Lowered bike needs a shorter center stand

[Jon]

I have lowered my bike by 1) lowering the seat by carving the seat pan (but not the foam) and 2) installing longer dog bones and lowering the front suspension. The lowered suspension has made getting the bike up on the center stand near impossible. I am going to cut the center stand and shorten it, and was wondering if anyone has done this and has any experience to share.

Please, no comments on the wisdom of lowering the bike's suspension. I've read them all. So far, I like what I've done to the bike and have no intention of putting it back to stock. Thanks.

 

[chrisflock]

I have lowered my bike by 1) lowering the seat by carving the seat pan (but not the foam) and 2) installing longer dog bones and lowering the front suspension. The lowered suspension has made getting the bike up on the center stand near impossible. I am going to cut the center stand and shorten it, and was wondering if anyone has done this and has any experience to share.
Please, no comments on the wisdom of lowering the bike's suspension. I've read them all. So far, I like what I've done to the bike and have no intention of putting it back to stock. Thanks.

How much did you lower the bike?

I lowered my 07 by 7/8 of an inch with the Kouba Links. Getting it up on the centerstand is a pain, but I honestly don't think it is THAT much harder than it was before--it was a pain before. Heck, older bikes with adjustable rear shocks could have as much difference between the highest and lowest position as the difference between my lowered bike and stock, I honestly couldn't tell the difference between putting my CB750 on the centerstand with the bike empty and the shocks 'up' versus the shocks in the lowest setting, and the bike loaded down with gear (so sitting even lower).

I didn't touch my centerstand. I did alter my sidestand, I took a little off the forward 'stop' so it can swing further forward, and then I ground a little on the bottom to change the angle of the bottom, so the sidestand is sitting 'flat' even though it is a little further foward.

When I changed my rear wheel, I heard that putting the centerstand on a block of wood could make it easier. I couldn't get the bike up on the centerstand with a 1x4 under there, so I actually ran my rear tire up on a bit of plywood, half inch or 5/8, not sure, and then put the stand down on a bit of 1x4, and then tossed the plywood out of the way. If you only use the centerstand for maintenance and winter storage, I would think that rolling the rear tire up onto even a bit of half inch plywood should make it doable, and will be less work that messing with the centerstand.

All in all, I was worried about this when I first lowered my bike, but now I've gotten used to the centerstand with the bike lowered, and I've learned how to put it on the stand without lifting, I use my weight and a little roll to the rear to do it.

 

[FJRScorpion]

I tried lowering mine, but the scraping from the slightest pavement hole and driveway entrance was enough to dissuade me. :angry: That being said, if you are not going to use the center stand for anything other than maintenance just roll the tires onto a 4" wide, 1" thick, ~6' long piece of plywood. Shortening the side stand is more manageable and there are several ways to do that. Good Luck!

 

[Geezer]

I haven't lowered my FJR, but after much experience I can and do put a 2x6 under the center stand and pop it up onto it when I change tires. It just takes practice and the proper technique.

 

[Jon]

To those who have posted replies to my inquiry about cutting the center stand:

1. I want to use the center stand in various places and do not want to carry a piece of wood around to put under the rear tire.

2. I had no trouble getting the bike on the stand prior to the mod but have great difficulty now. I'm old with a weak back and don't want to do any more damage to this old body. That's why I want to reduce the effort needed to get the bike on the stand.

3. I lowered the bike 7/8" with the Kouba links.

 

[FJRay]

It is a lot more involved than just cutting a section out and welding it back together. You have to rsconfigure where the stop hits the left muffler and then you have to find springs that will work to keep it all in place.

 

[n1acguy]

I lowered mine also, and the bike isn't going on the center stand with just a little extra grunt. At least on my 08, the stand is too low to have it's fulcrum point in contact with the ground once lowered.

I have to roll the rear wheel onto a 2x4 to get it high enough.

While I haven't studied it in great detail, I don't see an easy way to shorten the stand without really hacking it up.

I elected to grind a little off the side stand forward stop to allow the bike to lean more to add stability when on the side stand, and have accepted that I won't be using the center stand to park as a matter of routine.

 

[08FJR4ME]

Well after looking at the center stand the most you could gain is about 3/8 of an inch. I am not sure if that would be enough but a competent welding and fabrication shop should be able to do it. JMO

Dave

 

[dirttracker30]

To those who have posted replies to my inquiry about cutting the center stand:
1. I want to use the center stand in various places and do not want to carry a piece of wood around to put under the rear tire.

2. I had no trouble getting the bike on the stand prior to the mod but have great difficulty now. I'm old with a weak back and don't want to do any more damage to this old body. That's why I want to reduce the effort needed to get the bike on the stand.

3. I lowered the bike 7/8" with the Kouba links.

I cut 1" out of mine just below the pivot holes. That is about the only sraight part to the stand. you will have to grind/cut loose your gussets cut your sections out and reweld. mine works great ,as it is almost like a ride off stand and takes very little effort to put on the stand. In my opinion, the japanese bikes make their center stands way to tall from the get go. now my rear tire has only about a 1" of ground clearance after it is up on the stand.

 

[garauld]

If you really want to pursue this, I could shorten it to your spec and repowdercoat it for $50 plus return shipping costs. PM me if interested. B)

 

[Jon]

Updated reply to those who have recently posted:

FJRay: I understand that the rubber stop mount and springs will need adjustment. I'm prepared to do both.

Dirttracker30: I'd love to see a photo of your shorted stand. If you have one, please email it to me at [email protected]

Garauld: Thanks for the offer. Your work is top-notch. But this one I have to try for myself (until such time as a totally goof it up and then I'll cry for help).

I will take photos as my work on this progresses and post here (assuming I'm successful).

Jon

 

[fastpappy]

I don't mean to Hi-Jack this thread but I have a couple of related questions. I just got my Kouba-Links in the mail (7/8 also) and haven't done the installation yet so I am looking for some tips. Firstly do the Forks have to be lowered the same distance as the rear, it seems a lot "7/8" for the Forks?? Secondly I've read where the added length to links tends to make the Suspension too soft and I don't want to comprise my 2up capability so do I have to do the Shock Spring Spacer Mod in addition to altering the Side & Center Stands?? Lastly do you find that handling is diminished at all?? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jon]

Fastpappy - Installing the Kouba links is a snap. Just follow the directions that came with them. I don't think you can lower the front forks 7/8" without encountering clearance problems. I went just under 1/2" on mine and so far have had no problems. I only ride one-up so I cannot comment on two-up riding. I have not changed anything on my suspension.

I have read posts from other riders in which they say their bikes bottomed out over speed bumps after lowering their suspension. I have not had that problem. Others have complained about reduced cornering clearance. I have had that problem, but not too severe. Raising my toes up (rotating my foot backward on the peg) is all I've had to do to accommodate tight turns with the lowered suspension.

I have also got closer to the ground by lowering my seat (see post elsewhere in this section). I carved the seat pan to get it to fit lower on the bike. This got my but (and feet) about 1" lower. Between the seat and suspension lowering I've got the bike where I want it.

Hopes this helps.

Jon

 

[vasteve]

I lowered mine a .500 in the front and .625 in the back. I'm pretty flat footed now. It handles fine for the way I ride, but I don'y double much. Like the others I roll the back tire onto a 2"X6" and can get it on the center stand fine. I did shorten the the side stand about an inch. I have a 30" inseam so the bike works much better for me now.

 

[fastpappy]

Got the links on ebay so no instructions but seems simple enough just need to figure out which way they face. Also switched to a Corbin seat so that got me a bit lower already. I guess I need to do the install and do some seat of the pants testing to see about the suspension and handling. Again thanks for the input.

 

[wheatonFJR]

...Between the seat and suspension lowering I've got the bike where I want it.

Except on the center stand...hence the thread.

Just joshing widcha Jon, don't get mad.

 

[Bounce]

Bounces Law: Always make mods in such a way as they can be reversed when you later decide to sell the bike.

BL's Corollary: Hacking at things in a manner that can't be reversed (easily) costs at the time of the mod and the time of the sale of the vehicle.

Conclusion: Instead of hacking on your center stand (which will require a replacement center stand and the replacement of the OEM "dog bones" when you want to sell the bike, why not use a 2x4 instead? Put the rear tire on the 2x4 when needing to put the bike on the center stand. It will raise the bike up enough that the OEM stand will easily work for you.

Observation: If you're using your back to get the bike on the center stand then you're doing it wrong. Do a google search for "gold wing onto center stand". It's heavier than the FJR and, regardless of the model of the bike, the tequnique is the same. The search I did lead to this Youtube of this Old Wing. About half way through was the part about the technique you need. Notice the guy doesn't lift the bike; he drives the center stand down into the ground with his leg.



I also see your follow-up posts about modding the seat down to (nearly) the frame. You're determined, so have at it. Be sure to have someone do your welding that will warranty their work against potential damage to the bike if their welds fail.

 

[RiderCoach Lar]

The 2x4 idea was addressed in post #5...

1. I want to use the center stand in various places and do not want to carry a piece of wood around to put under the rear tire.

Regarding Bounce's Law, I think Jon has also addressed that by already buying a second centerstand which he'll shorten and replace the original centerstand with. And if I know Jon, once he completes the project, he'll produce exceptionally well-detailed instructions on how he did it....like in post #12 HERE!

 

[Jon]

Reply to Bounces Law - I agree. I purchased another center stand on eBay. I will keep the original stock stand and modify the one I bought. I also kept the original dogbones which I can swap out for the Kouba links. The only thing that can't be changed is the seat pan but I'm so pleased with the change that I don't worry about that.

I used to weld UPS trucks back together so I'm confident that I can weld a center stand.