who uses the center stand

wot · Mar 1, 2017

Maybe a silly question, but does everyone use your center stand? Or leave it off the bike? Seems like a lot of weight to carry around. Or maybe you don't trust the kick stand. Thoughts please.

eskasteve · Mar 1, 2017

Once you have the sidestand bolt snap just as you are finishing your kickstart down stroke you'll understand the usefulness of the center stand. It happened to me in 1973 in a jam packed scenic vista parking lot. My bike chose that time to become a one kick wonder and was running nicely as it fell on top of me. Boy do those header pipes heat up quick! Thank goodness this was before the cell phone era otherwise I'd be the featured idiot of the day on you tube.

jimbo · Mar 1, 2017

I love my centerstand :mrgreen:

cash · Mar 1, 2017

I love my centerstand

Me too, coz I'm knackered.

Dave

kommando · Mar 1, 2017

Had mine break in half with a crack starting at the hole for the return spring, had to stop and tie both halves up as it was making a noise and sparks dragging on the road. Still use it though especially for starting and this replacement has lasted 20 odd years.

Onder · Mar 1, 2017

Being rather small and light I have found it less than easy and confidence inspiring to put the bike on
the centre stand. However, on a paved surface I can and do use it for exactly the same reasons
stated previously.
Use the centre stand the side stand isnt very strong.

seattle##gs · Mar 1, 2017

also, it is much easier to work on it when it is up on the center stand.

It takes up less room in the garage

the left side does not load up on oil when it sits for a week.

fuel level stays even in the carbs

grandpaul · Mar 1, 2017

I use centerstands VERY often. It maximizes available garage space when your bikes are already squeezed in like sardines.

Plus, to drain the sump, adjust the chain, change the oil, or any number of maintenance and repair tasks.

freefly103 · Mar 1, 2017

The short side stand on my 70 disappears under the exhaust, so I have no choice but to use the CS. The side stand is so short that the bike looks like it's going to fall over. Another future project to sort out.

wot · Mar 1, 2017

Thanks guys for the prompt replies. Guess I'll keep the center stand
Best reason was storing it in my crowded garage where it will be going soon.

jimbo · Mar 1, 2017

And you can and will get the conversations about the rubbers in the isolastics taking a set after long periods of centerstand storage with the different Commando arrangements.

pantah_good · Mar 1, 2017

Aesthetically, bikes just look their best on the center stand, and you can't not look at your bike after parking it.

concours · Mar 1, 2017

grandpaul said:
I use centerstands VERY often. It maximizes available garage space when your bikes are already squeezed in like sardines.

Plus, to drain the sump, adjust the chain, change the oil, or any number of maintenance and repair tasks.

+1
+1
+1

grandpaul · Mar 1, 2017

The E-X-T-R-A L-O-N-G sidestand needs almost another half bike-space for swinging it up and down, so REALLY bad in a tight garage.

Brooking 850 · Mar 1, 2017

Yes I only have the CS on my bike , it also broke in half some years ago hurtling along a gravel rode, now repaired and strengthened, cant do with out it as I have no SS fitted.
Had to build up the area with weld where it contacts the gearbox cradle to get more lift of the back wheel, high wear point .
Watch for the steel bushings cracking over time, plus the spring can wear a slot from the hole on the cross bar causing the bar to crack and break same as Kommando is talking about.
Love it!
Regards Mike

Deckard · Mar 1, 2017

You don't have any owner information, but the 850 center stand is the only one that's worthwhile. Earlier 750 Commando's can't utilize it, but 71 & 72 would benefit from the increased strength and easier roll up. A hell of a lot easier to kicking over on the center stand, especially if you have higher compression Combat 750. Other comments are applicable about ease of maintenance.

BritTwit · Mar 1, 2017

I always use the center stand when bike is in the garage.
It allows me to perform all driveline and wheel maintenance easily.
It’s safer for standing the bike up on uneven or poor surfaces.

I only use the side stand for temporary parking when out on a ride if I’m lazy.
Otherwise, bike gets hoisted up on the center stand.

Cycle Goon · Mar 1, 2017

eskasteve said:
Once you have the sidestand bolt snap just as you are finishing your kickstart down stroke you'll understand the usefulness of the center stand. It happened to me in 1973 in a jam packed scenic vista parking lot. My bike chose that time to become a one kick wonder and was running nicely as it fell on top of me. Boy do those header pipes heat up quick! Thank goodness this was before the cell phone era otherwise I'd be the featured idiot of the day on you tube.

Man card revoked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't start a bike on the side stand.

sportsroof · Mar 1, 2017

Man card revoked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't start a bike on the side stand.

+1 Well said that man! We need more of a 'manly' attitude here. Commandos are for MEN! Yaaarrrr!
Cheers, Martin ( now proven to have Viking blood)

gortnipper · Mar 1, 2017

jimbo said:
And you can and will get the conversations about the rubbers in the isolastics taking a set after long periods of centerstand storage with the different Commando arrangements.

I am curious as to why this would not happen with the side stand as well?

Brooking 850 said:
Yes I only have the CS on my bike , it also broke in half some years ago hurtling along a gravel rode, now repaired and strengthened, cant do with out it as I have no SS fitted.
Had to build up the area with weld where it contacts the gearbox cradle to get more lift of the back wheel, high wear point .
Watch for the steel bushings cracking over time, plus the spring can wear a slot from the hole on the cross bar causing the bar to crack and break same as Kommando is talking about.
Love it!
Regards Mike

Since about 1996 I have only had the centre stand as well. My original side stand bushing and mounting hole were both badly worn when i got it, and the bolt was non standard and I would always ground on it on hard left corners, so off it came. The restoration is the first time it has been on in 20 years.

My spring wore a slot from the hole as well, so I had it welded and reinforced when I had the stand straightened recently.

who uses the center stand

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