Center Stand

[av8or-dave]

Has anyone "modified" or replaced their TTSE's OEM center stand with an electric (or another method) activated one?

I just got my 2017 TTSE, but 4 years ago when shopping for one, and attempting to put it on the center stand my Right Achilles Tendon was snapped apart (and that really, really, really "Elf-ing" hurts: and someone else posting on a TTSE Facebook page just did it too)! 

So, I'm not eager to try doing it again, yet I like using center stands, so looking for an alternative to the OEM TTSE Center stand, if anyone has any experience with such a thing - praytell what it is.  Thanx.

[trophied]

I'm still not sure how some people are injuring themselves putting the Trophy on the center stand.  Admittedly it isn't the easiest, but it's less difficult than the K1600 GTL I had, or the R1200 RT I had, but a whole lot more labor intensive than a friends 2005 Gold Wing.  I think they could have done a better job in the leverage department, but I'm 5'7", 180, no bodybuilder and I get it to come right up when I use the right technique.

[Jeffb]

I've put lowering links on mine, which made the center stand situation even worse. I made a wedge out of about a 10" piece of 2x4. I back the bike onto that, which raises the back tire away from the ground, then put it on the center stand from there. If you take the panniers and top box off, it's easier yet.

[av8or-dave]

trophied,

I have no idea why I got injured except maybe my taller ergonomics isn't capable with the bike's handhold design, and the stand is too tall? 

Before this bike, I've put others on center-stand before with little difficulty (including a BMW K1600GTL).  But once bitten...twice shy baby!

[av8or-dave]

Jeffb,

Yeah, having a wood ramp at home is fine, but probably something I won't want to carry on trips, and take up packing space, eh...

[DrSteve]

I'm the guy who did a total Achilles rupture while putting my Trophy on the center stand 6 months ago. I am still in therapy but getting progressively better and regaining flexibility, strength, range of motion, balance and stamina which all suffered immensely from months of relative immobility. 

I want to clarify my experience and what I believe were the contributing factors in hopes other can learn from my accident.

I have been putting bikes on center stands for years and just that day, had twice put the Trophy up.  The Trophy was easier than a few other bikes I have owned even though it is the heaviest bike I have owned.  I think it is engineered better for this function than say my BMW RT.

On that particular day, I was in a hurry, did not 'square up' to the bike and more or less, stomped on the lever rather than apply even, gradual and downward pressure. I am not a kid (although my wife would argue the point) and at age 70 probably don't have the strength or elasticity I once did.  In addition, the MRI revealed I had previously damaged the Achilles (bar fight?) and it was already frayed a bit.

So, who knows for sure.  I know this for sure though, I am no longer using center stands and the thought of it makes my knees weak.

My advice it to be fully mindful of what you are doing each and every time you use a center stand.  I am pretty sure that's the biggest takeaway.

Ride safe folks.

[Rick505]

I have a strong suspicion that with the bike no longer being produced and general lack of specific model aftermarket accessories, the probability of anyone commercially producing much for "Our" bikes is limited.  I've been using the "roll onto some boards" method to raise the rear making using the center stand easier.  Now dropping it back down is still sometimes an effort. 

[trophied]

Yes, it does take following the proper procedure, and yes I have done the same when in a rush and found out quickly that it doesn't pay to try to shortcut the process.  I was looking at mine last night and it looks like the pad on the bottom of the center stand is bent to a sharp angle where it would first contact the ground and that may be what is causing it to be difficult to start it up on the stand.  I wonder if a little bit of modification to change that sharp corner to a radius wouldn't help some.  Even cutting out that sharp angled corner back far enough to weld in a short pipe piece on each side to get a little radius should work, and would be pretty quick for someone with the equipment to do it.  I could trim it back, but I have no welding machine.  If anyone wants to try that be sure to disconnect the battery before doing any welding on it just as a precaution.