Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

I also thought about getting the centre stand, but list price went up from €130 to €182 euro this year because of de high value Yen. So instead I got myself 2 paddockstands for €100. I only needed the centre stand for maintenance anyway and this way both front and rear can be off the ground for total inspection/maintenance. And I dont have to add 14 pounds of steel to the already heavy bike And its easier to replace your oil without a centre stand in the way.

i'm in 2 minds abt the cs aswell now, but my questions is more abt paddock stands...is it a case of one size fits all, or do you have specific ones for each bike? the reason i ask is that people say that you can use them on other bikes...so is that statment 100% true-irrespective of what the next manufacture's setup is, i.e if i also get a harley or a chopper could i still use the same paddock stand?

secondly what makes a good paddock stand? in the sense that if the answer to the abv question is yes...then can i just go and look for the cheapest one i can find on ebay, or is there certain things to look out for which would make it last longer/better. the reason i ask is that there seems to be a big difference between the cheapest and the most expensive ones...

many thanks...

I bought the center stand, installed it my self and I love it. if weight is a big issue it is heavy and the instructions tell you to remove the exhaust system to install the bolt. I put the bolt in from the other end and can't figure what difference it could possibly make. the springs are very hard to install but if I can do it it can't be that bad.

Well i have it and there is no way you can possibly tell the difference that it is installed ( weight wise ) . It sits so low on the chassis you cant even tell it's on. Also it doesn't block the oil drain plug either, you have easy access to it.

I installed mine last week-end, very easy, I did not took the time to remove the muffler so I installed the bolt backward ( nut on the exhaust side, I cleaned the thread with brake cleaner and put blue Locktite. I will make it a routine inspection task to check if that nut loosen.
To hook up the springs I found it easier to hook the springs to the centerstand, then to the C-clip and usind a large 14-inch screwdriver I pried the C-clip with the tip of the scredriver against the shock, I just had to push teh C-clamp into place, almost easily
Unfortunately I can't put it on the centerstand without breaking my back, I will either remove the lowering kit or will keep a 2x6 so I can raise the rear wheel before I push on that centerstand again..

How low did you lower your bike ? I went 1 inch on mine and it goes up pretty easy. It will get easier when the springs stretch a little bit. They are new and real tight, give them a bit and they should get better with use .

I am waiting until my back feels better Honestly I don't know how much it was lowered since I asked the Dealer to install "a lowering kit" and the salesrep was soo cute we spent most of the time talking about motorcycles in general ( my choice was already made before I went to the Dealership. When I have time I will measure it and compare it against the originals. It's not a big issue to me since I installed it mainly for maintenance.

I used to have no problem with other 500 pounds or so bikes ( Honda 750, Yam 650 ), maybe I am just getting older and weaker

I hear ya . Mine was a little hard for me at first to put on the stand but all is good now. I hope it gets easier for you as well.

Resurrecting an old thread, has anyone instructions how to remove the centre stand?

Centre Stand... fantastic addition. At least for me

Highly recommended.

I've been hoisting a 650 lb. older Concours up on it's stand for the last 11 years. The first time I swung this one up on it's center stand I nearly flung the whole bike across the garage! I've had to learn to ease off as I rock her up on the stand.

Can't be that hard if the bolt was put in from the left side, and not the exhaust side. Put it on the side stand (seems obvious, but you never know), unhook the springs on the center stand, remove the nut and pull the bolt out. There are some other smaller parts, like the hook for the springs, washers, inserts etc.
If the bolt was put in from the exhaust side then you will have to pull off the lower fairings, disconnect the muffler and remove the exhaust (looks like a pain to me), then remove the stand as above.
The biggest problem most had with installing the center stand was in hooking the springs, so I suppose you will work at unhooking them by prying them off the hook on the frame/engine, or the stand.
Good luck.