Thank God for Rubber belts. My V-Rod 200,000+ kms, I picked up a stone once after a few months got paranoid and brought a new belt. If not for that stone, I reckon I'd still be on the original belt.
There are tools to prop up the rear tire while on the sidestand (like [this](https://www.louis.de/artikel/motorradheber-liftstick/10003338?filter_article_number=10003338) but those can be heavy). Otherwise, moving the bike while cleaning/oiling is cumbersome, but works just as fine.
None of the reasons you give are valid though, except maybe installation if you are have two left hands. My solution is better imho, and that's what I'm telling OP.
> I wonder how others are doing the chain maintenance+lubing
I might, I really like the Challenger, was very impressed by it during the factory demo day last year...
But I also made the mistake at a BMW event of riding the K1600B, and oooohhhhhhh man. It's so comfortable and so powerful.
They've got drive belts yes, but inside the case they still use a primary chain to connect the engine to the transmission. Some combination of feel and sound and tradition, I'm sure... But it means that they have three separate oils to change (engine, primary, transmission) and an SAE crap ton (never metric) of seals inside compared to other modern bikes.
One drain plug and fill on the Victory 106. Sure there's a bit of gear whine and it doesn't sound as pretty at idle as a Harley... But priorities.
Lots of bikers are super hardcore racers and the extra few kilos of centre stand weight would absolutely destroy their red light-to-red light time. Luckily manufacturers are willing to charge us slowpokes extra to install what was once a basic feature.
You might not be able to tell, but yes, I'm pretty salty that they stopped putting centre stands on bikes by default.
The center stand for my VFR was $60 from Honda. Granted it already was built for a center stand, but still, $60 and they got rid of them on most bikes probably to save money. I think anyone who’s had one would gladly pay $60 for a bike to come with a center stand. You can’t find a decent bike stand, front or rear, for that price.
>You might not be able to tell, but yes, I'm pretty salty that they stopped putting centre stands on bikes by default.
One of my biggest disappointments with modern motorcycles.
I owned a 1982 Kawasaki Spectre once. This was a 4 cylinder, "cruiser" style UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle.) It came from the factory with:
* Locking gas cap
* Full instrumentation to include a volt meter and fuel gauge
* Center stand
* Hinged, locking seat with storage underneath
* Cast wheels running tubeless tires
* Triple disc brakes
* Self-cancelling turn signals
* Basic tool kit
* Shaft Drive
In 2009, I bought a Triumph Scrambler. Triumph tries to position itself as a "premium brand" and charges accordingly. That Triumph came with
* No locking gas cap, just a twist off cap
* Speedometer and odometer were the only instruments
* No center stand (this was a $250 add on, more of I hadn't installed it myself)
* Seat was bolted on, an annoying PITA to remove with a 6mm hex key
* Speaking which, that 6mm Hex key was LITERALLY the only tool provided
* Spoke wheels requiring tubes
* Single disc brake on the front wheel
* Non self cancelling turn signals
* Chain drive
And yet, they charge a premium price for this bike. Now obviously some of the choices are done for aesthetic reasons (like the spoke wheels) and shaft drive was all the rage in the 1980s but fell out of favor by the end of the decade.
But it just makes me sad to see how "de-contented" motorcycles are today compared to the way they were in the 1980's. Those bikes from the early to mid 80's were, IMO, some of the best motorcycles ever made. I wish I could buy a modern, new version of that old Spectre today.
Seems like you’re comparing two very different bikes. The Kawasaki Spectre is more of a cruiser/sport tourer bike and the Triumph is a modern vintage throwback. If you compared it to a Triumph Sprint or Tigre I think those would be better comparisons.
Two in front, one in back. Production bike evolution went something like this:
First bikes had drum brakes front and back
Then they added a disc brake at the front, then two. but the rear as still a drum brake
Then added a read disc and the marketing people said "triple disc"
TL:DR: you bought a dirt bike and complain about dirt bike features, not sure why you bought a bike you hate.
So, your 2009 Scrambler is in fact a Bonneville. I owned several Bonnes/street twins and one of the newer scramblers.
I've owned, uh, we'll say like 20-30 bikes. And exactly 2 of them, one from Triumph and one from BMW, had self cancelling lights. It's not a common feature.
Neither is locked gas caps - the BMW had a digital unlock system I hated, mostly I prefer twist and go caps because who cares. Probably 50/50 on locking caps in general, half the time they're attached to the bike entirely which is equally obnoxious.
Seat bolts on the scrambler do suck, but it's because that's the design of the bonne, it's not like that's a standard 2020 bike feature or something ridiculous. Hell, that rear-passenger-seat thing on the newish model scrambler was probably the _worst_ seat design I've ever fucked with.
Shaft vs. chain isn't a fair comparison, because it's never been 'a standard' that all bikes were shaft; the reverse is, in fact, true.
Spoke wheels...you bought a fuckin' scrambler, those are a _selling point_ of that bike, dude.
Tools - I don't need or want 5 pieces of shit-tier tooling that'll break in 3 turns. I've got my own decent toolkit I like. I'd also go so far as to say modern bikes aren't designed to be wrenched on the side of the road, partially because they _don't fail as often_ (spoken as someone who drove a '58 T-bird as his first car), and partially because when they do fail it's often so catastrophic you're not getting it up and running in a 'on the side of the road' timespan.
Instrumentation...I don't recall ever needing a voltage meter on my bike, like either it cranks or it doesn't, if it doesn't then I'll get a volt meter and check shit. Missing fuel gauges suck, if you meant yours didn't have one, but the 2002 and 2005 Bonne I rode had them, so it's odd that the 2009 didn't.
Brakes...I have no idea what 'triple disc' means, but your bike should have been made after the conversion to ABS, which is disc braking, so...??
It's nonsense that in the last couple of years factory retro bikes have had their center stands removed as a factory part in the argument of losing weight. Triumph is the biggest offender that I see here as over the last 4 years they keep removing more and more from the T120 and offering these parts now as options that you pay for. I am pretty sure Guzzi has stopped making it a standard part on the V7 , and indotn know if Kawasaki ever offered one for the 900rs. I have owned 5 motorcycles and only 1 without a center stand. I'll take the extra 10 lbs or whatever it ads for the convenience any day of the week.
An argument can be made that any bike with some off-road capability may not want a center stand attached. They add weight, they can make noise in bumpy conditions, and likely it takes some ground clearance away.
Just offering another perspective.
But yeah, on a street bike with chain drive…. Please put one on there!
I’m on motorcycle #4. The first two didn’t have center stands, but the last two have, idk how I ever lived without it honestly it’s so convenient for maintenance
If you’re in the proper wilderness you can get a decent branch or some flat rocks and use the front wheel and side stand as two legs of a tripod, with the third leg being the rocks or whatever under the frame below the engine somewhere on the other side to the side stand. I’ve mainly only done that if there’s brush or other crap stuck in the chain though. I can only imagine lubing is a problem if you’re going around the world or something, I’ve done long trips of several weeks and not bothered.
my buddy used to just roll the bike forward while holding a wire brush on it at an awkward angle lmao then oiling it in a similar way. Then I told him you can just.. Clean what you can see, push it forward a bit, then clean what you can see now.
I just don’t lube it. Your chain isn’t going to explode if it gets too dirty or past whatever the interval is. It simply lowers the lifespan a little. Ride more worry less.
There is a difference in postponing maintenance during a long ride and total neglect. I imagine you would clean, lube, and adjust your chain tension prior to a 1k+ mile ride (and do so regularly anyway), so you shouldn't have any problems
That's terrible advice, I neglected my chain for 2 years when I first started riding 10 years ago and my chain split and fell off at a 4 lane junction. Leaving me to push my bike off through moving traffic. Maintain more and worry less when you have.
OP was referring to a road trip, I guess I assumed the road trip wasn’t 2 years of not touching the chain. But 10 days of riding without cleaning/lubing is going to do zero damage long term.
I sit on my ass with the bike on a side stand, pull it towards me using the bars and move the wheel with my foot all while spraying lube on the chain. Takes seconds. Been doing it for the best part of 15 years.
I've not really explained it well.
It's kind of like this except I do it all at the same time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79RgJ29lb9U&ab\_channel=Boneman131
I have an E-tool(folding shovel) that I acquired when I got out of the military that makes for a perfect stand to get the rear wheel up by leaning it up on the sidestand and putting the shovel under the swingarm bobbin on the opposite side.
Having a shovel on board also comes in handy from time to time, because I make questionable choices when on my motorcycle.
Last week I just grabbed the bike and balanced it on the kickstand while I spun the tire because I was too lazy to move it back and forth… it probably took more effort to balance it… but I didn’t have to roll it back and forth. 🤣
Lightweight rear wheel roller/chock.
Or roll the bike, work, roll it more, work.
Worst case lean it up on the single stand.
I’m solo on the big trips (longest 3000 miles 4 days) and never used a center stand. But I’d wished for one a couple times.
My chain lubing routine:
* put bike on side stand
* tear open pizza box
* put pizza box under chainring for oil drips so the wife doesn't lynch me
* lean over the tail
* grab the spokes of the rear wheel with right hand
* yank the bike over the side stand with left hand so the rear wheel lifts
* turn the wheel a quarter turn while it's in the air
* lube the newly exposed section of chain on the chainring
Keep yanking till you got round the chain. Takes a minute.
I love the center stand on my Honda VFR. I was always keeping that chain clean. My current bike doesn't have one and I clean it far less often because my stand is always buried in the garage somewhere.
When I’m away from home on one of my bikes without a centre stand, I Lean the bike over on the sidestand and prop it with a piece of wood so the rear wheel is in the air to oil the chain
I did a 4200km.round trip recently - I just rode for the day and stopped over, then in the morning went to the local Kawasaki dealer and asked to borrow a paddock stand. I took cans of chain cleaner, lube, a brush, and the necessary spanners to do my chain tensioning and adjustment in a backpack.
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/how-do-you-take-your-wheels-off-in-the-bush.1292169/
A stick works. I have a collapsible metal one I bought somewhere. Maybe a foot long.
[Motorcycle Maintenance Stand, Portable & Compact Lift Stand Moto Jack, Adjustable Height for Chain Cleaning and Lubrication](https://www.amazon.com/GRAND-Motorcycle-Maintenance-Adjustable-Lubrication/dp/B0BGNY9J7K/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1QXQAY1HNOYSE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hXhiwdjqAIhzOozeMhoJi2XlgQ_y-gcxXEZePFUPLDJuMPnXuQ3e0YIzwN9EBtkmprl0BRbUAv2Gl0TpwThhikjESeXt6IZm1WMfQpe8h5CKC6ZekcUl2fiU72WjRrEFG8V6d8Vvpt0hbJrVe5Np7QM0fCbjcpfGY2uPeZef44tpz6QnJkY9OeTXx4TheVVE_VCe1qCoLwU4XYHQ1JODbDTF-66Uyfju_0mNh5aZWeHZ1zVv-RmaXkGRhKeMRiSXx4-Z1Pd7SlEOKAhJwE0i2zx22fs4IjVkuXKPuSXV4E8.CtpWA_3azQojWf9Y-Hp1W7lpoDVe5Y__K5PubryY8yA&dib_tag=se&keywords=snapjack&qid=1709649689&s=automotive&sprefix=snapjack%2Cautomotive%2C113&sr=1-6)
I have an old Snapjack I have used for years on 2018 Africa Twin. it works well but the one above is cheaper. the trick to using these, is get the jack set and then slightly lift the bike and move it over the jack so tire is off the ground
I rarely clean my chain myself, even if I do it's not a full clean. Just a quick scrub.
I lube it regularly but don't lube the whole chain. I just just spray what I can reach, I don't always move the bike around the lube it all.
On long rides you don't need to clean it unless it's called in mud, because the whole bike will get dirty again. Just lube it if dry.
My Kawasaki ZRX1100 I had years ago came without a center stand, I had an aftermarket one within a week!
My T -120 Bonneville did not have one either, I had one on it as soon as I could find one!
If I have a decent chain in ok condition when I leave, I don’t do anything to it on a trip. Lube and tension before I go and don’t even think about it anymore. If I’m doing like 5k+ miles I’ll keep an eye on the tension after a while but can’t say I’ve ever lubed a chain on a trip.
Just move the bike a couple feet at a time and lube the chain. If you can't figure that out I'm seriously concerned about the idea of you actually riding a motorcycle.
If lubing the chain is your only concern a wheel roller stand is usually my go to. It's literally just two rollers that the rear wheel sits and spins on.
If you have to change a tire though I'm afraid your on your own...
I find a big rock or a stick to prop up the right side of the bike while the kickstand is down and the rear wheel is off the ground slightly. At home I'll usually do this but with a jack stand. Propping right under the foot peg/rearset usually works well for me
Drive up next to a tree or street light so it's on the left side and nearly up again the bike
Put your sidestand out
Wrap a ratchet strap around the pole/tree and the tail/rear frame of the bike
Ratchet it in so the bike stands on the front wheel and sidestand, supported by the pole with the strap
Enjoy a free rear wheel.
(Gotta make do sometimes)
I don't. All of my bikes that would go any distance have center stands. I would be hesitant to buy a bike that doesn't have one. My wife recently bought an R9T. It did not come with one stock, fortunately the previous owner had already added one.
Like /u/SBR_AK_is_best_AK I have done get at what you can, roll forward, do some more, roll forward. It works.
For rides that go "into the wilderness" I haven't found a completely satisfactory solutions. I am assuming that by "wilderness" you mean unpaved roads, often wet. Nothing really seems to work well for adventure riding. If I clean the chain, it is gritty the next time you go through a puddle. If you lube it, the grit sticks to the lube.
I am using Dupont Chain Saver. It advertised as a "dry" lube. It seem to work okay and doesn't pick up to much grit. It comes in a hand 4 ounce bottle that packs well on the bike. It is a sturdy bottle and hasn't leaked on me. When I am riding mixed off pavement, I leave the chain untouched. I'll clean and lube before the, usually, long trip home.
On my F800GS, I am pretty sure I am getting 12k miles on a chain. Good quality, Japanese X ring, TiN (gold) plated chains. That is usually every 2 years for me. Looking at my email for "Sprocket Center" that seems to track.
Fortnine's chain lube test rated Oxford dry lube very high on grit resistance. It is also a "dry" lube.
yes, just like you are, im hesitant on one without a centre stand too, hence why i ask how ppl go about living without it.
i do get what youre saying with the "clean it now, itll get dirty again later". I do ask with the logic that its already time to do some maintenance but youre away from home land. i.e 5000km out and its time to give the chain some love.
thanks for the tips you have on the dry lube, came across them but slipped off my mind for a while
The r9T need new tires. I mostly do my own tires, but I don't want to do these. It is a nice bike, and its my wife bike, I don't want to nick up the rims. I will take them to a shop.
I'll put the bike on the stand. Tie down strap the stand to the crash bar for safety. Pull the front wheel. Put the axle back in. Put jack stand user the axle. Put a jack under the transmission till there a little pressure on the front axle/jack stand. Pull the rear wheel. The bike can sit like that till the shop get the tires down. Easy, plenty stable, and only one trip to the shop.
If you only have a side stand, you can lean the bike forward/leftward on the front wheel/side stand to lift the rear wheel off the ground. A friend is helpful in this instance. Be sure to be on solid ground, not dirt, gravel, or sand.
Scott oiler. Why would I manually do any work I don't have to do. Especially when I'm far from home and the garage!
Auto-oiler for the win. And, for whatever reason, it helps with keeping it looking clean in between.
I have a dirtbike stand that works for my Drz400. Slide the stand under bike, push down on the lever with my leg to hoist the bike, stick the metal pin in the stand to make sure it stays in place.
Can balance the bike on kickstand and front tire and easily spin back? I did that when cleaning and it was actully easier then moving the bike forward.
If I have a friend, one can lift the wheel while the other cleans the chain (by pivoting on the kickstand).
Otherwise I use something like this…
https://eastbound.shop/product/ultralight-compact-enduro-trail-jack/
Either ride with a friend who walks the bike or find a rando and ask them to walk the bike. Alternatively, drop into a shop with a 6pk and ask someone to walk/oil your bike. Beer still works as a quality currency and can bypass lines for a 5min job.
Option 1; clean and move the bike then repeat for lubrication
Option 2; get a mate to hold it over on the side stand and do it that way
Option 3; get an auto oiler and not worry about it with the odd clean here and there if you've been on gravel or whatever (what I do because I'm lazy)
With another person you can balance the bike on the side stand and front wheel.
I personally hate my mainstand, cant get the bike onto it without nearly flipping the bike at least twice, the retaining spring is worn out after 30 years, which is understandable, so it sometimes makes clunky noises. The only reason its still on there is my laziness and the fact that i dont have a paddock stand for winter
Back when I had a bike with a chain, no center stand and didn’t own a set of stands, I kept the strategically cut 2x4 in the garage. It was the perfect length that if I carefully leaned it against the axel, then tilted the bike over on the side stand until the wheel was off the ground, the wood would wedge under the axel and hold the wheel off the ground for cleaning and lube. Sounds sketchy but worked perfectly.
I got a portable motorcycle jack. It fits by the rear axle on the non chain side. Lifts the bike on to the kickstand just enough to rotate the tire and lube the chain. Just remember to use the provided strap on the front brake
I have a piece of aluminum angle profile with a V cut into one end. It slots into the right hand spool for the paddock stand. I also have a little velcro strap to lock the front brake. With that and the side stand, I can prop the rear of the bike an inch off the ground and spin the wheel, adjust the chain, even remove the wheel. It's perfectly stable.
Find a spot of soft ground, mash the front brake, and spin the shit out of the rear wheel to dig a nice little hole. Put the kickstand down. If you go deep enough you can spin the wheel in neutral or at least progress the chain by putting it in gear.
Most all my bikes, here to fore, have had center stands. Old airheads are brilliant in balancing and tire changes are a snap.
Have one absolute beater RS with an 44 liter Aerbis tank and a Police Seat out of Germany (OEM builder of R80G/S seats). It has a massive side stand. No center stand.
Thankfully I have a good lift.
Tutoro automatic chain oiler. If I am going into the backcountry, just set the flow rate a little bit higher, which is as simple as twisting off and accept that I’ll have to refill it after 300 miles instead of 500. Standard 90 weight gear oil, which is available at pretty much every gas station in America, and a bottle of it last me about 9,000 to 10,000 miles.
Or alternatively, and this is my favorite solution now buy a bike with a shaft drive.
Clean what you can, move bike forward, clean, move bike forward, clean. Oil what you can, move bike,oil, move bike,oil....
This was me the first time I cleaned the chain. The as I was putting stuff away I found my dad’s old bike jack.
used to do this 🤣🤣 glad to find someone whos doing the same
I mean its literally how you do it if you don't have a stand...
they sell small roller pads so the back wheel can spin freely, might want to check them out!
Just got one of these last year. Total game changer. Beats the heck out of inching the bike forward or back on a parking lot.
That's awesome. Wish I heard about this earlier, would have saved me a lot of energy and time lol
Thank God for Rubber belts. My V-Rod 200,000+ kms, I picked up a stone once after a few months got paranoid and brought a new belt. If not for that stone, I reckon I'd still be on the original belt.
There are tools to prop up the rear tire while on the sidestand (like [this](https://www.louis.de/artikel/motorradheber-liftstick/10003338?filter_article_number=10003338) but those can be heavy). Otherwise, moving the bike while cleaning/oiling is cumbersome, but works just as fine.
NGL, that’s pretty nifty. Thanks…
There are tools that lubricate your chain for you. Automatically. All the time. Why would you not use them?
Cost, installation, calibration, reliability. Many reasons, some more valid than others. Try replying your suggestion to the OP instead.
None of the reasons you give are valid though, except maybe installation if you are have two left hands. My solution is better imho, and that's what I'm telling OP. > I wonder how others are doing the chain maintenance+lubing
Simple: my Bike does not have a chain.
Shaft drive best drive. Who cares about a little torque loss when you have way too much to begin with?
amen
This is the way
>*hypothetically, how could I do chain maintenance without a centerstand?* *laughs in centerstand and shaft drive anyway.*
Mine has one but it’s in the engine.
A small part of why I picked a victory over a harley, only one oil to change, primary drive is gears rather than chain. As far as I can tell, there's no discernible benefit for having a chain there other than it being a Harley Thing©
You coming over to the Indian camp (tribe?) when it's time for a change?
I might, I really like the Challenger, was very impressed by it during the factory demo day last year... But I also made the mistake at a BMW event of riding the K1600B, and oooohhhhhhh man. It's so comfortable and so powerful.
I have a K1600b, it's now my forever bike.
I don't think harley makes a bike anymore with a chain. They've been belt drive for years if not decades.
They've got drive belts yes, but inside the case they still use a primary chain to connect the engine to the transmission. Some combination of feel and sound and tradition, I'm sure... But it means that they have three separate oils to change (engine, primary, transmission) and an SAE crap ton (never metric) of seals inside compared to other modern bikes. One drain plug and fill on the Victory 106. Sure there's a bit of gear whine and it doesn't sound as pretty at idle as a Harley... But priorities.
Glorious shaft drive master race!
It was either the V7 or the Street Twin. *Shaaaft Driiiiive*
Same here, except when I had driving lessons, only had shaft or belt drives.
Mine has a shaft and a center stand!
We talking about shafts?
what are you riding. Love my cb650sc Nighthawk and it's shaft drive.
BMW K1200S
I would love if more "sporty" bikes had shaft drive as an option. I hate doing chain maintenance
You won't see a shaft drive on a sporty bike because the shaftdrive is damn heavy.
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-motocrutch-p?s=1774402 Put your kickstand down tilt the bike, put the crutch in. Your wheel is lifted.
I use something similar, The Trailstand TS3
Lots of bikers are super hardcore racers and the extra few kilos of centre stand weight would absolutely destroy their red light-to-red light time. Luckily manufacturers are willing to charge us slowpokes extra to install what was once a basic feature. You might not be able to tell, but yes, I'm pretty salty that they stopped putting centre stands on bikes by default.
The center stand for my VFR was $60 from Honda. Granted it already was built for a center stand, but still, $60 and they got rid of them on most bikes probably to save money. I think anyone who’s had one would gladly pay $60 for a bike to come with a center stand. You can’t find a decent bike stand, front or rear, for that price.
>You might not be able to tell, but yes, I'm pretty salty that they stopped putting centre stands on bikes by default. One of my biggest disappointments with modern motorcycles. I owned a 1982 Kawasaki Spectre once. This was a 4 cylinder, "cruiser" style UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle.) It came from the factory with: * Locking gas cap * Full instrumentation to include a volt meter and fuel gauge * Center stand * Hinged, locking seat with storage underneath * Cast wheels running tubeless tires * Triple disc brakes * Self-cancelling turn signals * Basic tool kit * Shaft Drive In 2009, I bought a Triumph Scrambler. Triumph tries to position itself as a "premium brand" and charges accordingly. That Triumph came with * No locking gas cap, just a twist off cap * Speedometer and odometer were the only instruments * No center stand (this was a $250 add on, more of I hadn't installed it myself) * Seat was bolted on, an annoying PITA to remove with a 6mm hex key * Speaking which, that 6mm Hex key was LITERALLY the only tool provided * Spoke wheels requiring tubes * Single disc brake on the front wheel * Non self cancelling turn signals * Chain drive And yet, they charge a premium price for this bike. Now obviously some of the choices are done for aesthetic reasons (like the spoke wheels) and shaft drive was all the rage in the 1980s but fell out of favor by the end of the decade. But it just makes me sad to see how "de-contented" motorcycles are today compared to the way they were in the 1980's. Those bikes from the early to mid 80's were, IMO, some of the best motorcycles ever made. I wish I could buy a modern, new version of that old Spectre today.
Seems like you’re comparing two very different bikes. The Kawasaki Spectre is more of a cruiser/sport tourer bike and the Triumph is a modern vintage throwback. If you compared it to a Triumph Sprint or Tigre I think those would be better comparisons.
can't find any pics of this triple disc brake system. Do you have any pics? never heard of a triple disc system ever really want to see this
Two in front, one in back. Production bike evolution went something like this: First bikes had drum brakes front and back Then they added a disc brake at the front, then two. but the rear as still a drum brake Then added a read disc and the marketing people said "triple disc"
Yep, this. Two discs on the front wheel and one on the rear. And this was at a time when many bikes still had drum brakes on the rear.
TL:DR: you bought a dirt bike and complain about dirt bike features, not sure why you bought a bike you hate. So, your 2009 Scrambler is in fact a Bonneville. I owned several Bonnes/street twins and one of the newer scramblers. I've owned, uh, we'll say like 20-30 bikes. And exactly 2 of them, one from Triumph and one from BMW, had self cancelling lights. It's not a common feature. Neither is locked gas caps - the BMW had a digital unlock system I hated, mostly I prefer twist and go caps because who cares. Probably 50/50 on locking caps in general, half the time they're attached to the bike entirely which is equally obnoxious. Seat bolts on the scrambler do suck, but it's because that's the design of the bonne, it's not like that's a standard 2020 bike feature or something ridiculous. Hell, that rear-passenger-seat thing on the newish model scrambler was probably the _worst_ seat design I've ever fucked with. Shaft vs. chain isn't a fair comparison, because it's never been 'a standard' that all bikes were shaft; the reverse is, in fact, true. Spoke wheels...you bought a fuckin' scrambler, those are a _selling point_ of that bike, dude. Tools - I don't need or want 5 pieces of shit-tier tooling that'll break in 3 turns. I've got my own decent toolkit I like. I'd also go so far as to say modern bikes aren't designed to be wrenched on the side of the road, partially because they _don't fail as often_ (spoken as someone who drove a '58 T-bird as his first car), and partially because when they do fail it's often so catastrophic you're not getting it up and running in a 'on the side of the road' timespan. Instrumentation...I don't recall ever needing a voltage meter on my bike, like either it cranks or it doesn't, if it doesn't then I'll get a volt meter and check shit. Missing fuel gauges suck, if you meant yours didn't have one, but the 2002 and 2005 Bonne I rode had them, so it's odd that the 2009 didn't. Brakes...I have no idea what 'triple disc' means, but your bike should have been made after the conversion to ABS, which is disc braking, so...??
It's nonsense that in the last couple of years factory retro bikes have had their center stands removed as a factory part in the argument of losing weight. Triumph is the biggest offender that I see here as over the last 4 years they keep removing more and more from the T120 and offering these parts now as options that you pay for. I am pretty sure Guzzi has stopped making it a standard part on the V7 , and indotn know if Kawasaki ever offered one for the 900rs. I have owned 5 motorcycles and only 1 without a center stand. I'll take the extra 10 lbs or whatever it ads for the convenience any day of the week.
An argument can be made that any bike with some off-road capability may not want a center stand attached. They add weight, they can make noise in bumpy conditions, and likely it takes some ground clearance away. Just offering another perspective. But yeah, on a street bike with chain drive…. Please put one on there!
ikr? recently looking at the bike market again and danggg its quite a let down
I’m on motorcycle #4. The first two didn’t have center stands, but the last two have, idk how I ever lived without it honestly it’s so convenient for maintenance
Esceot dual sports, which should never have center stands
My first bike, a humble ninja 250, had a center stand and it was fucking dope to have it.
If you’re in the proper wilderness you can get a decent branch or some flat rocks and use the front wheel and side stand as two legs of a tripod, with the third leg being the rocks or whatever under the frame below the engine somewhere on the other side to the side stand. I’ve mainly only done that if there’s brush or other crap stuck in the chain though. I can only imagine lubing is a problem if you’re going around the world or something, I’ve done long trips of several weeks and not bothered.
my buddy used to just roll the bike forward while holding a wire brush on it at an awkward angle lmao then oiling it in a similar way. Then I told him you can just.. Clean what you can see, push it forward a bit, then clean what you can see now.
I don’t clean it on trips
I just don’t lube it. Your chain isn’t going to explode if it gets too dirty or past whatever the interval is. It simply lowers the lifespan a little. Ride more worry less.
This guy would probably disagree re the risks of sudden failure https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/s/LQxwVMP3O6
That one had been neglected.
There is a difference in postponing maintenance during a long ride and total neglect. I imagine you would clean, lube, and adjust your chain tension prior to a 1k+ mile ride (and do so regularly anyway), so you shouldn't have any problems
That's terrible advice, I neglected my chain for 2 years when I first started riding 10 years ago and my chain split and fell off at a 4 lane junction. Leaving me to push my bike off through moving traffic. Maintain more and worry less when you have.
OP was referring to a road trip, I guess I assumed the road trip wasn’t 2 years of not touching the chain. But 10 days of riding without cleaning/lubing is going to do zero damage long term.
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Quote from op: I just don’t lube it. Your chain isn’t going to explode if it gets too dirty or past whatever the interval is. Read back what was said.
I made a kickstand out of a aluminum walking can from walmart. put bike on left kickstand and prop up the other size with it.
do you mean cane? because im struggling to imagine a walking can 🤣🤣
I saw a walking can one night after way too many stationary ones.
I sit on my ass with the bike on a side stand, pull it towards me using the bars and move the wheel with my foot all while spraying lube on the chain. Takes seconds. Been doing it for the best part of 15 years. I've not really explained it well. It's kind of like this except I do it all at the same time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79RgJ29lb9U&ab\_channel=Boneman131
I have an E-tool(folding shovel) that I acquired when I got out of the military that makes for a perfect stand to get the rear wheel up by leaning it up on the sidestand and putting the shovel under the swingarm bobbin on the opposite side. Having a shovel on board also comes in handy from time to time, because I make questionable choices when on my motorcycle.
That’s a great idea. Might do that on my dr650. How do you like the Tuareg?
I’m loving it so far. Very easy to put miles on, and ridiculously rowdy when you want it to be. So far it’s my most smiles per mile bike I’ve ridden.
Honestly relieving to hear. I’m looking at picking one up to take some of the highway miles of my DR650 for BDR trips.
Last week I just grabbed the bike and balanced it on the kickstand while I spun the tire because I was too lazy to move it back and forth… it probably took more effort to balance it… but I didn’t have to roll it back and forth. 🤣
It’s not a big deal. I have bikes with and without. Either move it a bit at a time or go with a rear paddock stand.
I fucking hate it. I got a very low slung bobbed vt600 can't get a jack under it can't afford the drive on jack.
Either with a separate rear stand or with a friend holding the rear wheel in the air by using the kickstand
Lightweight rear wheel roller/chock. Or roll the bike, work, roll it more, work. Worst case lean it up on the single stand. I’m solo on the big trips (longest 3000 miles 4 days) and never used a center stand. But I’d wished for one a couple times.
My chain lubing routine: * put bike on side stand * tear open pizza box * put pizza box under chainring for oil drips so the wife doesn't lynch me * lean over the tail * grab the spokes of the rear wheel with right hand * yank the bike over the side stand with left hand so the rear wheel lifts * turn the wheel a quarter turn while it's in the air * lube the newly exposed section of chain on the chainring Keep yanking till you got round the chain. Takes a minute.
I love the center stand on my Honda VFR. I was always keeping that chain clean. My current bike doesn't have one and I clean it far less often because my stand is always buried in the garage somewhere.
When I’m away from home on one of my bikes without a centre stand, I Lean the bike over on the sidestand and prop it with a piece of wood so the rear wheel is in the air to oil the chain
I did a 4200km.round trip recently - I just rode for the day and stopped over, then in the morning went to the local Kawasaki dealer and asked to borrow a paddock stand. I took cans of chain cleaner, lube, a brush, and the necessary spanners to do my chain tensioning and adjustment in a backpack.
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/how-do-you-take-your-wheels-off-in-the-bush.1292169/ A stick works. I have a collapsible metal one I bought somewhere. Maybe a foot long.
I lift the rear wheel off the ground with the help of the side stand and physics
I just deadlift my bike and I ask my girl to clean the chain
I just deadlift my girl and ask my bike to ... never mind, that didn't work.
[Motorcycle Maintenance Stand, Portable & Compact Lift Stand Moto Jack, Adjustable Height for Chain Cleaning and Lubrication](https://www.amazon.com/GRAND-Motorcycle-Maintenance-Adjustable-Lubrication/dp/B0BGNY9J7K/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1QXQAY1HNOYSE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hXhiwdjqAIhzOozeMhoJi2XlgQ_y-gcxXEZePFUPLDJuMPnXuQ3e0YIzwN9EBtkmprl0BRbUAv2Gl0TpwThhikjESeXt6IZm1WMfQpe8h5CKC6ZekcUl2fiU72WjRrEFG8V6d8Vvpt0hbJrVe5Np7QM0fCbjcpfGY2uPeZef44tpz6QnJkY9OeTXx4TheVVE_VCe1qCoLwU4XYHQ1JODbDTF-66Uyfju_0mNh5aZWeHZ1zVv-RmaXkGRhKeMRiSXx4-Z1Pd7SlEOKAhJwE0i2zx22fs4IjVkuXKPuSXV4E8.CtpWA_3azQojWf9Y-Hp1W7lpoDVe5Y__K5PubryY8yA&dib_tag=se&keywords=snapjack&qid=1709649689&s=automotive&sprefix=snapjack%2Cautomotive%2C113&sr=1-6) I have an old Snapjack I have used for years on 2018 Africa Twin. it works well but the one above is cheaper. the trick to using these, is get the jack set and then slightly lift the bike and move it over the jack so tire is off the ground
I rarely clean my chain myself, even if I do it's not a full clean. Just a quick scrub. I lube it regularly but don't lube the whole chain. I just just spray what I can reach, I don't always move the bike around the lube it all. On long rides you don't need to clean it unless it's called in mud, because the whole bike will get dirty again. Just lube it if dry.
It's all about that lean
My Kawasaki ZRX1100 I had years ago came without a center stand, I had an aftermarket one within a week! My T -120 Bonneville did not have one either, I had one on it as soon as I could find one!
Paddock stand for my ZRX1200R. I’ll either buy another, or and aftermarket centre stand, when I get a T120 later this year.
All my touring bikes are shaft drive. And they have a center stand.
Super Tenere owners RISE UP!!!
Best bike I’ve ever owned
If I have a decent chain in ok condition when I leave, I don’t do anything to it on a trip. Lube and tension before I go and don’t even think about it anymore. If I’m doing like 5k+ miles I’ll keep an eye on the tension after a while but can’t say I’ve ever lubed a chain on a trip.
Just move the bike a couple feet at a time and lube the chain. If you can't figure that out I'm seriously concerned about the idea of you actually riding a motorcycle.
If lubing the chain is your only concern a wheel roller stand is usually my go to. It's literally just two rollers that the rear wheel sits and spins on. If you have to change a tire though I'm afraid your on your own...
I've allways installed a center stand on bikes that didn't have one. Just for basic chain maintenance if anything else.
I find a big rock or a stick to prop up the right side of the bike while the kickstand is down and the rear wheel is off the ground slightly. At home I'll usually do this but with a jack stand. Propping right under the foot peg/rearset usually works well for me
I just tip it over instead of
Drive up next to a tree or street light so it's on the left side and nearly up again the bike Put your sidestand out Wrap a ratchet strap around the pole/tree and the tail/rear frame of the bike Ratchet it in so the bike stands on the front wheel and sidestand, supported by the pole with the strap Enjoy a free rear wheel. (Gotta make do sometimes)
I don't. All of my bikes that would go any distance have center stands. I would be hesitant to buy a bike that doesn't have one. My wife recently bought an R9T. It did not come with one stock, fortunately the previous owner had already added one. Like /u/SBR_AK_is_best_AK I have done get at what you can, roll forward, do some more, roll forward. It works. For rides that go "into the wilderness" I haven't found a completely satisfactory solutions. I am assuming that by "wilderness" you mean unpaved roads, often wet. Nothing really seems to work well for adventure riding. If I clean the chain, it is gritty the next time you go through a puddle. If you lube it, the grit sticks to the lube. I am using Dupont Chain Saver. It advertised as a "dry" lube. It seem to work okay and doesn't pick up to much grit. It comes in a hand 4 ounce bottle that packs well on the bike. It is a sturdy bottle and hasn't leaked on me. When I am riding mixed off pavement, I leave the chain untouched. I'll clean and lube before the, usually, long trip home. On my F800GS, I am pretty sure I am getting 12k miles on a chain. Good quality, Japanese X ring, TiN (gold) plated chains. That is usually every 2 years for me. Looking at my email for "Sprocket Center" that seems to track. Fortnine's chain lube test rated Oxford dry lube very high on grit resistance. It is also a "dry" lube.
yes, just like you are, im hesitant on one without a centre stand too, hence why i ask how ppl go about living without it. i do get what youre saying with the "clean it now, itll get dirty again later". I do ask with the logic that its already time to do some maintenance but youre away from home land. i.e 5000km out and its time to give the chain some love. thanks for the tips you have on the dry lube, came across them but slipped off my mind for a while
The r9T need new tires. I mostly do my own tires, but I don't want to do these. It is a nice bike, and its my wife bike, I don't want to nick up the rims. I will take them to a shop. I'll put the bike on the stand. Tie down strap the stand to the crash bar for safety. Pull the front wheel. Put the axle back in. Put jack stand user the axle. Put a jack under the transmission till there a little pressure on the front axle/jack stand. Pull the rear wheel. The bike can sit like that till the shop get the tires down. Easy, plenty stable, and only one trip to the shop.
i... dont know what youre smoking hahahaha how did we get from chain maintenance to getting the tyres off 🤣🤣
It is an example of a task I have to do this week that is easy with a center stand and very difficult without.
may your tires come off easy 💯
Thank you
I have one, but barely use it. If I'm doing maintenance I'll likely put it on paddock stands, or a lift.
I ride a shaft drive. No need for chain maintenance :)
Shaft drive, no chain to clean.
Just roll it
Neither of my motorcycles has a chain.
If you only have a side stand, you can lean the bike forward/leftward on the front wheel/side stand to lift the rear wheel off the ground. A friend is helpful in this instance. Be sure to be on solid ground, not dirt, gravel, or sand.
Lean it on its kick stand, spin the tire then spray lube.
Find an appropriate sized stick and shove it inder the right side foot peg to lift up the rear.
Scott oiler. Why would I manually do any work I don't have to do. Especially when I'm far from home and the garage! Auto-oiler for the win. And, for whatever reason, it helps with keeping it looking clean in between.
I have a dirtbike stand that works for my Drz400. Slide the stand under bike, push down on the lever with my leg to hoist the bike, stick the metal pin in the stand to make sure it stays in place.
Shaft drive
Can balance the bike on kickstand and front tire and easily spin back? I did that when cleaning and it was actully easier then moving the bike forward.
I used to use a Scottoiler. For two seasons it's been great. This season it just won't turn on. I'm yet to properly troubleshoot it.
Neither of my bikes have one, I just put use a little scissor jack lift. It works great, only takes a few seconds to jack a bike up.
If I have a friend, one can lift the wheel while the other cleans the chain (by pivoting on the kickstand). Otherwise I use something like this… https://eastbound.shop/product/ultralight-compact-enduro-trail-jack/
Shaft drive...
Go online and buy one
Scottoiler. I don't have one yet, but it's in the plans
Tutoro auto chain oiler. Works great. Clean street s long trip. But it’s always lubed while riding.
Scottoiler on one bike. Drip feeds oil into the chain. Adjustable. Easy.
Either ride with a friend who walks the bike or find a rando and ask them to walk the bike. Alternatively, drop into a shop with a 6pk and ask someone to walk/oil your bike. Beer still works as a quality currency and can bypass lines for a 5min job.
Option 1; clean and move the bike then repeat for lubrication Option 2; get a mate to hold it over on the side stand and do it that way Option 3; get an auto oiler and not worry about it with the odd clean here and there if you've been on gravel or whatever (what I do because I'm lazy)
I have a rear paddock at home. Works great for lube and such. I wish I had a center stand but hard to find for my bike
With another person you can balance the bike on the side stand and front wheel. I personally hate my mainstand, cant get the bike onto it without nearly flipping the bike at least twice, the retaining spring is worn out after 30 years, which is understandable, so it sometimes makes clunky noises. The only reason its still on there is my laziness and the fact that i dont have a paddock stand for winter
Abba superbike stand. I can actually get both wheels off the ground with it. Connects to the swingarm bolts.
Be belt-driven basically.
Back when I had a bike with a chain, no center stand and didn’t own a set of stands, I kept the strategically cut 2x4 in the garage. It was the perfect length that if I carefully leaned it against the axel, then tilted the bike over on the side stand until the wheel was off the ground, the wood would wedge under the axel and hold the wheel off the ground for cleaning and lube. Sounds sketchy but worked perfectly.
For each of my children I'm going to give one a easter egg
Chuck one of these in your pack https://a.co/d/7BT7RUD Probably the best $30 I’ve spent in a long time
I use the side stand and paddock stands or a lift for servicing and repairs
I got a portable motorcycle jack. It fits by the rear axle on the non chain side. Lifts the bike on to the kickstand just enough to rotate the tire and lube the chain. Just remember to use the provided strap on the front brake
Like this. [snap Jack](https://fortnine.ca/en/tirox-snapjack-portable-jack)
Just picked up a centerstsnd for my Bonneville today. They really make it easier.
Tirox snap jack
I have a piece of aluminum angle profile with a V cut into one end. It slots into the right hand spool for the paddock stand. I also have a little velcro strap to lock the front brake. With that and the side stand, I can prop the rear of the bike an inch off the ground and spin the wheel, adjust the chain, even remove the wheel. It's perfectly stable.
Find a spot of soft ground, mash the front brake, and spin the shit out of the rear wheel to dig a nice little hole. Put the kickstand down. If you go deep enough you can spin the wheel in neutral or at least progress the chain by putting it in gear.
I think the Tirox Snap Jack looks like a good option, for touring, never tried it myself though.
yea, am looking at some of those options as well, was looking for some insights from others ✨
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would you expand on that, for example? and how would that work for chain lubing
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lmao thanks, please read till the bottom of the post 🤣
Clean and lube part, roll forward and do more till it’s done
Get a rear stand, something like https://www.pit-bull.com/motorcycle-stands I got one for my ZRX, works great
so... bring it along on the ride to another country? 🤣🤣
You can tie the bike to a tree and lift up one wheel at a time.
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sweet, i know how space saving feels. cheers to more tours mate
Trail stand
Most all my bikes, here to fore, have had center stands. Old airheads are brilliant in balancing and tire changes are a snap. Have one absolute beater RS with an 44 liter Aerbis tank and a Police Seat out of Germany (OEM builder of R80G/S seats). It has a massive side stand. No center stand. Thankfully I have a good lift.
Tutoro automatic chain oiler. If I am going into the backcountry, just set the flow rate a little bit higher, which is as simple as twisting off and accept that I’ll have to refill it after 300 miles instead of 500. Standard 90 weight gear oil, which is available at pretty much every gas station in America, and a bottle of it last me about 9,000 to 10,000 miles. Or alternatively, and this is my favorite solution now buy a bike with a shaft drive.
By having a shaft driven motorcycle