centerstand vs. sidestand

[jupiteral]

what is the reason for having a centerstand and a sidestand ? ( sorry for what may be obvious answers to alot of you, my clymer manual is on the way ! ) I was told there is no such thing as a dum question....Thankyou !

[BeemerMike]

what is the reason for having a centerstand and a sidestand ? ( sorry for what may be obvious answers to alot of you, my clymer manual is on the way ! ) I was told there is no such thing as a dum question....Thankyou !

Serious? :confused:

Sidestand - Hold the bike up when you get off the bike, and a normal "at rest" support.

Centerstand - Hold the bike straight up, for such things as maintenance (oil change, drive chain oil and adjust) . . . and to keep classic K-bikes from smoking so much! ;)

[glennhendricks]

I hardly ever use the side stand. It seems a bit unstable to me or maybe I'm just paranoid.:huh

[lkchris]

Try taking a wheel off with bike on the sidestand.

Center stand is for maintenance.

Side stand is for everyday use. Bike is WAY more stable on the sidestand, assuming of course you've left the bike in gear.

[TheRoss]

Side stand Mosquito fogger...... Centerstand ( which on some K bikes will break after a center amount of time ) for use in non Mosquito infested areas.:laugh

I have actually had both side and center stands on my R1100RT break (at different times) and require welding for reattachment. POS parts if you ask me. Luckily I have a buddy who is a welder.

[rmarkr]

Your side stand is there to break the bead on your buddies wheel

[cuervo2274]

On level pavement I always use the center stand. On un-level pavement I use the sidestand with the bars turned to the left and in gear. The center stand makes the bike more stable, you never know when a kid will decide to jump onto the bike. My rear wheel does not touch the ground while on the center stand so I don't think it's necessary to leave it on gear. I was told that you will notice more oil consumption if you always use the side stand.

[Kev95GS]

My sidestand sucks! Bike leans WAY to much, even on level ground.

I use it to hold the bike up while I get off and put it on the centerstand. :buds

Of course you have to put the GS on the centerstand don't you :dunno

Kevin

[breyfogle]

On level pavement I always use the center stand....<snip>... I was told that you will notice more oil consumption if you always use the side stand.

Absolutely typical of a BMW owner who learned to ride BMW's on a R69S, any/5 or /6 or even a Klassic-K. Not really true anymore (IMHO).

[jurgen]

Theft Protection!
My 1150 GS is hard to put on the centerstand but for someone who doesn't know the technique it's even harder to get it off. An average wannabe thief will likely dump the bike trying.
Anyway, the centerstand is a BMW thing. :deal Get used to it - looks way cool compared to those models lacking it (including the newfangled K-, F- and G-models)
My $0.02

Jürgen

04R1150GSAdv
04K1200RSBrick

[BuddingGeezer]

Theft Protection!
My 1150 GS is hard to put on the centerstand but for someone who doesn't know the technique it's even harder to get it off. An average wannabe thief will likely dump the bike trying.
Anyway, the centerstand is a BMW thing. :deal Get used to it - looks way cool compared to those models lacking it (including the newfangled K-, F- and G-models)
My $0.02

Jürgen

04R1150GSAdv
04K1200RSBrick

I have a Kawasaki VN750, Kawasaki Concours ZG1000, Honda St1100with center/side stands. The new Concours c14, Yamaha FJR, Honda ST1100, Moto Guzzi Norge have center/side stands. It's not just a BMW thing. You really want both.

Ralph Sims

[GrafikFeat]

what is the reason for having a centerstand and a sidestand ? ( sorry for what may be obvious answers to alot of you, my clymer manual is on the way ! ) I was told there is no such thing as a dum question....Thankyou !

Not dumb at all... :brow

Think of it as a "service stand".

[alien_hitchhiker]

The center stand makes the bike more stable...

Cuervo, I know what they say about opinions, but here's mine.

In almost all situations the bike is more stable when parked on the sidestand with the transmission in gear. The side stand provides a broad, triangulated base of support with the tires & suspension bearing the brunt of the weight.

You can prove this for yourself by parking your bike, on its centerstand, next to mine, on its sidestand in first gear.

First experiment: Push your bike from the rear until it lurches forward off the centerstand and topples over. Now apply the same amount of force to the rear of my bike. It will remain upright.

Second experiment: Pick your bike up and place it back onto the centerstand. Push your bike from the right side until it fallls over. Now apply the same amount of force to the right side of my bike. It will remain upright.

:bolt

[GrafikFeat]

I think the stability has to do w/ where it is parked?
Hill? Gravel?
General answer for a general question:
Where? Why? How Long?
If you have both the choice is yours...
Me? I have no center stand on mine.
I have an optional service stand I use for maintenance.
It also breaks down into smaller parts so I can pack it for a long haul.

I would think generally, a side stand is more stable:

[BubbaZanetti]

Side stand is for everyday use. Bike is WAY more stable on the sidestand, assuming of course you've left the bike in gear.

measure the size of the triangle between the two tires and the sidestand, then between the two feet of the centerstand and the front tire.

you will clearly see how much more stable a bike is on its sidestand.

i hardly ever use my centerstand anymore, only when working on the bike or unloading the bags.

[drbike]

I am new at this BMW thing and my old bike only had a side stand (KLR)....I am old but new to riding. I like the center stand, it seems so stable. Just got back from a 5 week ride, unloaded the bike, got her up on the center stand and went to sleep, my own bed. Ahh!

Got up and looked out the window, and wouldn't you know it shes on her side sleeping in my driveway. :cry

My take is 1. make sure the ground is hard
2. use plywood or something under your stand if it is going to rain hard
3. I think it would of been fine if it had been on the side stand.

Go figure 5 weeks of travel, camping often and no issues it goes down in my own driveway.

[OfficerImpersonator]

I ride mine five days a week. She usually sits in the garage over weekends.

Thus, she's on the side-stand Monday - Thursday nights and on her center stand Friday - Sunday nights.

She takes up less room in the garage on her center stand. I can more easily walk around the bike and access the shelves behind her when she's standing straight up.

Mine used to smoke at start-up when left over the weekend on the side-stand. I think she's finally broken in (at 36K miles), because that doesn't happen anymore.

[lgarza]

Theft Protection!
My 1150 GS is hard to put on the centerstand but for someone who doesn't know the technique it's even harder to get it off. An average wannabe thief will likely dump the bike trying.

Jurgen,
what is the technique to get it off the center stand you talk about? I am new to my GS, it always seemed easy to me to get it off, I just push it forward, and the bike falls of the center stand.

I have to say that getting it off the side stand is hard, sometime have to push, or apply wieght to the right peg, etc.
a few years ago, on a motorcycle show, I was so embarassed to see a small women jumping on a GSA so easy, she was shorter than me, about 5'6' maybe (I am 5'8"); and I just wouldn't try to push the bike and jump on it from the side stand.

lgg.

[bikerfish1100]

The center stand makes the bike more stable...


wait until the c-stand sinks into some hot asphalt, and then tell us what you think! Easy to find/have a sidestand puck to prevent its sinking into pavement- not quite so likely to find something for the c-stand to perch upon.

c-stand for maintenance, and loading the bike for a trip; that's about it in my household. in fact, i leave it off, except when touring.

[cruisin]

I think the stability has to do w/ where it is parked?
Hill? Gravel?
General answer for a general question:
Where? Why? How Long?
If you have both the choice is yours...
Me? I have no center stand on mine.
I have an optional service stand I use for maintenance.
It also breaks down into smaller parts so I can pack it for a long haul.

I would think generally, a side stand is more stable:

Totally agree; except your picture of the center stand configuration should have one wheel erased since most bikes with center stands keep one wheel off the ground. And; generally speaking most bikes using the side stand over the center stand will have the center of gravity in a lower position. Otherwise, it should be obvious from your graphic (not grafik--hehe) that the longer, wider triangle formed by the bike on the side stand is far more stable than a bike on a center stand creating a short narrow triangle. It's simple geometry & physics--well done :thumb

Of course there will always be those times when a side stand won't work as well because of sloping ground or some other unusual situation, but for the most part, the side stand is the most logical choice for stability. Where I work here in the Texas Panhandle, I have seen Goldwings parked on the center stand blow over in our high winds while bikes half their weight parked right next to them on their side stands stayed upright. Of course one has to realize the prevailing wind direction and make sure the right side is facing into the wind.

[jurgen]

Jurgen,
what is the technique to get it off the center stand you talk about? I am new to my GS, it always seemed easy to me to get it off, I just push it forward, and the bike falls of the center stand.


lgg.

Lagarza,
my 04 1150 GSA requires a good heft to get it on the centerstand. Earlier 1200 GS models were quite heavy too - i know an experienced female rider who cannot put it up. The 2008 models are very easy to put on though, BMW changed the leverage.

On the 1150 I can tell the difference between a full tank and an empty one, and new tires make it a bit easier. I use Anakees - it might be easier with larger tires also. Fully loaded it is much harder than without the bags.

To push it off, I push hard against the handlebars as they face to the right. This causes the front wheel to run right, causing the bike to lean towards me (you don't want it to lean away from you). As soon as the front wheel comes down I pull the front brake. I used to put the side stand down and set the bike on the side stand but now I just swing my leg over and start the engine.

I see several guys riding it off the centerstand but where I'm parked that does not work since I have to back out. Turning the bike doesn't help - then I would have to put it on the ctand against a slight uphill grade which is even harder.

YMMV

[RJM2096]

I used to have a Norton Commando before electric starters. I had to put it on the center stand to get the body leverage to kick start the engine.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh310/RJM2096/00474534101.jpg

On my R1100RT is use the side stand for normal parking, but the center stand for strorage, washing, waxing, and service.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh310/RJM2096/OLY20080518007.jpg

[bubbagazoo]

I wish my CL had a center stand. I did buy the Wunderlich Cruiser Lifter for storage and maintenance. It does the trick but you've got to get under the bike to attach it before lifting it up. Personally, I would prefer to just put it up rather than having to attach things first.

[JimVonBaden1]

Serious? :confused:

Sidestand - Hold the bike up when you get off the bike, and a normal "at rest" support.

Centerstand - Hold the bike straight up, for such things as maintenance (oil change, drive chain oil and adjust) . . . and to keep classic K-bikes from smoking so much! ;)


:nod

Jim :brow

[WildBlue]

On my R1150R (in my garage), if I dont have the saddle bags on, the entire bike's weight is on the center stand ONLY. Both tires OFF the ground.

When I have the bags on, rear tire is on the ground.

[moondog]

what is the reason for having a centerstand and a sidestand ? ( sorry for what may be obvious answers to alot of you, my clymer manual is on the way ! ) I was told there is no such thing as a dum question....Thankyou !

did you take the riders class yet..?

[BigSkyRider]

On a cross country trip we pulled up near the beach in Santa Cruz, California.
I placed my G.S. on the side :brow stand and my riding buddy placed his G.S. on the center stand.
As some young bikini clad women passed by we both bumped into our bikes and his fell over while mine remained stable.......you be the judge....

[bikerfish1100]

On a cross country trip we pulled up near the beach in Santa Cruz, California.
I placed my G.S. on the side :brow stand and my riding buddy placed his G.S. on the center stand.
As some young bikini clad women passed by we both bumped into our bikes and his fell over while mine remained stable.......you be the judge....

umm, this post is useless without pics. :) :whistle :whistle

[Braddog]

wait until the c-stand sinks into some hot asphalt, and then tell us what you think! Easy to find/have a sidestand puck to prevent its sinking into pavement- not quite so likely to find something for the c-stand to perch upon.

c-stand for maintenance, and loading the bike for a trip; that's about it in my household. in fact, i leave it off, except when touring.

I learned that lesson the hard way. The only time I use the centerstand on any of my motorcycles these days is when it's parked on the concrete floor of my garage. Other than that, I carry a little disk with me to prevent the sidestand from sinking if I have to park on asphalt.

The sidestand bears a whole lot less weight with the lean of a motorcycle, than a centerstand does on those 2, relatively small, feet, which have to bear the weight of the entire motorcycle. If a motorcycle sinks into the ashphalt on a centerstand, it falls a lot further, faster, and harder than if it sank into the asphalt on a sidestand.

So, as others have said, sidestand for general use, centerstand for maintenance or longer term storage on very hard surface, i.e. concrete.

[BajaBum]

My r1150rs is stored covered on a crushed stone driveway. The center stand rests on an old cookie sheet. Low tech but, it works.

[GrafikFeat]

Just in case you forget/lose that little "puck" for your side stand.
Some parking lots have painted lines. I for one will park in "stripped" areas to stay away from swinging car doors. I've never been hassled for parking in these little areas.
Anyway, my point is put your stand down on one of the painted stripes. You won't sink in.

[bikerfish1100]

Just in case you forget/lose that little "puck" for your side stand.
Some parking lots have painted lines. I for one will park in "stripped" areas to stay away from swinging car doors. I've never been hassled for parking in these little areas.
Anyway, my point is put your stand down on one of the painted stripes. You won't sink in.


cool idea. i remember walking barefoot on those lines across the town pool's hot parking lot as a way to save my toes from getting burned.

[BubbaZanetti]

cool idea. i remember walking barefoot on those lines across the town pool's hot parking lot as a way to save my toes from getting burned.

ever try putting your S up on it's centerstand barefoot??? it's not too bad once you get used to it (why i've done this a number of times, i'll never know, prob cause my bike burns a lot of oil and after a long ride i like getting all my gear off first):D

[Fritzc]

Some parking lots have painted lines. I for one will park in "striped" areas to stay away from swinging car doors. I've never been hassled for parking in these little areas. You won't sink in.

Well, I was warned once by mall security to NOT park in the "striped areas". I obey, as my wife was ticketed for illegally parking even though I thought a mall parking lot was private property. Seems the Township or County Gendarmes can issue parking tickets. May have something to do with "Handicapped parking" as that is covered by state law, I believe. I assume the "striped" area you are talking about is that near the handicapped areas.
:bikes

[GrafikFeat]

I assume the "striped" area you are talking about is that near the handicapped areas.

Noooo... I never "sneak" into those...

I mean the odd shaped areas near cart returns and hydrants or landscaping.

Handicapped violators should be towed no questions asked. Period.

Sorry for the extra "p" in striped. I hate tpyos!

[bikerfish1100]

Noooo... I never "sneak" into those...

I mean the odd shaped areas near cart returns and hydrants or landscaping.

Handicapped violators should be towed no questions asked. Period.

Sorry for the extra "p" in striped. I hate tpyos!

parking adjacent to the cart return areas can easily result in "unexplained' nicks to your paint.

[GrafikFeat]

Key word is near... Not adjacent! :deal

[Andy VH]

Centerstand can be more stable in certain applications. I always use mine when filling the bike at the gas pump. Centerstand, generally, is better on hot asphault if you don't have a sidestand pad. I say generally because my 94 R1100RS did tip over off the centerstand on hot asphault. Both legs sunk in, until the tang on the left side contacted, and the bike toppled to the right.

1150GS hard to get on the centerstand? That is one of the easier bikes to get on a centerstand. I'm only 5'-6" and I can even get a K1200LT on the centerstand. My 94 R1100RS easily gets on the centerstand. And the new R1200GS is VERY easy to get on the centerstand.

If I were buying a new BMW, it definitely would have the centerstand option, for cleaning and servicing.

[Random]

My sidestand sucks! Bike leans WAY to much, even on level ground.

I use it to hold the bike up while I get off and put it on the centerstand. :buds

Of course you have to put the GS on the centerstand don't you :dunno

Kevin

I have to agree with Kevin. My '96 GS leans way over. With the top box on and camping gear on the rear seat the bike will not stay up...I have to put it on the center stand.

My dealer says it's because I had aftermarket (Ohlins) suspension installed. I wish I could use the sidestand.

[GrafikFeat]

Centerstand, generally, is better on hot asphault if you don't have a sidestand pad. I say generally because my 94 R1100RS did tip over off the centerstand on hot asphault.

Put the side stand on the painted stripe. It won't sink in.

The SS on my /5 is bent from age. It will hold up the bike "sometimes".
That gets the Center stand, "always".

[bikerfish1100]

My dealer says it's because I had aftermarket (Ohlins) suspension installed. I wish I could use the sidestand.

only true if the Ollies are longer than stock.
don't know about the GS models, but the R1100S had a longer sidestand available. came on the bikes with "sport suspension" with the long shock setup (as seen on the 2000 and 2001 sport editions).

[awagnon]

The sidestand bears a whole lot less weight with the lean of a motorcycle, than a centerstand does on those 2, relatively small, feet, which have to bear the weight of the entire motorcycle. If a motorcycle sinks into the ashphalt on a centerstand, it falls a lot further, faster, and harder than if it sank into the asphalt on a sidestand.

+1 I dropped my RT in Wyoming on the way to Gillette. It was on the centerstand at a gravel roadside table. After about five minutes on the centerstand, it fell, rather spectacularly, to the right. Smashed the right mirror/turn signal to smithereens. Expensive lesson learned. Those bikes are heavy to get back up all by yourself.

[Random]

I have to agree with Kevin. My '96 GS leans way over. With the top box on and camping gear on the rear seat the bike will not stay up...I have to put it on the center stand.

My dealer says it's because I had aftermarket (Ohlins) suspension installed. I wish I could use the sidestand.

I thought I'd bump this since I have new information.
http://random.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ADV/DSCN1324/817741608_CsJAB-M.jpg
I think I'm missing a bolt.
http://random.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ADV/DSCN1323/817741463_7E66t-M.jpg
Don't see it?
http://random.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ADV/Side-Center-Stand/817750083_xr6Hc-M.jpg
I think it is #7 a countersunk head screw. But what does it screw in to? It seems like there should be a spacer, lock washer and nut but they don't show them on the illustration.
Any one know what parts I need to order?

[stuartfurness]

My 04 RT is not identical, but it has the large hole in the stand, and the unoccupied smaller countersunk hole behind.
Leaving the bike on the centerstand for long term storage should help the tires. Got to remember not to do this on the Norton Commando, since when on he center stand, all the weight of the bike is carried on the Isolastic engine rubbers.
Stuart

[Ken F]

Your side stand is there to break the bead on your buddies wheel


Does that really work?

[Jeffhorn]

Being height-challenged, when I dismount the bike whe I get home or to work, the side stand goes down, I then dismount, then up goes the bike on the center stand. Less weight on the suspension maks me think the shocks will last longer. But then what do I know? It works for me.

[Boxwrench]

Outside I use the side stand also and the center in my garage.
I found the OEM side stand on my 2K RT causes the bike to lean too far over on a tiny foot to suit me.
I also got tired of kicking the shift trying to get it down ( comes up between the shifter and peg.)
I opted to get RTP stand parts ( except for the lock at this time). I can start the bike w/ the side stand down in Neutral now ( not an option for my year)
The bike also stands at a less severe angle and loops behind the left peg and slightly larger foot

Drawback is I can't use a peg lowering kit and prolly a floorboard ( love them but $$$$$ on a BMW for me) and can't use a bolt on larger foot.

[MWIECK]

I Like to use the center stand when parking by Harleys because I can and they can't. When a friend of mine was showing off his new Harley XLHT (or whatever), I challenged him to a rear wheel removal. When I told him that on my K75 , I could pop it on the centerstand, remove the left side bag, get out my factory tool kit, and with the single sided swingarm and lug bolt wheel, remove the rear wheel and almost have the tire off the wheel before he has found enough friends and 2 x4's to even get his back tire off the ground, much less off the cycle. He mumbled something about the dealer changing his tires. I can't imagine changing a tire or other maintenance without a center stand. The side stand is necessary when getting off(at least for me). My K75 leans about right on the side stand since I raised the fork tubes and put on a shorter rear shock to lower the bike a little. This probably goes against the 3-point stability factor, but I always felt my bike was more secure when on the center stand.

87 K75c
81 Yamaha 550 Seca
80 Yamaha XT 500

:usa

[Anyname]

The side stand fans must never have experienced those cute self retracting stands on airheads. One little gust of wind (or a gentle shove) from the left and the bastard will self retract itself right out from under your bike.

[MotorradMike]

I thought I'd bump this since I have new information.
I think I'm missing a bolt.
http://random.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ADV/Side-Center-Stand/817750083_xr6Hc-M.jpg
I think it is #7 a countersunk head screw. But what does it screw in to? It seems like there should be a spacer, lock washer and nut but they don't show them on the illustration.
Any one know what parts I need to order?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4467025200_4cfeebef08.jpg
Mine only half fell off so I had most of it. The bolts are 8mm. I bought a new countersunk bolt but haven't got around to it yet. I think you're looking in the wrong place for parts. This has more to do with the Cat than the stand.

[r11rs94]

I use my centerstand for winter storage, maintenance and gas stops if I want to really top off. I use the side stand for everything else. I installed a big foot, from Bob's BMW on the foot of the side stand to help it from sinking into the ground. Question, has anyone else had a problem with the centerstand, where you place your foot to lift the bike, cutting into the bottom of there boots, I had to have my right boot worked on because I but a hole in it. Discovered it during a rain storm.

[PETDOC]

Being height-challenged, when I dismount the bike whe I get home or to work, the side stand goes down, I then dismount, then up goes the bike on the center stand. Less weight on the suspension maks me think the shocks will last longer. But then what do I know? It works for me.

I'm 5'11" in my stocking feet with a 32" inseam and always wear motorcycle boots when I ride, so add about 3/4" to that. After several occasions of my '04 1150 GS resting comfortable on it side on the ground after a dismount I almost always use the sidestand when getting on or off of my bike; however, unless I've stopped for just a minute, it is incredibly windy or I've parked on a ferry (they mandate sidestand), my bike sits on its centerstand.

[glennhendricks]

Last summer I changed from the center stand to the side stand for most parking. The argument that the three point contact coupled with the bike in gear give more stability made a lot of sense to me.

I center stand it when gassing up and it is on the center stand on a caster platform in the garage right now for winter storage. (sans bags so the RT fits between the cars)

I've been happy with this arrangement so far. As usual YMMV

[Delaware.Dave]

I used the R1100RT as my primary bike all last summer. It's always on the center stand in the garage, to save space.

Generally speaking, when parked for short intervals (gas or a hamburger), I'll leave it in gear on the side stand. If the bike is parked for any time longer than that, I put it on the center stand. I bumped the bike left, right, and forward, and I'm convinced that no wind would be strong enough to knock it over. It can get over 100 degrees in the Delaware summers, and I've noticed the one side stand pad will sink into the asphalt before two center stand pads, probably due to weight loading.

If parked on the side of the road, there are other factors, like the crown of the road, so I do whatever seems most stable.

[OLSENSAN]

Some have commented on the low angle the bike takes when using the side stand, this has been the case for myself also and I have added a 3/4 inch oak block to my wider foot plate. This is my 1st attempt, you may want to consider a hockey puck cut and drilled to size.

[brewmeister]

Sometimes after market shocks can change things for the worse. My buddy had to PAY 225.00 for a sidestand on a v stom that dosn't come with a centerstand. I clean and grease my side/centerstand as normal maintence every winter.Short inseam dos'nt help one bit .A brown sidestand on my airhead works great but you shouldn't have to have this expence.sorry now back to the OP.:wave

[barryg]

I use both side stand and center stand as needed.

[bikerfish1100]

sorry now back to the OP.:wave

ya'll do realize that this thread was started about 3.5 years ago?

not sure what's up with this zombie activity, maybe a Martian death ray or something .......

[barryg]

Sidestand/Centerstand treads, Oil threads, Topend rebuilds threads, Paint threads, Tires, Tubes and Wheels threads, Surging threads and others have a never ending life. Just part of being a new BMW owner. As a new BMW owner starts the process of being a new BMW owner these questions come up and the process starts all over again.

[Happy Wanderer]

ya'll do realize that this thread was started about 3.5 years ago?

not sure what's up with this zombie activity, maybe a Martian death ray or something .......

Hahahaaaa! Good one.

Just be glad a whole new one didn't start!

[lkchris]

The side stand fans must never have experienced those cute self retracting stands on airheads. One little gust of wind (or a gentle shove) from the left and the bastard will self retract itself right out from under your bike.

Been riding Airheads since 1978 (still have one) and never had it happen to me. Leave bike in 1st gear when parking on sidestand.