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Center Stand OE or Aftermarket? Any Experiences Welcome

9.1K views 38 replies 25 participants last post by  dannpd  
#1 ·
Looking to possibly a add a center stand to the Wee Strom. Only plan on using it for tire, chain, related maintenance. Looking around online, aftermarket much less but hate junk that wont work. Any experiences? Thanks in Advance
 
#2 ·
Yes, I bought and installed an aftermarket center stand. For the life of me I can't remember the brand but it wasn't a lot cheaper than the Suzuki unit. Be aware installing the thing will expand your vocabulary beyond what is usually acceptable around children. Those springs are a bear. Or you could just turn the whole project over to your friendly dealer.
 
#39 ·
I used an automotive drum brake spring tool and the springs on mine almost jumped on. Hope this tip helps some of you.
 
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#3 · (Edited)
I got a cheap one off Flea Bay, made in Poland I think,sent it back. Dodgy welds,bit of loose metal rattling in tubing and a narrow footprint.But it WAS really cheap,less than £150 .
Same as this one ,different vendor ,can't recommend it.

Went original in the end,not hard to fit when you eventually get your head round the instructions (lay out all the bits to identify them). Stable,easy lift and comes with a longer hero blob for the left peg to help stop decking.Just works.
 
#6 ·
Your right. Aftermarket can be and is iffy as to fit and quality.
I used mine as temporary to install lowering dogbones. I knew that once I lowered it the kickstand would come off.
I looked at it to make sure it wouldn't crumble at first use but it looked well made for my use. Again, if I install something on my bike I go heavy-duty and known quality parts.
I'm sure the ebay one would have worked just fine, at least the one I received. If there was any doubt I would have not used it and sent it back.
Being stuck on your own in no where land because of cheap parts is just not smart.
 
#18 ·
But the stand is much better that Suzuki in fit and operation and I feel like it will last for ever.
can you post some photos of how it's a better fit than OEM?

and what exactly makes the operation better?

i just find it strange as my OEM fits perfectly and can't imagine what could make a better fit. it also operates exactly as intended, i step on the lever and lift by the rear handle while pulling backwards to get it on the stand. then mount the motorcycle and push forward to get it off the stand.

I also didn't have to do any improvements, it both fit and worked as intended straight out of the box. I'm just curious what a modified Outback stand has that the OEM does not.
 
#10 ·
I have OEM centerstand on 06 Wee. Second item I added, had to wait for it to arrive. Its been on for about 77,000 miles and not a single problem.




Image
 
#12 ·
#13 ·
Alternatively, work coins between the spring coils to stretch it out for installation. The OEM spring has two springs, one inside the other. I found I only needed to stretch out the larger (outer) spring.

Use loctite for the monting bolts. Drilled head + safety wire is even better.
 
#21 ·
.

This was why I went with the SW Motech stand...has worked very well. Springs were moderately difficult to install and have benefited from the occasional dollop of grease.
 
#27 ·
I'm another that can't compare to other brands because I bought the Suzuki OEM and am happy with it. I got mine from Suzuki California (orig OEM parts distributor) but it was pricey. You can get the same OEM a little cheaper. Google around a bit. Install is a breeze - a child could do it. The two springs? Well now, there's the rub. See below.

I made a thread on (springs) install using a standard ratchet strap and a twisted piece of bailing wire. Easy as pie but I did get a little friendly flak from those who just get a spring tool and yank the springs into place using brute force. After I posted my thread, another member posted showing that he used the same method to install his some time earlier. No doubt there are many others who did the same thing or maybe had even better methods. If I can find my thread I'll link it here.

Summary: If I had to do it all over I would still get the OEM and install it the way I did.
 
#28 ·
Here's a link on how I did my install
 
#29 ·
And here is @Dado8 post where he installed his the same way. His has better close-up pictures of the wire pulling on the spring.
 
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#30 ·
I bought the SW-Motech stand for cheap (50% off) from a local shop that ordered it for someone who never went to pick it up. The full retail price was about the same as the OEM stand I was quoted at the Suzuki dealer. The SW-Motech Works great. No idea if it would work with an aftermarket exhaust. Seems to be as tidy and out of the way as much as possible.
 
#31 ·
Found a NOS OEM on flea bay ordered it. NO big steal but reasonable. Still looking but no wrecked or non running Wee stroms near by. I am not a big accessory farkle/ sparkle or got to have guy by any stretch. Just think a center stand on a med heavy ride like the Wee Strom is a good idea. I ride back roads and do all the maintenance and repairs myself. Plan on riding the bike as long as possible. Thanks too all who replied.
 
#32 ·
Had a center stand on my Bandit. I found it more of a must have for a street bike than I do for the Glee. I remember the OEM center stand weighing about as much as a manhole cover, so I've never felt the need. There was at least one trail I was on where I high centered, on a rock ledge, going up a hill. I got it going without too much trouble, but I was very thankful I didn't have to drag a center stand over that obstacle.

I do have stands for both the steering head in front, and spools at the rear. Other than when I did the head bearings, I haven't needed anything more