/5 centerstand questions

[Unclviny]

I have been working in my 1973 R75/5 on the centerstand for the last couple of days and it makes me "nervous" as the bike seems "tippy". I have owned many other bikes and they seemed a lot more stable on the centerstand.

As I understand it there is/was a guy in Kentucky that modified centerstands so that they had a wider "footprint" and there was a genuine-pad to put your foot on (he added 2 "J" hooks that sat outside of the mufflers), this seems like a good-thing. Does anybody know who this guy is?

I'm not too sure about the Reynolds R-O stands as they do not seem to lift the bike high enough.

Vince
(tippy and nervous in Texas)

[Kurt in S.A.]

Centerstands are like oil and tire threads. People seem to love them or hate them. Personnally, I think the stock stand is unstable. Weight is on three points, mostly the two stand points. On soft ground, they might dig into the ground.

I changed mine to a Reynolds RO, but I don't typically use the ride-off function. To me, they're the most stable...weight is on four points, shared somewhat by all points. Obviously, if you park over soft ground and/or it's not level, the centerstand points won't support the bike very much.

Metric tires don't help either because they're radius is less than stock inch-size tires. So, more weight has to be raised to get on the centerstand.

I also feel that more work is needed to get up on the stock stand...you have to lift it up all the way. The Reynolds doesn't require that much lift.

I like the Reynolds...wouldn't go back.

Kurt in S.A.

[Ken in Oklahoma]

Over the years I've perused several airhead motorcycle test reports. As I recall the centerstand was a common complaint. The most common complaint was their 'tippiness', especially when loaded up. One such test even reported that their test bike blew over from the wind.

Personally I've never had any real problems with the centerstands. Of course I never use it on anything resembling warm asphalt or a gravel surface.

I can't visualize what the "J" hook modification might be. But the airhead center stands are eminently modifiable given their mild steel construction. Most any shade tree welder who can braze or weld thin walled tubing can do the job. I have welded on some new "drop tangs" for those lost to previous owners who thought the tang was intended to be stood on as the motorcycle were lifted onto the stand. I reckon that anything that can widen the stance while still clearing the exhaust pipes, or that can increase the "footprint" area would be a help.

Though I don't see it as a tippiness issue, many if not most centerstands also need some refurbishing of their pivot points.

Not much help, I know, but it's all I've got.


Ken

[George Ryals]

My R90S had this modified centerstand when I aquired it. I'm guessing the two side extensions are the "J" hook s referred to. It is very stable on the centerstand. The "j" hooks and original legs straddle the exhaust nicely.

[wirewrkr]

I was just getting ready to post one of those for sale on IBMWR.
Anyone remember the brand name?

[Unclviny]

George,
That sure looks like what I had envisioned, that has a very wide stance and I'll bet it's all kinds of stable.

Wirewrkr,
What bike did it come off of? I am VERY interested in it! (unclviny@hotmail.com)

Vince