When I first got my bike, I didn't know the proper technique. A friend and I, working together, could barely pull the bike onto the centre stand.
I was at Tim's one day, cursing it
and complaining about how hard it was to an older gentleman with a big V-Star who said he wished he had a centre stand. I told him he could have mine and why.
He chuckled
and asked he if I minded if he touched my bike (bikers' code I suspect). When I consented, he walked over to it and, with one hand
he raised it onto the stand. Something two younger men could barely do.
It's all technique. We were blocking the protruding arm with one foot while pulling backwards and lifting. All he did was stand with his foot on top of that arm, grab the Maxim's handle with one hand and in one smooth motion he lifted up with his hand and put all his weight on the foot on the stand. As easy-peasy as pie.
Unless a PO has modified or bent yours, or installed way bigger wheels/tires, you will love its convenience once you learn the technique. Makes checking, cleaning, tightening and oiling the chain a breeze.
If you do decide you have to remove it for style reasons, don't do it till after all your mods are done - it's just too handy.