Guys, I'm a bit of a shortarse. Getting on the Multi with panniers fitted I'll endup battering them with my boots. Do I run the risk of damaging the side stand if I'm getting on the bike by standing on the footpeg? What do others do?
If you’re normal weight, you’ll be fine. I do it on days when my back is aching, if I’ve got a bag on the back seat.
I am also short and I did it for 5 years on the multi 1200, and I have been riding like this on the V4 for a year, without problems
Never been a fan, but I’m heavier than average. Went thru a phase of having on centre stand and rocking off. Did that a lot on my GS
Thx for the replies guys, I'm just under 15st, not blessed with long legs and this was bothering me. Didn't want to batter the panniers with my boots lol!
I wouldn't recommend this approach. Especially if on the wrong camber, as the momentum could overload the side stand, particularly with loaded panniers attached, then rotate and you will be there all in a heap, unable to even attempt to stop it happening. Using the foot-peg to get onto the bike with the side stand down, on that side, isn't an issue and if the bike should become unstable, at least you are on the right side to try to regain control and stop the bike falling.
I'm tall but still do it sometimes but yes if the sidestand gives way then it's gonna get ugly. Worth having a close look at the sidestand and its mounting every so often.
Another very useful addition to make to the side-stand, is to add a an extender plate, which R&G do, as well as CNC, amongst others. I've got the latter attached to mine, which does make a significant difference to stability.
Have you ever tried getting on a bike form the wrong side?! It’s maddeningly difficult, even on a pushbike!
I agree with Chuki's comments as I too am a shorty and so always use the foot the peg to get on and off. I rode a R1200GS for 4 years mounting and dismounting using the foot pegs and it never affected the side stand. I've been doing the same on my current Multi V4S and again , no issues at all.
I think it'll be fine on the modern Ducatis: a vertically-challenged friend of mine used to do that with his 998S, until the sidestand snapped in a French motorway services. Full carbon fairings as well
In fairness, the side stand on adventure bikes are generally very sturdy, these bikes are designed for long distance touring with a lot of luggage and pillions, so the side stand is designed to support a lot of weight, unlike sports bikes where the emphasise is on keeping weight down and generally only supporting the rider hence the tooth pick fitted as side stand.
Take a running jump/hop whilst simultaneously hoiking your right leg skyward, grab your flares if you need extra lift to clear the seat. Looks cool and works well.
