Hi Paul, your not alone, I have had a few moments when I first got my Tenere. I realised it was unduly affecting where I parked up, especially at busy bike meets etc, as I didn't want to make a twit of myself! I realised that the answer for me was to do as most of the other guys are advising, one hand on the grip. ..boot on foot rest and swing a leg over. I also spent a bit of time stood on the footrests with the side stand down and worked out the 'topple point of the bike. ..it's pretty stable actually, more so probably with a wider sidestand foot. No worries! ! Not sure what techniques Jo75 uses to climb aboard his VERY Tall Dakarish Tenere!