Center Stand - Yay or Nay?

FINALLY! I'm now the proud owner of a "new to me" 99 VFR.arty2: I had a bit of a drive (over 4 hours!) but the price was right and the bike is gorgeous. The only issue* to arise upon seeing the bike in person was the lack of a center stand on it. The original owner (I'm now the 3rd owner) removed the stand assembly and it never made it to the second owner.

So here's my question: Do I source out a full center stand assembly and install it, or go buy a SSSA bike stand for the rear? Depending on availability of salvage parts the price seems pretty close between the two. Thoughts?







* Ok, there wasn't a tool kit either. But there's already a thread on fixing that issue:biggrin1:

 

There handy items, try this. Honda VFR800 Interceptor - Centerstand : eBay Motors (item 300204192777 end time Jan-22-10 17:28:46 PST)

 

Congratulations on the new bike - You will love it.

As for how you deal with the missing centre stand, there are pluses and minuses to consider beyond just the cost. Taking the stand off will lose weight - not a bad thing as its a heavy bike - and it potentially allows a bit more lean angle. (Its a common mod if you are taking the bike racing). The side stand is fine for most things but checking oil levels need the bike held level so - you would need a friend to hold the bike each time you check or, fit a centre stand or paddock stand. Oil levels are an important daily check hence I am glad I have a centre stand on mine even if it can sometimes be a pig to get the bike up onto it as I am not very tall or heavy. Hence a paddock stand may be a better solution, but remember most paddock stands also require a friend to help get the bike on and off the stand, whilst once you get the knack, it is possible to get the bike on and off the factory centre stand on your own. A stand is also important if you plan to carry out your own servicing and makes some maintenance checks much more easy. For instance I am not sure if you can adjust the chain properly without getting the bike up on a stand.

Anyway good luck and let us know how you get on

Skimad4x4
6th Gen Militia #218

 

It is really just a matter of prefference... The center stand is handy to have but as stated above it is heavy and could scrape at high lean angles if your bike is lowered, otherwise I dont think it is much of an issue clearence wise. I cant remember the exact weight of the stand but I am fairly sure it and all of its components were 5-7lbs, keep in mind that all of that weight is very low on the bike so the bike will have no lighter feel without it. I chose to take mine off because I wanted to extend my fairings and the stand would not allow it, besides this is the first bike I owned that had one so I have been used to just having the sidestand anyways(no big deal)

 

Congratulations and welcome! I would say it's an individual preference. Machanical types can't live with out it and non-mechanical types (like me) could care less. I check the oil level, chain and tire pressure every time I ride. Other than that, it goes to the shop (save minor mods like fender eliminator kit and windscreen type stuff)! I too have never had a bike with one before, so I'd rather ditch the weight. Plus, I don't do long-distance touring (no bags) and I never have a passenger, so the rear foot pegs came off the first day as well! Do what's best for you and best of luck...

 

All plusses IMO. With a center stand you have a nice level platform to work on the bike including those regular chain and oil checks. Rear and front wheel removal is a breeze with a centerstand, without it takes help.

Consider looking up the first owner too. That original stand may still be around.

 

Up until a couple of years ago I never used the side stand. Always used the center stand. When off pavement the center stand is a lot more stable in most instances. If your scraping it on corners, you just may be riding to hard for the street. I do all my own maintenance and the center stand is a must for me. Easy to lube chain and adjust by yourself, spin tire to put air in it and rear wheel removal. There is another plus for me since I'm a prankster. When riding with a couple of guys,especially at night, you can hook your left heel on the stand and push down until it touches the pavement which displays a shower of sparks on the guy behind you. Makes them back off as you roll the throttle on and leave them in the dust.

 

+1 on the center stand. Too many uses for it to justify not having it.

 

I've used both and I think the centerstand is better because it allows you to lube and make adjustments to the chain and check oil level on the go wherever you are. Another advantage is that you can use the centerstand to create leverage to lift the front end of the bike up to remove the wheel without having to use a bike lift. The swingarm stand is more stable but if I had to choose 1 it would be the centerstand.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Los Vatos de la used to buy high mag aircraft skin and strut members, pop rivet them on low places on thier lowriders, drop the hydraulics and do the Cinco de Mayo boogie Eastla style. This is probably, via TeeVee, popular in Muleshit, Mississippi with the John Deere set and the mag strips come in kits with Velcro for tractors, lawnmowers and weedeaters.

 

I do all of my maintenance on a professional shop-type pneumatic lift and always

put the bike on the stock center stand.

If you ever get one of these bike lifts you will appreciate having the center stand.

Getting the bike up on the stock center stand is a cinch . . .

IF you have the right technique . . .if not, then it's time to learn how.

Like several have already said, if you are going to track the bike then use the rear

racing stands.

If you remove the stock stand because you are scrapping on left turns then you are

riding way too fast for the street environment.

Playing ricky-racer on the street is juvenile. Playing ricky-racer on the track is heaven.

I raced for 5 years in 250 gp and loved it.

 

good post and dead right.
Plasma.

 

If you plan on doing any home maintenance I'd get a center stand sooner or later. I'm pretty much out of chicken strips at the rear and have never dragged the centre stand, which could probably be done at parking lot speeds anyway, if you put your mind to it.

Nice Bike!

 

i second this,puttin lube on chain can be done in seconds,

 

FYI - Center stand wins. Got one coming off Ebay and it's getting installed Friday. Thanks for all the input everybody!