Centre stand vs rear paddock stand?

[Farrah]

Hey guys,

My bike didn't come fitted with the centre stand I was wondering what's better for maintenance purposes.

Do you prefer a centre stand or rear stand for basic maintenance on the bike? Any issues when using one or the other? Eg false readings when checking fluids etc?

 

[FrozenBiker]

A centerstand, or other type of rear wheel lift is required for many maintenance jobs.
I don't know which specific bike you have, but the '09 calls for oil check while on the centerstand.
You could place a "want to buy" ad in the forum:
Bikes/Parts Wanted - Yamaha FZ6 Forums - International FZ6 Motorcycle Community Forum

For my last bike, I made a stand out of wood :BLAA:

 

[SweaterDude]

the centerstand is more useful overall than the paddock stand. i personally put my bike on the centerstand every time i park it, so its less likely some invalid comes over and tips it. it also wont take up any extra space like the rear stand would and can go with you anywhere. its probably cheaper as well.

 

[tyler2011]

Probably depends on how you are using the bike but I believe stand options are somewhat limited due to spool mounting. For me its the center stand. I can use it anywhere and it is good for chain maintenance especially on long trips. I also have limited space in my apt so a stand would just be a hindrance to me.

If you work on your bike yourself also think about where the stand sits. If you need to remove the rear wheel then you can't have a stand that interferes with removing the rear axle.

 

[Botch]

If you need to remove the rear wheel then you can't have a stand that interferes with removing the rear axle.

A warning: I was loosening the rear axle nut while fizzer was on the centerstand, had the wrench handle upright and pushing forward. I almost knocked the bike off the centerstand! Always orient the handle so you're pushing downward, at least until that big nut is broken loose.
I've also stolen an idea from a BMW maintenance video: when putting the bike up for maintenance, run a tiedown strap around the centerstand and the front wheel, and cinch it down. That'll avoid knocking it over, at least in the forward direction. :thumbup:

 

[Farrah]

Thanks for your input... It sounds like centre stand is the way to go for convenience and function!

 

[iSteve]

A warning: I was loosening the rear axle nut while fizzer was on the centerstand, had the wrench handle upright and pushing forward. I almost knocked the bike off the centerstand! Always orient the handle so you're pushing downward, at least until that big nut is broken loose.

Just like car wheels it's always best to break the nuts loose before jacking up the vehicle.