I own a 1997 650ST and absolutely love the bike. Right now it is in for some minor repairs and I hope to have it back soon! I too have problems with the center stand and my husband is the one that normally puts it up for me. I can get it off the center stand without any problem, both on and off the bike. I think that part of the problem is that the bike is factory lowered and the center of gravity is right above the center stand. Ross' 650 Funduro is easier to put on the center stand than my bike. Maybe I will see you on these Iowa roads sometime! Terry