Center stand
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
Has anyone got to try out their crash bars while rolling their bike off of the center stand while standing beside it (as opposed to being on it)? After rolling it off the center stand on several occasions, I managed to let it get away once. The bike just fell away from me...and it was over before I could even cuss too. No damage at all but lesson learned for me...stay on the bike when using the centerstand alone.
(As you can see, I even use it in my gravel driveway, as long as I put something flat underneath to keep the feet from sinking down. That is just a plastic tray there)
Last edited by RODEO; Apr 4, 2009 at 01:40 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
I used the WheelDock on an 05 Ultra for a while and it did work quite well. I did notice some extra vibration but not enough to worry about. I took it off though because I really bought it to make storage a little easier in the garage, but found out that the bike leaning into the wall instead of upright actually gave me more room.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
Has anyone got to try out their crash bars while rolling their bike off of the center stand while standing beside it (as opposed to being on it)? After rolling it off the center stand on several occasions, I managed to let it get away once. The bike just fell away from me...and it was over before I could even cuss too. No damage at all but lesson learned for me...stay on the bike when using the centerstand alone.
But I also find that its easier to go up onto the stand using the side method if Im going up onto a piece of ˝ inch ply under the legs to free up some wheel weight. That way I can lift up on the back of the bike as I press down on the lever. This might take a little getting used to but is really a piece of cake once you get the technique down. It's all about confidence and no hesitation. I know it might sound silly but Id suggest putting down a couple of thick blankets on the starboard side and of course leaving the Jiffy down on the port side and practicing a few times.
One last thing just for the heck of it is that I carry two 4in X 4in pieces of ˝ inch plywood along with my tire repair kit. These are sanded on the edges and corners and a few coats of marine varnish to keep-em looking good. I can then have these on the road with me if I need to lever up onto the stand and free the wheel. The added bonus is that they also make excellent Jiffy coasters for soft ground, gravel, grass, hot asphalt, etc. I keep these in the storage bag thats snapped onto the front of my port saddlebag guardrail, so when I pull up to park and think I need a coaster, I can just reach down with my left and they are handy. Its another nice bonus when your buddy is wondering how his Jiffy will work on questionable ground and you can toss him one of these and tell-em he owes you a beer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
OK, I'm 5'7" with 28" inseam....anyone here that's the same have one of these and able to lift it sitting on the bike? I've had several bike with center stands, never an issue putting them on the center stand.....to include Goldwings ( 800+ lbs)...but sitting on the bike? I think I would be too short....I can't put mine on the display stand ( in sig picture) while sitting on the bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
Has anyone got to try out their crash bars while rolling their bike off of the center stand while standing beside it (as opposed to being on it)? After rolling it off the center stand on several occasions, I managed to let it get away once. The bike just fell away from me...and it was over before I could even cuss too. No damage at all but lesson learned for me...stay on the bike when using the centerstand alone.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I agree that its always best to lever-up onto the stand while sitting on the bike. One thing Ill suggest that I learned from Mr. Palladino is to keep your head up and looking straight ahead when going up onto the stand. This will always help to center your gravity.
But I also find that its easier to go up onto the stand using the side method if Im going up onto a piece of ˝ inch ply under the legs to free up some wheel weight. That way I can lift up on the back of the bike as I press down on the lever. This might take a little getting used to but is really a piece of cake once you get the technique down. It's all about confidence and no hesitation. I know it might sound silly but Id suggest putting down a couple of thick blankets on the starboard side and of course leaving the Jiffy down on the port side and practicing a few times.
One last thing just for the heck of it is that I carry two 4in X 4in pieces of ˝ inch plywood along with my tire repair kit. These are sanded on the edges and corners and a few coats of marine varnish to keep-em looking good. I can then have these on the road with me if I need to lever up onto the stand and free the wheel. The added bonus is that they also make excellent Jiffy coasters for soft ground, gravel, grass, hot asphalt, etc. I keep these in the storage bag thats snapped onto the front of my port saddlebag guardrail, so when I pull up to park and think I need a coaster, I can just reach down with my left and they are handy. Its another nice bonus when your buddy is wondering how his Jiffy will work on questionable ground and you can toss him one of these and tell-em he owes you a beer.
But I also find that its easier to go up onto the stand using the side method if Im going up onto a piece of ˝ inch ply under the legs to free up some wheel weight. That way I can lift up on the back of the bike as I press down on the lever. This might take a little getting used to but is really a piece of cake once you get the technique down. It's all about confidence and no hesitation. I know it might sound silly but Id suggest putting down a couple of thick blankets on the starboard side and of course leaving the Jiffy down on the port side and practicing a few times.
One last thing just for the heck of it is that I carry two 4in X 4in pieces of ˝ inch plywood along with my tire repair kit. These are sanded on the edges and corners and a few coats of marine varnish to keep-em looking good. I can then have these on the road with me if I need to lever up onto the stand and free the wheel. The added bonus is that they also make excellent Jiffy coasters for soft ground, gravel, grass, hot asphalt, etc. I keep these in the storage bag thats snapped onto the front of my port saddlebag guardrail, so when I pull up to park and think I need a coaster, I can just reach down with my left and they are handy. Its another nice bonus when your buddy is wondering how his Jiffy will work on questionable ground and you can toss him one of these and tell-em he owes you a beer.
Every time I try to get it up on the 1/2 plywood I struggle, swear and almost drop a nut.
Where are you grabbing or what are you grabbing to pull the bike backwards??
I just tried to do it about 1/2 an hour ago and gave up.
Going up on the stand without the plywood takes no effort at all (from the seat that is).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
Every time I try to get it up on the 1/2 plywood I struggle, swear and almost drop a nut.
Where are you grabbing or what are you grabbing to pull the bike backwards??
I just tried to do it about 1/2 an hour ago and gave up.
Going up on the stand without the plywood takes no effort at all (from the seat that is).
Where are you grabbing or what are you grabbing to pull the bike backwards??
I just tried to do it about 1/2 an hour ago and gave up.
Going up on the stand without the plywood takes no effort at all (from the seat that is).
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Center Stand
I agree with all you guys that the Wheel Dock center stand is the way to go.I have no problem jacking up a 09 Ultra with the center stand. Just have the stand in the up position and the jiffy down. By the way I have a Wheel Dock stand for sale from my Road King. It will fit 1998 to 2008 standard height touring bike. Asking $150 plus a few dollars for shipping.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
Every time I try to get it up on the 1/2 plywood I struggle, swear and almost drop a nut.
Where are you grabbing or what are you grabbing to pull the bike backwards??
I just tried to do it about 1/2 an hour ago and gave up.
Going up on the stand without the plywood takes no effort at all (from the seat that is).
Where are you grabbing or what are you grabbing to pull the bike backwards??
I just tried to do it about 1/2 an hour ago and gave up.
Going up on the stand without the plywood takes no effort at all (from the seat that is).
Put the legs of the center stand down and make sure both legs are in contact with the ground. Put your right foot on the center stand leg, leg bent a little....while holding on the handle bar and place you hand on the rear of the bike ( I have saddlebag guards and a seat grab bar) push down with you right leg, straightening you leg and lift up...pulling up a little, the bike should pop up and on the stand...works for me anyway.
Hope this helps.
If all else fails, grab a Goldwing rider ( yeah I know) but they put them on the center stand all the time and it;s the same....have him show you...it's easy, just a technique to learn...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
If I had rear crash bars, it probably would make it easier.....
I'm assuming the profile crash bars would not be suitable for the task.......
That's what's going on, so we shall see....
I'm assuming the profile crash bars would not be suitable for the task.......
That's what's going on, so we shall see....