No paddock stands at testing stations

**Blakamin** · 24th March 2005, 23:18

Last WoF I had, they put all the weight on the side stand.... wont be going there with the Duc.... (dont want a busted engine case)

**Zed** · 24th March 2005, 23:23

Originally Posted by Blakamin

Last WoF I had, they put all the weight on the side stand...

Been there done that...not really what the "side" stand is designed for. If a bike shop/testing station was to do that I'd say it would be most unprofessional!

**crashe** · 24th March 2005, 23:37

thats what I have to do with my bike...
I have the side stand down and pull the bike over and lift it up for them to check the rear wheel... its the lifting of it that they only get a couple of secs to check it...
They dont have the right equipment or know how to use it.... for my bike...
it is times like having a WOF done that I wish my bike had a centre stand.

**Skyryder** · 25th March 2005, 04:03

Seems to be a problem at other testing stations. When I first took the drake for its first warrent I was asked if the bike had a centre stand. My bike has a centre stand stand so no problem. The Jackels and some other Guzzi's only have a side stand. But I asked "What if it did not?" Was told that I would have to lift the rear so they could check the bearings. Just not bloody good enough. Just another example of the indifference that we are too often subjected too. Next time this happens make a lot of media noise.

Skyryder

**Wolf** · 25th March 2005, 08:52

One of the things that seriously annoyed me about the LS400 (aside from the fact you had to take the petrol tank off just to access the spark plug and the fact it was under powered and...) was the lack of centre stand. It was a hassle every time I had to adjust the chain or oil it - I used to lift up the back end and swing the bike across to rest the sump on an old car battery (and I'm not the strongest bloke in the world so it was a bit of a mission.)

I'm right behind the idea of not using the centre stand for general parking in the street, but FFS I would like to be given the option of using one for when I have to lift the wheels - changing tyres, oiling/adjusting the chain, checking wheel bearings etc.

It surprises me to hear they're not putting centre stands on a lot of bikes now. I thought the "Savage"'s lack was because it was imitating a Harley - and Harleys don't have centre stands as the tyres never need changing (PT)

I would not buy another bike that does not have a centre stand.

**trev** · 25th March 2005, 09:35

Originally Posted by Wolf

, but FFS I would like to be given the option of using one for when I have to lift the wheels - changing tyres, oiling/adjusting the chain, checking wheel bearings etc.

I bought a mobile rear stand from Motomail for about $100. Sit the arms under the swing arms & off you go.
If you want one for less get a builder mate to buy you a length (6m ) of D16 or D20 reinforcing rod. ( approx $20 - will make 2 stands ) & if he slips his steel bending company ( we use Stevens Steel ) another $20 they'll bend it for you.
If the builder has his own hydraulic bender he can do it himself.
The only thing you are missing are wheels. 10 mins. welding & 2 cheap castors will fix that

**Grumpy** · 25th March 2005, 10:00

Nevr been to keen on taking my bikes to a testing station. Heard a story of a guy having his bike failed because it had a pack frame mounted. Could be dangerous in an accident..

I know Colemans do warrants and they have stands too

**StoneChucker** · 25th March 2005, 10:17

I've never had my new bike warranted (still in the first year), but I took my old CBR250 to VTNZ a couple of times. The wankers there told me to jam my foot in behind the side stand, and pull back resting the weight of the fucking bike on the side stand. No fucking doubt that if it snapped of VTNZ would say oops, now piss off, not our problem. I would NEVER use any place other than Sawyers for MY WOF's. Bike shops do the WOF for you, and I presume they use appropriate methods.

Hell, I wish someone would use VTNZ with a brand spanking new bike, make THEM do the WOF, have the side-stand break, bike fall over and sue the f*ing shit out of the ignorant pricks.

(breathe in, breathe out

)
Even if the stand didn't break at VTNZ, what happens if it was just weakened and breaks off while parked outside the Fish, or wherever...

The only benefit of using VTNZ is that it's pretty quick. You get ushered to the front of the queue. Also, they don't fix/repair anything so you're most likely to get an honest WOF from them. If only they got their act together, and purchased the correct equipment for the vehicles they are servicing. Would they expect cars to drive up with two wheels(on the same side) on beer crates? Pathetic

**Aitch** · 25th March 2005, 11:32

when a 5ft nothing 6okg lass rides a big bike in? how the hell will she be able to pick it up?

**crashe** · 25th March 2005, 12:16

struggle with it.... and they only lift it for a couple of seconds....
I guess maybe the males would be gentlemen and offer to help....

**Aitch** · 25th March 2005, 12:23

I'd be very tempted to tell the wof man to pick it up himself...after all they don't ask you to pick your car up! course then he'd fail me for having a dirty indicator lens or for having a red bike!

**Hitcher** · 25th March 2005, 12:30

The centre stand on an ST1300 doesn't get in the way of anything. A beautifully integrated piece of finery it is. Takes a bit of a grunt to get the ST up on it though...

**TwoSeven** · 25th March 2005, 12:56

I go to the lichfield st one (chch). Just leave the bike/car out front and go make myself a coffee. Never have any problems with it.

But I would expect testing stations to aquire a hydrolic stand for bikes these days. Side stands are really not meant for holding 1/4 ton of bike up.

**gav** · 25th March 2005, 13:14

So how do all you guys without centre stands oil ya chains etc? Do you have a paddock stand at home?

**NinjaBoy** · 25th March 2005, 13:35

Originally Posted by gav

So how do all you guys without centre stands oil ya chains etc? Do you have a paddock stand at home?

Using a spray lube, spray some on, move bike forward (or backward) until the whole chain is done. Real pain but it did the job. But the CBR has a centre stand and its great !!!