Topic: Center Stand vs Side Stand

[Johnie]

I did go into the search area and found mainly stuff about taking the center stand off to save weight. I know that no question is dumb on this board so here goes...how many of you religiously use the center stand every time you park the bike overnight? I can see using it when the bike is stored for winter with the rear tire off the ground, but how necessary is it when the bike is used weekly. If the petcock is off is there a real reason not to store the bike on the side stand between rides? Enquiring minds want to know.

[LesterPiglet]

I've never had one on mine since I got it(86). I don't see a problem.

[MCRider]

There is some evidence that if you put it on the sidestand for extended periods, and perhaps the fuel evaporates from the float bowls, you will get a sticky or stuck float from the varnish.  I always use the centerstand, or a board under the sidestand to stand it up a little, when parking for more than so long.

Having said that, I'm sure there are those who never use the CS and get along just fine.

[LesterPiglet]

If I wasn't going to use my bike for so long the fuel may go off, I would drain it. But then I use my bike all year round. It's hard to tell summer from winter here.

[Johnie]

I was not to concerned with the fuel issue as I usually shut the fuel off about a mile from home and run the bowls down. I would think it would take a while for the fuel to evaporate. But these are good thoughts...keep them coming.

[socalenduro]

i took mine off but left the mounts.... its fairly easy to slip the pin back in and use the stand (exhaust kinda gets in the way)
I only use it for maintenance that requires removal of a wheel.
but there might be better ways to support the bike anyway.

also why would the bikes angle affect fuel evaporation? wouldn't you run into the same issue regardless? (this really is a question, not a snarky remark)

[DJ_AX]

I use the center stands nearly all the time. Well now that I think about it... anytime I park it for more than a few hours anyway. At work and at home.
At work it's parked on blacktop which really ain't too soft but I feel it's more stable in it's spot.
At home as well but also it I get a couple more inches of space for the car... and also easier to oil the chain when it needs it.. (and wipe off the rim).

And finally, none of the other bikes that park around these areas have one ... so mine stands out that much more .. literally..

[brooze72]

I always use my centre stand cause I don't trust my side stand.  Maybe our pavement is too soft here or I have a lousy side stand, but the bike has fallen over several times   

[Duke McDukiedook]

100% all the time center stand user here.

[MCRider]

i took mine off but left the mounts.... its fairly easy to slip the pin back in and use the stand (exhaust kinda gets in the way)
I only use it for maintenance that requires removal of a wheel.
but there might be better ways to support the bike anyway.

also why would the bikes angle affect fuel evaporation? wouldn't you run into the same issue regardless? (this really is a question, not a snarky remark)

Its not that the angle affect evaporation. But if, due to time left parked, the fuel does evaporate, it no longer has that for lube and the floats get sicky on their pivots.

BUT, that could be old wives tales. Many MCs don't have CS at all, cruisers etc., so obviously it must not be a big problem.

[scottly]

I only use the center stand for maintenance. It only takes a few seconds to pop it on. When the bike is sitting for any length of time, I roll it up or back a few inches every so often, so the tires don't have the weight on them in the same place. 

[70CB750]

I use kickstand only when the stop is short, all other times she is on the center stand when parked.

[Johnie]

Wow...we have a real split here.

[MCRider]

Wow...we have a real split here.

I think its a personality thing. In fact, I'll bet...

People who always line their bills up in their billfold, all facing the same way, small bills in front, large in back, use their centerstands. 

[CoachDoc]

For a while when I had a MAC 4-1 exhaust I pulled the center stand off and then for maint. I used a cut off piece of crowbar in place of the axle to reinstall it for work on the rear wheel, etc. This made insertion and removal a lot easier than using the OEM axle,which is hard to get on and off by comparison. This system worked fine. Now I'm back to an OEM exhaust, so I repainted and reinstalled the center stand.
How do you guys who only have a side stand check your oil level? This will be a problem unless the bike is held vertical off the stand while inserting the dipstick.

[Hinomaru]

I think its a personality thing. In fact, I'll bet...
People who always line their bills up in their billfold, all facing the same way, small bills in front, large in back, use their centerstands.

MC, I fit that description.

On a bike that is used weekly ... the center stand is a must if you perform religious chain and spoke maintenance. Comes in very handy for cleaning the rear wheel and surrounding areas. Also, it’s invaluable in the event of a flat tire out on the road. On a stock CB750, you’re probably better off with a CS than without it. At least, that’s the way I view and use mine.

   

[Duke McDukiedook]

OH YEAH,
I'll bet that people that use side stands only have skid and yeller marks in their underwear.
And pick their nose a lot and eat it.

[LesterPiglet]

I just hold my bike vertical when checking the oil, it's not hard with a 550. Wheel and chain maintenance is done in the garage where the hydraulic jack lives. If I ever get a puncture when I'm out I'll use that foam stuff. I'm certainly not spannering at the side of the road.

[jerry h]

Centerstand only - just seems safer, and like DJ_AX,   I have the only bike where I work thats on a CS.   

[MCRider]

OH YEAH,
I'll bet that people that use side stands only have skid and yeller marks in their underwear.
And pick their nose a lot and eat it.

You said it, not me.       

[Sniper X]

I always used the center stand on both my BMWs but that is because they are boxer motors. On the CB350f I will not worry so much about it and probably remove the CS for ground clearance alone, let alone the eight lbs it probably saves in weight.

[70CB750]

What if I organize my bills by size, wearing underwear with skidmarks while on a motorcycle - on the center stand with kick stand engaged?

[Duke McDukiedook]

Well, I would say you have issues man.

[Johnie]

So the reason I started this thread is the guys just finished my epoxy floor. I was concerned the center stand would scrape up the floor when I use it. And once you multiply that by more than one 750 it adds up to a lot of scrape marks on a new floor throughout the summer. So I was thinking of using the center stand only in the winter or for repairs. I was not planning to remove it.

[70CB750]

I would not let the floor stop me. Just a piece of plywood is plenty to protect your floor.