Dakar Center Stands

[monstergirl]

I've got a center stand on my '03 F 650 GS Dakar but it is VERY difficult to use. It is the basic straight one like the SW Mototech or Touratech one. I found one made by Hepco Becker that is rounded and was thinking it might be easier to use. Anyone tried a center stand something like this?
http://www.adventuremotorcycleparts.com/merchant2/graphics/00000001/ET505-628.jpg
LINKY (http://www.adventuremotorcycleparts.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ET505-628&Category_Code=motorcycle-centerstands&Store_Code=amp)
Seems worth the money to me if it will actually be easier to use.

[ridingAK]

Haven't tried anything like that, but at some point I'm going to need to do something. I can't get close to getting my bike on the center stand since we lowered the bike but not the stand. :shrug:

[gypsyangel]

ooh that would work good for parking the bike off road as well so it won't sink into the dirt.

[BlueLghtning]

I'm not sure what centerstand Sarah has on her F650GS, but its a tough bike to get up there on it. I wish it was easier so she could do it by herself.

[gypsyangel]

I'm not sure what centerstand Sarah has on her F650GS, but its a tough bike to get up there on it. I wish it was easier so she could do it by herself.

:iagree:

[gypsyangel]

Wow, it's only $152.99, That's not bad. If you don't mind, I'm going to "cross-post" this on the Chain Gang and see if anyone there has used one and if it'll fit my F650gs.

[gypsyangel]

NM found a post on it:

http://f650.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=221802&p=457980&hilit=Hepco+Becker+centerstand#p457980

Looks like it also does away with the chain possibly rubbing the centerstand. Awesome.

http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009/06/09/bikepics-1692707-full.jpg

http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2008/10/04/bikepics-1437724-800.jpg

[TylerR]

Y'know, I have to admit something... when I first saw the title of this thread, I thought our own KCDakar had gotten into stunting or something. :lol:

[ridingAK]

:lol:

[monstergirl]

gypsyangel, thanks for finding that post, and cross-post away! I've spent hours searching for anyone commenting on these types of stands. Technically, they don't mention how easy it is to use, but it might be worth a try. I'm getting frustrated with my current one since I have NEVER been able to use it by myself. I hate asking for help!

The poster in that other thread said something about hitting the swing arm and taking away some ground clearance. The way I ride, I don't think that will become a problem for a LONG time. Anyway, that's what I've got the DRZ for!

That stand is kinda ugly, but the Dakar has never won any beauty contests. :lol:

If I have a moment of weakness and order the stand, I'll make sure to give you an update with my opinions.

[monstergirl]

Ok, I have NO will power. I lasted all of 20 minutes from the time of my last post until I ordered the center stand. :redface1:

Report will follow. Hoping to have it here and installed for the trip to Leavenworth.

[Luna Tique]

That would be great monstergirl.
Reviews from our members are very helpful to guiding us in what to avoid and what are worth the investment. At least for me they are :thumbup:

[gypsyangel]

Yep! Please do report. I'm not seeing HOW this centerstand would or even could hit the sidestand, so I'd be curious to find out. Also , as for ground clearance, I've noticed in pictures that it'd be my side stand likely dragging first. Perhaps he was referring to ground clearance off road. In that case, I could see where it may be a issue. The cross bar hangs a little low and could possibly catch on roots, rocks or anything else sticking outta the ground. Perhaps a centerstand skidplate would remedy that. You'd likely have to build one yourself though as I don't think this one would work.

http://kiladala.myshopify.com/collections/f650gs-dakar-2005-2007/products/650-gs-center-stand-skid-plate

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0013/1822/products/front_view_2_medium.jpg?1276036516

I'd love to see if it would work on the F650gs though. But I'm afraid, since the Dakar is taller, that it'd be just a difficult as the stock model. :(:

[Astir]

I saw one of these on an 800 at the BMW shop today.

Let us know if it is any easier. I really hope it makes it easier for you to get on the center stand.

[gypsyangel]

Well, did it come yet????:ears:

[monstergirl]

Pppfffft. No. :grump:
Supposedly it shipped from California on Tuesday. So far, I'm unimpressed with that company. Who doesn't send a tracking number now-a-days? They said I would get one, but never did.

[gypsyangel]

Grrrrr how annoying. But on a side note, doesn't package tracking resemble "Santa tracking" on tv when you were a kid and with the same level of excitement and anticipation? I just hope somebody doesn't one day tell me the UPS man isn't real!:D:

[Luna Tique]

:lol: Me too I am waiting for him to show up myself ( UPS man that is :D: )
:shrug:Not farkles for the bikes :(: just hardware for the projects in the shop.

[KCDakar]

Y'know, I have to admit something... when I first saw the title of this thread, I thought our own KCDakar had gotten into stunting or something. :lol:


I have to say I was wondering that myself! :rofl:

[KCDakar]

I have the TT center stand and I find it a real :gaah: to get it up. I want to add about 3" to the part you put your foot on but have never got around to it. :shrug:

[monstergirl]

:gaah:

Well, I won't have the new stand to try out on our trip to Leavenworth this weekend. Turns out, it's being shipped directly from the importer (they didn't say what company) from CA. They said they shipped it out the 16th, but then they back pedaled and said they didn't ship it out and they don't know when they will!! Way to go Hepco Becker importer! :mad: The place I bought it from should share some of the blame since they didn't notice that it hadn't been shipped out. I do have to say the people I talked with today from that place were very nice, but still...

Anyway, if the stand ever arrives, I will post the results.

[ridingAK]

What a pain! I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with these folks, that stinks!

[Luna Tique]

:hug2: monstergirl


:soapbox:"Nice" may take a bit of the sting out but it does not get the job done or in this case get the package to you when promised.

Companies need to be held accountable.

Rant over ;): I feel better now :D: