Center Stand vs Kick Stand

redwillissuperman

redwillissuperman

Keep it simple- engine, wheels, bars
The Great Debate- Center Stand vs Kickstand

I find myself not trusting the kickstand, especially on a two-up machine where a girlfriend/wife/child/significant other may be climbing aboard while the bike is parked. The center stand offers advantages for maintenance and stability, but can be an eyesore.

I'm building a XS360 Scrambler/Tracker thingy and I was going to just keep the center stand and cut off the lug for the kick stand. My Dad sya don't cut anything off so you can always go back.

Thoughts?
 
I went the other way. I'm omitting the center stand as I put my GL1100 back together. It was a conscious decision that had to be made before I got the frame powder coated because I was considering grinding the mounting points off. In the end I decided to leave the mounting points. I will keep the center stand but leave it unmounted. I can mount it in moments if I need to do maintenance, but take it off and save myself several pounds, plus cornering clearance.

I guess my short answer would be, keep the side stand mounting points, just in case. They aren't THAT much of an eyesore, and they aren't that heavy, but being able to mount the side stand if need be is a great option.
 
A bike is more stable in wind etc. on a sidestand. (If you put it down on a stable surface)
 
carnivorous chicken said:
Not sure about that. Why would you say so?
Click to expand...

Surely because if its on a centre stand,the bike is directly upright. A gust of wind straight on the side wouldn't exactly be difficult to tip it over. But on the side stand, its off centre and leaning to one side. If the wind hits this side, it has a much further distance and needs more force to tip it over 'centre', and on the other side, is the side stand resisting tipping.
 
I'd say it's a bit of a stretch to say a side stand is more stable than a centre stand. ::) However, I'm a big proponent of removing the centre stand. To me they're heavy and awkward to use. Ya, they're there when you need 'em, but they're also there when you don't!! Spirited cornering opportunities fer instance! ;)

I use a paddock stand at home for maintenance. They're easy to use and super stable. I figure unless you're doing long distance cruising/touring, all the chain adjusting, tire changing, etc. can easily be done between rides at home. 8)
 
bradj said:
Center stand ??? You mean where the chambers go right. 8)
Click to expand...

Haha! Not many Honda riders will get that. 8)


Oh ya. I think it's most often referred to as a "side stand" btw. ;)
 
I'm with 4eyes - I've tried to put a bike on the centerstand on some sketchy surfaces (hot pavement, dirt, etc) and it doesn't take much to lean it over TOO far. I think DJElliot had his CB350 fall over in some grass a couple years ago because he doesn't have a kick stand.

And Tommy - doesn't the GL need to be put on its centerstand every now and then so oil doesn't pool in the left side of the motor?
 
TommyRocker said:
I went the other way. I'm omitting the center stand as I put my GL1100 back together. It was a conscious decision that had to be made before I got the frame powder coated because I was considering grinding the mounting points off. In the end I decided to leave the mounting points. I will keep the center stand but leave it unmounted. I can mount it in moments if I need to do maintenance, but take it off and save myself several pounds, plus cornering clearance.

I guess my short answer would be, keep the side stand mounting points, just in case. They aren't THAT much of an eyesore, and they aren't that heavy, but being able to mount the side stand if need be is a great option.
Click to expand...

I completely agree on this approach.... left the mounts... but i will be removing the center mount for riding ! ! ! !
 
Hoofhearted said:
Explain please.
Click to expand...
Simple physics, both have a triangular footprint. The center stand's two "feet" and the rear wheel, side stand and front and rear wheel. The COG is lower when on the side stand, and the footprint is about twice as large.
 
4eyes said:
Simple physics, both have a triangular footprint. The center stand's two "feet" and the rear wheel, side stand and front and rear wheel. The COG is lower when on the side stand, and the footprint is about twice as large.
Click to expand...

I guess I'll be the asshole and say horses for courses, depends on the situation. I think it'd have to be a mighty gust of wind to blow a bike on a center stand over. But despite the lower center of gravity, it would seem a bike that's already leaning on a side stand might be more prone to tip over, despite the lower COG. Side stands are great for parking on some hills, depending on how steep and which direction you're facing.

On some bikes I keep the center stand mounts and use the side stand, unless I'm doing shop work where the center stand is easier. Some bikes I leave both. Some bikes only have a center stand, e.g. CB160.
 
On a hard /flat / level surface, it takes more force to push a bike on its kickstand over. If you push it from right to left, the bike actually has to lift the back wheel before it passes over its COG. From left to right, all the weight has to come off the kickstand before the bike becomes upright. While on a centerstand, the bike only needs to lean a couple inches before losing its balance.

Of course, different situations call for different approaches.
 
I'm still undecided...

I'm going to mount both tonight and see how they look. I may be able to keep the mounts but they mock me.
 
Center stands are heavy as hell and ugly as hell. Cut em off. Paddock stands do work great for home maintenance/display.
 
4eyes said:
Simple physics, both have a triangular footprint. The center stand's two "feet" and the rear wheel, side stand and front and rear wheel. The COG is lower when on the side stand, and the footprint is about twice as large.
Click to expand...

Just to play devil's advocate, on my BMW R75, it is so well balanced that there is very little weight on either wheel when on the centre stand. It can rock back and forth with little force. My friend has an aftermarket 'ride-off' centre stand on his R90/6 that leaves both wheels on the ground. You literally 'ride off' the stand.

If you're building a cafe racer, there is little excuse for leaving the centre stand on. Ditch it. I honestly haven't missed mine from my XS650 in years of riding/maintenance. Invest $60 in a scissor jack and that's that.
 
I'll look at it tonight and see how my exhaust will run.

Since I'm ending the exhaust before the swingarm, the kick stand just gets in the way, so the center stand may be best. I may fit an MX kick stand to the frame that allow it to be tucked up high and tight.
 

Attachments

  • Cycles 019.JPG
    Cycles 019.JPG
    269.8 KB · Views: 151
  • Cycles 020.JPG
    Cycles 020.JPG
    319.1 KB · Views: 152
Big Rich said:
And Tommy - doesn't the GL need to be put on its centerstand every now and then so oil doesn't pool in the left side of the motor?
Click to expand...

I've read that this CAN be a problem, but I feel like if it needs it "every now and then" and I ride it literally every single day, then my riding will be like having it centered daily... ;). If I find I'm blowing smoke out the left pipes, I can throw the center stand back on. It takes literally under a minute. Hold stand in place, insert hinge pin, insert cotter pin, tighten two hinge pin locking bolts, install spring, ride.

And this is an excellent example of why to leave the mounts on the frame...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light
    • www.jadusmotorcycleparts.com
    www.lostapostle.ca/
    www.sparckmoto.com

    Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom