No Oil in Sight Glass

[mrbill5491]

I've noticed on my bike when it's on the center stand after an oil change and leak check, the oil is in between the two marks where as off the center stand though I have it standing straight up the oil level is over the full mark and just fills the sight glass. I'll tip the bike to the left just a smig and you can see the oil just above the full line. Or on the center stand and little or no oil shows. Off the center stand and it's between the lines. Gotta love that one.

[Rob S.]

I was very thankful to have the centerstand on my Z1 because it burned oil like a mother. I put it up at every destination. A good workout, at least.

My 11E didn't come with one (in 2013) and I soon learned to like it that way. More like a GSXR. Less weight. Another 'gadget' to buy - only $19 for a paddock stand.

Speaking of weight, here's a question for all you engineers, experts and assorted racers and builders: whatever it weighs (9, 10 lbs?), less is better. But the centerstand rides low and, yes, center. So, theoretically, would adding one lower the center of gravity?

[Grimly]

Speaking of weight, here's a question for all you engineers, experts and assorted racers and builders: whatever it weighs (9, 10 lbs?), less is better. But the centerstand rides low and, yes, center. So, theoretically, would adding one lower the center of gravity?

Well, yes; but not as much as adding a 40kg lead weight.

[rphillips]

Well,yes; but not enough anyone could tell the difference.

[Rob S.]

Well,yes; but not enough anyone could tell the difference.

That's why I have no plans to add one. Less is more.

[93Bandit]

Speaking of weight, here's a question for all you engineers, experts and assorted racers and builders: whatever it weighs (9, 10 lbs?), less is better. But the centerstand rides low and, yes, center. So, theoretically, would adding one lower the center of gravity?

Yes, in the same way that putting a feather on the seat will make the bike heavier, but perceive-ably, no.

[rphillips]

Hey Rob, I've thought about getting a paddock stand for my Kawa. ZRX, I've never been around one & wondering, can I use it by myself? It looks like I would need help balancing the bike till I get it up on the paddock..

[Rich82GS750TZ]

lots of videos on youtube. I like this one.

all stands are not created equal. here's some reviews and comparisons of stands of various qualities.

[80GS1000]

Hey Rob, I've thought about getting a paddock stand for my Kawa. ZRX, I've never been around one & wondering, can I use it by myself? It looks like I would need help balancing the bike till I get it up on the paddock..

You can get any bike on a paddock stand alone. With the bike on the kickstand, you put the V shaped lifter of the stand on the sprocket side spool, stand the bike up, put the V lifter of the stand under the brake side spool, then push down on the handle of the stand and voila! rear tire is in the air.

When shopping for a paddock stand, I highly recommend the spool type as they are MUCH more stable and secure than they type with L shape lifters that go under the swingarm. You'll need to bolt on some spools onto the lugs of your swingarm.

Pitbull makes some of the best paddock stands out there. IMO don't cheap out on a stand because if it bends, fails, or your bike falls off the stand due to poor stand design, you're going to have a very bad day. Pitbull stands are made in the USA, work great, built to last, and the TIG welding on the joints/seams is amazeballs.

[Rob S.]

Without modifying my bike, I had to use the L-shaped lifting pads. Stand was on sale for $19.95 so I couldn't say no. Came with parts for bikes that did and didn't have the "grommets" on the axles.

Getting her up is really no problem. Centered, that's another matter.

Getting her down is the scariest part. Make sure the side stand is extended. And in my case, aimed for the brick I lean her on.

[rphillips]

Thanks, I'd never seen it done before. On those videos it sure looks easy. I'd wondered about maybe putting something under the side stand, to hold the bike up, almost straight, then put the paddock under it. I would never try to hold the bike up straight with one hand, while using the paddock lift with the other, nope, I ain't doing it. Just give me the old simple centerstand, never know it's there till you need it, you always have it with you, you never need to find a place to store it, it's easy & simple to use by yourself with confidence, & it only adds maybe 6 or 7 lb. at the very bottom of the center of gravity. I'm fix'in to go look, a couple of yrs. ago, I read there was someone, I think in Europe, that was designing a clamp-on centerstand for the ZRX's. I want one.

[Rob S.]

Forgot to mention, I work completely alone. It's a little easier to start off with a brick under the side stand, but that's how I park mine anyway. I think it used to stand on two bricks before I replaced the front springs.

[Baatfam]

I would never try to hold the bike up straight with one hand, while using the paddock lift with the other, nope, I ain't doing it.

Gets easy with practice.
With my Triumph, (no center stand), I stand it up, balance it with my hip, and my left hand on the tail, while using my right hand to slip the stand under the swing arm, and push down.
With the kick stand down, if I do start to lose balance, I just use my left hand and hip to lower it on the side stand, which is exactly how I get it off the paddock stand.

[Steve]

I know I am old, slow and occasionally dense, but I just can't understand the appeal of removing a useful part of the bike, just to have to go through all these gymnastics when the need arises.

I guess it comes down to answering a few questions.
Q1. What is the function of the paddock stand?
A1. To raise the rear wheel and level the bike, likely for chain maintenance or checking oil level.

Q2. How is the paddock stand better than the original centerstand?
A2. It removes a few pounds of weight from the bike, giving better performance.

Q3. If you are out on a trip, where do you carry the paddock stand so you can do any maintenance?
A3. OK, you leave it at home, right? Now you don't have a centerstand OR a paddock stand.

I have been to a few GSR rallies and observed at least one (former) member going through all the moves, trying to check oil level, clean the chain and yes, even adjust the chain to get it "just so". Every night. Others pitched in to help him, I just can't imagine him trying to do it by himself.

I understand that some bikes don't even come with a centerstand, so a paddock stand makes sense, but why remove a functional centerstand just so you can then have the "pleasure" of all that inconvenience.

And, yeah, this is coming from a guy who had ridden shaft-driven bikes for the last 40 years (but that's a whole 'nother discussion). I'm just trying to comprehend the whole situation, but I do appreciate the entertainment at the rallies.

.

[rphillips]

Yeah, I know it can't be a very big deal, or there wouldn't be so many folks using them. I've just got older enough I need to pay more attention in day to day operation, not to get off balance & I don't need to press my luck. The reasons I took the Yosh. off my "83" 1100E, was because of aggravation changing the oil & I couldn't use it with a centerstand. I miss the sound of the Yosh but the extra aggravation, to me, wasn't worth it. The V&H sounds good, but nothing else has the sound of an old Yoshi. Hey, how did we get here from oil in a sight glass???