Hi,
As an unexperienced FJ owner I wonder how do I maintain my bike without a center stand? (FJ1200 ABS '92)
I mean oil change, brake fluid with leaned bike... etc.
Any tricks?
Thanks
You could invest in a pit stand (paddock stand), such as this one:
(http://www.visordown.com/news/images/Harris-Buell-Paddock-Stand.jpg)
The center stands come up from time to time on ebay or someone here might have one to sell. The FJ's came from the factort with them installed. Perhaps the previous owner removed it for some reason...
Eric M
Las, oil can be drained out of the l/h oil cooler connection in the pan if you can't find a centre stand.
Harvy
Or how about draining it most of the way while on the side stand, then holding the bike upright for a few minutes while the remaining last bit drains out?
As was previously mentioned, without a center stand, the pit stand (rear stand) is a good way to be able to service the chain etc. If you want to spend the $$ the best stand, in my mind is the Cyclecat USC1. It'll lift the bike gently off the side stand, and drop it back down gently for you. Pit Bull also makes a popular standard style one that you'll need to lift the bike off the side stand yourself with. Most folks don't have too much trouble once they get the process down.
Here's a guy demoing the cyclecat with two fingers...
Cyclecat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P-xBKibjBw#)
Dan
Thanks everyone for the advice. :yes:
So I decided to look for a used original centerstand. Found manny in gemany on ebay.
The question now is if there is any difference in centerstand from fj model to model or are all the same?
I own a '92 Fj1200 abs.
Thanks
any year stand should work, But I am not sure about the bolts.
i would try to get either a 91, 92 or 93 year centerstand and hardware... the rubber mounted frames are considerably different from the earlier years.
KOokaloo! :good2:
Frank
If the bike has a aftermarket exhaust that might explane why the center stand was removed.
Yes you're right. Probably means it had some different exhaust in the past but these are new and yamaha stock so hope will fit ok.
Quote from: tqmx1 on October 23, 2010, 12:33:27 PM
If the bike has a aftermarket exhaust that might explane why the center stand was removed.
The JMC swingarm on my '93 prevents me from using the central stand, so I put in on when doing maintenance. It only takes a minute and I can switch it all by myself; don't need someone else to hold up the bike to get it upright.
received and installed central stand today. :yahoo:
Fitted perfectly because i have stock exhausts.
Found impossible to raise her alone thow. Only with a helping hand of my son pushing her backwards!
Still missing rubber stopper on left exhaust. Will find something that fits...
Quote from: las1200 on November 02, 2010, 04:10:54 PM
Found impossible to raise her alone thow. Only with a helping hand of my son pushing her backwards!
Is the bike lower than stock? Shorter tire, forks raised in the triple clamps, longer dogbones etc. make it much harder to raise the bike on the stand. And also, are you pulling UP on the handle under the tail? Both of these make a big difference.
Quote from: carsick on November 02, 2010, 04:31:38 PM
Quote from: las1200 on November 02, 2010, 04:10:54 PM
Found impossible to raise her alone thow. Only with a helping hand of my son pushing her backwards!
Is the bike lower than stock? Shorter tire, forks raised in the triple clamps, longer dogbones etc. make it much harder to raise the bike on the stand. And also, are you pulling UP on the handle under the tail? Both of these make a big difference.
Age seems to make a difference too, Of course I am young, but I noticed my bike doesn't pop up on the center stand like it use to.
(popcorn)
Quote from: las1200 on November 02, 2010, 04:10:54 PM
Still missing rubber stopper on left exhaust. Will find something that fits...
Yamaha still makes them, and they really aren't that expensive
When I bought my 85 it had no c/stand.picked one up from a member and put it on :shok:
I could not get it up on the stand :shok
I took it off and had someone explain how to do it so I went and put it back on and tried again.She poped right up no problem.
Have someone show you how to do it it will help you to see it done first.
Quote from: las1200 on November 02, 2010, 04:10:54 PM
Found impossible to raise her alone thow.
I'm guessing you may have been wearing sneakers--or shoes--not boots? I have no problem putting mine up when I 'm wearing boots, but the couple of times I've tried to put it up while wearing sneakers I found it much more difficult as it hurts my foot to push down hard on the stand .
I think getting a bike like the FJ on the center stand is a question of technique. I used to cuss a blue streak trying to get mine on the main using the same technique I've used for 25 years on other bikes; damned thing's too heavy. I saw a video on You-Cylinder for something else, and the guy tossed his bike up like it was no big deal. So, I copied his style and practiced a little, and now I can get mine on the center stand wearing anything but flip-flops with almost no effort.
I wish I could remember what the video was for so I could share, but my head is again in my ass so I'm much less than helpful. Regardless, it's all technique.
Back when my 86 was all stock with weak fork springs and a stock rear shock it was a beast to put on the center stand . After the new fork springs and penske rear shock and raising the rear it just about jumps up on the center stand with little effort.
I think that is reason # 6 for installing a adjustable penske rear shock. :good2:
I never had an issue with my '85. It takes a fair bit of downward force while lifting up and slightly back. Try to do it without the downward force on the center stand and yes, it is really difficult. Not sure why this is, but it helps a lot more than it would seem.
Dan
ok, that was my first try.
Dan, you're wright, a bit of backward force, my wheight on stand step and a back lift, et voilá! :yahoo:
Tamed the beast!