Center Stand Woes

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78Wingman
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Center Stand Woes

#1

Post by 78Wingman »

I recently started having trouble getting my bike off the center stand and I know this is because the rear wheel is touching the ground while the bike is on the center stand. I thought it might have been due to my 42 yr old shocks sagging, but replacing them with brand new Progressive shocks did nothing to alleviate this issue.

It did however improve my handling/ride tremendously! dancr

But... back to the issue of this post...

The pertinent information on the bike is the frame is a '78 and the front end is from a '80 1100. I did NOT have this issue after replacing the front end. I thought at first it might have been from increasing the air pressure in the front shocks, but logic prevailed while I was attempting to remedy this issue by removing said air. If I could change the ride height that much by adding more air I would have other suspension issues like REALLY worn out springs/low fluid levels!

So now I am back to square one. I would like to note that one day while putting the bike on the stand it felt like it "settled" as it reached the apex of the arch. The frame is solid where the center stand mounts (and other places too I hope :shock: ). I just can't imagine that the stand itself is bent, but I really can't be sure without posting some pictures and asking for feedback from other members as to how my bike compares to yours.
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Thanks in advance to anyone who reads this, and especially to anyone who has some input.

Todd
‘78/‘83 GL1000/1100 - moved on to a new life
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78Wingman
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#2

Post by 78Wingman »

Sorry about the sideways pictures. They look fine on my computer and I don't know how to rotate them on the post.
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ob1quixote
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#3

Post by ob1quixote »

what size rear tire are you running?
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#4

Post by Rat »

Looks like your centre stand is going too far forward .... should be just forward of vertical .... usually due to rusted out frame crossmember the stand mounts on .... unfortunately

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Re: Center Stand Woes

#5

Post by 78Wingman »

130/90-17

Same tire has been on the bike for over a year. This problem just started within the last week.

The rear tire has always been at least an inch off the ground. Whenever I have placed a jack under the engine to work on the frontend the bike has always pivoted to rest on the rear tire as I start to raise the bike.

It feels like the bike reaches the apex of the center stand and then "settles" forward at the last second. That sensation is "new" and corresponds with the beginning of the issue, but I can't see any reason for this behavior. This makes me wonder if replacing it with another stand would even do any good since I can't identify what has changed.
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#6

Post by 78Wingman »

Gord -

I thought the same thing, but the frame looks to be intact. I would assume that if the center stand portion of the frame were rusted it would be either bent/separated from the sides of the frame. Also, I would think that it wouldn't be solid feeling. I have had this bike stripped down to the frame many times and have never noticed any rust in that area at all. Admittedly, I have never removed the center stand, so I guess anything is possible.

Thank you for the reply. I will see if I can figure it out and post my findings.
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#7

Post by ob1quixote »

I have issues taking it off the center stand too. Thought it was the larger modern sized tire, but it came with it installed, so I have nothing to compare it to.

Will have to look to see if the "stops" need some attention.
1979 GL1000
2001 DRZ400
1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#8

Post by ob1quixote »

I would love to make one with a electric linear actuator...
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1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#9

Post by Track T 2411 »

I agree with rat; the center stand is too far forward. I would suggest examining the ends of the crossmember where it meets the frame (right by the swing arm attachment points) as well as the 'box' that the stand is mounted to. It is not uncommon for that crossmember to weaken from internal rust and twist once the weight of the bike is on it. It may not be easily visible except by close inspection. My 2 cents...
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#10

Post by 78Wingman »

Thanks Todd. I agree with both of you. From what I can see in the parking lot of my office and feel with my hands it all seems solid still, but I know that only disassembly of the unit will allow me to confirm what is truly happening.
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#11

Post by pidjones »

Look closely at a '79 cross member. They added gussets to both ends of it. This must have been a problem that Honda saw fairly early-on.

A friend cut that area out of a junker '79 frame and welded it into my rescue '78. Makes a lot of difference in how solid it feels.
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#12

Post by 78Wingman »

And the winners are... Rat, Track T, and everyone else who knew what it was.
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Thanks guys. Now to find a new cross member or figure out another way to repair it. :(
‘78/‘83 GL1000/1100 - moved on to a new life
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78Wingman
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#13

Post by 78Wingman »

Thanks Pid. I saw your repair in your previous post. I have to actually find a frame somewhere now.
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Re: Center Stand Woes

#14

Post by Whiskerfish »

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Re: Center Stand Woes

#15

Post by 78Wingman »

Thank you Whiskerfish! This was a solution I came up with when talking to a new acquaintance last night - a gentleman who welds for a living. (It's nice when doors like that get opened for us!)

I feel a lot better about going that direction knowing you already did and that it worked out fine.

Thanks again to all of the members on this site for the contributions you make and the help that you give to keep these old bikes on the road!
‘78/‘83 GL1000/1100 - moved on to a new life
1999 Valkyrie IS
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