Is there a point to the center stand?

[Missile99]

For the years owning this bike, I have only used the center stand on the concrete garage floor. It makes maintenance stuff so much easier and on concrete the bike is very stable. I've gotten on my creeper and removed the oil pan without having to rest my head on the ground to see. Using it somewhere else is something I'd consider if having problems getting it stable on the side stand. Without one, I'd just buy one of those cool stands or lifts for the garage.

To the O.P., if you ever get one you'll have to learn the technique. It does help to have a grab handle. You stabilize the bike with handlebars and the handle or something toward the back. Knowing how much to lift in the back can make it super smooth.

Steve, that really sucks. Usually, the strong winds push before the crazy summer rain storms. The wind tunnel effect usually just gives a nice breeze. Still, it's crazy to think that even with a combo of the two your heavy bike could be pushed over. Maybe the next time you visit the great state you'll have to run a ratchet strap from your bike to a curb stop or tree.

 

[Steve]

That is one scary picture, Steve. How many (trucks:wink did it take to right it?

No trucks, just me. With the crash bars that are part of the bike, it actually does not take all that much effort (when properly applied) to get it back upright. A GS is considerably harder to right.

Steve, that really sucks. Usually, the strong winds push before the crazy summer rain storms. The wind tunnel effect usually just gives a nice breeze. Still, it's crazy to think that even with a combo of the two your heavy bike could be pushed over. Maybe the next time you visit the great state you'll have to run a ratchet strap from your bike to a curb stop or tree.

Sorry, but my one trip for this millenium has already been logged.

For the rest of that work assignment, I watched the weather carefully. If there was any forcast for stronger-than-usual breezes, I parked the bike between my van and my trailer, next to the dumpster. ALL of them playing the part of "wind block".
The space that is partially shown in the bottom left corner is where the bike got blown over.
(Ignore the light that appears to be floating in the parking lot, it's just a reflection on the inside of the hotel window.)

.

 

[850 Combat]

When I built a Cafe Racer in the 70's, I put on longer shocks in order to quicken the steering and increase ground clearance in corners. I had some lugs welded to the bottom of the center stand to compensate. Don't think for a moment that you invented them, So how did you jet it to get it to run right with those pod filters and sawed off pipes?

A couple of Cafe Racers I have had. The yellow one I built in the 70s:

 

[Missile99]

Sorry, but my one trip for this millenium has already been logged.

For the rest of that work assignment, I watched the weather carefully. If there was any forecast for stronger-than-usual breezes, I parked the bike between my van and my trailer, next to the dumpster. ALL of them playing the part of "wind block".
The space that is partially shown in the bottom left corner is where the bike got blown over.
(Ignore the light that appears to be floating in the parking lot, it's just a reflection on the inside of the hotel window.)

.

Not even a nice trip to get away from the wintertime to ride in "your" summertime weather?

Ah, the esteemed van....A Previa. I used to hate those things because of their style and how weird it seemed to add oil from inside the van. Essentially, a cab-over engine design. Working at an oil change place years ago, it was always awkward to carefully extend the oil hose and pump the fresh stuff in. Nowadays, I realize that those darn things were probably one of the most bulletproof vehicles ever built. They rack up mileage like diesels with very little problems. A smart vehicle choice for its versatility and reliability.

 

[Crankthat]

As you can see experiences differ very much on this seemingly innocent query.
A few of the members here have found the "sweet spot" to say, in application of center stand usage.


I took mine off.
I have found that it has dragged and even caught the pavement in turns where I am really leaning the bike.
You may never experience that, though a few other members have found the same difficulty.
I think it comes from going from a sportsbike to a GS.

It makes a few of the regular maintenance projects more of a chore as I now use a bike lift for simple things like removing the wheels and lubing the chain.

We also had a bad storm here years ago with high winds that knocked my bike over while on the center stand.
It would not have been a issue with the side stand only deployed.

A earlier post showed a bike puck.
A very useful tool for hot pavement and parking on dirt/sand/grass/leaves.......
It keeps the kickstand from sinking in the softer stuff.

My opinion.
Good and bad both.

 

[rudeman]

That looks like a bike that toppled over because the cover, acting as a sail, allowed the wind to blow it over. Covers are nice but they don't work well when it's really windy. I had a similar experience with my 1000ST. Fortunately the insurance paid for the damage.

Center stands are great but not every bike can employ them. My 1000ST with the Yoshimura pipe will not accommodate a center stand. To clean and adjust the chain I used to remove the tail pipe and temporarily install the center stand. I later on purchased a Gold Stand and used it to lift the rear wheel.

You don't lift a bike onto the center stand. And I've never seen a bike on the street that had a center stand but no side stand. NORMALLY, you would deploy your side stand and then dismount your bike and put it up on the center stand.

 

[ryanrod]

Yes you push the lever down you do not lift
lifting is not the proper method you lock yourself in position and push
voila bike up on its stand and stable.

Thank you, that was what I needed to know. The thing is in a box though ready to be sent out, but it does make sense in theory.

 

[ryanrod]

When I built a Cafe Racer in the 70's, I put on longer shocks in order to quicken the steering and increase ground clearance in corners. I had some lugs welded to the bottom of the center stand to compensate. Don't think for a moment that you invented them, So how did you jet it to get it to run right with those pod filters and sawed off pipes?

A couple of Cafe Racers I have had. The yellow one I built in the 70s:

Those bikes look sick.
I use to run 130s believe it or not and the thing use to blast off at the stop light, but it was killing me at the pump. I'm now at 125s.
Those pod filters are from the previous owner. They're getting kinda dirty, so what kind would you recommend?
I know, these things have been done forever. I just have an appreciation for somethings that came before me (especially when the price is right).

 

[Rob S.]

NORMALLY, you would deploy your side stand and then dismount your bike and put it up on the center stand.

I can't picture doing it any other way.

Historically, does anyone know the first big Jap four to come without a center stand?

I sure don't, but I'm wondering if it was the first GSXRs in 1986.

 

[posplayr]

I can't picture doing it any other way.

Historically, does anyone know the first big Jap four to come without a center stand?

I sure don't, but I'm wondering if it was the first GSXRs in 1986.

centerstand on a GSXR now that is an oxymoron.

 

[83GS850L]

That statement is false.

Not really false, it depends on the system, something like a aftermarket 4-1 system nah, no need to remove. Now a 4-2 Mac side exhaust thats straight, would probably need to have the center stand either modded or removed.

 

[Flyboy]

Except for being a chop and parking on soft ground, the center stand is far better and stable, and for those who worry about the bike rolling off the center stand, you do realise that it has a lock, right?
It has an eye welded to the one leg which lines up with a matching eye welded to the frame, stuff a bolt/pin through the two eyes and it is locked in place and the bike ain't going anywhere no matter how much you push, pull and tug on it, always use it for maintenance, when there is bound to be some pulling and shoving involved.
I did Jennifer's entire rebuild with her on the center stand.

 

[83GS850L]

If you insist on lowering the bike, in spite of what it does to the handling,

If done properly, and in moderation it should not affect handling at all, just lean angle depending on what u have hanging off the side.

You cant just lower it X amount and expect proper handling. I lowered the rear of my CB650 with shorty shocks, and i have yet to see any ill effects of lowering compared to stock. Now if u were to lower the front w/o lowering the rear to match, then u will get some weird effects on how it handles and brakes, and get your self into a situation were u and the pavement become close friends.

A blanket statement like saying lowering has negative effects on handling, is like saying a Suburban can out corner a Corvette.

 

[trevor]

Not really false, it depends on the system, something like a aftermarket 4-1 system nah, no need to remove. Now a 4-2 Mac side exhaust thats straight, would probably need to have the center stand either modded or removed.

Yes his statement totally false. This is what he said.

"They're the first thing to go with an aftermarket exhaust system".

That indicates that no centre stand can stay with an after market exhaust. I know that many do require you to take them off but many don't. I have two of them that don't.​

 

[83GS850L]

Yes his statement totally false. This is what he said.

"They're the first thing to go with an aftermarket exhaust system".

That indicates that no centre stand can stay with an after market exhaust. I know that many do require you to take them off but many don't. I have two of them that don't.​

​

You know u are right in more ways than 1, technically the 1st thing to get removed with an aftermarket exhaust system, is the stock exhaust its replacing haha!!!

 

[Rob S.]

...is like saying a Suburban can out corner a Corvette.

I forget what it's called, a "cat magnet", or something like that, is much better in the 'Vette.

 

[83GS850L]

I forget what it's called, a "cat magnet", or something like that, is much better in the 'Vette.

Haha "Cat Magnet"................. hahahahaha

 

[BigD_83]

Except for being a chop and parking on soft ground, the center stand is far better and stable, and for those who worry about the bike rolling off the center stand, you do realise that it has a lock, right?
It has an eye welded to the one leg which lines up with a matching eye welded to the frame, stuff a bolt/pin through the two eyes and it is locked in place and the bike ain't going anywhere no matter how much you push, pull and tug on it, always use it for maintenance, when there is bound to be some pulling and shoving involved.
I did Jennifer's entire rebuild with her on the center stand.

I have never noticed...thanks. I will have to have a look

 

[SVSooke]

I prefer the center stand probably because my first bike only had it.I just seems more stable to me.I never push my bikes hard enough to worry about dragging anything.Make maintenance much easier and that I do all the time.
Edit:My center works with the 4>1 Supertrapp just fine thank you.

 

[earlfor]

I use the center stand a lot. Adjust, clean chain, change rear tire, check oil level, clean under swing arm and fender, change brake pads and any time I'm working on the bike and it is preferable to have the bike sitting level. As for lean clearance, my foot pegs are folded up well before the center stand can touch. When the center stand touches, I'm not far away from scraping the handle bar grips. LOL