Removing the Center Stand? Should I do it?

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by flya750, Feb 11, 2019.

  1. flya750

    flya750 New Member

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    So I've got the new 2015 Deluxe. I've had a 3rd Gen for 26 years without a center stand. I do realize center stands can be handy, but I don't find them to be an absolute must?

    I was thinking about removing the center stand and installing a lithium battery and new exhaust slip on (after break in). All said and done, I should lose about 15+ lbs over all.

    In removing the center stand, there is one bolt on the right side that looks to be blocked by the header? Does anyone know if removing the center stand and reinstalling it, is a big issue?

    I'm thinking that if its an easy remove and reinstall, I can add it back if I so desire?

    Any thoughts?
     
  2. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    My thought: why bother? Are you going to race? Do you consistently ride the very curvy roads?
    If you answer yes to either of those questions, then I think you have a legitimate reason to take
    the center stand off. If not, then it just will add to the hassle of lubing the chain, changing tires,
    and doing some basic maintenance. JMO of course.
     
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  3. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    doesn't make sense since it's so useful.
     
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  4. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    FJ12 and Squirrelman have valid points but to your thinking it’s easy off/on, that is not the case. The headers get in the way of one of the center stand bolts so unless you cut off the bolt, there is no way of removing it (and the center stand) without breaking the seal on the headers. You would have to loosen the header bolts in order to get them to move out of the way in order to remove the one bolt. If you remove the bolt by destructive means, you’d have a similar problem when you went to re-install the center stand, however there is no way of building a bolt as you put it back in, so headers would have to be moved to get the center stand re-installed.

    I primarily use my 5 Gen on the track and sometimes canyon fun, so I removed the center stand, stock (catted) headers and exhaust can as well as the lead acid battery. I’m sure I saved a few pounds however when it comes to maintenance, if I didn’t have proper stands in my garage, performing task like cleaning/lubing the chain and tire changes would be a challenge. As for my 6 Gen, I left it on, since this bike is my commuter/touring bike (maybe the occasional sport ride), it made more sense to leave the center stand on.
     
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  5. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Not sure how the fairings are mounted on the 7g, but with the 6g, part of the center stand mounting hardware is also a fairing mounting location and you will have to come up with a solution for that.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  6. flya750

    flya750 New Member

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    Yeah, that is what I was afraid of, it looks to be a PITA to easily remove and reinstall. Bummer!

    I'm still not convinced I need the center stand for maintenance? meh! I've not missed a center stand on my 3rd Gen for 25+ years.
    Like I mentioned in my original post, I understand its handy, but it also adds weight and looks horrible IMHO. Personally, I think the 8th Gen is one of the best looking bikes out there, with exception of the Ducati Panigale. And that center stand hanging down looks horrible. IMHO. Honestly, I'd be more for less weight and looks than ease of oiling my chain? When it comes to tire replacement etc. I will let the dealership handle all of that, I ain't got time for that stuff, I'll be boating! ;)

    I'm going to decide after I ride the bike for 1000+ miles and see if I really use it? I sure wish it was an easy remove and reinstall, the decision would be easy!


     
  7. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    There are a few 8 Gen owners on the forum who have been looking for a center stand, as Honda seems to have a shortage of them. I'd say if you're good without it, perhaps offer it up for those wanting and still looking for one.
     
  8. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    I did not read all of the posts. And this may be redundant, but I do know that you have to remove the entire exhaust according to the dealer that installed mine. They quoted me .5hrs but it took after a second look from them 1.5-2.0 hours. They had to honor the .5 price that saved me $80-$160. I bought mine when the stands where available online at $80. They seem to be unavailable so you do have a stand worth some money for some Standard owners like me that wanted one. Good luck and you should be able to get at least a $100 or more for it if it comes off clean. Take Care.
     
  9. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    As someone who has installed an OEM centerstand on my non deluxe model, I can say you must be off your rocker to consider removing it. For me the installation was quite time consuming, but it's utility was worth the effort. The battery and slip on silencer are much better ways to save weight.
     
  10. flya750

    flya750 New Member

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    Well, after some research, it seems the only way to make the center stand easily removable is to engineer a quick release for the bolt on the right side? I may be getting one of the new 8G headers that is being developed in a forum group buy, so I may just remove the center stand then? I'd keep the center stand and probably not sell it?

    Anyone have any ideas on a quick connect solution? Most of my riding will not require a center stand and on the rare occasion I go for a tour, I 'd like to add the center stand back on easily.

    There has got to be a way to engineer something?
     
  11. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    You could undo the right bolt until it touches the pipe-note its overall length. Then remove the stand, then cut the bolt to size. I read that a guy on this forum did this a while back with no issues.
     
  12. flya750

    flya750 New Member

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    I can get a stock bolt for like $1.50 and modify it? Cut off the original...?

    I'll search the forum, Thanks!
     
  13. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    The right hand bolt has a left handed thread, you might want to buy the oem part if you can't source the bolt from a hardware store. Honda uses loctite on the bolt which is why it might be better to remove, then modify the already installed part.
     
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