Been out for a decent ride today, loved it. Came home and gave it a clean. I had forgotten just how bl....dy useful a centre stand is. Not had one on a bike for ages now cos they are not sexy ( I suppose). No faffing about with paddock stands or heart in mouth moments when you hoist them up. So easy to clean. In fact it was really enjoyable and took half the time. (While I am at it, heated grips, luvverly)
Yes, I was lucky when I got my Bonnie as the one previous owner had had one fitted. Not having had a bike for a long time I was amazed to,find that centre stands are now classed as 'extras' Invaluable to me when working on or cleaning the bike, I wouldn't be without one.
I like them too and am fortunate that the previous owner fitted one to mine. I have to say though that compared to my last bike, a fully loaded BMW R1100RS, getting it on to the stand take a lot of effort. Perhaps it will improve when I find the correct technique?
I use the frame 'loop' by the rear footrest to lift with my right hand with left hand on the handlebar fully turned in, lift and pull back in one motion. I must admit though not the easiest bike to get on the centre stand, bit of practice required with nobody watching.
Come on Jboy,,,,, Centre stand and sexy can't be used in the same paragraph You've been spending to much time in your garage Dave.
The main reason I went with the T-120 and not the Street Twin is the center stand. Every bike should have one or the ability to install one.
Hi I put a centre stand on my America very early on, I would really miss it. It would be sooo much harder to attach/detach my trailer's without it amongst other thing's. And as for scrapping it , with both end's of my bike having after market suspension (longer & stiffer) you'd need to be Mick Doohan , Troy Corser & Casey Stoner all in one ! Before the centre stand & suspension mods I bottomed out the pegs and scared the Bejesus out of meself , never again. Hopefully.
for me,i think all bikes should have a centrestand. Coz I only ride old bikes I have never tried a paddock stand but they look potentially dangerous to me . My Sprint is a cow to get on the stand though, I have seen video on Utube of how to do it easily but it dont work for me, years ago when I started biking I did the RAC/ACU training scheme and they showed us how easy it was,again not on my bike. However I have found that if I roll the bike on to a 1 inch plank under the rear tyre it makes the job a cynch,no more struggling and hopefully no more hernias.
Hi sprintdave, i had two sprints awhile ago now, i found the easiest way to get them up was stand on left foot right foot already on the foot lever to the stand roll bike backwards gently stand hard on the pexastal pull up then forwards slightly with the right hand/arm bike would put itself on the stand if you timed these motions together correctly, get it wrong and you really are heaving it !!
I know its supposed to work but on mine it doesnt.Even when I go for MOT the guy struggles with it too, I guess something somewhere is worn out.I have dropped the yokes down the fork legs but only by 5mm,dont think that would be enough to cause the problem. The plank trick never fails tho. Thanks for the advice , appreciate it
Hi , I have trouble getting my bonneville on stand , so have just this afternoon extended lever on stand by 20mm, a bolt on job at moment (will make it more presentable at later date), it has made world of difference,now putting on stand no prob. Amazing what a little extra length can do!!!
After several months and actually looking at YouTube I managed to get my t120 on centre stand and have to agree it makes life a lot easier.
Haha ....yes we have all heard them speaking loudly thinking we are impressed with the fictional storys..................you know who you are
I can either get the T120 on its centre stand first time, or it takes several jerkingly embarrassing attempts lol This morning I found out that if I put all my weight on the stand whilst holding the bars and gently lean backwards, the whole plot just smoothly and slowly rises into place. Of course, my 220lbs likely helps with this process !!!
Done full stripdowns using my centre stand on the Matchless, invaluable, especially when leaving the bike unattended can't just be pushed over
Must admit I haven't tried pulling it on its stand whilst looking at YouTube. Might try that, was it anything in particular you were watching ? lol
