I thought just to drop into this thread with my way of getting on and off "the thing". I use the same technique for more then 20 years on any bike, street or dual sport or cross or cruiser... I have never dropped the bike getting on it or off. Here is how I do it and I have top case on it:
To get on it:
- Unlock the steering
- Turn the bars to the right but not full lock, it's more like somewhere between straight and full lock
- Grab both grips
- Bring the body closer to the bars
- Start lifting the right leg and bending the knee at the same time, as much as possible
- Right leg is now bent and in the air, so the knee will reach the seat first while foot is still away
- Throw right knee over the seat (leg is still bent as much as possible)
- Keep holding the bars with both hands
- After the knee crosses over the seat the foot starts to go over it on the rear part of the seat
- After you feel that foot has already crossed the top of the seat start straightening the leg
- Done
To get off:
- Side stand down
- Let the bike fall to the left, to get fully supported on the stand and your left foot
- Make sure now the weight of the bike is on the side stand and weight of your body is on your left foot
- Turn bars right, to the point half-way between straight and full lock
- Supporting your weight on left foot bring your body a bit forward
- Don't try to get off but start bending your right leg first
- After you feel the leg is bent as much as possible, start to get it over the seat but keep it bent
- Keeping the leg bent, the foot will first start to get over the seat and just then the knee will follow
- Keep holding your bars with both hands
- When right foot touches the ground, you're done
This may sound complex but trust me, it's not. The only important point is to get on and off always with your right leg bent as much as possible and to keep bars turned as described above. I find it simple and I'm doing it right thiese cold days with ton of clothes on and trousers on with thick winter trousers over them. So, lots of thick clothing and I'm not young anymore.
Do it 3-4 times and then it'll become natural and you'll never even think of it anymore and never drop the bike anymore.
So, to resume, the bent knee goes over the seat first, always. Ah, and keep the engine off and in 1st gear.