put you left foot on the left peg and step up onto the bike, swinging your leg over the seat. This should allow you to avoid scuffing the panniers. Hold the front brake whilst you mount and dismount. Keep the balance of your weight to the left of the bike so that it is still weighted towards the side stand and does not topple the other way. If you have hip injuries or inflexibility, this is often the only way to get on.