Centre Stand Install - Hepco & Becker vs Honda

When I saw the shocking quality of the Honda centre stand, I decided to go with Hepco & Becker again. But the install wasn't as simple as I'd thought...
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Why a centre stand?
01:10 Honda Quality?!
02:20 Hepco & Becker
02:43 Installation
04:53 Worth the hassle?
05:36 Channel News

[@Kevin97587]

My OEM center stand for transalp was wobbly and didnt fit properly, after waiting 5 months honda acknowledged the problem and now removed it from my bike and they will 'decide' what to do next. So ye, honda OEM is a joke, i regret buying the honda one.. and i dont want to buy another brand now..

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Wow! I had heard about the Honda stand being wobbly, but couldn’t find any video evidence of how bad it was, so didn’t mention it in the video. Thanks for your feedback, hope you get it sorted soon👍😊

[@Kevin97587]

@@RocketMan_Moto My dealer took it off today, and now we play the waiting game again :) if anything happens within the next 6 months I will be surprised. Mine also had many rust spots and i never even used it (it was mounted but thats it) so very poor quality.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I would have thought a refund was in order, at the very least🤔

[@Kevin97587]

@@RocketMan_Moto Yup or some coupon or small gift or token or atleast the option for a refund, but nope. Gone are the days where customers matter.

[@spica2me_]

I have the OEM one and I haven't had any issues, could yours be a odd one?

[@ighost2605]

Nice job, your explanation on choosing the "right" one is much appreciated. Number 1 of all accessories. Thanks !

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Glad it was helpful!😊👍

[@kalaharimine]

A center stand used to be something taken for granted with anything out of the showroom, you removed it to fit that 4-1 Kerker or other and soon regretted the inconvenience. Feliz Natal também.👍

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Sadly they’re going the way of spare wheels on cars🙁

[@karlyallen3607]

The first batch of the unstable stands are part no. 08M70-MLC-D00, whereas the improved later version is part no. 08M70-MLC-D01 (which I have fitted with no problems). Just in case someone thinks they are getting a bargain by unwittingly buying one of the first batch numbers. I like your vids by the way!

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Thanks for the info - very useful!

[@mickleblade]

Thanks, real information that really benefits us

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found the video helpful :)

[@alb3096]

Very interesting! Merci

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Glad you liked it!

[@tomg6284]

KTM-390 A update, found a real cruse control for $460. US and it uses the 890 bar controls. Good video as always.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

😊👍

[@MotoMatini]

God Jul from Norway!

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Thank you :)

[@kpappa]

Hi mate, I have installed the same center stand by my own, and as always I'm very pleased. The trick to extend the springs is doing one per time using a metal fence wire in loop shape and using an old towel for hand protection, grap the inner spring first, attach it to the hook and then the outer spring. It only requires minor physical strength. Mind over matter. By the way, I love my Transalp 750 so much thus I have no plans to replace it in the near future. I recently uploaded a KZbin video about my bike but it is not in English language. Have a look about the extras I used on it and everything installed by my self. Greetings from Greece.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Good tip about the spring👍 I have to agree about the Transalp. I’m always talking about changing it, but I can’t really think of any genuine reason to do so🤔

[@teneretraveller8980]

Essential. With chains and tubes should be standard. As we know.. For fitting i always have the same dramas, until i found it easier to fit the spring first, then pull the whole stand back and pop the bolts in. Seems much easier with more leverage. Good to see it getting plenty of use. Boa viagems e feliz natal.👍

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Nice trick👍😊

[@mikerider58]

I think the Honda for the money is the best bike around today. There's a little trick you can use with a length of thin rope, for getting centre stand springs on. You simply attach the rope/pull cord to the spring and tie it to the rear wheel 🛞 then use the rear wheel to pull the spring. Laws of leverage, simple.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Nice tip😊👍 I agree, the Transalp is a great bike

[@ruilosa1103]

As always, como sempre, excellent job. I must confess, your voice deserves NG (National geographic). For my own experience, my KTM 1290 s.adv s, broke the center stand as i was lifting the bike to fill her up, what felt eternity as we fell, was a mere second, as i lifted her back to life. But i was " envergonhado"....just wanted to hide away...haha

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Oh no, did KTM accept responsibility?

[@ruilosa1103]

@@RocketMan_Moto , nope, nor did the dealer, since the bike was already over 2 years old. Since then, every time i do it, lift the bike on her central stand, fear...fear...haha

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Very poor customer care🙁

[@warrenr4]

At the risk of pissing you off and getting a sarcastic reply > Should have bought the bike with a centre stand in the first place, would have saved a lot of pissing around and if you were so upset with the potential rust spots, you could have used the rust inhibitor and touch up paint you used on your aftermarket one. Personally I don’t spend a lot of time on my hands and knees looking at my centre stand. Thanks for the vid. Still got a thumbs up. Vegetable rights and peace 🙂✌🏻

[@RocketMan_Moto]

That’s kind of an odd criterion for choosing a new bike, though. Hardly any come with a centre stand these days

[@gzk6nk]

A tip for getting that stand spring(s) on. I first came across this on a Honda Innova, and later when I fitted an SW Motec stand to my R9T. What you do is use a length of strong string looped around your waist, and attached to the 'T' handle of the spring puller. Then all you have to do is lean backwards, using your body weight to stretch the spring, and slip it over the detent on the stand - job done in seconds with no effort and no paint scratching.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Nice tip. Thanks!👍😊

[@colesthelol]

Nice vid. Thanks! I ser you've added some extra cushion on the seat. Do you find the stock seat a bit hard or what?

[@RocketMan_Moto]

The stock seat is comfortable enough. The cushion is more for the extra height/legroom it provides😊

[@markellott5620]

I fitted the centre stand to my Enfield Scram. It took two of us to get the springs on with much blue language and a ratchet belt wrapped around the rear wheel. I'd always have a centre stand rather than have to faff with paddock stands. But I don't think I'll want to fit one myself again.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I can well believe it. They should really be standard on all bikes, but they seem to be going the way of car spare wheels🤔

[@davidz8]

Can I put in a word for a Tenere World Raid as a replacement bike, I ordered a Transalp when they were first announced but was disappointed with the specs when more detail was released, I ended up buying a Yamaha Tenere World Raid instead and it has been fantastic, on paper it is down on power, no fancy rider modes etc etc, but in reality it has so much torque, and the lack of electronics is a plus for me. If you can have a look you might be surprised. Merry Christmas from a wet and cold Midlands....

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I have ridden the Tenere several times, but it’s too off-road focused for the kind of riding I do, hence my choice of the Transalp😊 It’s actually been cloudy and wet here this week… and only 15 max, which is very chilly for us!

[@BodybuildingSteve]

I really hope they release a version without tubed tyres

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Transalp 2.0 in 2025?

[@kevinroberts2395]

Tiger 900 is definitely on my radar. The GT Pro for me as it's not likely to see much dirt. I will watch with interest on your next purchase.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Good choice! At least I hope so... we'll see in April, but the extra hp and redesigned hot air ducts should make it a winner. The press launch is happening just down the road from me in Seville right now :)

[@Oscar240z]

How much of a faff is it to adjust rear preload? Is it knuckle-skinning? I regularly take a pillion so not sure if I should consider this bike. Love your content - keep it up!

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Thanks! Yes, I’m afraid to say that accessing the adjuster with a C spanner is a real pain😩

[@ccal43]

Another vote for the Stelvio. Why? I think I want one, but would love your take, even if just a test ride. You live in a beautiful part of the world by the way. My wife and I visited Lagos a few months ago, and didn't want to go home. Cheers from Amelia Island, FL, U.S.A.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Yes, the Stelvio does look tasty. Not a massive fan of the colours they went with, however. Glad you enjoyed the Algarve. Ironically, Mrs RM is desperate to take me to the Florida Keys🥰

[@N269]

1st mod on any motorcycle if it doesn't have one. It's a portable paddock stand. You can do virtually any motorcycle maintenance: front or rear, and possibly both at same time (get the balance right). Some bikes can't fit one due to exhaust interference though. That being said: Back in May 2023, I ordered a H&B center stand for my CB600F-5. Great finish ondeed but what a load.... way out of alignment. Would not fit properly. Sent it back. Refund. Bought a Zieger center stand (SW-Motech design) and this was from Ibex. Great stand. Fits like a glove and was 1/2 the price of the H&B!!. Forget H&B (certainly for the CB600F (2003-2006).

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Surprising to hear H&B got it so wrong. I've always been very satisfied with their products, but thanks for the heads-up :)

[@johntapley2549]

I've not had any problems with my OEM stand....yet. As for the rust spots, they could actually be braised welds. I had these gold coloured marks all over the subframe of my VFR and initially thought that they were rust too. My main beef with with the Honda stand is its operation. The foot pedal is long and is too close to the pillion footpegs also there's no grab handle under the side panels so you have to use the pillion handles which are too high and too far back. I recently had my first puncture and the stand made life so much easier.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I agree that a centre stand handle of some sort would help

[@alexmorgan3435]

Your videos are always a good watch. Honda finish on their centre stand offering is truly dreadful. No wonder you bought an aftermarket one. I went into my local Honda dealer last week whilst waiting for my car to be MOT'd nearby. After some time looking at the Transalp and the AT a young sales guy did eventually approach me asking if I wanted to buy one. Whoa ....... steady! I haven't even sat on one let alone ridden one. So he rather reluctantly pulled a Transalp out for me to climb aboard. It felt good although the handle bars felt a little close. I'm only short at 5'7" so I don't know how you manage RM at 6 foot plus. After some small talk I asked about luggage for it and he then spent the best part of 20-30 minutes tapping away on his keyboard trying to find out what was available and how much. What he came up with were fairly mundane looking hard plastic panniers and top box neither of which looked they would hold very much let alone a helmet. The price inc VAT was a ridiculous £1,900!!!!!! Honda are taking the piss. So I told him I wouldn't want the luggage probably go aftermarket and soft luggage lots of options. He didn't try particularly hard to sell me the bike nor give me the impression he wanted the sale. So I thanked him and left. Have you thought about or tried the Aprilia Tuareg 660? I sat on one a few months ago and it felt very good, more comfortable and more space than the Transalp. The spec is better as well. AndyManCam has recently got one as well and seems to like it. Just a thought. ATB.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I would strongly advise against the Honda panniers: I've seen several people who bought them with the bike complain about how flimsy they are. The Dusc boxes from SW Motech that I went with are very sturdy and 'only' about £600. Plus, when you get a new bike, you just have to buy new carriers.

[@johntapley2549]

I mentioned in my previous comment that a center stand was a godsend during a recent puncture. I'd like to warn owners that the rear wheel nut size is 27mm and of course I didn't have a socket that size, and I have quite a collection. So buy one now before you need it.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Good tip, thanks!

[@bikefreak5787]

First pardon my English. I once had a struggle with the spring after painting my center stand. (Before painting it I putted the stand in the oven for warming it up - you should have seen my wife 😮) Well, I took a screwdriver to open the spring and then put a washer between every opening to make a gab. Now it was a piece of cake putting the spring on. How did I get the washers out again? Just pulled the stand dawn and off they went 🙂 🇩🇰🇩🇰

[@RocketMan_Moto]

That’s a excellent idea… and your English is excellent👍😊

[@Luk4s7St]

I was waiting a couple of months for OEM center stand from Honda after bike pick up. Once it came it was a massive disappointment. I know nothing about welding but I’m sure my product would be a lot better quality. Welds were rusty right after I opened the box. A complete disaster. I mounted it (BTW. I tensioned springs using zip ties - easy and fast method!) but see know I should have send it back to dealer for money refund. Now is too late as with me some time but I’m sure I will get it sanded and repainted sooner than later.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Oh dear, that’s very poor. Clearly Honda has issues with certain suppliers. Good tip re. cable ties👍😊

[@alanjones8810]

Centre standards are essential. Just like wheels, engine, handlebars.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Agreed :)

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I absolutely hate pulling centerstand or sidestand springs. Scrapes and some pinching seems to occur more often than not and probably is the reason I'm delaying putting on a centerstand on my 2024 Kawasaki Z900RS SE.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Yes, not a pleasant job. Somebody suggested cable ties, which sounds like an obvious solution (which I didn't think of!)

[@Greggspies]

I had same spring anxiety it was a mare to fit

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Not something I’d like to be doing on a regular basis😬

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

there will also be the 900 gs, and a update to the 900 xr. So I am personally waiting until I can ride those before i start making a decision on my next bike in 2024

[@RocketMan_Moto]

As you may know, I was disappointed with my 900XR, so unless there's a radical overhaul (ie. new engine), I don't think I'll be interested. The new S1000XR looks more up my street, but it is a lot more expensive.

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

@@RocketMan_Moto I rode the 1000xr, and 900xr a few weeks ago. If they sort out the gear box on the 900, then it could be a winner. The 1000xr just isn’t the bike it should be in my opinion. Basically it’s just too big and has way more power than you would ever use. Having seen your bikes, I already know the 1000 is not for you (2024 is a very minor update on the 1000xr. New colour and some body changes I believe) I may be wrong. But I think that the 900 xr will go together with all the work that has gone into the new 900gs, meaning it could be a good step up. We will have to see..

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Interesting. I’d still like to try the S1000, but I’ve heard it’s vibey and I don’t like that

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

@@RocketMan_Moto to be honest, I don’t think it will be the vibes that put you off, more the price and the excess bike that you don’t need. That bike is a weapon, way more sport than tourer… and again, I just don’t think that is your type of bike. We will see 👍

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

H&B stuff is all real quality. The panniers are superb, the rear racks, everything. Well fitted. Nick

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Yes, exceptionally nice stuff. On a par with SW Motech.

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

I added 3kg to my bike, it just gave me insensitive to lose 3 kg's from my own weight. Ended up losing 6kg, -3kg winner 😊 lifes much easier with a centre stand 👍

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Lol, I thought that as I was fitting the stand: "I need to lose 3kg to compensate" :)

[@marioruinogueira4946]

Hi. Can you provid a link to that attachment point that you've fitted on the windscreen? Thank you

[@RocketMan_Moto]

They’re available on AliExpress. Bought mine 6 months ago, so the link is dead now.

[@marioruinogueira4946]

ok, thank you! @@RocketMan_Moto

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Hope you find what you're looking for. The one I received was fine, but I've heard the quality can vary... :(

[@sergiomarcal3001]

Boas festas

[@RocketMan_Moto]

You too😊👍

[@n22pdf]

Hope you like the stelvio as moto Guzzis are wonderful bikes to own 😊 Pete ❤

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Tbh, I’ve never ridden one, but I’ve heard lots of good feedback👍

[@markellott5620]

If the Stelvio is as good as the Mandello, it'll be a lovely beast. Not for me, though as big ADVs aren't my thing. The Enfield Himalayan being more suited for me when off road.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I like the look of the Himalayan, but I need more than 40hp for the motorway ride home after the off-road fun. I’ll still be testing one, but not before March, according to my RE dealer🙁

[@markellott5620]

@RocketMan_Moto this will be for local trails. Bikes like the Stelvio and GS are too heavy for me to take off road.

[@robertorochamartinsrocha7041]

@@RocketMan_Moto the guzzi is more a road bike then an off road bike 😉

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Agreed, but so is the Transalp. Suits my riding style :)

[@user-ix8lk2fq3y]

Hello ! Yesterday I installed mine center stand from HEPCO&BECKER and I was very surprised - lifting the bike is impossible for a single person/ 170 cm, 72 kg., 4 degree preload on the rear suspension, without luggage/ ! Please, if you can to make a video of how you lift the bike, I would be very grateful! Thank you in advance !

[@RocketMan_Moto]

It does require some force, but it gets easier with the right technique and a bit of practice😊 Remember to put the bike in neutral to allow the rear wheel to roll backwards👍

[@user-ix8lk2fq3y]

@@RocketMan_Moto , i know this things - this is not my first bike. I have 12 years experience and believe i have the right technique, but it looks like you must to lift almost all the weight of the bike in the first moment, because of the small angle between the floor and the leg. I tried on flat concrete floor and the legs of the stand just slip ... !

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I lift the bike as I step on the centre stand

[@trailrider1980]

The hepco is certainly better in this case but honestly if you go off road often the debri, rocks and dust will remove alot of the paint of the center stand. I have one on my vstrom 800 de and the center bar of the center stand has lost the paint right on the middle. However, the welds are perfect. Shame on honda.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Honda should be ashamed of

[@Grahamvfr]

Ooh yes centre stand springs.... Never mind the Bullworker of 70s fame, these things build muscles, or rip off skin, knuckles etc.. And one always ends up using that battered old screwdriver, you now thankful you didn't throw away. Centre stand omissions to me are unforgivable.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Agreed, should be on all bikes really, but just like spare wheels on cars, they’re becoming a thing of the past🙁

[@robertorochamartinsrocha7041]

I just hear good things about the tiger 800 🤔🤔🤔... even if I m thinking about a maxyscooter I will test ride the 1300 gs , 20k (€) spocke wheels and center stand (only 😅) ... Receve a call from a lady of bmw ☺. I lost my admiration for the transalp and for the "POWER OF DREAMS" ... the problem is that my heart is on the gs even if is not rational dicision ☺.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

The GS is a fine motorcycle if you’re prepared to spend that kind of money👍

[@robertorochamartinsrocha7041]

@@RocketMan_Moto its a big problem 🙂 20k (😃) i saw the africa twin dct (21fr) 16k 😃... i sit on the suzuki dr 800, its a completly new bike... was astonished ... well engeneer, and is not a small vstorm 1000... and there is the "de" now 👍👍👍 I always admired the mecanics on the suzuki bikes (Kickshifter is top for what the majority is saying) The tiger is top and for 13k is a top machine (if honda could learn sonething with triumph 😂) , but i dont like the front faring, as also for the tenere 700 and the 660 tuareg, personal crazy tastes 😑🤐.

[@robertorochamartinsrocha7041]

@@RocketMan_Moto You can not make a review about the suzuki v-storm 800 DE?

[@RocketMan_Moto]

The new (2024) Tiger 900 looks good. On my shortlist...

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I already have, lol: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joLLeGSLe5ybjK8

[@MaverickAus]

Ha ha ha. That's why I bought the F750GS. It was AUD $2,000 more than the Honda but comes with everything I wanted. The Honda comes with nothing and would have cost another $5,000.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Sounds as though you made the right choice for you👍

[@averagebiker]

Out of interest, what don't you like about the GX?

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I need to try it myself, but it seems very expensive for what it offers, and there are annoyances like the non-adjustable screen and linear (euphemism for boring??) power delivery… I’ll see when I get to ride it😊

[@BlueAlgon]

Ah, so your bike is neither left leaning nor right leaning, but center non-leaning. Like a good politician. And I can see you now sport a seating pad...the seat is a little bit firm, eh?

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Tbh, I ride with and without the cushion. It gives me 2-3cm more legroom but I find the standard seat ok for comfort

[@raymorris952]

OE main stands on Japanese bikes are made of pig iron ,and welded by chimpanzees 😂

[@RocketMan_Moto]

That’s certainly what it looks like🤔

[@creedm3040]

Chimps are actually very good welders! They do all the high end bikes. @@RocketMan_Moto 😉 Best!

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Lol :)