Side stand or centre stand

[NHVM]

Hi all - I generally keep my machine on the side stand in the garage when not using it - but another motorcycle mate has said you are better off leaving it on the centre stand as a general rule.

When I asked 'why?' - he couldn't remember, just that he'd been told this by some other bikers a while back.

Any thoughts???

[af1-windy]

Originally Posted by NHVM

Hi all - I generally keep my machine on the side stand in the garage when not using it - but another motorcycle mate has said you are better off leaving it on the centre stand as a general rule.

When I asked 'why?' - he couldn't remember, just that he'd been told this by some other bikers a while back.

Any thoughts???

Only thing I can think of is where the oil rests after a while, don't see a problem unless you fire it up on the side stand, I suppose it's possible for a small part of the engine to start working before it gets oil.. having said this, why do they make bikes with only a side stand. 

If it isn't this, I can't think what it could be but I'm sure someone will let me know.. 

[Antares]

I just did it because it takes up less space, is more stable and take weight off both suspension elements.

[Wildhaus]

My Honda Hornet 600 spends most of its life on no stand, my Thruxton R 1200 on the side stand, and my soon-to-arrive S 1000 XR TE will be on its centre stand. 

[bobdave]

I don't think it makes a huge difference if its only for a week or two but if left for months I'd put it on the centre stand to reduce the weight and pressure on the same contact spot of the rear tyre. In reality I don't think my bike (current one and all previous ones) have ever stood for more than a couple of weeks except when I was unable to ride whilst recovering from an accident 20ish years ago. Think I'd go mad if I was physically able to ride but not doing so for more than a couple of weeks.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by bobdave

I don't think it makes a huge difference if its only for a week or two but if left for months I'd put it on the centre stand to reduce the weight and pressure on the same contact spot of the rear tyre. In reality I don't think my bike (current one and all previous ones) have ever stood for more than a couple of weeks except when I was unable to ride whilst recovering from an accident 20ish years ago. Think I'd go mad if I was physically able to ride but not doing so for more than a couple of weeks.

Amen to that, reason I've never had battery problems on my XR is because it never stood for longer than a couple days at a time haha

[Gatsoburner]

Some say it effects the suspension long term as the weight in on the nearside however ive never seen evidence of such, my XR sits on the centre stand as a preference.
A point to make, the RT i use run sometimes on a side stand and over time the offside cams begin to rattle and need replacing, i'm assured this is due to the oil being collected on the nearside and letting the offside run dryish.

So i try not to leave the XR running from cold on its side stand whilst i kit up, centre stand cold start for me !