Triumphrat

lindsayt · 04-30-2007, 10:10 PM

So, I just got and installed my center stand. That spring is the biggest PITA that I've ever dealt with on a bike. After about a half hour of trying, it occurred to me that if I took the sprocket cover off, it would be much easier; without the sprocket cover, I got it on the second try. The instructions should REALLY say to remove the sprocket cover.

Anyway, the center stand is great! Never having had a chain-drive bike before, I realized at my first chain lube that I wanted the center stand; but I didn't realize how much easier it is to get to EVERYTHING on the bike - on both sides - with the center stand in place. You really can't even clean a bike very well on its sidestand. It's nuts that they charge us $200 extra for a center stand when it really ought to be standard equipment.

I was shocked at how hard it is to get the bike *on* the center stand though - with my scooter, I just push down the center stand and pull the bike back, while I'm sitting on it. I dropped the Bonneville trying to do just that with it; no big, it didn't hurt anything, but I've never dropped a bike before, so it was a little annoying, even though it didn't hurt anything. Anyway, I assume that the "kosher" way to get the Bonnie on the center stand is to stand next to the bike and, with both hands on the handlebars and one foot firmly anchored, step on to the center stand and pull back on the bars, right? That seemed to work, although even that was a lot more work than I would've expected, and I hate manhandling a bike from the side.

I tightened the main bolts as tight as my ratchet would get them, and I don't really want to crack out a torque wrench, considering how hard it would be to get to that spot under there. Is there really any reason to wield the torque wrench for this job? I usually wouldn't even think about it, but the instructions repeated TWICE that they were supposed to be tightened to 45 Nm.

Skvarki · 04-30-2007, 10:30 PM

Right on, glad it worked out. I was thinking of one myself cause they're handy, where did you get it?

ohiorider · 04-30-2007, 10:36 PM

The Bonnie is a bit difficult to get onto the centerstand. Doesn't seem to want to 'jump' on the stand with foot pressure alone. Here's my approach.
- get her balanced with light pressure (right foot) on the stand and both sides of the stand firmly on the ground.
- left hand on left handlebar grip, and right hand gripping the upper frame tube that supports the foot rest.
- Push down with foot while lifting/pulling rearward with right hand on the frame tube.

It was a much different approach than I used on my W650. She took only a little foot pressure, and practically jumped on the stand with only a slight lift.

The Bonnie is slightly more difficult, at least for me.

Re the torque wrench issue .... I generally use a torque wrench when the torque specs are provided. However, the centerstand is probably one of those where good and tight is good enough. You're not dealing with connecting rods, cam bearings, cylinder heads here, just village smithy stuff. You might want to ck it out with a torque wrench in the near future when you're doing some other task that requires a torque wrench.

Bob

[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2007-04-30 20:37 ]

badrufus · 04-30-2007, 10:45 PM

I stand next to the bike on the LH side, my left hand on the left handlebar grip, my right hand holding the frame under the seat. My right foot is on the foot lever for the centerstand. I push down on the foot lever and make sure both feet of the stand are touching ground. Then, at the same time that I really push down with my foot on the lever, I'm pulling up and back with my right hand on the frame. Three important points: one, make sure the front wheel is perfectly straight or it will act as an anchor and make it much more difficult to put the bike back onto the centerstand; two, make sure that both feet of the centerstand are firmly planted on the ground, ie, that it is not rocked toward you; and three, don't pull up and back on the seat--you'll break it. It is not an easy stand to use compared to many, but it works once you get the hang of it. As far as Triumph charging for it, I've had to buy a centerstand for every bike I've had before the Bonnie (3). Many people do not want one, for various reasons, and it's an expensive item to put on given that, so it is often only available as an accessory. And yeah, getting it on is lots-o-fun.

badrufus · 04-30-2007, 10:46 PM

Blo*dy Buckeye beat me to it!

gsx1100s · 04-30-2007, 10:52 PM

As an additional tip to the other very good posts on using the centre-stand. I would add that it is essential to put ALL your weight on the right foot. Many people still have their left leg away from their right leg. In a wide stance. I have been shown that if the left leg is in line and behind the right leg it throws all available weight onto the stand in stead of using just muscle.If we think of pushing down like walking up a set of stairs it helps , as we lift up and back on the back.

cheers michael

P.S. I haven't got a centre stand yet and miss it dearly

I agree it should be standard ....possibly with a tool kit , but thats another story.. :wink:

ohiorider · 04-30-2007, 10:53 PM

Yeah, Badrufus - but we offered two slightly different techniques, or at least the same technique explained differently, so nothing lost. Just more info, think I like your explanation better!

Bob

[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2007-04-30 20:57 ]

Loxpump · 05-01-2007, 12:43 AM

I never thought it was that hard to get on the centerstand until I lowered her and inch! Takes a bit more umph, and she seems to be parked on the side stand more often now.

badrufus · 05-01-2007, 01:44 AM

Ohiorider: I'm a Buckeye, at least following the logic that once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye. Grew up in Cuyahoga Falls and Tallmadge, graduated Kent State, visit now and then to see friends and familiar sights. I do miss the blimp. When we visit, we usually stay at the Inn at Brandywine Falls, which I think is a stone's throw from Hudson. Good food, good music, good people in Ohio.

lindsayt · 05-01-2007, 11:10 AM

Wow, thanks for all the advice about getting it onto the stand - I didn't even think of holding the frame with my right hand. I'm sure that will be much easier. I also have already figured out that you really don't want to try and deploy the center stand unless you're on firm, level ground (I have a gravel/dirt driveway). All in all I'm very impressed with the stand - but I think it'll take a few uses before I feel confident that I'm not going to drop the bike!