CX500 GL500 650 Global

I though I'd share a simple hack I made on my GL a few weeks back. Let me know if you think any dangerous consequences may result....

Recent back and elbow injuries had me frustrated when attempting to get my GL up on the center stand. I was faced with the task of getting the pig in the air with only one hand on the bike. I became frustrated when the front end began flopping back and forth as I attempted the simple 'momentum swing' that always worked in the past (one hand on the rear rail - one hand on the bars to steady the front end).

I began to think of a way to keep the front end locked in the center position and remembered that this thing had a ignition/steering lock that held the front end at either end of it's travel (full lock right OR left). So I yanked the headlamp to get a look at how this worked and discovered it was pretty simple.

Many of you know all about this, but for those that don't, here's how the steering lock works;
When the ignition key is pushed in and turned fully anti-clockwise to LOCK position, a spring loaded shaft comes out of the lower rear face of the ignition switch. This shaft will protrude past the lock tab on the top of the steering neck if you flop the front end to either extreme direction, effectively locking the (turned) front end in place once the key is removed.

I figured if I added a notch in the very center of the lock tab, I could lock the front end solidly in a straight away position using the existing lock feature.

So, I masked the front end with rags and tape so metal shaving wouldn't get into the bearings etc, pulled the ignition switch, mounted a carbide burr in my die grinder and went at it. A few minutes later, I was able to lock the front end in the center position

Once assembled, I was then able to get the bike on the center stand without having to hold the bars to keep the front end straight. Peace at last, the pig now jumps on it's stand just like the good 'ol days.

As a bonus, this center lock feature will most likely come in handy when rolling the bike up ramps etc..

As for images; I tried to get pics, but my camera refused to focus in on the notch. If anyone is interested, I could take a mock up photo of this hack on a frame I have laying around.

What a great idea GL. I think it would be something I might look at doing as I'm getting ready to have shoulder surgery in a month or 2.
I'm sure it wont have any bad side effects due to the fact that you can only lock it when the bike is shut off.

GOOD JOB! I LIKE IT!
Larry

Thanks, I thought it might be most useful to those of us that are in need of overhaul

Other ideas for you or others in a similar situation....just thinking out loud....no matter what, it might take some practice...

Have a helper hold the bars to simulate the straight ahead steering lock while you give it a try so you can get a feel for center standing with one hand.

If your right arm/elbow/shoulder is going under the knife, you might even be able to center stand it while facing to the rear using left hand on side rail. Sounds weird to be facing backwards, but it might work fine since you won't have to worry about keeping the bars straight.

or

Weld temporary foot stomp tab on right side of the center stand so you can hop it up while standing on the RIGHT side of the bike... you would use left arm and left foot and remain very close to the bike while looking forward as usual.