I don't weigh 18st (or 10 for that matter ) but the way my seat was always buckled by the strap (even with the padding) I suspect it was the equivalent of a fairly hefty person.
Have you got a Multistrada? Have you tried getting on an off it with luggage? At least this is not the Brexit thread.
I can offer some safety advice When you look for a funny on you tube for this thread and type, "mounting your motorcycle" be careful. Apparently motorcycle in you tube lands turns, into donkey
I don't trust the side stand to risk standing on it with full luggage. I would much rather swing my leg over the seat with it bent. It usually isn't an issue, not even on my enduro, and I'm less that 6foot. With bags on the back seat it becomes a bit more of a drama, but simply holding the bars, bending over sideways, and posting your right leg through the gap whilst shuffling heel-toe towards the bike works. Its no different to what people on sports bikes with rear luggage often have to do. Someone we know who regularly rides with a pillion has her(pillion) get on first (she gets on the riders pegs/seat then shuffles back), then he get on. It looks very precarious but it works for them, and apparently they have never had an incident. My wife on the other hand has to get on the left and off the right, getting off the left becomes a major drama
Whenever possible I put the bike on the sidestand with the bike in the gutter and turn the bars to the right I'm a bit of a short arse but it works for me
Added bonus of being on a kerb too then I’ll look for kerbs wherever possible. The GS has lowered suspension and it is so much more manageable. Plus I’m removing the rear seat and fitting a cover instead to make it super easy.
I park up next to the kerb whenever possible as well. On flat ground it isn’t easy though and I’ve got fairly long legs. I just don’t feel it’s safe to stand on the foot peg while the bike is on its side stand. Hence the thread. Centre stand, yes.
I've read somewhere I think in this very forum that putting the bike in urban mode when parking lowers the suspention then once on the move again change to your desired setting so I will be trying that tomorrow
Sit on the bike stationary with both feet on the ground, change modes into urban and you can feel the back end sink....slowly. It does help getting on and off.