[corbullo]

I'm getting a new Burgman 400 and have been riding a little Derbi 150. My little scooter only has a centerstand. A centerstand certainly seems more stable. So tell me... when do you use the centerstand and when do you use the sidestand? Why would you need both? On a sidestand, do you just mount the scooter first and "kick" the stand out of the way (probably a really stupid question) ?

Thanks,

Richard

 

[billmeek]

Richard,

Some riders use the centerstand most of the time. You do have to be careful were you use the centerstand. Parking on an incline makes getting it up on the stand easy but can be very diffcult to shift the 400 pounds plus forward enough to get it back off the stand. I would only use the centerstand on flat and very firm surfaces.

Personally I only use the centerstand when fueling to make sure I get the tank full. I also centerstand when I have any concerns about other people ( ie - kids) being around the bike. I have made it a habit to always lock the forks when using the sidestand. I also always check that I've not turned the key too far to the left and left the parking lights on. I did that a few times by accident.

I always mount the bike before taking it off either stand. Being on the bike provides more stability and control of the bike. No need to 'kick' the stand like I did years ago on my (cheap) bicycles. The sidestand only requires a small push with the heel to go back into the retracted position.

 

[minnmax]

...when do you use the centerstand and when do you use the sidestand? Why would you need both?...

While a lot of time, which stand to use is a matter of personal preference, the one time I think the sidestand is a must is on soft ground, though additional care must still be taken. This includes most blacktop when the temps are warm and particularly when it is sunny.

When you use the centerstand, most of the weight in on the relatively small surface area of the centerstand feet. Some is on the front wheel, but clearly most is on the stand. On soft ground this means the scoot can, and often will, sink into the surface. At minimum this makes it hard to get off the centerstand. However, if this someone's blacktop driveway, you've just cost them some time and/or money patching it.

When you use the side stand, the bulk of the weight on the machine is on the larger areas of the front and rear tires. No real worries of the tires sinking into the soft surface or damaging blacktop.

Of course the very important caveat is doing something to keep the sidestand from sinking. Even though their is less of the cycles weight pushing on the sidestand, I've watched many a bike topple over as a sidestand sank into hot black top. That results in a damaged bike and driveway. The fix is simple, increase the surface area of the sidestand on the soft ground. This can be done with a piece of wood, a crushed soda can, or anyone of dozens of sidestand plates available from nearly every motorcycle shop in the world.

A personal favorite available from Aerostich is the Carbon Fiber Sidestand Plate (CFSP) MK II Deluxe. Not only will it do the job and is lightweight & durable, but it comes with a storage pouch and a cord to loop over your left handgrip. The loop has a "Remove Before Flight" tag to remind you not to leave your sidestand plate behind and you can easily reel in the plate using the cord while sitting on the bike/scoot. Fun & Practical.


Click picture for larger image.

 

[allwalk]

If the parking area is flat I use the centerstand. If the parking area has any kind of slope to it , right, left , up or down I will use the sidestand along with the parking brake. If Im on softer dirt, sand or gravel I also use the sidestand with an additional object under the stand to increase the area like minmax suggests.

 

[MikeLucey]

Allwalk, one would think you'd use a hockey puck (I do).

 

[Randy]

I guess it's what you get use to also, Last bike I owned with a center stand b/4 the Burgman was 20 years ago.
So far I have used the center stand about 6 times, all in the yard while working on the bike.
I always use the parking brake and side stand just like I would leave any bike in first gear and side stand. If the ground is soft I use a 31/2" disk.

 

[Brian]

I use the sidestand 90% of the time. I use the centerstand for doing fluid checks and when filling up before a long trip.

On cold days I might put it on the centerstand to warm it up for a few minutes before hitting the road.

Otherwise, it's the sidestand.

 

[JohnnyDeath]

I was using the center stand all the time but found a couple of "dents" in the driveway. I now use the sidestand with a motorcycle coaster http://www.motorcyclecoaster.com
I still use the center stand at work and when out, it makes me feel more secure.

 

[Jim]

Same as Brian 95% side stand

 

[Bill Trammell]

The side stand give you a 3-point tripod which is a lot more stable than the center stand. If you use a cover, be extra careful of parking using the center stand. My 2 cents.

 

[csachs1]

I use the center stand when in my garage as I like to keep the weight off the wheels when stored. It also makes it easier to get around the scoot in my small garage. I've put a piece of diamond plate on top of a rubber pad under the bike.

 

[NormanB]

I use the center stand when in my garage as I like to keep the weight off the wheels when stored. It also makes it easier to get around the scoot in my small garage. I've put a piece of diamond plate on top of a rubber pad under the bike.

Almost the same for me, out and about I use the side stand, in the garage -always the centre stand (mainly because my youngest daughter likes to sit on it (Going Brmm Brmmm etc )

Not as upmarket as csachs I protect the floor with a chipboard offcut. :hmph: Picture at: http://burgmanusa.com/gallery/NormanB