Wilsons Sandbox

Hi Lew, Re: centerstands - just a counterpoint For many folks, obviously a centerstand is great addition. Being off-road oriented, I am no more a fan of centerstands than I am of asphalt (so take this with a grain of asphalt.....).

>I am in hopes that >it will give more stability to the loaded bike than the side stand, >particularly on soft ground.

Typically you cannot use a centerstand period on soft ground. Centerstands are for hard ground only. Be sure to retain your sidestand for soft ground. Often you have to put a rock under a sidestand though, but you at least have that option. It's very difficult to put rocks under a centerstand if you must park on soft ground, and it's almost impossible solo. Never pitch your tent close to the bike where if it fell over..... I rode several days with a guy who had ONLY a centerstand, and his bike fell over several times. Once it busted up all kinds of expensive stuff, and narrowly missed knocking mine over too.

>I have read a number of stories where >loaded bikes with side stands kept falling over.

Often a loaded (sidestand) bike will fall over the other way, away from the sidestand. This is because the suspension is compressed, not because the stand is too small.

>It seems to me that >welding bigger feet on the legs would be beneficial too.

The bigger foot you see welded on sidestands is usually for folks riding to Africa (or dolling up to appear as such). The big foot is to park on sand although it would help on any soft surface. But it can get in the way too, when stowed.

>The >centerstand should be a help with flat tires (don't know enough about >donuts yet)and chain lubing as well. Feedback please.

Bien Viaje! Tom -- +---------------------------------------------+ | CycoActive Products | 701 34th Ave | Seattle, WA 98122 USA | | Design/Manufacture of Motorcycling Accessories | Products website: http://www.cycoactive.com/mc | e-mail: moto@... | tel (206) 323-2349 fax (206) 325-6016 | trail tips website: http://www.cycoactive.com/mc/trail_tips +---------------------------------------------+

I just picked up one of these vests for around 12 $..but the brand is Nightfighter. Not sure if they are on the web or not. I have to have one to ride on base...but they seem like a good idea for any ride. --g

>Also look into getting a reflective >vest to wear over your gear, I think the company I am thinking of is >called safety-brite or something.... a lister posted their URL a week or >so ago... They make awesome, cheap vests which will be a life saver if you >are riding at dusk or dawn when the cagers can't see anything. But most of >all ride paranoid and never ever think that you're safe

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