Watch This Before Using a Motorcycle Center Stand

[@oldnesss]

Great video!! It is true once you practice and understand how it works it's super simple. Center stands are a must for any bike!

[@ScramblerStories]

Thank you! It's definitely been helpful for me for a variety of reasons.

[@louisjones2653]

Now that’s a clean chain!

[@ScramblerStories]

It looks nice when it's clean!

[@TheMindsEye-RC]

I have to say, you both make it look easy! I have tried about 20 times now and the bike just skids on the centre stand feet and won't go up on it. I'm exhausted from trying every foot and body angle and grip.

[@ScramblerStories]

What kind of bike are you trying it on? Some bikes have weird quirks, and you have to find what works best for that bike. Caitlyn's Honda Rebel is pretty difficult because the center stand lifts the rear tire so high off the ground.

[@TheMindsEye-RC]

@@ScramblerStories I have a 2022 Bonneville T120. I kept watching your video, and I've been able to put it up twice now, still with a little difficulty, but I think I'm still off a little bit on my technique. Thank you so much for your reply, and safe riding to you both.

[@andyMSH700]

I always put it into gear and have the clutch pulled,,,,that was if i need to brake in a hurry i just let release the clutch and it works great....reaching over for the front brake means you need to adjust your balance and that can all go wrong. Very good demo effort and nice couple enjoying motorbiking life...great to see a lady being able to put a bike on a centre stand (or should I even comment on that these days :).

[@ScramblerStories]

That's a great tip with the clutch!

[@josephlarmor550]

Agree completely, I just reiterated this in a comment. In fact, I never move my bike around other than in first gear with the clutch in, right hand on rear grab rail. NEVER with both hands on the bars. Having the option to use the clutch as a brake gives a great feeling of security: the bike will never roll away.

[@harleyman2233]

Great advice, I recently tore my rotator cuff by doing it wrong, being impatient and trying to muscle the bike up. Big tough lesson learned. I was doing this on my tiger 900 for the 5th or sixth time. I didn't stick with technique.

[@ScramblerStories]

I've heard the Tigers can be a bit tricky, but I haven't gotten to try myself. Hurting your rotator cuff is rough, hope it gets sorted.

[@gcprost]

I’ve had center stands on a number of bikes but recently I removed one from my bike, because it required two people to employ it. Although I had larger and heavier bikes with center stands, this center stand was in some way so poorly designed that it wasn’t practical. On this bike I currently use a trail stand to lubricate my chain.

[@ScramblerStories]

Caitlyn's Rebel is kind of like that. Not a problem to put it on the center stand, but it lifts the bike up a lot higher than it needs to. Makes it more difficult than it needs to be.

[@daveco1270]

On a properly balanced bike it's easy but some bikes have been modified in such a way that it makes them really hard to get onto the center stand. If shorter shocks or lowering blocks have been put on the bike, that can throw off the geometry and make it harder. I had a 1970's Honda CB750 that had lowering blocks on it when I first bought it. Getting it onto the center stand was a chore. I had to roll it backwards onto a piece of wood to get the back end up a little bit in order to pop it onto the center stand. After removing the lowering blocks it got easier. Still not as easy as some other bikes I've owned.

[@ScramblerStories]

Very true!

[@richardahola692]

That looked easy. It does vary a lot from bike to bike. My old Gold Wing (1980) was almost impossible to get up on the center stand. I read that it is much easier if you park it with the back wheel on a 2x6. That worked. Then I replaced the sagging springs with heavy duty Progressives. No more problems

[@ScramblerStories]

Interesting. I'm sure how much a Gold Wing from the 80s weigh, but those are certainly heavy bikes!

[@richardahola692]

@@ScramblerStories The 1100 wing was heavy. Dry weight for a naked wing was 600 lb. I had fairing and bags. I'm up to a 1200 wing now. Even heavier. My riding buddy is looking at new Triumphs. The Tiger 850 is looking good. I suggested looking at the scramblers also. I want to ride them. You have proven that the scrambler is a good do everything bike

[@duncanjowett5575]

👍I have an 84 Wing. It came with my first ever centrestand. Getting it up? Super simple straight away. Getting it down again while on the bike? Whole different story

[@josephlarmor550]

Thank you, this is the best explanation I’ve seen! Can I just make a few comments? #1 When moving my bike or putting it on the centre stand, I always have it in first gear with the side stand down. So if I have a problem, or the bike tries to roll away, I can pull the bike towards me onto the side stand whilst letting out the clutch to stop it moving. The clutch effectively acts like a brake. #2 You maybe need to stress that the left hand on the bar/clutch makes no contribution to pulling the bike back onto the centre stand. I did get the impression that Caitlin was maybe pulling with her left hand, which resulted in dangerous turning of the handlebars. They should always be straight. #3 It’s good to stand really close to the bike, maybe pressing against the tank/saddle. Gives a much better feel for the balance of the bike, and ensures a downward vertical pressure on the lever of the centre stand. Thanks again from Ireland!

[@ScramblerStories]

Thank you! Yeah I wish we did an updated video on this before we started traveling full-time, so we could show it on three different bikes. Both my Scrambler 1200 and her Rebel 500 are a bit more difficult than the bike in this video, mainly because the center stands on those bikes lift them so high of the ground.

[@chuckpietrzak4841]

Great video. I need more practice after winter break.

[@ScramblerStories]

Thank you. The more you do it the easier it gets.

[@iandaly8786]

When you stand on the Centre Stand Foot Plate your weight does help as the Foot Plate has a lever which multiplies your weight. Use this formula to calculate. The moment action on both sides of the lever is equal and can be expressed as Fe de = Fl dl (1) where Fe = effort force (N, lb) Fl = load force (N, lb) (note that weight is a force) dl = distance from load force to fulcrum (m, ft) de = distance from effort force to fulcrum (m, ft)

[@ScramblerStories]

Thanks for the science behind it!

[@iandaly8786]

@@ScramblerStories It was my pleasure. Being an engineer gives me the knowledge to know how any system works.

[@elsullo2]

I had a Honda Pacific Coast PC800 that weighed 630 pounds. The centerstand had a curved "ankle" on its foot so just standing on the pedal lifted the bike back easily with hardly any lifting! I could do it in rubber flip-flops.............................elsullo

[@iandaly8786]

Yes, that is the way of it, with technique not brute force.

[@kennethcooley3445]

Caitlin is cute, Let her do all your videos. Great personality and photogenic. Almost looked like she was teaching dance moves with the weight transfer.

[@ScramblerStories]

That's a good idea. She's actually going to be starting her own channel soon, plus when I catch up on my travel videos, it's finally her and I on our own bikes. Keep an eye out!

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

The technique I found that works best for me is to hold the clutch in, put all my weight on the center stand, and pull up hard on the rear. Pulling the rear up uncompresses the suspension which allows the stand to roll easier.

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

My Triumph is ~550 pound will all my accessories and permanent emergency gear I keep on it.

[@ScramblerStories]

Awesome!

[@elsullo2]

Very useful video! An old trick to keep that strong centerstand spring extended when you want to move it or remove it: bind a bunch of pennies between the stretched coils of the spring when you remove the tension, and the spring stays extended............................elsullo

[@ScramblerStories]

That's a great idea!

[@rtroiani]

Well done! Thanks!

[@cammackey]

Dat video quality tho 👌🏽 and bro does that windscreen do much?? Been debating on getting one for the highway

[@ScramblerStories]

That's kind of you. If I can get close to your quality one day I'll be happy. The wind screen is subtle but it helps. It lessens the wind blast on the chest, which on a short ride isn't a huge difference. A full day a riding on the highway however, it helps. I might take it off since the 1200 will be my travel bike now, but last time I did that I ended up putting it back on pretty much right away, ha. It's probably most noticeable when you've had it on and take it away.

[@phillipbooth7879]

Use a rubber hammer/mallet to get rid of the dent in your front tire

[@ScramblerStories]

Yeah I'll probably try that soon. I was holding off since there is a chance you'll crack the rim. Now that I have the second bike, I can have the downtime if that doesn't go well.

[@gsabella4]

ya'll make it look like a breeze. I just got a dr650 with a center stand and clearly was NOT using the right technique and could not for the life of me get it up on stand. will try out these tips shortly.

[@ScramblerStories]

Hope you figure it out. Some bikes can definitely be quirky. Caitlyn has since gotten a Honda Rebel 500, and it's pretty difficult to put it on the center stand because it lifts the rear tire so high off the ground.

[@danield831]

Thanks for a helpful, practical and instructional video. I've had many bikes in my life but never one with a center stand......until now!! I currently own a Triumph Bonneville T120. Frankly, I was avoiding putting it on the center stand because I was intimidated by never having done it. I was under the false assumption that I would need to lift up hard and jerk it back. Thankfully I did do that because I watched this video!! lol I do have one important maintenance question though. I always hear of people talk about using the center stand for chain lube/adjustment etc. But what about changing the oil? Can you please tell me if there is enough ground clearance to change the oil when using the center stand? I plan to practice getting the bike on the stand tomorrow....

[@ScramblerStories]

On my Street Scrambler it's not a problem. In fact, it's one of the reasons I got the center stand. Chain maintenance, having to take the rear off, changing the oil, you name it! Glad the video was helpful.

[@duncanjowett5575]

DAMMIT!! I was hoping this would be the Holy Grail - info that works on how to get it OFF the centrestand... Back in 2020, when the world finally went totally bat sh1t crazy I decided to head back to my safe place - the 1980's. So I bought myself a 1984 Full Dress Goldwing. I'd never had a centrestand before. I found getting it up totally easy & natural (Fnarr). But getting it DOWN again, while on the bike??? 3 years on once in a while I get it done, usually I have to stand beside the bloody great big thing. It's not strength - the bloke I bought it off did it without trying - and he was a foot shorter than me, a decade older & wearing carpet slippers!! It's technique. But can I get it sorted? No, I cannot. (Great vid BTW but if I could suggest something you missed? Handlebars - make sure they're pointed straight ahead going up. When coming down, with you beside the bike and sidestand down, have them slightly to the right - if it gets away from you it'll fall to the left - onto the sidestand)

[@ScramblerStories]

I just push the bike forward to get it off the center stand. I almost never mount it while on the center stand. Cause then it's much more difficult and requires you to rock it until you have enough momentum to get it forward enough to come off the center stand.

[@marekryszard]

Just yesterday I installed a centre stand on my 2022 Bonneville T120. There's definitely a technique requiring balance to put the bike on the stand. At my first attempt, and not having yours or any other video tutorial to guide me, I dropped the bike for the first time EVER (sad face). Breaking the brake lever and dropping the bike on my foot !! Fortunately I was wearing boots and all I have is a sore foot. I'm sixty-one years old, 6'3" 220 lbs. This is my first motorcycle in thirty years. I don't recall it being so challenging as when I was younger. However this bike is prolly considerably heavier at about 500lbs. I will need to practice your tecnique. Thank you so much, from San Diego, Califormia.

[@ScramblerStories]

Practice makes perfect! Enjoy that T120!!

[@qgecko]

I’m curious about your feelings about having a center stand. Just got a Street Scrambler and wondering if I should add one.

[@ScramblerStories]

It's been huge for me, but mainly cause of traveling and having to fix a flat tire in the desert. If you stuck to riding around town, you could get away without it. You could always opt for a rear wheel stand to keep in the garage, but the center stand is by far the easiest thing to get the rear up, if you don't mind the look of it on the bike.

[@drjaideepdentist]

Thanks.just boight a royal enfiled 650 meteor

[@ScramblerStories]

Awesome, congratulations!

[@ascensionathletics7624]

Great video. What's the intro song haha?

[@sydinthe40s]

Those boots are badass! What brand/model are they?

[@ScramblerStories]

StylMartin Rocket - en.stylmartin.it/shoes-boots-moto/products/rocket-brown.html I bought mine from Revzilla.

[@thetimetraveller7051]

There is a saying, "All you need is a fulcrum, lever and a pulley to move the universe"

[@ScramblerStories]

🤣 Haha

[@jameslittler4151]

Good stuff. Did you not trust Caitlin (spelling?) doing the demo with the XE!

[@ScramblerStories]

Well I don't have a center stand for the XE. Plus it's been out getting it's tank painted, so I haven't had for like three weeks now. Dying to get it back.

[@jameslittler4151]

@@ScramblerStories Nice! Looking forward to seeing that, though I’ll be watching from behind a cushion when you first take it off-road.

[@briarfox637]

Just ordered a center stand for my T100. Does it eliminate the side stand? Or will that stay on for quick parking in lots and stuff?

[@ScramblerStories]

It doesn't eliminate the side stand. It's always easiest to get off the bike and put it on the side stand before you put it on the center stand. Also what if you're parking on uneven ground, etc. In my usage, I don't use the center stand all the time. For cleaning/lubing the chain, taking off the rear wheel, and the occasional time I want the bike perfectly straight, like on a bike night to show off. The rest of the time I just put it on the side stand. Now you could technically remove the side stand, but you'd have to disable the side stand safety switch, and then every time you hop off the bike you'd have to do so holding it up, and then put it on the center stand. Much easier to keep the side stand, which doesn't weigh much anyway.

[@briarfox637]

@@ScramblerStories Oh I totally wanted to keep the side stand. Center stand is perfect for maintenance, I was concerned it eliminated the side stand to install it. I've never had a bike with a center stand so I didn't know.

[@ScramblerStories]

@@briarfox637 Oh ok, no you'll be good!

[@DrDeathEMS]

Hey there, I have the same 2017 street scrambler but in red. I have 24000kms on it so far which is nothing compared to your bike. My scrambler is back at the dealership now because it's not downshifting. Have you encountered this? Looking at the triumph forums it appears like it is an unfortunately common issue. If you experienced this can you touch on this?

[@ScramblerStories]

Unfortunately for you but fortunate for me, I've never had any issues with the transmission. I haven't even needed to replace the clutch yet. Have you dropped the bike on the gear shifter? The only issue I've seen that is common, is breaking an internal part if dropped on the gear shifter side. I have the folding lever from the Scrambler 1200 so no issues if I drop/crash it on that side.

[@DrDeathEMS]

Thanks for the reply, no I have not dropped it yet. I have noticed for a little while downshifting "felt" a little more clunky for a few months and suddenly started to miss when I would downshift. Cross your fingers for me, it's in the shop now and out of warranty period

[@ScramblerStories]

@@DrDeathEMS Oy, hoping the best for you!

[@geraldkeller2937]

Nice video on a subject that needs some explanation! Not all that obvious unless you use the techniques taught here.

[@ScramblerStories]

Thank you.

[@johnmetcalfe2866]

With a center stand, do you see any reason to have paddock stands for maintenance? Or have you found that you're able to do everything for general maintenance on just the stand?

[@ScramblerStories]

I have never found a need for a paddock stand since I've always had a center stand on it. If I didn't travel, I might use one instead of the center stand. But for traveling, the center stand is a must!

[@elsullo2]

I often used a small hydraulic bottle-jack under the engine as a third leg of the tripod. It could securely hold both rear and front wheels off of the ground. Only on flat ground of course. This was also very handy raising it all a bit when it got dumped over avoiding collisions with idiot car drivers........................elsullo

[@DesmoDreams]

Yeah video guys. You seem like a really sweet couple.

[@justforhelpstudios593]

Wach mi chanal even a kid get motivated to put center stand I put center stand for heavy bike without putting my both leg in ground No lies 100% truth

[@x-man5056]

Chris, I gotta know the source of your rack on the back. Exactly what I'm looking for.

[@ScramblerStories]

In case you didn't see the other comment. I mention it in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXuWgGWopp6YnrM It's from Triumph, not sure how hard it is to get right now. Part number: A9758304

[@motocephalic]

where did you buy your center stand?

[@ScramblerStories]

It's the Triumph one for the Street Scrambler, so I had ordered it from a dealer. I think the part number is A9778045. There's a bunch of third party options now, but I don't have experience with them. The OEM stand was the only thing you could get when the SS first came out.

[@motocephalic]

@@ScramblerStories bought a sandstorm edition, man I LOVE it, light agile, powerful enough to leave a smile.

[@ScramblerStories]

@@motocephalic Oh nice! That's a good looking color scheme!

[@ginoasci2876]

what’s with the music

[@ScramblerStories]

Music is good for the soul.