Armando Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 When I had my Connie, I always wondered by BMW riders put their bikes on the center stand when everyone else used the side stand. I then my 02 RT and figured that since it came with a side stand, I would use it. Bottom line, I still don't know why what seems like the majority of BMW riders, prefer to use the center stand. What do you use, what kind of bike and why?
Bill Murray Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I've always preferred to put my BMW bikes on their centerstand, even though I add a side stand foot enlarger to my bikes. Before I added the bigfoot, my '99 K12RS almost fell over in the parking lot on a hot summer day (I came out to find the side stand buried 3+ inches into the asphalt). I have always figured they are slightly less likely to be knocked over or bumped into by a passer-by.
smiller Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 You may choose only one I don't think very many riders use only one.
Lawman Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Center stand only to check the oil and or service bike..When I hear of a mishap involving a dropped bike while at a standstill it is almost always by someone using the centerstand..
TowJam Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I use to park my R1200RS on the center stand to minimize the amount of smoke at startup.
blackyam Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Side stand almost always. Center stand only when I have help (usually my wife's) to put it up and to take it down.
SteveMc Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Center stand when in the garage, side stand when out and about, center stand at night when traveling because easier to unload and load.
russell_bynum Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 You may choose only one I don't think very many riders use only one. +1
beemerfan Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I prefer the center stand, especially when I'm going to leave the bike for long periods. If I'm not stopping long or the ground makes it especially difficult to get on the center stand (generally on gravel), then I'll use the side stand.
glockster Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Center stand when in the garage, side stand when out and about, center stand at night when traveling because easier to unload and load. +1
eddd Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I use the center far more than the side, although I do use the side everytime before I put it up on the center. To answer your question...A BMW is much too elegant to be left leaning over like a kid with bad posture.
TheGreatGazoo Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 On the 70’s and early 80’s Air heads BMW’s the side stands would almost retract by themselves and drop the bike to the ground if upset by a light wind, a light touch or truck passing by. I quickly learned to be very careful when and were to use it and stared to use the center stand like most other BMW riders at the time. On my R1100RT-P I use the side stand the most because it’s easer to use and it locks down in place, But I do use the center stand for service work like checking oil and tires and for some parking situations.
velomoto Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I use to park my R1200RS on the center stand to minimize the amount of smoke at startup. I've got a friend who does the same with his R100R - I've never noticed a difference with my 12RT. Has anyone else seen a difference in the amount of smoke by parking on the center or side stand? Also, I've heard the side stand is preferable when parked on asphalt in hot summer heat. Is this myth or fact???
wsearl Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Center stand when in the garage, side stand when out and about, center stand at night when traveling because easier to unload and load. +1
MotorinLA Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Also, I've heard the side stand is preferable when parked on asphalt in hot summer heat. Is this myth or fact??? Generally I'd think it would be the other way around (center stand in hot summer heat), as asphalt gets soft with heat. As mentioned earlier, your side stand could sink into hot asphalt (seen it happen, although only about 1/4 inch of sinkage (hey, I made up a new word )).
DavidEBSmith Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 On the 70’s and early 80’s Air heads BMW’s the side stands would almost retract by themselves and drop the bike to the ground if upset by a light wind, a light touch or truck passing by. I quickly learned to be very careful when and were to use it and stared to use the center stand like most other BMW riders at the time. And the early K-bikes would smoke on startup if left on the sidestand for an extended time. There's a bit of BMW lore about a BMW publicity event at which it was some BMW minion's job to run around the parking lot and every time a writer got off a bike and left it on the sidestand, to put it up on the centerstand so it wouldn't embarassingly smoke when the writer restarted it. And one of the endearing traits of BMW riders is that they believe that the bikes haven't changed in 20 years. Thus you go to bike events and all the bikes are sitting on their sidestands except the Beemers, all of which will be Teutonically perched rigidly upright on their centerstands as their owners search futilely for Akront rims and Wixom bags to fit their new K1200GTs.
bakerzdosen Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I used to use my center stand all the time. Then I switched to the side stand for the simple reason that it's easier. I use the center stand for gas fill-ups and tire changes now. I also use it when I think there's a problem with the parking surface. (Then Whip got on my case for using the center stand at all, so I started using it more just to bug him. )
swilson Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 TowJam has the best reason for the center stand... when leaving the bikes on the side stand for extended periods of time (over night would be extended) you may notice smoke out the tailpipe at start up. My personal bike spends the night on the center stand... and the 10 hours I switch over to my work bike. My work bike is only on the center stand when I'm off duty. Only exceptions are for maintance or cleaning.
TowJam Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I use to park my R1200RS on the center stand to minimize the amount of smoke at startup. I've got a friend who does the same with his R100R - I've never noticed a difference with my 12RT. Has anyone else seen a difference in the amount of smoke by parking on the center or side stand? Oops - I fat fingered my reply. I meant my K1200RS (with the "flying brick" engine). That said, I never noticed smoke at startup with any of my R bikes - but the K bike would literally smoke like a mosquito fogger if parked on the side stand for more than a few hours. Note that it didn't do it 100% of the time but it was more often than not.
boatzo Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I used to use my center stand all the time. Then I switched to the side stand for the simple reason that it's easier. I use the center stand for gas fill-ups and tire changes now. I also use it when I think there's a problem with the parking surface. Ditto that for me.
Quinn Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Less worry about how level or off camber the parking space is with the side stand. I'm a very poor judge of "flat."
Ken H. Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 What center stand? Took it off long ago. Simple geometry tells you a motorcycle is more stable on the side stand.
Ken H. Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Also, I've heard the side stand is preferable when parked on asphalt in hot summer heat. Is this myth or fact??? Generally I'd think it would be the other way around (center stand in hot summer heat), as asphalt gets soft with heat. As mentioned earlier, your side stand could sink into hot asphalt (seen it happen, although only about 1/4 inch of sinkage (hey, I made up a new word )). If the side stand can sink where you're parked, the center stand can too. And the side stand can sink quite a ways before the bike will actually go over. Just the slightest tip of one leg of the centerstand and it's on its side.
Ken H. Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 A BMW is much too elegant to be left leaning over like a kid with bad posture.That pretty much sums up the true reason; it's all just about looks.
lakota Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I use the center far more than the side, although I do use the side everytime before I put it up on the center. To answer your question...A BMW is much too elegant to be left leaning over like a kid with bad posture. For my RT that's what I do (and think) too. For my F650GS more sidestand than center stand except in the garage.
RoyTemple Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Both, Center stand in garage. (Bike takes up less floor space) Center stand for gas fill up. (Probably can get more gas into it) Center stand, usually, in a row of bikes. (Takes up less space, easer to mount and get out) Center stand, sometimes, on grass or gravel. (Less worry about side stand sinking in although having a big foot on the side stand reduces this worry) Side stand, usually, when the bike is by itself on pavement. Side stand, sometimes, on grass & gravel with extra pad under side stand. It can be a bit random.
Albert Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I use the center stand in the winter. It just feels more realistic when I go down and sit on it and make brrrm brrrm noises.
MrHondamatic Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 When I had my K75, I only used the side stand once in a great while. It was embarrasing to see all the smoke from the oil burning out after using the side stand. On other bikes I use whichever fits the need the best. On H-D's I had no choice other than a sidestand. On my Honda I only use the center stand since I hacked the sidestand off to clear the exhaust system. And now much like the H-D's, I have to pick my spot with the Honda due to limited options.
Mike Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Both, Center stand in garage. (Bike takes up less floor space) Center stand for gas fill up. (Probably can get more gas into it) Center stand, usually, in a row of bikes. (Takes up less space, easer to mount and get out) Center stand, sometimes, on grass or gravel. (Less worry about side stand sinking in although having a big foot on the side stand reduces this worry) Side stand, usually, when the bike is by itself on pavement. Side stand, sometimes, on grass & gravel with extra pad under side stand. It can be a bit random. Pretty much the way I do it, too. Also, if I'm parking it in windy conditions, I'll park it on the sidestand--it seems a little more stable and presents a slightly smaller profile to catch the wind.
bakerzdosen Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I use the center stand in the winter. It just feels more realistic when I go down and sit on it and make brrrm brrrm noises. Man, where've you been? I've missed these types of responses.
Albert Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I use the center stand in the winter. It just feels more realistic when I go down and sit on it and make brrrm brrrm noises. Man, where've you been? I've missed these types of responses. Almost an entire summer of business travel. I'll try to make up for it.
upflying Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Side stand always. I learned to ride on a Harley, bad habits are hard to break.
DavidEBSmith Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Center stand for gas fill up. (Probably can get more gas into it) I measured. 2/10ths of a gallon into an R1100RT. Approximately 8 miles of range. Inconsequential unless you're 7 miles from the next gas station.
MotorinLA Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Center stand for gas fill up. (Probably can get more gas into it) Side stand / center stand while filling gas??? I guess I'm the only guy here that sits on the bike while gassing up... I measured. 2/10ths of a gallon into an R1100RT. Approximately 8 miles of range. Inconsequential unless you're 7 miles from the next gas station. Wouldn't that be 9 miles to next gas station??? Incidentally, if you sit on the bike while filling gas and you gentle rock it from side to side, you can squeeze in almost an extra 1/2 gallon (hmmm...doing the math...) or approximately 24 miles of added range.
bakerzdosen Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I guess I'm the only guy here that sits on the bike while gassing up... Nope, I do that from time to time. I first read about it here... Sometimes I just like to get off the bike...
MWS Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Side stand in public. Center stand in private. 'ceptin' overnighters when traveling Last time I put it up on the center stand with a little to too much umph in public, it bounced off the stops and proceded to do a slow-mo-lay-down-on-the-other-side routine. Never had that problem in the garage!
shatzbot10 Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 "Side stand" because: 1) I had a '72 750/5 that had the recoil spring sprung (on the center stand) which dragged one afternoon while on a trip. 2) The bike tipped over while parked on the center stand, on a very hot July day in Houston, on an asphalt covered parking lot. My R1200RT has an enlarged plate attached with set screws to the bottom of the side stand (I bought it on-line, I forget where; ergo, I don't need to carry a crushed soft drink/beer can.
gottabmw Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Side stand almost always. Center stand only when I have help (usually my wife's) to put it up and to take it down. Push it off the center stand with the front tire pointing a little to the right. That way, if it begins to fall, it will fall toward you enabling you to keep it from falling all the way over. If the tire is pointing left, the bike's toast.
Motorrad4fun Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Center stand when in the garage, side stand when out and about, center stand at night when traveling because easier to unload and load. +1
MikeEdgar Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Center stand for garage and overnight parking, and washing (easy to turn the wheels.) Side stand for short term parking. R12RT is very easy to put up on center stand, but a bit of a challenge to bring down smoothly. When I had my R90/6, I always had it on the center stand; almost never used the side stand. I just didn't trust the side stand.
russell_bynum Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Side stand almost always. Center stand only when I have help (usually my wife's) to put it up and to take it down. Push it off the center stand with the front tire pointing a little to the right. That way, if it begins to fall, it will fall toward you enabling you to keep it from falling all the way over. If the tire is pointing left, the bike's toast. Or just ride it off....that's always worked well for me.
Calvin (no socks) Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 I wish I had a center stand.... It was an option I couldn't afford....
Big_Gray Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 Can't vote. Use both depending on situation.
Silver Surfer/AKAButters Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 I only use the center stand when washing or servicing. Oh, and I live in AZ. wher you would think this is n absolute no no. With my oversized side stand foot, I haven't had any problems.
Silver Surfer/AKAButters Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 [quoteI guess I'm the only guy here that sits on the bike while gassing up... Nope! Another dummy here.
Quinn Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 Shouldn't that be "turned to the left"? If I'm standing on the left side of the bike and push it forward off the center stand, the front tire hits and the bike rolls forward. With the tire pointed right, it rolls away from me and pretty much falls over. That was how my first drop happened. Now I always straddle the bike and either rock it off or ride it off the stand.
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 Push it off the center stand with the front tire pointing a little to the right. That way, if it begins to fall, it will fall toward you enabling you to keep it from falling all the way over. If the tire is pointing left, the bike's toast. Shouldn't that be "turned to the left"? If I'm standing on the left side of the bike and push it forward off the center stand, the front tire hits and the bike rolls forward. With the tire pointed right, it rolls away from me and pretty much falls over. That was how my first drop happened. Now I always straddle the bike and either rock it off or ride it off the stand. Nope. Bars turned to right: bike drops off of stand, front tire contact patch moves to right, bike leans to left, into your waiting arms.
gottabmw Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 Push it off the center stand with the front tire pointing a little to the right. That way, if it begins to fall, it will fall toward you enabling you to keep it from falling all the way over. If the tire is pointing left, the bike's toast. Shouldn't that be "turned to the left"? If I'm standing on the left side of the bike and push it forward off the center stand, the front tire hits and the bike rolls forward. With the tire pointed right, it rolls away from me and pretty much falls over. That was how my first drop happened. Now I always straddle the bike and either rock it off or ride it off the stand. Nope. Bars turned to right: bike drops off of stand, front tire contact patch moves to right, bike leans to left, into your waiting arms. Exactly. It's counter steering in slow motion.
Francois_Dumas Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 Didn't vote. Side stand 'on the go' and when suitable underground. Center stand when parked (straight up, uses less floor space) and when I don't trust it to stay on the side stand (due to soft underground, or parking on a slope for instance). The world isn't black-and-white I'm afraid
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