So, one trick to getting it up on the stand is:

put the bike on the sidestand.

put your left hand on the left grip, your right hand on the rear
passenger footpeg bracket, and your right foot on the centerstand.   
   
push down on the centerstand gently and straighten the bike up with   
your hands until both feet of the centerstand touch the ground.

make sure the front wheel is straight ahead.

STAND on the centerstand thingie while lifting up on the passenger    
footpeg bracket.  use your left hand only to stable the bike and keep
the wheel straight.

Setting the shock preload higher makes it easier, but will raise the  
ride height.