Supporting Your Bike While Servicing: Difference between revisions

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A few comments about using the centerstand:

* Some services require pushing the rear tire ~~inwards~~. This can easily result in collapsing of the centerstand and subsequent tip-over. Always block the front tire from moving with a brick or something similar to prevent such accidents. Using a tether to tie up the front wheel to the centerstand works well too.

* Some services require pushing the rear tire forward. This can easily result in collapsing of the centerstand and subsequent tip-over. Always block the front tire from moving with a brick or something similar to prevent such accidents. Using a tether to tie the front wheel to the centerstand works well, too.

* If you need to raise the rear end more than the centerstand does, ~~just~~ put a ~~wooden~~ board in front of the rear tire before putting the bike on the centerstand. This will wind up under your centerstand when you put it down, effectively making the centerstand longer. In this case blocking the front tire well is vital, since the nose of the bike is pointing down, and it's very easy to rock the bike off the centerstand.

* If you need to raise the rear end more than the centerstand does, put a board in front of the rear tire before putting the bike on the centerstand. This will wind up under your centerstand when you put it down, effectively making the centerstand longer. In this case blocking the front tire well is vital, since the nose of the bike is pointing down and it's very easy to rock the bike off the centerstand.

* Unfortunately, a bike on the centerstand is not stable enough side-to-side. If you are doing something that requires brute force (such as removing the axle nut), be very careful, as you can literally twist the bike into the ground. Having another person holding the bike is very useful in this situation.

* Unfortunately, a bike on the centerstand is not stable enough side-to-side. If you are doing something that requires brute force (such as removing the axle nut) be very careful, as you can literally twist the bike into the ground. Having another person holding the bike is very useful in this situation.

* Finally, the centerstand is best used on a flat, sturdy surface. If you have trouble putting your bike on the centerstand, visit [[I am having trouble putting my bike on its centerstand | this link]].

*Sometimes you won't be able to use the centerstand. If you can find a secure way to hold up the rear of the bike using the grab bar, go ahead. Using secondary support with jackstands and a jack under the engine is still highly recommended. The straps on the front are for stabilizing the bike only; don't lift it by the bars.

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:[[image:EX250_SuspensionMaintenance_05.jpg|150px]]

*Of course, if you are not satisfied with the centerstand, you can always buy a swingarm (rear) stand. This model from [http://www.pit-bull.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_178&products_id=33&osCsid=baded96a419e29bdba3e3b57c05892fd Pit Bull] is known to work:

*Of course, if you are not satisfied with the centerstand, you can always buy a swingarm (rear) stand. They are quite handy for maintenance and all-around servicing. This model from [http://www.pit-bull.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_178&products_id=33&osCsid=baded96a419e29bdba3e3b57c05892fd Pit Bull] is known to work:

:[[Image:pitbullrear.jpg|150px]]

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 A few comments about using the centerstand:
-* Some services require pushing the rear tire inwards. This can easily result in collapsing of the centerstand and subsequent tip-over. Always block the front tire from moving with a brick or something similar to prevent such accidents. Using a tether to tie up the front wheel to the centerstand works well too.
+* Some services require pushing the rear tire forward. This can easily result in collapsing of the centerstand and subsequent tip-over. Always block the front tire from moving with a brick or something similar to prevent such accidents. Using a tether to tie the front wheel to the centerstand works well, too.
-* If you need to raise the rear end more than the centerstand does, just put a wooden board in front of the rear tire before putting the bike on the centerstand. This will wind up under your centerstand when you put it down, effectively making the centerstand longer. In this case blocking the front tire well is vital, since the nose of the bike is pointing down, and it's very easy to rock the bike off the centerstand.
+* If you need to raise the rear end more than the centerstand does, put a board in front of the rear tire before putting the bike on the centerstand. This will wind up under your centerstand when you put it down, effectively making the centerstand longer. In this case blocking the front tire well is vital, since the nose of the bike is pointing down and it's very easy to rock the bike off the centerstand.
-* Unfortunately, a bike on the centerstand is not stable enough side-to-side. If you are doing something that requires brute force (such as removing the axle nut), be very careful, as you can literally twist the bike into the ground. Having another person holding the bike is very useful in this situation.
+* Unfortunately, a bike on the centerstand is not stable enough side-to-side. If you are doing something that requires brute force (such as removing the axle nut) be very careful, as you can literally twist the bike into the ground. Having another person holding the bike is very useful in this situation.
 * Finally, the centerstand is best used on a flat, sturdy surface. If you have trouble putting your bike on the centerstand, visit [[I am having trouble putting my bike on its centerstand | this link]].
 *Sometimes you won't be able to use the centerstand. If you can find a secure way to hold up the rear of the bike using the grab bar, go ahead. Using secondary support with jackstands and a jack under the engine is still highly recommended. The straps on the front are for stabilizing the bike only; don't lift it by the bars.
@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 :[[image:EX250_SuspensionMaintenance_05.jpg|150px]]
-*Of course, if you are not satisfied with the centerstand, you can always buy a swingarm (rear) stand. This model from [http://www.pit-bull.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_178&products_id=33&osCsid=baded96a419e29bdba3e3b57c05892fd  Pit Bull] is known to work:
+*Of course, if you are not satisfied with the centerstand, you can always buy a swingarm (rear) stand. They are quite handy for maintenance and all-around servicing. This model from [http://www.pit-bull.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_178&products_id=33&osCsid=baded96a419e29bdba3e3b57c05892fd  Pit Bull] is known to work:
 :[[Image:pitbullrear.jpg|150px]]