Centrestand - when to use it

Real silly question...
The VFR800 is my first sportbike, and my first bike with a centrestand. I've just been keeping my bike on the kickstand when I'm not riding it. I thought the centrestand would just be used when servicing the bike. Is that right? Or should I be keeping it up on the centrestand to avoid flatspots in the tires?
Thanks,
J:unsure::unsure:

 

i use the centerstand when servicing the bike and when storing for long periods (winter) of time. all other occasions, i use the sidestand.
cheers,
Jeff

 

Standing the viff

The center stand for maintainance is the way to go,ie lubing chain,checking/removing rear wheel.As was said beware of the hot asphalt,both stands will sink.Watch the sidestand on any slight downhill park.I've had my beautiful viff drop leftside twice! rolling forward collapsing the ss once I'm off .Heartbreaker,also they're hard to pickup not to say scratched plastic n broken mirrors.

 

one thing to add to this...when using the sidestand, always leave the bike in gear. that way it can't roll forward (or backwards) and flip up the stand and fall over.
Jeff

 

if u ever decide to lower ur viffer the centerstand becomes pretty much useless i cant use mime on concrete or pavement...you cant get the right angle on it for it to stand...and by the way dont use it on grass or gravel either....i washed my bike yesterday and thought it would be ok to park it in the grass on the centerstand....it stood until right b4 i finished and i saw it slowly start to fall....luckily i was able to catch it b4 it hit the ground....talk about a close call....wont ever do that agian

 

Wow, thanks for all of the good advice on the centrestand. Also wondering about a bike cover in case I leave the viffer outside overnight. What are you guys using?

 

if I had a center stand still, I would use it when parking with BMW's. It helps to keep them from geeking out near the ornamental machinery.

 

One of the extra things I got with my MSF class was a little plastic disc to carry around and use underneath the side stand. I keep it on the bike at all times and it really comes in handy. I haven't used the center stand yet.

I have been riding for the past two months and I think I always left the bike in neutral, now that I see this, I am going to have to remember to leave it in gear.

 

Hey BarleyMashers, I hope you don't drink and ride!
ope2:

 

Not sure, typically I park on the center stand. It just feels more secure than the side stand alone. I use some dryer vent blanks (very similar to electrical box blank covers which work great too).

I see some people using hockey pucks, but on the viffer, anything more than say 1/2" thick under the sidestand seems like it makes too easy to tip over the other way say in a strong gust of wind. And anything thick under the centerstand seems like it will make it a lot harder to get it onto the centerstand.

 

Won't the rain cover also work for UV protection? I don't think any light is getting through there. What's the reason for 2 covers?

 

UV cover is lighter smaller and easier to bring with you.

 

Watch out for the wind too.
Long time ago when I was in college and with my old ninja, I left the bike in a
"bike parking area" there were 3 other bikes all using the center stand.
It was a VERY VERY windy day and all 3 bikes fell. Mine was the only one standing.

 

I have 2 Dowco Guardian plus covers,(dirt bike n viff)very happy with them,2nd season.Tried some others in the past and they deterioted quickly in the sun here.My bikes unfortunatley are stored outside,summer and winter.They would be bulky to travel with packing the size of a soccerball.

 

I use the center stand when I park inside the shop at work so I know nobody will move my bike without calling me for help.
I also use it to spin the bike around on in tight quarters!

 

use it anytime u feel like it! I always put mine up on it in the garage as it takes up less room that way. Easy to spin it around too!


BTW soft asphalt isnt a issue with me..we dont have any asphalt in canada, just dirt....