Laurie, I've been running the boards for a few years. You're right sometimes they can be a bear when raising the kickstand. And forget a bout it if your boot is wet!
I just hook the toe under the board and give it a swift push. I have days where my brain foot and board just aint coexisting
but most times it's not an issue for me.
Brings back childhood memories. I recall on my old Schwinn while standing beside the bike I would garb the left hand grip, kick the stand up, swing a leg over and go.
Don't suppose that would work very well with a 600lb motorcycle.
Just keep working with it and you'll find a way that works for you. I really love the boards for long distances. You can move around must better than with pegs. I've also found you can lean the bike over more in the twisties. With the pegs I seem to drag a heel much sooner in the turns.
