Center Stand

[thompsonr]

Ok A question on center stand use. I like to use the center stand on my 2000 R1100RT I am amazed at how easy it is to put it on the center stand I am also amazed at how hard it is to get it off the center stand.

I always get on the bike and rock it hard to get it off the stand and it takes all Ive got to get it down. Recently while loaded on a trip I couldnt get the bike off the stand by rocking so I let the cluch out and easly rolled off the stand.

Now driving off the stand was so easy I figure there must be some reason you should not do it....

Anyone else have this problem? Anyone commonly use the drive off way of getting off the stand? Know of any reason one shouldnt drive off.

Thanks !

[bikerfish1100]

except for maintenance times and such (checking oil level accurately, loading both saddle bags easily, etc), it is wiser/superior to use the sidestand. the 3 point wide-footed stance of the sidestand is far more stable than the narrow 3 point of the c-stand.
regarding the "why not" of driving off the c-stand, i have always heard it's "not good for the drivetrain", but never was concerned enough to follow up with exact rationale.

[DrPaul]

I always get on the bike and rock it hard to get it off the stand and it takes all Ive got to get it down. Recently while loaded on a trip I couldnt get the bike off the stand by rocking so I let the cluch out and easly rolled off the stand.Two things I've learned: (1) Load the bike after it's off the center stand, and (2) throw your right leg over the seat but keep your left foot planted on the terra firma to push it off the center stand.

[lkchris]

except for maintenance times and such (checking oil level accurately, loading both saddle bags easily, etc), it is wiser/superior to use the sidestand. the 3 point wide-footed stance of the sidestand is far more stable than the narrow 3 point of the c-stand.
regarding the "why not" of driving off the c-stand, i have always heard it's "not good for the drivetrain", but never was concerned enough to follow up with exact rationale.

This is the correct stand usage, but I think it's more "not good" for the centerstand itself to get the bike off it while sitting on it and especially so for driving it off.

Riding off also should be "not good" from a safety standpoint, as the possibilities of losing control of the throttle/being unable to declutch seem pretty high.

Centerstands are for maintenance. Take bike off centerstand while standing next to it.

[calmil]

It seems obvious, but I learned the hard way. Always put the bike into gear after putting it on the center stand for maintenance. I didn't, while washing it, and helplessly watched from its left side as it rolled off the center stand and onto its right side on the concrete floor. :doh

I find that the bike comes off the center stand easily when desired, by simply rolling it forward with the bike out of gear, while standing on the left side of the bike with both hands on the handlebars and its wheel turned to the left toward me. The left turn assures that the bike will lean toward me.

[DrPaul]

The left turn assures that the bike will lean toward me.Really? Simple physics would suggest the opposite. Others??

[bikerfish1100]

I could see it leaning either way from just turning the wheel. But if it has a bit of forward momentum, it will certainly roll to the left.

[gnavecky]

I have been riding off the center stand for about 3 years and have not had a problem. I find it much easier to ride off then trying to push it off.

[lkchris]

It's even easier to ride off having just retracted the sidestand.

By "have not had a problem" you mean you've measured for wear in centerstand components?