1100 side stand

[snakebasket]

I am new to GS ownership, and have been advised to not leave my bike on the sidestand (even though I have made a plate to raise it 15mm, as it seemed to be a long way over to me? ), due to draining oil from the cylinder. Is this right, and do you guys always put your bike on the centre stand. What about when you go to the pub/cafe and leave it for an hour or so?

 

[ftfo]

I Always leave mine on the center stand. Even if I'm just going to leave it for 5 mins.

 

[ahutcheon]

Whichever stand is most convenient. Centre stand in the garage. Sidestand by the side of the road while I'm at work. Sidestand with the engine running when I get off to open/close gates. Hasn't blown up yet, but it is an 1150.

 

[Stewart H]

Its safe to leave the bike on its sidestand indefinitely if you want to, very occasionally you will get a puff of smoke from the left cylinder on startup, nothing to worry about.

Stewart

 

[motobiker]

A tiny.. and I do mean tiny amount of oil will seep past the rings on the LHS cylinder if the bikes left for a long time on the sidestand.. this is most definitely NOT a problem.. or a source of future problems.

I use the sidestand and centre.. have no real preference for either.. if I go away and the bikes going to be standing for a couple of weeks It goes on the centre stand.

Whoever advised you against using the sidestand clearly doesn't have a clue.

 

[snakebasket]

Thanks for the reassurance, I have to say it sounded strange to me , but I am learning that these are not normal beasts. If anybody is interested , here is my home made (hacksaw, file and drill!!!!) sidestand plate, that I now feel I can make use of.........made from scrap footrest hanger (not sure from which bike) and an offcut of chequer plate. I made the lower plate quite deep, so as to reduce the angle of lean!

It's not just that I'm tight, but I enjoyed making it, and didn't really fancy paying the TT or Wunderlich prices. BTW, my sheepskin pad, is from a sheepskin jacket, and an equestrian gel pad, total cost 20 quid. It really does the job on long journeys.

 

[MMC]

Snakebasket, I can see you're going to fit in around here!

Nice one.