Center Stand

[DenyP]

All that I can get my foot on is the ball on the end, the rest is under the muffler.

Deny

[CatatonicBug]

All that I can get my foot on is the ball on the end, the rest is under the muffler.

Ball? Are you talking about the sidestand or the center stand? The side stand has a round knob on the end, but that piece can be bent with a long piece of pipe so it sticks out at a different angle if needed. I have had to adjust mine too, as a low-speed low-side kinda bent it.



There is also supposed to be a rubber bumber mounted on the underside of the muffler itself (on mine anyway, YYMV).



The Centerstand has a big (1.5") square foot pad with tread on it. No ball.

[MaximPhil]

I learned hard too. This morning I went out and to go to school. I had left it on the center stand overnight since I had it up yesterday. Started the beast, throw my bags in and go to take it down from the left side, and of course it falls over to the right.

Good news is nothing important broke, just some plastic screws holding the windshield on. Highway peg bent a little too, but I think the normal position is more comfortable...maybe I'll change my mind when i finally go on a long trip. A few other scratches, which for my bike is not that big of a deal.

The technique I'm going to use next time, though is this:
Don't start the bike.
Don't put anything extra in the bike
put kickstand down
stand on the right side to take it down

That way, if it falls right, I catch it, if it falls left, the kickstand catches it.

One day, I will not be a noob

Hi draketrumpet,
I was told NEVER to have the sidestand down when pushing OFF the Centre stand. The reason being the suspension compresses and the sidestand can impact the ground and bend the frame.
I straddle the bike with both feet on the ground push forward and as it comes off you have a foot each side to keep it upright.
Phil

[draketrumpet]

I think I'm too short-legged for that, but I'll try it next time. Probably the most important thing is to not be in a rush. I was the time I had the spill.

[motoman]

Its all good, gives them charecter with a few battle scares. Catatonic, thanks for saving me the time to look that number up for the bumpers.

[jmnjrpa]

Been riding since 13

and I have never seen anyone try to get a bike off centerstand WITHOUT being mounted (on the bike). I have seen some rocket (engage bike in gear and rock back till the rear wheel engages and launches you off the stand). I don't advise as this tends to put gravel in riders butt and wrecking a good bike.

[XJOK2PLAY]

I don't know if it is because of the aftermarket muffler on mine, but the foot lever of my stand is just accessible with the toe of my boot. Very little area available to apply pressure. It is a bear to put on center stand. This is on my to do list once it warms up here to resolve this somehow.

Deny

Hey, Deny...
For a short time, I switched to some aftermarket mufflers on my XJ due to the stockers cracking badly. I noticed the same difficulties.

Later, I was able to score a complete stock exhaust in great condition...(very lucky...) and noticed several differences. One of which is the rubber bumper & the small bracket that attaches it to the left side muffler on the bottom. Not only does this keep the stand bracket from clanking against the muffler, but it also holds it down about a 1/2 inch, which gives your boot more area to get a hold of the lever.

A little thing that ya really miss when it's gone... and that ya really appreciate if you're fortunate enough to get back!

[DenyP]

Thanks for the info! I figured it had to be somthing like that. It is a real bear with only that little ball.

Deny