I am finding it reassuring that so many replies describe each of the methods I've used. I thought I was the only stiff, awkward s.o.b. out there.
Depending on the day, my mood, and whether or not I have a load strapped to the pillion seat I've used each of the methods listed here, except for the center stand. I've not tried it but doubt that with a 31 inch inseam that I could actually reach the ground with enough leverage left to get the bike off the stand. Maybe a driveway practice session is in order, though.
A lot of it has to do with how limber I am at a given moment. I've never been noticeably supple and it gets worse with time in general, and in particular with consecutive hours in the saddle.
MOSTLY I kick over the seat. Bag scuffs are what they are, and the overall state of my bike suggests that it has been ridden more than it has been buffed, waxed, and polished.
Sometimes I face the bike and use the "goosestep" method, often with a pant leg grab assist. That is generally a two-step process (pun recognized) 1- kick up enough to get right heel on operator's seat, then 2- hop forward until heel and leg drop off the far side. It's awkward, ungraceful, and undignified but I end up safely aboard every time.
Less often, I use the peg while the bike is on the side stand.
The second and third methods are the only options for me when I have a bag full of gear lashed to the pillion seat.
FWIW: I'm 245 lbs +/-, 5' 10", and have about a 31 inch inseam.
Depending on the day, my mood, and whether or not I have a load strapped to the pillion seat I've used each of the methods listed here, except for the center stand. I've not tried it but doubt that with a 31 inch inseam that I could actually reach the ground with enough leverage left to get the bike off the stand. Maybe a driveway practice session is in order, though.
A lot of it has to do with how limber I am at a given moment. I've never been noticeably supple and it gets worse with time in general, and in particular with consecutive hours in the saddle.
MOSTLY I kick over the seat. Bag scuffs are what they are, and the overall state of my bike suggests that it has been ridden more than it has been buffed, waxed, and polished.
Sometimes I face the bike and use the "goosestep" method, often with a pant leg grab assist. That is generally a two-step process (pun recognized) 1- kick up enough to get right heel on operator's seat, then 2- hop forward until heel and leg drop off the far side. It's awkward, ungraceful, and undignified but I end up safely aboard every time.
Less often, I use the peg while the bike is on the side stand.
The second and third methods are the only options for me when I have a bag full of gear lashed to the pillion seat.
FWIW: I'm 245 lbs +/-, 5' 10", and have about a 31 inch inseam.