kickstand vs. centerstand

[Robert Haller]

I was wondering if for overnight/longer term parking there was any advantage to parking level on the centerstand rather than at an angle with the kickstand? Would it affect the floats at all being at an angle most of the time?

[sixtysix]

For winter storage I always put the bike up on centerstand, the only other time I do it is if I need check oil or fluids, or for maintenance. All summer in the garage it is usually on the side stand (if I am not riding it that is) .

[Snow]

Down here in the South, it is most advantageous to park on centerstand if parking outside on anything but concrete for more than 5 minutes...too many close calls of bike sinking into asphalt.

I don't think it is necessarily that it gets warmer down here, but maybe they use cheaper asphalt?

[MaRtiB]

I once heard that for the winter storage (a few months up here), it is better to put it on the centerstand. The angle with the kickstand would affect parts of the mechanic (I don't know wich ones) with the fluids being on one side of the bike, leaving the other side not "protected".

But I never heard any rumors on the matter for the overnight parking. For myself, I always use the kickstand (the previous owner threw away the centerstand). No problem so far.

[Robert Haller]

Originally posted by Snow
Down here in the South, it is most advantageous to park on centerstand if parking outside on anything but concrete for more

I had a previous bike fall over due to the side stand sinking into soft asphalt. I have watched for that ever since. I was just curious if there was any reason not to overnight or several day park the bike on the side stand as I'm considering removing my centerstand.

[capocrimini]

While I'm out riding it depends on where I'm parking. How level is it, sloping forward or back. Generally when I am out riding I use the kickstand, and when I park overnight in garage or parking space, or for longer term storage I use the center stand. Don't know why, I just do. I think the center stand offers more stability if that may be an issue where you are parking.

[Pat Kelly]

99.9% of the time I leave it on the centerstand. More stable. A co-worker with a 77 Beemer onlt had side-stand and left cyl smokes everytime he starts it.

[fusionking]

I have thought about losing my centerstand many times, untill I remember just how handy it makes it to change a rear flat!!!!(or for that matter a front one) Garry

[uk1.1s]

side stand problems

I agree with most comments here.

In the summer I have known a lot of people come to grief with soft asphalt and a toppling bike.

As Pat says, Beemer boxers smoke a bit when left on a side stand, caused by a bit of oil leaking past the valve seals, but that's pretty normal - although always a good thing to point out as it really annoys the owners. Burns off after the engines run a bit.

I often park on the centre stand in the garage to save space and, as a personal theory, keep oil across the camshafts. What I mean here is that on the sidestand oil around the cams may drain downhill leaving the RHS dry after a time parked up.

In the '70's I think early Kwack 200's/250's were known to have eaten cams if left warming up on their side stands as the oil feed was marginal and one side running too dry. Stories like that always leave me with a bit of apprehension - so most of my 'warming up' before a ride is done with me sitting on the bike and keeping it upright, or on the centre stand - even though I've never owned a Kwack 250.

[jkgrubbs]

The use of the Kerker required the loss of the center stand. The PO made this mod and tossed the center stand, but there seems to be no issues. I would like to find one to use when changing fluids, or tires, though. During the winter I still ride some, when the weather is over 40 or so. I do use a bit of Sta-bil, it seems to do the job. I will use 6 or 7 tanks of gas during the "off" season. A guy I know has a puck like thing to set uner the side stand when on asphalt, after his Wide Glide sunk. I thing he got it from the HD showroom, while getting replacement parts$$$.

[Snow]

Most anything put under the sidestand can help a lot, except for reeeally soft pavement - I've used crushed coke cans in the past when desperate. My brother used to use a Burger King tray when he was working there and paying for his XS11 over a decade ago.

[MaRtiB]

Before removing your centerstand you should ride your bike for a while using only the sidekick. Just to see if anything is bugging you.

I agree that the look is better without it but maybe the "asphalt sinking syndrom", the easiest repairs and long term storage considerations will be enough to change your mind.

But again, I don't have one myself so ...

[rockyr74]

I carry a 3 x 6 plastic putty spreader in my back pocket to use under my kickstand when parking in fields and on questionable asphalt. Beer cans are just too flimsy any more to count on.

[schpiff]

I carry a a peice of 3/16 plywood about 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 and have found over the years that it will not sink anywhere...cept for muddy spots and you can find a zillion places to stash it. pocket,tool pouch, under a side cover,jammed infront of the seat..etc
never thought of the plastic "bondo" blade...hmmm good idea!

[uk1.1s]

The anti-sinking side stand

Yep - the 'plastic puck', crushed beer can and bit of wood are all useful accessories to take to rallies over here in the UK when you are planning to park the bike up next to your tent in a field.

The coolest I suppose is the full beer can which you drink when you stop, before getting off the bike !

I also tend to park the bike leaning AWAY from the tent!!!

Have seen an old rat bike with a metal plate welded to the bottom of the sidestand to help spread the load on grass / mud / hot asphalt. I suppose if you had a prettier bike the mode could involve a shaped plate and a chromed sidestand once it's all welded together.