Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ugocon on October 22, 2012, 09:16:13 AM
-
The only time my bike is ever on the center stand is when I am doing maintenance on it.
+1 Putting the bike on the CS while parking in public is asking for trouble.
Reading the quotes above from another topic I take the opportunity to ask you all what is your usage of the center and side stand.
I'm talking about "default" center stand, not modified by Valerio!!! ::) ;) ;D
I start with my behaviour on this, obviously...
I always try to put the bike on the center stand and use the side stand only for short time parking.
This because to me the side stand looks so thin compared to the weight of the bike that I'm always scared to see it suddendly cracking! :o
Also, I think that the bike is way more stable on the center stand and less exposed to drops by accidental hits by people, kids, cars.
Moreover with the side stand the pressure is concentrated on one spot only and you must be sure that the surface is solid, whilst with the center stand you distribute evenly the weight on the ground.
I'd like to read your opinions on it: I'm always willing to learn and, why not, to change my mind if worth it :D
-
I use the centerstand when conditions allow (level lot or garage), my theory being that it takes a load off the springs...
-
I also only put my bike on center stand on level surface for maintenance. If you look at the distance of the edge of center stand to the center of gravity this is much less then when using the side stand. So even on a level surface there is more possibility of the bike tipping. On a non level surface forget it. I agree that the area of the side stand is way too small and can sink into any soft surface so I solved that by adding a "Big Foot" from Projekt D.
http://projektd.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_39&products_id=158 (http://projektd.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_39&products_id=158)
-
The only reason to have a centerstand on the bike is to do maintenance when the bike is on a level, solid surface such as a garage floor. The bike is much more stable for general parking when the side stand is being used. A simple test would be to try to tip the bike over in both scenarios. You will find it is much easier to push the bike over when on it's center stand. Always try this test with an assistant.
As for the side stand sinking into hot pavement more than a centerstand, well, as Rhino says, put something with a larger footprint under it, even a crushed beer can will do. If you don't, the bike will sink into the pavement, but probably won't tip over. My C14 has been leaned over quite a bit, but still "upright" when I've forgotten to put something under the pad. In the same scenario, with the centerstand, the side in the sunlight will sink in, while the other side will not, resulting in a tipped over bike.
The sidestand is not fragile. The weight of the bike is no where near what it would take to fail the sidestand in a compression failure. The steel in the side stand is incredibly strong, especially in a compressed mode. When my girlfriend and I go riding I put the bike on the sidestand for mounting and dismounting. She gets on, then I get on, all with the bike on the sidestand and with all of our gear on the bike. Probably an extra 500 lbs. No problem.
Finally, there is no reason to take load off the springs. They are made to withstand much higher forces than the weight of the bike and will never fail for that reason.
Just my opinion, let's hear others.
-
Other than my concrete garage floor for maintenance, cleaning, and loading baggage the only use for it would be to file an insurance claim because it "fell over" while parked on some warm asphalt.
Maybe the manual has a good answer LoL
-
Anytime mine is in the garage, it is on the center stand. The ninja is on the rear stand. All other times they are on the side stands.
-
I use it everytime I fill up with gas, to help me get as much fuel in that tank as possible.
-
I use it everytime I fill up with gas, to help me get as much fuel in that tank as possible.
Ditto, I put mine on the center stand also while fueling. otherwise it lives on the side stand.
-
I use it everytime I fill up with gas, to help me get as much fuel in that tank as possible.
Ditto, I put mine on the center stand also while fueling. otherwise it lives on the side stand.
:o You get off your bike to gas up??
-
I only use the center stand for maintenance. Usually after a long ride I am fatigued and could see the balancing needed to use the center stand could be a problem and a drop could ensue. Even here in So. Cal. the asphalt gets hot but if it would sink enough to drop the bike with the side stand wouldn't it also with the center stand?
-
:o You get off your bike to gas up??
Yup, I do. gives me a chance to stretch the legs, and relieve the butt.
-
:o You get off your bike to gas up??
You have to remember Oregon is about the only state left that won't let us pump our own gas.
-
There was a pic somewhere on this forum a while back of two C14's laying down in a parking lot and one of the owners posted about how dissatisfied they were with the center-stands !
-
Only on concrete...or in my garage for maint.
-
You have to remember Oregon is about the only state left that won't let us pump our own gas.
You're not kidding?
-
It's tight in my garage, so I use the center stand. Only other time is when Im refueling.
-
You're not kidding?
No I am not kidding. Jay is used to handing someone his credit card and them handing him the pump in return, and if they are nice they will give him a paper towel.
-
Only other time is when Im refueling.
I have never even thought about putting it on the center stand when refueling. I am going to have to test that out next time I fuel up, which it looks like it will be sometime next year since the rain has started here in Oregon.
-
You have to remember Oregon is about the only state left that won't let us pump our own gas.
Huh? ???
I ALWAYS pump my own gas for my bikes, and have never had any station take issue with it in Oregon...
-
Huh? ???
I ALWAYS pump my own gas for my bikes, and have never had any station take issue with it in Oregon...
But that kid still hands you the pump huh? ;)
The small print in the law says it's ok to pump your own if you are on a motorcycle or if it's diesel. :nuts:
-
But that kid still hands you the pump huh? ;)
Nope, I don't even leave enough room for a person between my bike and the pump...
Swipe my own card, grab the nozzle, pump, and take receipt...
Sometimes they do walk over and I just say I've got it and they walk away... :)
I do always go the Chevron though, maybe that makes a difference on if they allow it or not? :-\
-
So is the average Oregonian not capable of being intrusted by state to do that for themselves?
-
Nope, I don't even leave enough room for a person between my bike and the pump...
Swipe my own card, grab the nozzle, pump, and take receipt...
Sometimes they do walk over and I just say I've got it and they walk away... :)
I do always go the Chevron though, maybe that makes a difference on if they allow it or not? :-\
scofflaw!!! :o ;)
-
I do always go the Chevron though
See there is your problem you never go far enough to use a different gas station then the one down the street from ya. ::)
So do you put the side stand down while gas'n up on the bike?
-
See there is your problem you never go far enough to use a different gas station then the one down the street from ya. ::)
So do you put the side stand down while gas'n up on the bike?
Thats funny, and black bikes get too dirty if you venture far from home. ;) I use centerstand on concrete only, unless in the cool temps of Spring or Fall I will use on asphalt.
-
See there is your problem you never go far enough to use a different gas station then the one down the street from ya. ::)
:rotflmao: :-[
So do you put the side stand down while gas'n up on the bike?
Yep, otherwise I can't reach the ground... ;) ;D
-
:rotflmao: :-[
Yep, otherwise I can't reach the ground... ;) ;D
Well if you would wear boots instead of sandals that might help a bit.
-
Well if you would wear boots instead of sandals that might help a bit.
:rotflmao:
Touche' Brian... ;D
-
:rotflmao:
Touche' Brian... ;D
:chugbeer:
-
The small print in the law says it's ok to pump your own if you are on a motorcycle or if it's diesel. :nuts:
Hey, you're right. I didn't know they had a motorcycle exemption. I thought only diesel was exempt at a retail gas station.
From here, as of 2011 : http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/480.html (http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/480.html)
480.330 Operation of gasoline dispensing device by public prohibited; aviation fuel exception. An owner, operator or employee of a filling station, service station, garage or other dispensary where Class 1 flammable liquids, except aviation fuels, are dispensed at retail may not permit any person other than the owner, operator or employee to use or manipulate any pump, hose, pipe or other device for dispensing the liquids into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or other retail container. [Amended by 2001 c.285 §1]
And a few lines down is the motorcycle exemption :
480.349 Use of gasoline dispensing device by motorcycle operator.
(1) As used in this section, “motorcycle” has the meaning given that term in ORS 801.365.
(2) Notwithstanding ORS 480.330 and 480.340:
(a) Upon the request of an operator of a motorcycle, the owner, operator or employee of a filling station, service station, garage or other dispensary where Class 1 flammable liquids are dispensed at retail shall set the fuel dispensing device and hand the discharge nozzle to the operator of the motorcycle.
(b) An operator of a motorcycle who is handed a discharge nozzle under paragraph (a) of this subsection:
(A) May dispense Class 1 flammable liquids into the operator’s motorcycle.
(B) Shall, after dispensing the liquids, return the discharge nozzle to the owner, operator or employee.
(3) The owner, operator or employee who is handed the discharge nozzle shall return the nozzle to the pump or take any other actions necessary to ensure safe completion of the fueling operation. [2001 c.344 §2]
Note: 480.349 was added to and made a part of 480.315 to 480.385 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
I looked into it awhile back, and even completed the "training course" to be certified to pump gas at card lock stations (just a list of common sense things), and I didn't see any exemptions to pumping gasoline into anything at that time - Thanks Tom!
I have encountered one station where the owner insisted I move my bike away from the pump, and tried to insist he would pump my gas. I told him that would never happen, and to give me the nozzle before he offended me. He did relent, but complained about it. I haven't been back to that station since, which is a shame, because it's the only station in the PDX metro area with non-ethanol 91 fuel.
-
So is the average Oregonian not capable of being intrusted by state to do that for themselves?
Probably not, but it is an excuse to keep a whole bunch of minimum wage jobs, which seems to be the winning argument every time a repeal has been attempted.
It's a really old law. Until recently there was a law on the books that it was illegal to transport more the 1 gallon of gasoline. Someone found it a few years back and pointed out that every car on the road was in violation. They punted that law.
-
I find this very curious in the 21st century. Is it true full service? Window wash, Can I check your oil? Do the food stores still have bag boys? Do you still get milk delivered to you door in the mornings? :)
-
Probably not, but it is an excuse to keep a whole bunch of minimum wage jobs, which seems to be the winning argument every time a repeal has been attempted.
That was in the back of my mind as I read it. Better minimum wage jobs than no job at all. State unemployment offices must be happy to always have openings available.
-
Do the food stores still have bag boys?
Yep, and girls! :)
-
I'm intrigued by this place called Or-ee-gon. Do I need a passport or visa to visit?
-
I find this very curious in the 21st century. Is it true full service? Window wash, Can I check your oil? Do the food stores still have bag boys? Do you still get milk delivered to you door in the mornings? :)
The days of getting true full service, or your windshield washed, are all but gone. On a rare occasion, when there are no other customers, and the pump jockey is bored, they'll wash you windshield. Or if it's a small, privately owned station, and the owner is pumping the gas.
-
I'm intrigued by this place called Or-ee-gon. Do I need a passport or visa to visit?
Sort of, you need a Credit Card, or a pocket full of cash. ;)
-
I'm intrigued by this place called Or-ee-gon. Do I need a passport or visa to visit?
Just bring us beer and we'll open the gate for ya GP... :chugbeer:
-
Guys, please let's get back on topic....Center Stand Chronicles.
If you want to talk about self service gas or the lack thereof start a new thread in Open. Thanks.
-
I find myself using my center stand more often now that the temp has broken and I am not afraid of sinking into the hot pavement. Have never thought to put it on the stand to fill the gashole.
-
Guys, please let's get back on topic....Center Stand Chronicles.
If you want to talk about self service gas or the lack thereof start a new thread in Open. Thanks.
Okay, okay. I only use the center stand for maintenance. Side stand for everything else. Even stay on the bike for fueling, but put the side stand down until the last gallon, then stand the bike up straight to finish off the tank.
I carry a side stand puck in my tank bag in case I need to park on a soft or potentially soft surface. I think it says BMW on it.
-
Guys, please let's get back on topic....Center Stand Chronicles.
If you want to talk about self service gas or the lack thereof start a new thread in Open. Thanks.
Grumpy moderator!!!! :battle:
-
Grumpy moderator!!!! :battle:
Greatest Film Scenes - Dog Day Afternoon - Attica! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bw1a_O2m48#ws)
-
What is more stable, a narrow triangle or a wide triangle? Weight distributed evenly over three points vs the majority centered over two? FWIW, it helps to turn the bars to the left when parking with the side stand. Jay and I have a secret advantage, we carry a tin lid to use as an emergency puck ;D
Anyone have a small digital scale to measure how much weight is on each point of contact (POC)? My guess is approx. %33 per POC on the side stand and %45/%45/%10 when using the CS. That is %90 spread out over what, an 8"x1/2" area? That may work for a tree house but I outgrew that last year ;)
-
Jay and I have a secret advantage, we carry a tin lid to use as an emergency puck ;D
:chugbeer:
-
Yes...back to the centre stand issue...
1)I use mine for extended periods of sitting idle ie: winter storage and for fueling as I have an aux tank to fill as well...
2) the more pertinent question is if one is worried about using the centre stand and the perils that entails, how does the originator of this thread feel about high speed cornering with knee to ground and/or pegs ablazin?
I mean a bike with damn near 160 hp and you're worried about the centre stand?
I do not mean any disrespect and I am all for the premise that there is no such thing as a stupid question....but seriously!?
Respectfully
Dave
-
- as the bike is garaged most of the week waiting for the weekend , it sits on her centerstand.
- as for the sidestand : agree that its actually the more stable platform when compared to the centerstand because of the larger "footing".
- but this had happened to me recently : parked at a road shoulder. The asphalt tapers off towards the sides. My sidestand sits on this tapered portion (which results in more lean for the bike) and when I got back onto the bike , I couldn't lift the bike off the sidestand because of the weight + lean. Eventually got brain in gear , got off the bike and muscled the bike off the sidestand whilst levering/pushing on the bars.
- its always a worry-moment as you slowly let the bike down towards the sidestand when the ground is tapering away from you ....
.
-
the more pertinent question is if one is worried about using the centre stand and the perils that entails, how does the originator of this thread feel about high speed cornering with knee to ground and/or pegs ablazin?
I mean a bike with damn near 160 hp and you're worried about the centre stand?
A bike is made by many components and one (or better, two...) are the stands.
Since my major issues with this bike have been handling it when at zero speed I'm asking about it.
I admit that now I'm far more confortable in handling it than few months ago: a matter of experience.
Nevertheless, I'm really scared every time I need to get off the bike using the side stand.
Am I on a flat surface?
Is the surface sturdy enough?
Am I putting the tip of the stand at a lower level (a slope, for instance) than the tyres contact poit so the bike will lean too much?
These are some of the questions I have EVERY TIME I stop the bike.
Paranoic??? Maybe, but that's it! :)
Reading the feedbacks so far I notice that you mainly use the side stand. I will reconsider my approach.
When filling at gas station I always get off the bike because I have to go the cash desk to pay or, if the station is unattended, I have to deal with the cash machine. Thus I always put the bike on the center stand, also because I always fill the tank till the last drop! :D
I say agian, my main concern with the side stand is when you get the bike leaning to much that is increasing the pressure on the stick and, perhaps unmotivatedly, seems to me that it could break! :o
Thank you all for your replies.
:)
-
Grumpy moderator!!!! :battle:
>:( ;D :P
I've had the center stand sink into hot asphalt once and I had a devil of a time rocking it out of the pits it created. I don't believe I had this issue with the C10 as it (I think) was more of a bar going across at the bottom so more of it was on the asphalt itself. After that, I learned never to use it on a hot day unless it was on concrete.
As far as filling goes, I get off the bike and have been putting it up on the center stand but our beloved Brian (not you Poke ;) ) has mentioned that he thought you got more gas in it while on the side stand. Anyway, I just fill the crap out of it no matter what stand it takes. That's my stand.
I also think it's dangerous to fill while sitting on the bike but that's me and I don't do it. Never got into that habit.
-
Hello primitive men for refueling. :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
MGvalerio. 8)
-
I never heard of a center-stand before this sport tourer. And you know what, its not been as much fun as real stands have ;D
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/vortex%20triple%20tree/IMG_0419.jpg)
-
stevewfl :)To each his own. ;)
http://youtu.be/KdlBbks-kUY (http://youtu.be/KdlBbks-kUY)
MGvalerio 8)
-
I am of the camp that:
1) Only uses the center stand for maintenance and cleaning. I hate wrestling the beast on the center stand more than necessary.
2) Gets off my bike to gas up. I have to stretch and clean my visor.
3) Doesn't feel the need to stand the bike upright to get "every last drop." I can fill it as full on the sidestand anyway.
-
I am of the camp that:
1) Only uses the center stand for maintenance and cleaning. I hate wrestling the beast on the center stand more than necessary.
2) Gets off my bike to gas up. I have to stretch and clean my visor.
3) Doesn't feel the need to stand the bike upright to get "every last drop." I can fill it as full on the sidestand anyway.
+1 But in regard to #1 above, I don't have any problems with gettin 'er up. ;)
-
For the sidestand, this is your friend.
http://projektd.com/product_info.php?products_id=158 (http://projektd.com/product_info.php?products_id=158)
-
Unless it falls off... Use some tightener on the screws.
-
For the sidestand, this is your friend.
http://projektd.com/product_info.php?products_id=158 (http://projektd.com/product_info.php?products_id=158)
That just looks way to easy to make then to be ordering it from somebody.
-
Reading the quotes above from another topic I take the opportunity to ask you all what is your usage of the center and side stand.
I'm talking about "default" center stand, not modified by Valerio!!! ::) ;) ;D
I start with my behaviour on this, obviously...
I always try to put the bike on the center stand and use the side stand only for short time parking.
This because to me the side stand looks so thin compared to the weight of the bike that I'm always scared to see it suddendly cracking! :o
Also, I think that the bike is way more stable on the center stand and less exposed to drops by accidental hits by people, kids, cars.
Moreover with the side stand the pressure is concentrated on one spot only and you must be sure that the surface is solid, whilst with the center stand you distribute evenly the weight on the ground.
I'd like to read your opinions on it: I'm always willing to learn and, why not, to change my mind if worth it :D
ugo,
I agree with centerstand use, anytime it's possible (concrete surface, mostly level) but not because the side stand is unstable. the 3-point stance of the sidestand and both tires (or tye rees if you prefer) is much more stable than the two small spots of the center stand legs and the slight contact of the front tire. If you ever travel on ferries, they will instruct you to sidestand the bike, NOT centerstand. Docking and rough seas WILL topple a bike off it's centerstand. I've seen it firsthand on Puget Sound ferries.
-
But that kid still hands you the pump huh? ;)
The small print in the law says it's ok to pump your own if you are on a motorcycle or if it's diesel. :nuts:
Keeping the unskilled off the welfare ranks is a good thing. I have never had them refuse to let me fill my tank in OR, just stand there waiting for the 'kid' to hand you the nozzle.
-
+1 But in regard to #1 above, I don't have any problems with gettin 'er up. ;)
But keepin 'er up is another story eh C... ;) ;D
-
But keepin 'er up is another story eh C... ;) ;D
Yep, a looooong story. ;)
-
I only use mine in the garage or when washing it in the driveway. The side stand works fine when I'm out on a ride, and I have one of those disk things in my tank bag if I'm parking in gravel or a soft surface.
-
I only use mine in the garage or when washing it in the driveway. The side stand works fine when I'm out on a ride, and I have one of those disk things in my tank bag if I'm parking in gravel or a soft surface.
+1, occassionally when out, if on a very flat surface I will use the center stand, but not normally.
-
It is that way in New Jersey too, at least the last time I was there on a motorcycle- the times I've fueled there, the attendant would turn on the pump, remove the nozzle and hand it to me (easy boys!). When done, I would hand the pump back to the attendant. My wife worked with a woman who was from N.J. and didn't know HOW to pump her own fuel until moving further up the coast.
As far as getting off the bike to refuel, I am with Jay and just put the sidestand down.
I have never been able to get more fuel in the bike on the centerstand. In fact it seems to be the opposite; I can squeeze more fuel into the tank on the sidestand as long as the nozzle enters the tank from the left hand side which is how it usually works out in the US. :-)
Brian
You have to remember Oregon is about the only state left that won't let us pump our own gas.
-
Since I had to lower the bike, and I did not modify the center stand , it is mostly useless. But even if it weren't, I still would not use it except on level concrete and for then only for maintenance. It is more work and it is less stable.
I just wish someone would invent a "dual kickstand" concept- a second kickstand on the RIGHT side of the bike. After placing the left kickstand, you kick/fold down the right stand and then push it down, extending it through a ratcheting clicker until it reaches the ground. You then have FOUR contacts on the ground, making it virtually impossible to accidentally topple the bike. Would be especially helpful on unusually graded surfaces. To release the right stand, you have to press something else with your foot that releases the catch and a spring retracts it, then you fold it back up.
-
Talk to MGvaleri, he's our go to guy for turning ideas into farkles.
-
Another thread illustrating and proving the mad pow-ah of KiPass.... bikes so stable we have five pages of "center stand" (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
-
Talk to MGvaleri, he's our go to guy for turning ideas into farkles.
This is the ancestor for me, but more than the current stands, in the near future the side stand will be a thing of the past.
http://youtu.be/bCJjZeOP8aw (http://youtu.be/bCJjZeOP8aw)
MGvalerio. 8)
-
I'm with the camp that only uses the centerstand for maintenance. In three years I've only had it up there maybe twenty times. And that includes the first couple times just to see if I could do it (scary!).
When gassing up, I usually don't get off the bike. I do hold it upright to try to get more gas in the gashole. After reading what others are writing, I'll have to try it with the sidestand down now to see if it makes any difference.
-
This is the ancestor for me, but more than the current stands, in the near future the side stand will be a thing of the past.
http://youtu.be/bCJjZeOP8aw (http://youtu.be/bCJjZeOP8aw)
MGvalerio. 8)
No matter how well engineered, a side stand will always offer more stability due to its wider three point stance. In the garage, when I want to work on the bike or simply sit on it for whatever reason, I will use the center stand, when parking outside it is on the side stand. There is simply no way to make a center stand more stable without making it drastically wider making it impossible to corner. Maybe an answer would be to make a center stand retract into a position that makes it tip over protection like canyon cages, or better yet outriggers for more protection on slick surfaces. ::) For me, I will take the simplicity and stability of a side stand.
-
For me, I will take the simplicity and stability of a side stand.
Right! if your C14 had a parking brake I might as well share your words.
MGvalerio. 8)
-
Right! if your C14 had a parking brake I might as well share your words.
MGvalerio. 8)
Good point! Why isn't there a parking brake type feature? Leaving it in gear helps but isn't the same thing.
-
Good point! Why isn't there a parking brake type feature? Leaving it in gear helps but isn't the same thing.
...sigh.........wait for it.....
-
...sigh.........wait for it.....
:rotflmao:
-
Right! if your C14 had a parking brake I might as well share your words.
MGvalerio. 8)
Interesting thing about that. My C14 has a manual transmission which, when in gear, makes it very difficult to roll off the stand if parked properly. In 33 years of riding on the street, I have never had a bike roll off the side stand, ever. I live in a very hilly region as well.
-
OK PH14 :)
MGvalerio. 8)
-
OK PH14 :)
MGvalerio. 8)
;D :chugbeer: Salute!