Topic: The old man and the centerstand

[MrGardman]

I am going to have to try these methods. When I was 21 I could get my K1 on the center stand with no problem. Here we are 50 years later I have one heck of a time with the same bike.

[Runningdog]

When I picked up this '77 CB750 a few weeks ago, I tried to put it on the centre stand when I got it off the trailer....it wasn't happening, and I thought, " oh, c'mon, if you can do a Concours, this should be easy".   Nope.   

Then, I read that stock shock length was 13.5".....just ran out and measured:  13"....yup, that would do it.   Happy I can still hide my age and diminishing Hulkism.

[Stev-o]

I only have 1 bike with a centerstand issue - on my '74 Kawasaki H1 500.  With the stand in the down position, the rear wheel still touches the ground and the bike is not stable and useless for service such as cleaning the rim or lubing the chain.

Some time ago, I posted this issue on the Kaw Triples forum and the advice I received was to take it off and throw it in the bin!  [Ha, damn Kawasaki guys!!]

The issue is the stand goes too far forward and needs a mod to prevent that.
I've done nothing so far, I just dont use it.

[seanbarney41]

Yeah Steve-O, my Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD never even came with a center stand from the factory.  (it does have frame tabs to add one)

[pekingduck]

Centerstands going over-center too far were often caused by sitting on the bike when parked or trying to start it on the centerstand.  The centerstand stop can be welded and reinforced to make it usable again.

[PeWe]

A smooth concrete floor does not help either

I use sidestand with a 2" (45mm in reality) plank under to make bike upwards enough for idling during ignition and carb adjustments.

[grcamna2]

subscribed

[70CB750]

There is a huge difference between my CB750 and the CB900C as far as center stand.  The 900 is bigger and heavier and hops up with ease I can actually do it almost barefooted.  It has a very long lever, too.

I wonder if retrofitting center stand would make a difference on the 750?

[MauiK3]

Maybe shortening a 750 stand a bit would help, the back tire is well off the ground when it's on the stand.

[grcamna2]

I've custom lengthened a centerstand after installing a larger dia. rear wheel on one of my bikes.
I imagine the same can be done to shorten one if you've arrived at the exact size rear wheel/tire you will have on your bike for the life of it.The process of cutting and aligning both legs/pads before welding is 'not for the faint of heart'  because it's a big job to get both stand-feet properly aligned and straight so they support the weight of the bike properly and having them match the orig. orientation that they had when the centerstand was stock length.
It's similar to trying to weld footpegs back on at the correct angle..