justin_o_guy2 wrote on 06/05/09 at 04:19:03:I grab the throttle, drop to my left knee & stand the bike up at the same time. Then I gently wobble the bike back & forth, looking for the spot where Im not pushing or pulling. Thats straight up & down. Its okay if its over one way or the other a bit, its not neurosurgery, but leaning on the sidestand? Thats too much.
I use a similar approach. I have the bike in gear (I always leave it in 1st when shutting down), and the forks locked. Then kneel down on my left knee, grab the handlebar riser, tilt the bike toward me, and check the oil. With the forks locked, the center of gravity is shifted slightly to the left side of the bike, which comes in handy for my method of filling. Block up under the kickstand with enough stuff to get the bike setting level. With the forks locked (to the left of course) the resulting shift of the center of gravity to the left will help keep the bike from tipping on over when sitting level. Then top of, making sure not to tug on anything enough to bring her over on top of you!