How bad are the side stands on the GS ?

[Vanguard]

If you watch this video but just fast forward to about 2 mins before the end, the guy has the bike parked on the side stand, it's hardly on a steep incline yet it still manages to roll forward off the side stand and lunch itself.

This raises several questions:

1. Why did BMW not design the stand to give a steeper lean angle to help prevent this ?
2. If the cylinder heads are so exposed and vulnerable why the hell don't they put crash bars on as standard ? A gentle topple over should not completely disable a bike like this and it start spewing out oil ?
3. What can be done to prevent this happening ?

 

[GS TRV]

That'll teach him to compliment the Triumph

Looked like user error to me.

 

[conkerman]

+1. Hard to tell, but parked with no lock on and looks to be downhill.

Bloody annoying all the same.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

It holed the rocker cover on a zero speed spill.... FFS what are they made of

 

[bikemad]

Ducati design ? I seen to remember them been a right pain & prob resulted in many a bike fall Swiss cheese rockers
That's me £250 fucking quid gone on test rides make sure it's parked well !

 

[Vanguard]

+1. Hard to tell, but parked with no lock on and looks to be downhill.

Bloody annoying all the same.

So if he'd gone full lock left or right this wouldn't have happened ?

 

[JimVonBaden]

Everyone bitched and complained about the previous versions having too much lean angle. BMW reduces the lean angle and people bitch and complain!

Jim

 

[harry]

Amazing that after the fall he's learned nothing, and fails to put it in gear!

 

[Jimmer83]

I don't see that there is anything wrong with them. You've got to remember that they are big heavy bikes and require a bit of thought / care when parking them.

 

[GS-Jonesy]

Mine is a GSA (sorry but no idea if they are different) but I find mine fine.

Be away of the lay of the land as you park it
Leave it in gear
Right handlebar down and steering lock on

Never had any issues personally. Dropped one or two bikes when a standstill in the past, but always while moving them around. Always 100% user error

 

[Mr Anderson]

Always leave in gear and roll it so it stops and can't roll any more.

The end user is the problem! That said I would like more lean on mine but only slightly mind.

 

[Roadrash Rider]

It’s one of the big differences I have noticed since switching from TC GS and GSA to the LC, it wants to drop off the stand in most positions, I have got in to the habit of making sure it’s in gear and the plays out of the wheels before walking away from it, always nice to make sure the full locks on one way or the other as well. Just a case of getting used to it I suppose.

 

[crotchrocket]

Engine case....definitely a load of crap!

Side Stand. Never had or noticed an issue with it

 

[Mozz]

It has been done not long back, and probably before that. Maybe get some tips but the general consensus is probably
leave it in gear
don't leave it facing down hill
pay attention to where you're parking it........camber etc

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/397282-GS-dodgy-sidestand?highlight=side+stand

 

[oxforshirerider]

Always leave in gear and roll it so it stops and can't roll any more.

The end user is the problem! That said I would like more lean on mine but only slightly mind.

I think I am one of those 'end user problems' as hopped off mine to have a chat with a trail rider a few weeks ago. Chatting away I turned around just in time to see my bike crash to the ground! Impressed with not a bit of damage even when falling onto gravel and tarmac.......but thats beside the point. In gear roll till it stops.....I'll be following that advice from now on!

 

[Vanguard]

I think I am one of those 'end user problems' as hopped off mine to have a chat with a trail rider a few weeks ago. Chatting away I turned around just in time to see my bike crash to the ground! Impressed with not a bit of damage even when falling onto gravel and tarmac.......but thats beside the point. In gear roll till it stops.....I'll be following that advice from now on!

Do you have crash bars and/or cylinder head covers ?

 

[UpgradeAl]

Always leave in gear and roll it so it stops and can't roll any more.

Easier still - put the sidestand down with it in gear and the engine running - it'll take up all the slack automatically.

 

[UpgradeAl]

Always leave in gear and roll it so it stops and can't roll any more.

Easier still - put the sidestand down with it in gear and the engine running - it'll take up all the slack automatically.

 

[Nutty]

My 2013 LC rolled off the side stand in that Yorkshire. I thought it was a conspiracy, set up by JB, but it wasn't. I ALWAYS park in 1st gear, no matter what the road surface, or bike. My mate that was with me also parks his bikes in gear, regardless!

 

[brummy bloke]

Fair play to the bloke for posting that on youtube and not just pretending it never happened.supprising that a dealer demonstrator had no crash bars or protection as it is a big bike that a lot of folk could easily drop.However,he looses points for being heightist and not knowing his left from his right in the cruise control bit! I wonder what bike he ended up buying,good manners and good sense would suggest the bmw but the guys at the dealership will pull his leg about it for ages!