Sidestand

[dragon576]

Hi all,
I have had a couple of heart rate raising moments since Friday, which I thought was just me, but I have seen another post showing how it could have been much worse.

On Friday the bike rolled off it's sidestand just after dismounting. Luckily my leg got in the way (which has now turned a lovely shade of yellow, but at least I've stopped limping now) and prevented the bike falling over completely.

On Sunday night it happened again, but this time I was not on the bike having just parked it. 2 seconds later and I would have been in the shop paying for fuel. Luckily I caught it, without the use of my leg this time.

Now I am nervous that the sidestand is not reliable, and will be making sure that I park uphill where possible.

Anyone else notice anything similar? I had a similar experience with a TLR when it fell over while not attended. Don't want a big bill again.

[SpankMe]

Never had a problem with the sidestand on any bike I have owned, including the SV1K. I have long since gotten into the habit of pulling on the left hand-grip, after putting the sidestand down and getting off the bike, to make sure the stand is completely forward and the bike is resting on it properly. Even to the point of it scrapping along the ground a bit if the bike is parked on an awkward slope.

[Nico]

Yeh Dragon576,
Although I have not had a problem as yet I have noticed that the side stand does not lock over centre very far as compared to other bike I have owned or ridden. and so have been careful with it as Spankme has said.

Nico. :oops:

[BJAM]

I have also noticed that the side-stand does not move as far forward as you think it should be to render the bike totally safe. That said, the construction of the stand is pretty solid and, unlike Ducati's for example, does not feel like it will snap or fail. My driveway is on a steep slope making life difficult at the best of times. I have left the bike facing steeply downhill but in gear without any problems but will not make a habit of it!

On another point, the side-stand design sucks in relation to its position with the left footpeg, not being the most ergonomic or easy to use. Just a minior detail though on an otherwise excellent bike and one you soon get used to but do notice every time you use it.

[dragon576]

Have you tried it in the wet?

After 3500 miles, half of which have been wet, I still get annoyed with the proximity to the footpeg, especially in the wet when your foot just slips off.

But maybe I need a smaller shoe size :)

[BJAM]

In the wet it proves to be look down place foot, slip, stumble, slip, slip and then kick to make sure it has gone forward as much as possible because it never feels enough. Size 13 feet are not a great help especially when wrapped in boots!

[silverdreammachine]

Yup, that side stand will fold up on you in a heart beat.

This week-end I pulled off onto the shoulder of the road to wait for my riding partners, after parking the bike and checking out the scenery, the bike's side stand folded up and over she came.

Fortunatly I was "right there" to catch the beast before she could bite the dirt. She is heavy when about 1 foot off the floor.

Park on level ground and make sure that the side stand is all the way down.

Ivan

[Avianblue]

The knack with getting the side-stand down seems to be to lift the footpeg up with your toe first - but whoever designed it needs putting up against a wall! :angry:

[BJAM]

Your right about the designer - pass me the gun.

For all those near-miss people have you considered leaving your bikes in first gear, turning off the engine, letting the clutch out and rolling the bike forward until the engine compression stops the bike rolling any further forward. Then put the stand down and the bike is going nowhere. I live on a steep driveway and, in desperation, have had to do this several times. Of course the bike will not start-up again unless you either put in neutral of pop the stand up.

Just a thought to avoid a costly mistake.

[jimbo77]

Well, general consensus is the sidestand needs some improvement. I've noticed that when you put your foot down to lower the stand, you hit the "arm" coming off the side of it first, and in pushing down, you don't get a lot of leverage to swing it all the way into position. I find myself continually looking down to see if it is extended all the way; it just doesn't feel right even when it is fully extended.

And I also agree, the bike will move forward very easily when resting on the sidestand. The first time I removed the front seat, I wasn't sure which way it slid to come off. I gave it a good nudge toward the fuel tank, and the whole bike moved, nearly tipping right over then. I'm sure you all can imagine the look on my face, and the stain in my shorts at that moment. Now take my word for it, I'm no monster myself, so it wasn't sheer strength on my part. 5'9" and 168 lbs of 44 year old, fairly out of shape physique doesn't put me in any of the muscle mags....But who cares as long as I can still ride....

[pasystm]

im with bjam666. i noticed its easy to roll the bike forward with the sidestand down, i almost dropped it aswell 2nd day i had it. consequently, i always park in gear and roll bike as far forward as i can before i put on sidestand.

[flipper]

I always feel like a novice, having to look down to extend the stand and not quite getting it right first time even after 1200 miles. With any other bike I have ridden the side stand seems to fall to foot naturally no mater what the make or model..........A pisspoor design sure enough, whoever is responsible should go to the back of the class and stand in the corner.

[tojoh]

Blokes,
Try filing down the stop section on the stand which prevents it going any further forward. This wiil allow the stand to come further forward and be a little safer while parked. I haven't had a problem except for when parking with the nose down, then as allready stated, knocking it into gear as a handbrake does the job nicely.
Keep the shiny side up
Tony

[aalleoxn]

Flipper,
I agree.... and look at the actual design of it. Its ugly! Kind of looks like a bent over coat hanger welded to the side stand. I'm going to redesign that detail as soon as I get my bike. I have a friend that can weld. When I do, I'll post pics.

[tonyt]

Hi All..
I wonder if the sidestand from the the earlier sv650 will fit or the one on the TL1000, my 2p's worth !!
Tony <_<

[XS650]

At the risk of being told to reread the thousands of posts in this forum, has anyone got a recommendation for a rear-wheel stand? I've done a bit of searching for a suitable stand, and there is a seemingly limitless number of choices. What should I be looking for? Which are easiest to use? My XS650 has a trusty centerstand, making cleaning and maintenance a breeze. Why did this useful bit of motorcycle suddenly disappear? :angry: