I thought I would get a center stand but had not idea that there were so many choices.

I have done some research on the forum but I am not sure which one is best for my needs.

Can anyone compare the differences of the stands?

My BIG criteria is the stand is very stable when being used. I have read some take almost no pressure forward on the bike to disengage and that is not acceptable. I have a two kids that know not to get near the bikes which means when I am not looking they WILL get near the bikes. My Ninja 500 factory center stand is rock steady. So much so I will let my 3 year old climb up on it.

Losing ground clearance is less of an issue as it is primarily going to be a commuter and dirt roads are likely the extent of my travels.

Thanks so much

I doubt a 3yo could push a Strom off any centerstand, even the SW Motech that some folks report is easy to disengage. BTW, I have one so I know exactly what it takes to disengage it.

Honestly, if you are letting a 3yo get around your motorcycle, I think there is a far greater chance for him/her to fall and crack her head or get burned by touching something hot than there is for the bike to fall over on the kid.

+1
As long as the bikes were cold, I let my grandchildren get up on the bikes with me standing next to them to play catch if they fell. A concrete floor is hard. I am a pretty sappy grandparent. "You didn't let me do that dad"
I have the OEM centerstand. I really don't have trouble getting it off the stand. I am a lttle bigger than the average bear. I think it gives me leverage others do not have.
Mike

To give input to the OP on the question, I have had the SW-M and the Suzuki OEM. In my opinion the OEM works better for me. It harder to engage but takes more to rock it off. About letting kids play on your bike, my son sat on my bike while it was on the side stand. When he stood it up the weight got away from him and it fell to the right. The only thing that saved his leg was the jointer the bike fell on. Side stand or center stand, it's not worth the guilt/pain and suffering if something bad happens.

Yep that is what I am doing. Cold bike and me next to him. Its a big deal for him to have the independence to climb up an get on.


Having said that I want the stand to be very steady as I prefer to park my ninja on the center stand. It is more stable with less chance of falling by pushing it forward. On the side stand on the strom if I push it forward the stand will start to disengage. On the Ninja of I do that with the center stand it takes a very strong effort to do that.

So one vote for the Suzuki stand. I have read some good things on that one for stability.

If your side stand is starting to disengage when you push the bike foward then your leaving the bars straight or your really strong. Try turning the bars to the left lock. If you are already doing that then disreguard.

I recommend the Happy Trails centerstand. It is very stable plus it uses its own stop and does not rely upon moving the manufacturers rubber stop. It tucks up nice and tight so cornering clearance is not impacted. It fits well with both my stock exhaust and my Akrapovic plus it only costs $149.

I do turn the bars but I appreciate the thought.

I vote for the Murph's Kit center stand. Works fine for me at a good cost. Only issue was that I had to mod the oversize foot that I had on the regular sidestand for clearance, by about 1/8", no big deal.

I saw that one. There were only two reviews on the site and one said it was not stable at all so I did not think it would be the best for me.