Two questions: Dent removal and using the centerstand

[yoda731]

Hello, again.

Per my post under "Start Your Engines" I have just bought an '81 Honda CX500 Custom. It looks great on the whole, except for a dent in the gas tank on the left side. Here's a link to a pic of the damage.

http://us.a1.yahoofs.com/users/41b3e610 ... EBmVV4O6qJ

Is there an easy way to get this out, or should I just leave well enough alone and not risking damaging the gas tank?


One other question: Any suggestions on getting the bike on its centerstand? I am big, strong guy, but I have not been able to swing the bike back on to the centerstand. My closest effort nearly toppled the bike, so I quit while I was ahead and am asking you all to throw your pearls again before this swine... I was trying to hold the left grip, and to pull up on the back of the seat, but couldn't get it to happen...

Thanks a million.
JC

[ZooTech]

For the dent, try this:

http://www.gadgetjq.com/dentremoval.htm

Or keep scouring eBay for a new tank.

As for the center stand, there should be a metal peg sticking out on which you should stand and put your weight on. This will pivot the stand underneath the bike with little effort. You shouldn't have to muscle the bike at all.

[KroSha]

For the dent, try this:

http://www.gadgetjq.com/dentremoval.htm

Awesome! Just what I need. Thanks.

[Chris8187]

The way I get the centerstand is this way: 1) I lock the forks, so when I pull on the handlebars they don't move. 2) Find the peg for the centerstand and get ready to put most your weight on it. 3)Put your weight on the peg and pull on the handlebar towards yourself.

I might not have said it all correctly, but I know what I do, and it works all the time

[BuzZz]

Don't do dents, so I'll let some of the bodywork experts deal with that.....

I weight not much more than 100lbs and I can get my 575lb FJ-1200 up on it's center stand, even with a week's worth of gear for 2 people on it. It's not a strength issue, it's a technique issue.

Hard, level ground to begin with, no need to make it harder than it has to be. Put your right foot on the centerstand foot rest and put a little weight on it. Grab the rear handle with your right hand, left hand on the left grip. Stand on the centerstand pedal until both feet of the stand are on the ground, apply more weight while lifting with your right hand. Put all the weight you can on the foot pedal and lift with your right hand. It's all in the right leg and right arm. Your left leg should just be to keep your balance. Pushing your foot away from your hand will get it up on the stand..... hope that made sense.....

[yoda731]

Hey, again. Thanks for all the tips. I live a block away from an ABC liquor, so I'll try and snag some dry ice this weekend and will post back with the results.

And I did *finally* get the bike on its centerstand. It still took some flanagling, and I only got it after I removed the saddlebags that came with the bike. Not because of their weight, but because they blocked me from getting my leg close to the bike, and really had me guiding the bike at an awkward angle.

One more update-- the battery died. But, that is to be expected. I have already swapped it out, and it started right up again.

Thanks,
JC