Center Stand assist

[Barsnake]

I made this to help get my 78 GS1000 up onto its center stand. After having both knees replaced 2 years ago, I wasn't liking the amount of pressure I was putting on my knees. I saw some advice about placing a board under the rear wheel to help with lifting the bike, so I made this from a 1x4. I cut it at an angle, so the rear wheel rolls up easily and a stop at the end. Needless to say, it works great! Just thought I would share. :-)

[Runningdog]

Oh, yeah, a piece of plywood is your friend, for sure. I could manage a heavy lump like a Concours OK, but stumped by every larger GS I've ever owned.

[Barsnake]

I've always struggled a little with it. It probably doesn't help that my garage is a little full of stuff.

[LAB3]

Just a plain old piece of two-by works wonders, I carry one in my trailer in case of a roadside repair or in my case Yamaha (xs1100) and Hondas (Goldwing) blunder of making it necessary to put the bike on the center stand to check the oil level.

[oldGSfan]

Good idea. My 66 Norton's 'centre' stand has the worst leverage of any bike I've owned. It's dangerous to even try. There's an improved version available but not sure if it's even remotely affordable.

Dighton caught my eye on your location. I grew up 30 miles north of you in Walpole and never heard about it until recently....

[Rob S.]

I've always thought technique is most of the trick, though I last hefted my Kaw Z1 onto it's centerstand in 1989 or so. When I bought my 11EZ 10 years ago, it didn't have a center stand (and still doesn't). Now my brain teaser for all the amateur engineers out there: if I restored a center stand to my Suzi, it would add weight (at least 5 lbs, right?), a bad thing. But, considering it's location, it would (at least infinitesimally) lower the center of gravity, a good thing.

There must be some rider, somewhere, who would be able to notice a 5 (or 10?) lb weight difference. Might that same rider be able to notice the lower c of g?

Well, that rider ain't me. But I am lazy and cheap, so Suzi sits very nicely with a brick under the side stand. In fact, before I changed the fork springs, she sat on 2 bricks.

Compare and contrast the heavier weight with the lower c of g. Be sure to show all your work, and remember handwriting does count.

[Rob S.]

PS OldGS: Is the Norton finished? I mean completely, ride her everyday (if you want) finished?

Either way, I'd say some pics are in order. Just to placate those of us who can't find it in their hearts to forgive you for parting with Mr 11EZ Turbo.

[rphillips]

I can't, and would have never been able to feel a 5lb. difference, especially when mounted that low on the bike. Heck, I couldn't tell the difference if my tank had 5 gal. or 4 gal. (appx. 5 lb.) of gas, and gas is mounted about as high up as anything can be mounted... Just say'in.

[Rob S.]

Anyone have a loose centerstand they can throw on a scale?

I'm thinking the top few racers and testers in the country. Or world. And even if they couldn't reliably tell the difference, the electronic timing devices could.

I've never felt a handling difference from full to empty. I imagine my 11EZ is the biggest tank I've had, and I've run it to reserve once or twice.

[oldGSfan]

PS OldGS: Is the Norton finished? I mean completely, ride her everyday (if you want) finished?

Either way, I'd say some pics are in order. Just to placate those of us who can't find it in their hearts to forgive you for parting with Mr 11EZ Turbo.

I'll update in the thread I created. In short, waiting on paint for months but should get soon, can mount the oil tank and fire it up.

[JMHJ]

The GSX1100G was terrible, and I used the board trick. Can't remember for sure but don't think there was anything to grab onto with the right hand besides the bar at the end of the rear seat. Mighta been some technique I was missing too.

ZX-11 is easy in comparison. Nice little grab spot under the side of the rear seat.

[Rob S.]

Mighta been some technique I was missing...

I was taught to stand on the centerstand's branch.

[XLNDRVR]

I was taught to stand on the centerstand's branch.

This, plus adding a grab handle to allow much easier simultaneous lifting of the rear, makes all the difference, for me. Prior to having the handle, I had to enlist the help of another person.

[Rob S.]

This, plus adding a grab handle to allow much easier simultaneous lifting of the rear, makes all the difference, for me. Prior to having the handle...

The 11E is manufactured with one.

[slayer61]

What's a "center stand"?