Center Stand Technique

[hudson]

There have been many mentions on this forum about the difficulty to use center stand. So I thought maybe the technique I was shown in 1975 at the Suzuki dealership where I was working as a weak 15 year old may be of some help. I was then able to put any of the street bikes, Including the RE5 on to their center stand. And now at 60 years old with a fragile back. I am still able to do this with minimal strain. This is what I was shown. Transmission must be in neutral. Left hand on the left handle bar grip. You should try to keep the handle bars straight, but it still works even if they are turned to the left. Right foot on the center stand lever holding it against the ground. Then the most important part, Right hand on the chrome handle that is just below the seat, mounted between the left upper rear shock absorber and the rear fender/ left turn signal mount. Many bikes seem to be missing this handle, but the optional grab bar or accessory rack will work as well. Placing all of your weight on the center stand lever ( left foot off the ground) and lifting the chrome handle mentioned, essentially spreading the distance between the chrome handle and stand lever the bike should rock back onto the stand. No pulling on the handle bars needed. The handle is shown in the parts book in two places, with the rear shocks but no part number, also with the seat 41411-37000 supersedes to 41411-39001 for $28 retail. I am curios if this works for anyone else.

[wayne]

I've had spinal surgery, have scoliosis and spondylosis. Let me get the rack back on and give it a whirl. If it doesn't work, you're bringing me meals in bed 'til I recover

[hudson]

I hope there is a lawyer on here that can help me if this goes horribly wrong

[pmcburney]

Yeah, sorta.


This describes the method, which is correct - it's a combination of applying weight to the stand while simultaneously lifting the rear of the bike to enable the lever-action (mechanical advantage) of the stand to do it's work and shift the bike upwards and rearwards over onto the set position.

However...
Y'all have to come to terms with the indisputable fact that the centre stand on an RE5 is just very, very bad at the job at hand given the distinct lack of mechanical advantage it provides to set it, and no amount of 'good' technique will overcome that - an RE5 is a right bastard to lift onto its centre stand because the stand itself is very poorly designed and placed.

Why do I know and say this and essentially discount the OP's instruction?

Because I have ten bikes in my shed, most of them with centre stands and I use exactly the same (and correct) technique to set all of them, and they are all (bar one, my Katana which also has a crap stand...) VASTLY easier to set than the RE5.
I can set my R1200GSA BMW onto its stand (a very tall, cumbersome and heavy bike) without using the 'bars or a lifting handle or rack mount AT ALL - I just stand gently on the foot lever and the bike rises easily and the stand sets perfectly with almost no effort whatsoever.
Reason being, those canny Chermans know a thing or two about stand design, lever ratios, placement etc.

My GS1000S is similarly a doddle - small effort with the foot, slight pull on the lifting lever and it's on the stand so fast you don't even know it's happened - Suzuki got that one right.

Here's the thing - if you're struggling to set the centre stand on an RE5, it's because it's a piece of crap, not because you aren't using a handle or your body weight or holding your tongue the right way or the absolute best technique.

Redesigned to make best use of mechanical advantage (lever ratio, placement etc.) it could work beautifully, until then get used to busting a valve when you want to adjust the chain.

BTW, who the hell pulls on the handlebars to set the centre stand?
Don't do that - push and lift as described or that disaster waiting to happen will happen.

[tom93gts]

I will say that this technique works pretty ok at getting the RE5 on center stand when wearing shoes, but if I'm wearing flip flops and want to move the RE5 around the shop are there any recommendations?

[FC Zach]

Nov 5, 2019 23:45:25 GMT -5 tom93gts said:

I will say that this technique works pretty ok at getting the RE5 on center stand when wearing shoes, but if I'm wearing flip flops and want to move the RE5 around the shop are there any recommendations?

Put some boots on

[wayne]

Nov 5, 2019 23:45:25 GMT -5 tom93gts said:

I will say that this technique works pretty ok at getting the RE5 on center stand when wearing shoes, but if I'm wearing flip flops and want to move the RE5 around the shop are there any recommendations?

I'm a small/medium guy and it's been a golden rule for me for some years now....... if I want to move the bike, do so by sitting on it and paddling. And don't wear flip flops or crocs when doing so.

I have one of the those little dolly things, its base sits only an inch off the ground. But it's such a nightmare just trying to get the RE on its mainstand let alone when it'll be sitting an inch higher, I don't bother to use it 'cept for long term storage bikes.

[Jess]

Two simple solutions...

#1. Longer shocks. Simple, easy and the stock shocks were poop when they were new. 13.5 inches makes it nice and easy.

#2. Cut 3/4 of an inch from the center stand. Cut above the feet. Take out 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Weld feet back on. Repaint stand. A couple hours work and you can keep the crap stock shocks.

Just my 2 cents... YMMV

[Jess]

Tom,

Flip Flops??? Really??

Some time ask me about my flip flop story...

Best,

[goandy]

I use the handle technique but yes shock length makes a massive difference.

As for flip flops Jess- the mind boggles at what your story might entail!

[timpa136]

This from pmcburney,

My GS1000S is similarly a doddle - small effort with the foot, slight pull on the lifting lever and it's on the stand so fast you don't even know it's happened - Suzuki got that one right.

Here's the thing - if you're struggling to set the centre stand on an RE5, it's because it's a piece of crap, not because you aren't using a handle or your body weight or holding your tongue the right way or the absolute best technique.

Redesigned to make best use of mechanical advantage (lever ratio, placement etc.) it could work beautifully, until then get used to busting a valve when you want to adjust the chain.

---

I bit my tongue and the bike went right up.

Tim