Let's talk center stands
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Creola, AL.
I don't recommend the HD stand for 09 and newer bikes. Because of the crossover pipe it is almost impossible to get enough leverage to hoist the rear tire off the ground. It works fine as a display stand where both wheels are on the ground. But if you want to raise the rear tire clear of the ground, its leverage arm is poorly placed. There are stands that appear to do a better job of it but HD ain't it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
I don't recommend the HD stand for 09 and newer bikes. Because of the crossover pipe it is almost impossible to get enough leverage to hoist the rear tire off the ground. It works fine as a display stand where both wheels are on the ground. But if you want to raise the rear tire clear of the ground, its leverage arm is poorly placed. There are stands that appear to do a better job of it but HD ain't it.
The Stand can be adjusted to raise the tire off the ground and has nothing to do with the crossover pipe. I like the look and feel of there Harley Center Stand. That is my opinion. Just because you don't like it is no reason to say it is not good for everyone. Just for you and that is your opinion. If you have the Harley Center Stand and it is not right, you need to have it adjusted to fit correctly.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
FYI, it's nice to have the centerstand if you get a flat or want to check your tires on a long trip. I carry a strip of plywood for that very reason. Had a flat on LoLo pass in Montana and the center stand saved my butt. Also had a patch kit which REALLY saved my butt. Had to scrounge of piece of wood that time because I wasn't carrying one. Luckily I found a surveyers stake that worked perfectly.
BTW gentlemen, each person is free to have their own opinion IMO. I also know that we will always defend what we have and what we paid for . . . sometimes just because we paid for it. LOL
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Creola, AL.
What has the crossover pipe got to do with the Center Stand? The stand does not touch the pipe. The lever is close to the Passenger Footboard, not the pipe. When you lower the stand, the lever is very clear and not close to the crossover pipe. You just need to use your weight to lift the tire if it is adjusted to raise it off the ground.
Your correct about the stand not touching the crossover pipe. My problem is with the lifting arm you must push down on with your foot. Because of the crossover pipe and the passenger foot board you can't get your foot squarely on the lifting arm to apply enough pressure to lift the bike up on the stand. I have seen other designs where the lifting arm is longer and easier to get to use.
Your correct about the stand not touching the crossover pipe. My problem is with the lifting arm you must push down on with your foot. Because of the crossover pipe and the passenger foot board you can't get your foot squarely on the lifting arm to apply enough pressure to lift the bike up on the stand. I have seen other designs where the lifting arm is longer and easier to get to use.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 2
From: Broadview Heights, OH
I had the Wheeldock on my '09 and recently took it off and sold it because I had just picked up a Pitbull lift and I didn't want to have to shim up the front with wood so it would sit level on the Pitbull. I was only using it for gas stops and winter storage, but I have to give them props - it worked great and I had no complaints. I scraped up both sides a bit during some hard cornering, but that only happened on rare occasions, typically because I hit a dip in the middle of a turn.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 50
From:
OK, this is consistent with what I've read before, that to use a Pitbull jack with the Wheeldock centerstand, it is necessary to use shims or other means. That's exactly what I DON'T want.
One of the other posters indicated that the H-D centerstand would work with the Pitbull (no modifications or shims.) Can anyone else confirm that?
I don't mind spending $300 or so on a part; what I mind is finding out that it doesn't do what I want and then looking at the part on my shelf for the next ten years . . .
Thanks.
One of the other posters indicated that the H-D centerstand would work with the Pitbull (no modifications or shims.) Can anyone else confirm that?
I don't mind spending $300 or so on a part; what I mind is finding out that it doesn't do what I want and then looking at the part on my shelf for the next ten years . . .
Thanks.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Your correct about the stand not touching the crossover pipe. My problem is with the lifting arm you must push down on with your foot. Because of the crossover pipe and the passenger foot board you can't get your foot squarely on the lifting arm to apply enough pressure to lift the bike up on the stand. I have seen other designs where the lifting arm is longer and easier to get to use.
The only way i figure it happens is the way you put your foot on the lever. I use the toe of my foot to lower the lever. You must use the hollow of your foot to lower the lever. This way your toe contacts the crossover pipe.
I like the fact the lever is tucked away under the Passenger Footboard. It has a clean appearance and is hidden, not as noticeable when the center stand is retracted. A big plus is the fact the springs are internal and not exposed as with the Wheeldock. A Major plus is the adjustable stand. The Wheeldock is welded in place and not adjustable.
I have seen the Wheeldock on other Harleys. It is very noticeable. It looks like something I would make in my back yard with a welder and paint with a spray can. I have never seen one that was chrome.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 25
From: York, PA
OK, this is consistent with what I've read before, that to use a Pitbull jack with the Wheeldock centerstand, it is necessary to use shims or other means. That's exactly what I DON'T want.
One of the other posters indicated that the H-D centerstand would work with the Pitbull (no modifications or shims.) Can anyone else confirm that?
I don't mind spending $300 or so on a part; what I mind is finding out that it doesn't do what I want and then looking at the part on my shelf for the next ten years . . .
Thanks.
One of the other posters indicated that the H-D centerstand would work with the Pitbull (no modifications or shims.) Can anyone else confirm that?
I don't mind spending $300 or so on a part; what I mind is finding out that it doesn't do what I want and then looking at the part on my shelf for the next ten years . . .
Thanks.
I had a wheeldock on my 08 and never had to shim to pick up with my pitbull. Just threw it under there and lifted it up.
What I did find out recently is that wheeldock advertises a short stand for the lowered suspension for the bikes with the shorter shocks such as the street glide. Well I have 2010 RG with the shorter shocks;ordered the shorter stand found the bike unstable. Spoke wth Rod from Wheeldock and found that a standard height stand was needed due to the taller front wheel. Great people to work with, exchanged it out with no issues.