R80RT side stand

[Acejones]

What is the trick to this diabolical device. I have short legs and cannot get the stand far enough forward to use it. It has to have weight on it to stay in place. I just acquired this bike today.

[squiffynimrod]

Yes it's difficult. I have average legs and can't get it to work easily. The lower fairing gets in the way, so I can only deploy part way. It usually takes me a couple of tries to get the stand to "grab", then I roll back a bit to set it.
Others are using aftermarket (Brown's) sidestands that solve the problem.
I will also only use the sidestand for a temporary support until I can put it on the center stand. With that self retract it would only take a little bump on an unattended bike to make returning to your steed an underwear changing event.
:bikes

[Manfred]

It's a European required safety device - the side stand must auto-retract when weight is removed. I've been told that most boxer riders don't use the side stand, as you pretty much have to get off the bike to lower it safely. Center stand is the preferred stand, I'm told.

I've been on Jap bikes for many years and I am interested in moving my side stand back so I can reach it with my foot while I'm on the bike. I'm not opposed to auto-retract, but I would like to lower it and lean the bike over before I hop off.

[20774]

What year R80RT? I understand that the auto-retraction feature can be defeated by manipulating the way the spring is "sprung". But the danger then is that you'll take off, forget to pull the stand up, and make a fateful left hand turn...

One method of use was mentioned, pushing the stand down, leaning the bike over to make contact, and then rolling the bike backwards. Always have the bike in gear and it is best to have the bike pointing uphill.

I've also read where people have welded a small extension to the foot of the stand to give them more to catch with a foot and possibly be able to push it farther forward under the cylinder.

The way I mostly use mine is to get completely off while holding the bars with my hands. Then from the left side, I can deploy the stand easily. The trick is the pivoting on the left foot while the right swings over the bike. Easier, of course, with nothing on the back seat. I'm also 6-foot, so it's somewhat easier for me to do.

[Acejones]

'83 RT. I just tried Kurts hold and pivot method and it works fine. Thanks Kurt.

[jamesdunn]

What is the trick to this diabolical device. I have short legs and cannot get the stand far enough forward to use it. It has to have weight on it to stay in place. I just acquired this bike today.
Get a Brown's sidestand! They are easily installed and can be purchased on eBay used, or sometimes on our own forum. New , they run about $150.00. (Bob's BMW is one vendor.) You can even leave the factory stand in place. I paid $80.00 for the one I presently have. Works very well!

[airhead78]

'83 RT. I just tried Kurts hold and pivot method and it works fine. Thanks Kurt.

Acejones, I, like you, am short legged. Kurt's method works, but I fear you will one time drop the bike. It is a tricky maneuver, particularly when the bike is loaded. After a few "close calls" I got a brown. No more angst. I definetely agree with the others that said to get a Brown.
Laughed when you described the stocker as a "diabolical" device. Could not agree more...

[bikerfish1100]

It's a European required safety device - the side stand must auto-retract when weight is removed. I've been told that most boxer riders don't use the side stand, as you pretty much have to get off the bike to lower it safely. Center stand is the preferred stand, I'm told.

I've been on Jap bikes for many years and I am interested in moving my side stand back so I can reach it with my foot while I'm on the bike. I'm not opposed to auto-retract, but I would like to lower it and lean the bike over before I hop off.

not sure what "most" riders do, or who said that hte c-stand if perferred, but those who think about the size of the supporting triangle - 2 wheels and a sidestand in the middle vs. one wheel and 2 small contact pads about 10" apart from each other- will consistently choose the larger triangle for safety. C-stand for the garage, sidestand for most everywhere else.

[orbitangel]

One method of use was mentioned, pushing the stand down, leaning the bike over to make contact, and then rolling the bike backwards. Always have the bike in gear and it is best to have the bike pointing uphill.

The way I mostly use mine is to get completely off while holding the bars with my hands. Then from the left side, I can deploy the stand easily. The trick is the pivoting on the left foot while the right swings over the bike. Easier, of course, with nothing on the back seat. I'm also 6-foot, so it's somewhat easier for me to do.

Kurt,

You make some very good points here. :bow I'd like to elaborate a bit, based on my own experience with three R100RS machines.

The basics:

1. The center stand is ALMOST always the "primary" stand of choice.

2. NEVER, EVER use the sidestand if the machine is parked "going downhill." :nono (or, if a strong wind gust could blow against the left side of the bike.)

3. If I DO use the sidestand (unless facing "uphill"), I will always leave the bike in low gear.
Generally (maybe not every single time), I will do that EVEN IF I'm parked going uphill.

4. Slope of parking place dictates which stand I will use and which direction to park.

5. Anyone who may handle the bike (or sit on it) should be briefed on how the sidestand operates. Avoid nasty surprises!

6. For the above reasons, IF I have to leave the bike unattended for any length of time, the center stand is greatly preferred.

Personally, I never had any problem deploying the stock sidestand, whether sitting on the bike or standing - but I have long legs. If you chose to do so from a standing position, it is best to be holding the front brake firmly, then relax the brake while pulling the bike backwards and keeping your left foot against the sidestand. It is IMPORTANT to ENSURE that the sidestand is FULLY FORWARD!

IF you are careful (thoughtful) about how you use that sidestand, it works fine.

On the other hand, I have nothing against the Brown sidestand, for those who prefer them.

[20774]

IF you are careful (thoughtful) about how you use that sidestand, it works fine.

Back at you OB...you said it about as good as it can be said... You've managed to put down all the things that go through my head in a split second or two as I get ready to dismount the bike. Generally when out on trips touring, I use the sidestand for all gas/meal stops but use the c-stand at the end of the day. I don't like to pull the bike up on the c-stand when fully loaded...after I've unloaded the bike, that will be a bit easier on the c-stand mounts.

But, that said, sometimes I don't think!! I had been on a long trip with my Dad and step mother. After days of "properly" using the sidestand, I deviated from the "rules". I stopped and deployed the sidestand. I got off to help with the other bike. I turn around to find that the bike was rolling forward and the stand was enough to push the bike to the vertical and past...the bike fell down on its right side. The HORROR!!. Got the bike upright...no big deal...could have been much worse.

I thought the parking lot was level. I decided not to put the bike in 1st gear because...see first thought. Plus I was only going to have it on the sidestand for just a minute or two. For the rest of the trip, I used first gear when on the sidestand. And I will continue to do that, until...I'll probably make the wrong assumption again sometime in the future.

But dropping the bike twice in the nearly 30 years I've had to bike is not too bad...even for a diabolical sidestand.

[bikerfish1100]

if you want to park your bike securely-
ALWAYS park in first gear.
ALWAYS park facing uphill (or level, if need be).
ALWAYS pull bike backwards to ensure full deployment of sidestand.
ALWAYS ensure that the bike has sufficient lean, and secure ground underneath the sidestand foot.

If the above conditions don't/can't exist where you stopped.... don't park it there.

[Manfred]

This is a most fascinating discussion. In 35 years (off and on) of riding Jap bikes, I've NEVER had a bike fall over while on the side stand and I've rarely used the center stand except for maintenance, etc.

The location of the side stand is the BIG problem with the boxer - it's far forward and behind the jug. On Jap bikes, the side stand is hinged a near the back of the main engine case and it's easy to put your foot on and deploy - even if it has a spring to pull it back up.

I do not understand why the boxer side stand is so far forward. There's the rub.

[orbitangel]

if you want to park your bike securely-

ALWAYS park in first gear.
ALWAYS park facing uphill (or level, if need be).
ALWAYS pull bike backwards to ensure full deployment of sidestand.
ALWAYS ensure that the bike has sufficient lean, and secure ground underneath the sidestand foot.

If the above conditions don't/can't exist where you stopped.... don't park it there.

AJ,

There you go! All wrapped-up and tied with a bow! :rocker

[lkchris]

1. The center stand is ALMOST always the "primary" stand of choice.


This is a mistake.

Instead, the sidestand is always the primary stand of choice.

Much better chance of protecting the bike from unstable, soft surfaces on the sidestand.

Bike won't be blown off the stand by wind, as it will with centerstand.

Largest percentage of weight of bike is on the wheels. On centerstand, it's 98% all on the centerstand legs, which are really small.

Put bike in 1st gear--I call it "park"--when on sidestand. This works nicely, and you'll never be able to park on upslope/downslope with centerstand like you can with sidestand.

You're not going to hurt yourself putting bike on/off sidestand like you certainly can using centerstand.

There's no question the Airhead sidestand is difficult to emply, but this is no reason to comprismise the bike by always using the centerstand.

I deploy my RS sidestand by reaching down and doing it with my hand. On my G/S, I deploy sidestand with foot partially until I can put a little bike weight on it to prevent it from retracting. Then, I regroup and push it the rest of the way with foot.

Centerstand is for maintenance only. Good in garage, too, as bike takes up less space.

Never ever park in a row of BMWs on their centerstands at a rally, etc., as it will soon be dominos.

[20774]

Largest percentage of weight of bike is on the wheels. On centerstand, it's 98% all on the centerstand legs, which are really small.

Unless it's a Reynolds...then the weight is more evenly spread between four contact points...:hide

I deploy my RS sidestand by reaching down and doing it with my hand.

That's pretty impressive. Just about every BMW owner I know is as lithe as they were when they were just kids...who am I kidding!! :D

[orbitangel]

This is a mistake.

Instead, the sidestand is always the primary stand of choice.

Much better chance of protecting the bike from unstable, soft surfaces on the sidestand.

Bike won't be blown off the stand by wind, as it will with centerstand.

Largest percentage of weight of bike is on the wheels. On centerstand, it's 98% all on the centerstand legs, which are really small.

Put bike in 1st gear--I call it "park"--when on sidestand. This works nicely, and you'll never be able to park on upslope/downslope with centerstand like you can with sidestand.

You're not going to hurt yourself putting bike on/off sidestand like you certainly can using centerstand.

There's no question the Airhead sidestand is difficult to emply, but this is no reason to comprismise the bike by always using the centerstand.

Centerstand is for maintenance only. Good in garage, too, as bike takes up less space.

Never ever park in a row of BMWs on their centerstands at a rally, etc., as it will soon be dominos.

Kent, my good man, I will have to agree to disagree.

My RS is extremely stable and solid when on the centerstand. Why?

Because I removed the stock one and installed a Reynolds!
Yes, I know - these are hated by some; I like it for the following reasons:

1. BOTH wheels AND the stand are solidly in contact with terra firma at all times.

2. Because of that, the machine will never rock around in strong winds, as it can while teetering on the stock centerstand.

3. Bike has a lower center of gravity when parked on a ride-off stand vs stock.

Furthermore, I don't see how somebody can injure himself while (properly) placing the bike on the stock (or any other) centerstand.
I guess anything is possible.

I don't like to risk parking downhill on the sidestand - even in low gear. It would PROBABLY remain in place, 99 out of 100 times - but...

Use of ANY stand (centerstand or sidestand) is predicated on having the bike on a STABLE surface. If the surface is unsuitable I find someplace else to park. If that is impossible, I will find a big rock or a piece of wood to put under the sidestand so it can't sink-in.

The sidestand is NOT difficult to employ (not for me, anyway.)

I have personally experienced the "Domino Line", with my bike being in the middle. The day it happened was during a 4th of July picnic in Oklahoma, on hot asphalt. EVERY ONE of the bikes (mine included) were parked on their SIDE stands.

Bottom Line: I use whatever stand seems most convenient/appropriate in any given situation - e.g. I always use the centerstand when fueling, doing maintenance, etc.

The sidestand is primary on NON-LEVEL ground. I will agree to that!

There are MANY paths to the top of the mountain...

[osbornk]

I agree with Kent. I used to think the centerstand was the most secure but a less than solid surface, wind and ease of tipping taught me better. I guess an early K bike got me into the habit because leaving it on the side stand caused a hugh amount of smoke on startup. My R80Rt has an aftermarket aluminum sidestand (I assume a Brown but I don't know) that is very long and works easily with my short legs. However, I found the first left turn can be a reall adventure if you forget to retract it. Closest I have been to wrecking in years. My R1200CLC has no center stand but I don't know how you could ever get that much weight up on one anyway.

[brickrider]

if you want to park your bike securely-
ALWAYS park in first gear.
ALWAYS park facing uphill (or level, if need be).
ALWAYS pull bike backwards to ensure full deployment of sidestand.
ALWAYS ensure that the bike has sufficient lean, and secure ground underneath the sidestand foot.

If the above conditions don't/can't exist where you stopped.... don't park it there.

+1 Perfectly stated.

This is the method I have used since I delivered papers in the 6th grade on a 26" bike that was way too tall for me. There was a huge basket on the front handlebars, twin saddlebaskets on the rear, and on Sundays when the papers were huge, I added a full carrier's bag on the bar between the seat & handlebars (where the kid brother would sometimes ride) with the strap around my neck to hold the bag from falling off.

First thing I did was replace the sidestand on the 83 R100RT with a Reynolds. I made "putting up the sidestand" part of the internal checklist each and every time I threw a leg over, ready to ride, just exactly like the bicycle days.

The bicycle never fell, and neither did the R100RT. I never had even remotely what could be stated as a "close call" in forgetting to put the sidestand back up. I employ the same method with the K1200LT, irregardless of the the safety switch on the K's sidestand. The switch could someday fail and allow the bike to start with the sidestand down (remote possiblilty) but my "internal checklist" procedure never fails.

'Swing leg over, right the bike, put up the sidestand, turn key on, pull in clutch lever, press starter button'.

Oh, and I never park in a domino line, period. Seen 'em go down more than once; my bike was never in one, and never will be.

Ride Safely,
BrickRider

[jamesdunn]

As stated earlier I use a Brown's sidestand and love it. I would like add a caveat though; the Brown's has a small foot, making it susceptible to "digging in" on soft ground or hot asphalt, so be sure to place a flat support underneath the foot when these conditions exist. The factory sidestand is better in this respect.

[Acejones]

Lets see if I can start some more discussion. Whats the difference between the Reynolds and the Brown sidestands and which is preferred ?

Oh, and another observation: It appears that BMW finally recognized the flaw in the sidestand position on the airheads and corrected it with the oilheads and K bikes. I don't have any sidestand issues with my R1150R or my K75.

[20774]

Whats the difference between the Reynolds and the Brown sidestands and which is preferred ?

AFAIK, Reynolds didn't make a sidestand. That would be one difference...

[shire2000]

Let's not get into those arguments again. It has been decided that there are at least 3 (maybe more) different camps on which sidestand or centre stand is best. If someone is new and does not know, then I suggest they just do a search in the forum.

There are almost as many opinions on this as there are on which tires or oil to use.

:ca

[bikerfish1100]

Brown sidestand. Nice.
http://www.bmwmotorcycletech.info/FarleyBrown.htm

Reynold's RideOff c-stand. Meh. (imho)
http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/reynolds/index.htm

[brickrider]

AFAIK, Reynolds didn't make a sidestand. That would be one difference...

Kurt, ya got me there. This was in 1985, and I bought a Reynolds Rack and I was sure it was a Reynolds sidestand, but as it turns out, I was wrong. I think I bought the stuff from San Jose BMW. The sidestand may well have been a Brown. It sure was a sturdy one, I'll say that. Sorry for confusing the issue.

Ride Safely,
BrickRider

[shire2000]

In the late 70's to mid 80' I remember San Jose selling their own sidestand that appeared to be a knock-off of the Brown's. As I recall, it had a slightly better foot on it. I did not like either one, but that is just me.

[barryg]

Just happen to have a '86/87 San Jose catalog in my hand. It states: We sell the Brown stand exclusively. $59.95 Below it in it's own ad is the Reynolds ride-off stand. Ad states it is a very poplar replacement for the stock BMW stand. $69.95. Both have their own color picture. I have to much time on my hand and I'm fixin to go for a ride.

[Acejones]

Thanks for the input and education to all who responded (except for shire2000).

[orbitangel]

Let's not get into those arguments again.
There are almost as many opinions on this as there are on which tires or oil to use.

Is this horse dead yet? Or should we CONTINUE beating it??? :banghead

[Acejones]

I hope its dead !

Now we can discuss oil, tires, religion, and politics.

[Manfred]

Just in case religion wasn't keeping you busy, I intend to study the left side of my bike this weekend and see if there's a way to move the stock side stand back, perhaps need to lengthen it.

:whistle

BTW - Advice on this site to put the bike in 1dt gear while it's on the side stand (parking brake) is one of the BEST tips I've ever seen! In all my years nobody has suggested this and it makes so much sense!

Now I find myself pushing the starter button and having near panic because NOTHING happens - then I remember to pull in the clutch and I'm off. :-)

[Jeff488]

Just in case religion wasn't keeping you busy, I intend to study the left side of my bike this weekend and see if there's a way to move the stock side stand back, perhaps need to lengthen it.



If your bike seems to lean over too much on the SS, you might have a worn out SS bolt/bushing. It's easily replaced and lubed after the exhaust pipe is removed.:banghead

Makes quite a difference in how much easier it is to put the bike on the side stand.

[88bmwJeff]

I think it was the same engineer who placed the side stand so far forward under the left cylinder, who designed it so you had to remove the engine in order to do maintenance on it. Such as replace the worn out bushings. :banghead :banghead :banghead

[Manfred]

I don't think it leans over too far in it's stock location - but I will look at that bushing. My thinking is - looking at the frame - that it's not long enough if it were mounted further back and a bit higher - where a bolt is.

[krehmkej]

Recently I installed a Surefoot sidestand from Moto-Bins. Nice big foot, unlike a Brown. Plus, it's adjustable. A bit of a hassle sending in the left footrest. But, it was worth it. And, at the current exchange rate the cost was roughly equal to the Browns unit.