Triumphrat

swebb · 12-13-2006

New (to me) Bonneville owner question: Does anyone use a swing arm stand for Bonneville maintenance?

Was wondering if the low slung stock exhaust on my 2002 will allow use of a stand. Most of the stands I've seen online seem to be sport bike oriented.

If yes, do you have any make or model recommendations.

Thanks

raproe · 12-13-2006

When I got my T100, I went down the road you are trying to go. Things may have changed in 2 years, but when I tried to get a swing arm stand, the exhaust ruled it out.

I solved the problem by making a stand that picks up the center stand bolt holes instead of the swing arm. If you want to try that, there is a PDF file with plans here.

listo · 12-13-2006

I use a standard Pit Bull swingarm stand on my brothers Thruxton. I place it right behind the brake caliper near the chain adjusters. Not sure if it would fit a standard Bonnie exhaust but it clears the Thruxton without issues.

FattRat · 12-13-2006

I can get the bike up in seconds..... to eye level..... for a mere $60.00

swebb · 12-13-2006

Fattrat - Got a few questions for you.

Where did you get the lift?

Are any modifications needed to use it under your bike?

Are the boards you placed under the wheels necessary to lift the bike or are they to protect the floor?

How's stabliity once the bike is up in the air?

Thanks

FattRat · 12-13-2006

Where did you get the lift?
*I got mine on sale at a Harbor Freight, but I understand that it's one in the same as that sold at Sears.

Are any modifications needed to use it under your bike?
*None, absolutely none.

Are the boards you placed under the wheels necessary to lift the bike or are they to protect the floor?
*It was in my house while I was building it, so I stuck the boards under it in the event I wanted to move it a bit.... I didn't though.

How's stabliity once the bike is up in the air?
*Unbelievably stable. I've actually crawled on top of the bike to adjust things..... and I ain't no lite-weight.....

sweatmachine · 12-13-2006

Pat, you forgot the best part!!!

that jack costs less than a C-note.

I think mine was 89 bucks at Sears.

swebb · 12-13-2006

Thanks Pat

Fortunately, there's a Harbor Freight near where I live.

Greatly appreciate the feed-back and assistance.

swebb · 12-13-2006

Forgot to thank all of you who replied.

This forum has been pretty helpful and I've only had the bike for 10 days or so.

Thanks again.

Steve

ohiorider · 12-14-2006

Here's my advice.... not sure I'm answering the question! If you're buying a new bike, have the dealer install the Triumph center stand, and finance it with the rest of the bike. You'll probably like it, unless you're one who takes the Bonneville to extreme lean angles. Then, you may not like the stand. However, keep in mind that extreme lean angles do not a fast rider make..... but it does wear holes in your TORs. So, up to you.

At that point, if you don't like the center stand, take it off and put it up for sale at 50-60% of what you paid for it. Someone who is contented to move more slowly through the really tight turns will buy it. You've made more costly mistakes.

I have found I can use the center stand as a fulcrum point, when combined with a scissors-jack .... making it extremely easy to align either front or rear axle mount holes when replacing wheels.

Bob

[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2006-12-13 23:16 ]