I removed my side stand and all I use use now is the center stand.

 

The side stand acts like a tripod and provides more stability. It less suceptible to being knocked over. The center stand is good for maintainence, but provides a much smaller support area.

I look at the single piece of metal thing this way.... if it dosent break in the first year (under warranty) then it is probably not going to break in the near future.

 

As FZ6 posted, there is more stability when using the side stand on flat ground. It's all about triangles; take the contact patch on the front tire, contact patch on back tire and point where the side stand rests on the ground, that triangle is b***** than front tire and 2 pts on center stand. As for it breaking, the the weakest link would be the bolt holding the side stand, and the shear rating of that surely can handle more than the ~450 lbs of static weight. Riding doesn't require using any stands, just do that all the time .

 

Let us not forget, however, that when parked on blacktop in the summertime, don't trust the side stand alone. Either center stand the bike, or carry a stand plate to put under your side stand.

I sat in a local diner one afternoon where all the local sport riders gather after their morning rides....during the course of my meal...maybe an hour....I watched five bikes fall over opcorn ...one by one...as their stands sank into the soft blacktop. My VX800, on its centerstand, also sank in...but only until the rear wheel contacted the pavement.

 

Haha, ah yes. The shop where I work has new asphalt in front and one edge couldn't be reached with the roller. Of course this is where I park. Luckily it's a flat surface, on some hot days, I've had to do some work to get the side stand up out of the pavement. I guess I should revise my previous statement all for sidestanding to include a clause regarding squishy parking surfaces .

Too bad it can't be parked like a dirt bike, just hold front brake, make a rut with the rear wheel until it stands up on it's own. When you want to leave, ride away . (only do this on your own property, or way out in the hills track officials & park rangers generally don't approve

 

I use my centerstand on gravel and dirt mainly.

You can also use a smashed up soda can in place of a stand plate if there is one around. It's cheap.

 

They've made life simple for us down here. We don't get an option - sidestand only. When thats all you've got you get very good at judging slopes and which way to point the bike up a hill when parking. A centre-stand would be nice for maintenance.

 

The side stand acts like a tripod and provides more stability. It less suceptible to being knocked over. The center stand is good for maintainence, but provides a much smaller support area.

I have known of bikes being blown over that were on the sidestand. I prefer the centerstand, especially when parking on hot asphalt.

 

I use always the side-stand for parking with no problems untill now...

But i found the center-stand very useful when oiling the chain, or want to examine the wheels, or....

 

I use the sidestand when out parking in places. I use the center stand when storing the bike for longer periods (mostly at home). This way there's less weight on the rubber.

 

I use the sidestand when out parking in places. I use the center stand when storing the bike for longer periods (mostly at home). This way there's less weight on the rubber.

this is what i do..

 

I use both depending on my mood. The most important thing to remember, especially when using the side stand is to have your bike in 1st or 2nd gear. If it is in neutral and on even a slight slope, it WILL roll right off of that stand. Had it happen to me last weekend but fortunitly it was in a grassy field and no damage was done. Had it been on the street or sidewalk, I would be a pissed off SOB!

 

Too bad it can't be parked like a dirt bike, just hold front brake, make a rut with the rear wheel until it stands up on it's own. When you want to leave, ride away . (only do this on your own property, or way out in the hills track officials & park rangers generally don't approve

Nice.. didn't read this one until now. I was up at my families farm last weekend in wi leaving ruts in the grass with my fz.. not enough to hold it up but enough to make a nice smoking spot on the ground.. pretty wicked..

 

The most important thing to remember, especially when using the side stand is to have your bike in 1st or 2nd gear. If it is in neutral and on even a slight slope, it WILL roll right off of that stand.

The trick is to park the bike facing up the slope. If it rolls back the stand wont fold.

 

I use both depending on my mood. The most important thing to remember, especially when using the side stand is to have your bike in 1st or 2nd gear. If it is in neutral and on even a slight slope, it WILL roll right off of that stand. Had it happen to me last weekend but fortunitly it was in a grassy field and no damage was done. Had it been on the street or sidewalk, I would be a pissed off SOB!

That NEVER happened, remember!? :lol Oh well, like I said I usually drop mine one time, as soon as I
get a new bike home.

That way, it's out of my system. :twofinger

Folks, no harm done to FAZR6's bike... she barely kissed the soil, so happy to finally be at VIR.

That's right, he is THE FAZR6!

 

That NEVER happened, remember!? :lol Oh well, like I said I usually drop mine one time, as soon as I
get a new bike home.

That way, it's out of my system. :twofinger

Folks, no harm done to FAZR6's bike... she barely kissed the soil, so happy to finally be at VIR.

That's right, he is THE FAZR6!

Bet you wouldn't be so chipper if there hadn't been just enough clearance between us to keep them from crashing. Instead of "The FAZR6" I'd be "The Stupidest SOB On The Face Of The Earth, FAZR6". :twofinger

 

:lol :lol My tire will never be the same.

 

jk750 and fazr6 did you guys grow up together? your definately like bros.

 

jk750 and fazr6 did you guys grow up together? your definately like bros.

Yeah, we go way way back... We are like brothers.

I taught both of these guys plenty! Belieeeve me. See how Kevin puts his shades up like me?
Fazr6 is still a little slow... :twofinger

Oh, I've got lots more... but the innocent's need protecting. :lol