center stand... what do you think?

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Jul 25, 2010 | 05:38 AM

#21

SC-Longhair

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 11,483

Likes: 39

From: Passaic County, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morris9982

Here's why I put one on my Ultra:

1. Servicing the primary drive and checking the level requires the bike to be level. The center stand makes this easy especially if you don't have a motorcycle jack or lift.
2. It makes it much easier to change all the fluids (oil, primary, transmission).
3. Checking the air in the tires while in the garage is much easier. Roll the rear tire until the valve stem shows to fill the rear, and use a floor jack to lift the front of the bike slightly using a piece of wood between the bike and the jack to roll the front tire.
4. Makes cleaning the wheels much easier. Same method as checking the air above.
5. The bike takes up less space in the garage, easier to walk around.

I only use it when parked in the garage.

Just wondering...if you can use a floor jack to lift the front of the bike, why can't you use that same floor jack to lift the rear of the bike as well?

Seems like most of the people who want a center stand are making more out of this than necessary.

Jul 25, 2010 | 08:16 AM

#22

Morris9982

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 583

Likes: 2

From: Eaton, OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC-Longhair

I use the floor jack to lift the front slightly (just enough to rotate the front tire) after putting the bike on the center stand. The center stand lifts the rear tire off the floor enough to rotate it.

I have never tried using the floor jack to lift either the front or back when a bike was on a side stand. I suppose it could be done but I think it would make me nervous making the transition from side stand to jack and then back. I'm not sure if the jack would be enough to properly balance the bike with just it and either the front or rear tire.

Jul 25, 2010 | 08:40 AM

#23

SC-Longhair

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 11,483

Likes: 39

From: Passaic County, NJ

I guess what I'm getting at Morris9982 is that you have close to $20k invested in your ride, right? Why not spend a little more on a decent motorcycle jack and do the job right.

Jul 25, 2010 | 09:05 AM

#24

Taddeoeg

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 1,260

Likes: 5

From: Batesville Ga

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morris9982

I've got a good bike lift and use it whenever working on any of the bikes. But if anyone made a decent center stand for my lowered 09 FLHTC I'd add it. Extra room in the garage would be my primary gain but all the minor service and cleaning you mention would be added benes, morris.

If all you're doing is fluids, tire air, light cleaning, a decent lift will hold a FLH just fine. Anything more involved and I break out the straps. The Dynas always gets strapped as their frame design doesn't provide the same flat stable surface as does the FLHs.

Jul 25, 2010 | 10:46 AM

#25

JRK5892

Banned

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 19,481

Likes: 25

From: Chicago suburbs (Elgin/Schaumburg)

i use a swing arm stand from a sport bike on occasion when i am cleaning my rear wheel. works great

Jul 26, 2010 | 12:33 AM

#26

Gommee

Devil's Advocate

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 2,070

Likes: 36

From: Alberta, Canada

The Motorcycle jack works great, I have a nice one, but I am looking for a center stand. A center stand would also allow me to store it out of the way during the winter, as I do not have a lot of room.
(I could strap it down to the jack, but it does not make for an ideal situation for what I want it for)

Either way, the why makes no difference, does any-one know where I could find such a beast?

Last edited by Gommee; Jul 26, 2010 at 12:34 AM. Reason: spelling

Jul 26, 2010 | 08:45 AM

#27

8541hog

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 6,642

Likes: 48

From: Ogden, UT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morris9982

If you mod the sears red jack as outlined by SC-Longhair it is VERY easy to lift the bike from the jiffy stand position. Just slide it under and lift the bike, it brings it up level on it's own, and when done slowly lower it right back on the jiffy stand. First couple times I was a little nervous, but now I use it this way every time I want to do any work on the bike.
One thing you should keep an eye on, make sure you do not pinch the clutch cable between the frame and jack.
I have rigged up a bracket for hanging the funnel to drain fluids, so I can hang it on the jack and route the used fluid into the pan.
Once you try it and get comfortable with it I would bet you will be like me and use it more than you ever thought you would.