Got a quick question. Any of you guys that take off your centerstand....how do you work on your bikes? I mean lubeing the chain, changing oil, putting in new springs, replacing front brakes; all of that would require you to raise the bike on the centerstand. Also, isn't it better to store the bike on the centerstand during the winter?
I still have my center-stand on but...
You can still clean and lube the chain... You just have to roll the bike, rather than simply turning the back wheel.
You can still change the oil on the side-stand, it's just a little less convenient.
New springs and front brakes... You jack the front of the bike up by the engine or some other support. Some people even use the exhaust.
You can also get a motorcycle stand: http://www.newenoughhp.com/product_group_powerstands_products.htm
or a "Wheel Cleaning stand" http://www.newenoughhp.com/product_group_bikestands_rollastand.htm
I can't imagine there is much difference in storing between been on the centrestand and on the side stand. But out of habit i would put centrestand down if parking anywhere like home or the car park or anywhere your planning on staying for a longer period of time. Just because it makes your bike more secure. Especially if some dork comes and tries to sit on it.
As for maintenance i use a rear wheel axle stand. On any bike only my dads beemer actually has a centrestand. The axel stand just wheels under the swinging arm frame either side. Then you put weight on the back and it tips up onto the stand.
like this:
(http://www.thebikeshopfaversham.co.uk/images/store/604_ymd200202100_hr.jpg)
They arn't extortionate can get them from most motorcycle shops.
Oh i.c. Follow up question: What's the advantage of removing the center stand if it's not loose?
- If you have an after-market pipe, you don't have to figure out a way to keep it off the chain (the stock pipe has a bumper to keep it down).
- The center-stand WILL scrape if you lean over far enough... And since it has no give (unlike your pegs) it can pivot you off your wheel and make you low-side... However, you REALLY REALLY have to lean HARD to get it to scrape (or lean hard riding 2-up, which is how I nailed mine).
- You save some weight. Few lbs... 2 or 3?
- Looks cleaner?
I bite the grab handle with my teeth and hold the back of the bike up off the ground, then spin the back wheel with my right hand while cleaning the chain with my left. hand. It's tricky, and it helps to be quick. I suggest 4 or 5 beers before you try it.
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