Hi all, I have had my TDM 900 for about 2 years now..always used the side stand though . It has a genuine Yamaha centre stand.... never used it as I have a rear paddock type frame lift stand for tyres/chain lube etc ... I was loathe to use the centre stand as I found the TDM really awkward and the rear wheel was really high off the deck when I put it on sometimes aided by a pal .. so . of late whilst most motorcycles are real easy to use the centre stand my TDM is not ..
However after studying much advice of video footage .. I have found a way to C/S the TDM .. stand real close touching frame etc with legs. left hand on H/bar grip .. now kick down in one motion with right boot on the stand lever ... same time pull up on frame bar grip under seat with right hand... off it goes backwards eureka ...the real clue is being touching and close to the machine .. my TDM is 2011 reg in UK with about 30K miles done . .. previous machine was a Honda Firestorm.. loved it .. so