Center Stand, Side Stand. Does it matter?

[LK1LK1]

I recently had a conversation with another Wing owner about a perceived necessity to always use the Center Stand when parking the bike for an extended period, (such as overnight or longer), instead of consistently using the Side Stand / Kick Stand. Apparently, the focus is on the likelihood of eventual tire-sidewall damage, even though slight, when the Wing is consistently placed on the Side Stand / Kick Stand.

I've never heard of this (Center Stand) topic before, and I've had Wings and other heavy bikes in the past. I've only used the Center Stand in the past to check rear-tire condition or air pressure, oil changes, etc. Other than noticing the Side Stand / Kick Stand on the (1800) Wing as somewhat short, it would seem to me that the continual use of the Side Stand would not cause rear-tire damage. Or, tire manufacturers would have already addressed the topic.

Anyone consistently using the Center Stand instead of the Side Stand / Kick Stand to avoid potential rear-tire problems? Thanks !

[blupupher]

Never heard that or even considered it.
As far as I am concerned, it is a non issue.

Now if you were putting it in storage for a few years, then it could be an issue, especially if you had a bias ply, with flat spotting.

When you consider how many thousands of bike models don't even have a side stand and never heard an issue of this being a problem (especially the full dresser Harleys that weigh as much or more as a Wing) not having a problem, I again say it is a non issue.

I personally use the center stand pretty much every time I stop, mainly because I find mounting the bike easier on the center stand.

I did a poll on this a while back, and nobody mentioned putting the bike on a center stand for this reason either.

[Rambozo]

There is one thing that is noticeable. Quite often if left on the side stand, some oil will migrate into the chambers probably via the valve guides? So you will get a puff of smoke when starting, that you don't get with the center stand. To me it's no big deal and not worth the effort to use the center stand as I usually ride it everyday.

[blupupher]

There is one thing that is noticeable. Quite often if left on the side stand, some oil will migrate into the chambers probably via the valve guides? So you will get a puff of smoke when starting, that you don't get with the center stand. To me it's no big deal and not worth the effort to use the center stand as I usually ride it everyday.

I ride daily and put it on the center stand every time.
Again, mainly because I find it easier to get on the bike.

[Wingsconsin]

There is one thing that is noticeable. Quite often if left on the side stand, some oil will migrate into the chambers probably via the valve guides? So you will get a puff of smoke when starting, that you don't get with the center stand. To me it's no big deal and not worth the effort to use the center stand as I usually ride it everyday.

This tended to be an issue with the GL1200's - so much so that sometimes the oil cup inside the valve cover would get some gunk blocking the port and causing a clacking sound -
The puff of smoke also was prevalent in these models - I never saw it on my 1500's nor my 1800 although I do use the center stand after getting in the habit from my 1200

[joeincalif]

When I owned a bike with a center stand I always put it on the center stand even if only for a short stop. But i have owned several bikes, Honda Shadow, and VTX and they do not have a center stand, never noticed a problem with a flat spot on the tire but the longest I ever left it with out riding was 2 weeks when I was on vacation.

[DenverWinger]

In riding season I generally just use the side stand unless I'm working on the bike, or need to crowd all the bikes (2 'Wings and Deb's Virago) into one side of the garage to work on a car.

Sometimes I get a little oil smoke on first start - especially the 1100, but I don't worry about it - the smoke clears quickly.

Generally park them on Center stand during Winter months, even though there's nice days I can get a bike out and ride.