Centre stands for sportsters

[daddykemp]

Hi all,

Parked the bike up down town the other day next to another '03 883, and noticed something different about it. I was on a centre stand, It looked really weird, but got me thinking that it must be bloody practical too (checking fluid levels, cleaning wheels, changing oil, to name a few) now I want one! I left a note on the sportster for the owner to phone me, but so far hav'n't heard a thing (must have been a HOG member! Oops, sorry, am I allowed to say that?) So is there anyone out there who can help on this as I've trawled through the "interweb" and only found stands for the bigger harly's.
Also is it really practical, or is there something fundamental why they don't all have them.
I would really appreciate your thoughts and valuable advice guys.

[Tony Cross]

Never seen a centre stand myself. On my 89FLHTC I had what was called a showstand. This in effect served as a centre stand but was further to the front and did not lift the bike as much as a typical centre stand but did support it upright. Other than that no other knowledge.

[Hawkeye]

There are the quick centre stands you can use at home, slip them under the frame use the big lever and up she goes. You can do all the things you want to.

Carrying it about might prove a little daunting................bloody thing weights a ton lol................for garage use it is excellent though. They do come up on ebay sometimes.

Wish they made one for big twin though

[Limey_Dave]

Originally Posted by Tony Cross

Never seen a centre stand myself. On my 89FLHTC I had what was called a showstand. This in effect served as a centre stand but was further to the front and did not lift the bike as much as a typical centre stand but did support it upright. Other than that no other knowledge.

They do 2 types,one the wheels just touch the ground (ride off) and one that lifts the back wheel but I'd think you'd need a pit crew to use it.
You could prob get away with using a bit of 1/2" ply under the low one for turning the wheels.

They also do version of each for lowered bikes.Down bottom of page there's a vid.
I.ve seen an adjustable version too,think it may have been in the new Curry Can catalogue.
Center-Stand for Electra Glides

[daddykemp]

Cheers guys,

I have seen those show stands and the "garage" stands, but this was definately a "proper jobby".
It looked like it was bolted not welded to the frame just in front of the swing arm. Perhaps I'm just chasing "fools gold", as i've said before, there must be a fundamental reason the MoCo don't put them on as standard issue.

[Tony Cross]

Originally Posted by daddykemp

Cheers guys,

I have seen those show stands and the "garage" stands, but this was definately a "proper jobby".
It looked like it was bolted not welded to the frame just in front of the swing arm. Perhaps I'm just chasing "fools gold", as i've said before, there must be a fundamental reason the MoCo don't put them on as standard issue.

The usual "fundemental reason the MoCo don't put them on as standard issue" is they can make more money selling custom add ons.

[daddykemp]

So true Tony, so true,

[HOG maniac]

Maybe it was a homemade item. Some are as good as the real deal.

I have a stainless steel bike stand free to anyone who wants it. It is quite hard to lift the bike on. I use a bike lift now.

[ochstephen]

Hi Guys
heres a cheap bike lift I seen on a really good US site,it works on various HDs and there is a mod' for sportsters.I built one last weekend.I modified mine somewhat as you prob' will depending on availabity of bits. Instead of adding an extra length of 2by2(sportster mod') i cut out a section to allow for the exhaust(it sits below the frame).Instead of 8by4 (couldnt get any) i used 2 bits of 4by4 carriage bolted together couldnt get 4" dia pipe,so used 3/8 threaded bar (not ideal, bends a bit). It works fine when positioned forward of sidestand, but aft of the stand there isnt a lot of room to play with,so I fitted the extra 2by2 but it felt VERY unstable and I, certainly cant lift it single handed but any Arnies out there might be able to.Its quite cumbersum but would be fine for garage as a semi perm' arrangement.I'm not confident enough in it single handed, so i think i'll get me a "proper" bike lift.
ANYHOO the site is The Sportster Home Page the page WWW.SPORTSTER.ORG/TECH/RIKKO-LIFT/ i dont know how to add links yet.
worthalook,-- if link dosnt work go to their home page, then TECH sect', then RIKKOS FAMOUS BIKE LIFT

[Gogsy]

Try this link....
WHEELDOCK - The Official Site - Wheeldock EZ-UP center stand