The only thing I don't like about my floorboards is....

[Incubus]

It is fortunate for me that the spot where I park my bike requires me to make an immediate left turn through the lawn. About 50 percent of the time my grass kicks up my kickstand.

My floorboards are great. I love them when I'm riding. But I can't see the kickstand. I have to figure out something to help me remember to put it up. I can't always park in front of my house.

Patrick

[BigRed]

I find it helpful to try to remember to put up the kickstand as soon as my ass hits the seat as though it's all part of the same motion. I used to sit on the bike, tie up my helmet, put on my gloves, then go, but I'd find that I would occasionally forget to put up my kickstand... especially if there was any troubleshooting to do when getting it started.

A guy who teaches a safety course told me to put the kick stand up as soon as I hop on the bike, and it seems to have helped.

[natemoen]

Could always rig up an idiot light (not saying your an idiot) that turns off when the kick stand is up. Hmmm thats not a bad idea, i might do that myself. I removed the RLU and then I could even use that bottom light that is meant for the burnt out headlight warning light as a kickstand light. Something for me to look into!

[WMarshy]

Could always rig up an idiot light (not saying your an idiot) that turns off when the kick stand is up. Hmmm thats not a bad idea, i might do that myself. I removed the RLU and then I could even use that bottom light that is meant for the burnt out headlight warning light as a kickstand light. Something for me to look into!

If your going to go that far, why not just tie that switch into the tip-over kill switch so it cuts the bike... That way you dont become a real idiot when you forget to check your idiot light for your kick stand. Or, just use the center stand, ya really can forget to put that one up!

[Larrym]

Forget-Me-Knot and String...

Incubus,

Adding yet another electrical/automatic system will mean yet another link in the chain of complicated devices/connections that have to work right each and EVERY time you have to raise the kickstand.

I'd offer a low-tech solution:



I carry a home-made version of a kickstand coaster. My bike hasn't fallen over after the foot has sunk into the asphalt but I've seen others that have. My coaster is just a piece of metal with a string attached to it so I can pull it up while I'm seated on the bike.

Tie a string around around the coaster, put it under your kickstand, and wrap the other end around your clutch lever. Like tieing a string around your finger to remember something.

Just saying that you could kill two squirrels with one stone here....

[Incubus]

I kind of like the idea espoused in your picture, Larry. But I would like to find one that looks like a real puppy or kitten. That way, I figure, I would meet many more people who wanted to talk to me....

Patrick

[Larrym]

Distracted Drivers???

I kind of like the idea espoused in your picture, Larry. But I would like to find one that looks like a real puppy or kitten. That way, I figure, I would meet many more people who wanted to talk to me....

Patrick

Patrick,

Yah...You'd meet more people that-a-way. Unfortunately, since it's likely that you'd forget about your "coaster" along with your kickstand:

Most of them would be pointing at you through the windows of their cages as they tried to tell you that a puppy is stuck to your bike while you're driving down the road.

Still...the fake fur issue: would it burn away against your exhaust or simply melt and the coaster glue itself along with the kickstand in the UP position? As far as the smell...I wouldn't worry unless you're at a intersection.

[fredintoon]

Hi Patrick,
my first thought was to suggest using a kickstand interlock switch mechanism off a late model XS650 but that'd mean adding even more effin' parts and wiring to an electrical system that's already far too complicated. Then other posts said to use a footprint pad (not necessarily one that looks like a crushed critter). If you use a retrieval cord with a brightly colored tube over the loop over your mirror to remind you it's there you should be OK.

[Pat Kelly]

Use the centerstand instead. I use mine 99.99999% of the time. My E weighs 685 lbs and is easy to get on the centerstand. I'm not muscley by any means and it's not difficult at all.

[planedick]

Automatic

I forget the sidestand all the time. I tell everyone that it's automatic 'cause it never has launched me or caused any problems. Eventually it hits and just goes up, usually in a left turn.

[WMarshy]

I forget the sidestand all the time. I tell everyone that it's automatic 'cause it never has launched me or caused any problems. Eventually it hits and just goes up, usually in a left turn.

That is not a good thing Dick, people die from forgetting to put their kickstand up! I hope everyone takes it seriously.

[Larrym]

A Vertical Horizon??

.
.
.
Kickstand Complacency

[Incubus]

That's just how it looked in my mind's eye, Larry....

Patrick

[Larrym]

Batteries not included or even required....

Patrick,

Nawh....Your much more likely to experience something far less "exciting":

Mr. Safety Rides

Doing the right thing...at the right time...for the right reason...and to the right degree....isn't gonna get ratings or stimulate conversations.

Can't you just tie a cow-bell to your sidestand on a short string? Just for now as a training (RE-training) aid?

The moment you drive off it'd start making a racket like your CCT had failed and your cam chain had slipped some teeth.

Just saying that it's not a mechanical problem but rather a behavioral one.

[TopCatGr58]

Just ask JOHN

I tried many search criteria, but couldn't find the thread, but a few years ago John was riding around his neighborhood, well at first he was stopped at home, then he and a friend took off down the block, John was showing what his bike could do, and then tried to make a left turn, sidestand down threw him into the back of a pickup truck in a driveway, broke his back or such, lots of biological hardware that had to then be removed a year later!

Years/decades ago, I occasionally used to leave my sidestand down, and then it got put up shortly by a slight left turn. But now, as soon as I get on the bike I put the stand up since I'm able to keep it upright while sitting on it.
So...yep, folks need to develop the mental habit of putting it up when they get on it, otherwise they could have a serious accident!
T.C.