Centre Stand Abuser!

[Elemental]

Apparently I am a Bad Person - abusing my poor suffering GS.

Following the snapping of my 2nd R.H.S. Centre Stand Pivot Bolt I have been advised by BMW (via Bahnstormer Motorcycles) that "This is not a warranty issue. It is user error."

My '04 GS1200, which experiences relatively light use, snapped the 1st bolt at 16,500 miles about 13 months ago. Last weekend, at 25,200 the replacement decided to self destruct.

So when I go to collect my new one I'll be looking forward to the dealer (Bahnstormer) giving me a comprehensive lesson on 'How to Use a Centre Stand'. Then I can look forward to trouble-free stand use in future. Im so excited!

Call me big-headed, but I really thought I already knew how to use a Centre Stand. How wrong I seem to be.

P.S. It looks to me like the broken bolt suffered a fatigue fracture.

PPS: Anyone have any tips on an easy way to get the new bolt/trunnion fitted easily, especially with regard to the need to overcome the tension of the stand spring.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

The centre stand on the 1200 was surprisingly heavy to operate after the 1150 and thus more likely to be strained; I did find my pivot bolt broken and it was replaced under guarantee (three years ago.) There is a knack in using the stand and it can be effortless if/when you get it right - all I can say is get hold of the frame (or you could buy the Wunderlich handle) with your right hand and pull sharply backwards, NOT upwards. Obviously you don't try to swivel the bike on its stand nor ride it off? However the stand was modified and later models are, I am told, much easier to operate;

 

[Max]

MY centre stand pivot bolt sheared on an 07 GSA, replaced under warranty without question.......I might have ridden off the centre stand once or twice !

 

[deaninkl]

Elemental, you are a trout sniffing blagart with no respect for german engineering or the finer things of life. Stand in the corner and don't come out till you have thought a good excuse for you kakhanded treatment of the said GS centerstand.

When you go to Bahnstormers I hope you opologise and offer to clean up the workshops.

In 32 years of rididng bikes I have not seen or heard of such bike abuse. Shameful.

And while at the dealer tell them that the EWS and pump failures are also down to bad bad British riders showing the same disrespect for a fine german product.

On the other hand you could always smear greasy chip eating fingers on all their polished tanks...always works for me ;o)

must say I find the gs easy to get on the stand, but I had a Harley before so anything is light after that.