Centre stand

The centre stand is the two-legged stand under the middle of the bike. It pivots on a shaft under the frame and holds the bike upright with the rear wheel off the ground (or the front, on some bikes). Springs hold it up when riding.

What it does

It lets you park on a slope or soft ground, carry loads safely, oil the chain, and work on the rear wheel. You stand on the foot tab and pull the bike back. If the pivot is dry or worn, the stand is hard to use and the bike can roll off. Weak springs let the stand hang down and scrape in corners.

Signs it is worn or failing

• Hard to use, scrapes, or hangs low: Centre stand is hard to use or scrapes.
• Rattle over bumps: Rattling from panels.
• Bike wobbles on the stand: worn pivot or bent legs.

When to replace it

Replace broken or weak springs, a worn pivot shaft or bushes, and a bent or cracked stand. Do not ride if the stand will not stay up.

What to match when buying

• Make, model and year. Pivot shaft diameter, leg length and spring hooks must match.
• Springs and pivot shafts are often sold separately.

Fitting notes

• Support the bike securely on blocks or a paddock stand before removing the centre stand; the bike can fall.
• Springs are strong: use a spring puller and wear eye protection.
• Grease the pivot shaft.
• See Check the centre stand.

Reference (K-Light 125)