K11 Owners Group

[Ernie-NH]

Hi all...

OK ... I know we've heard all types of complaints about the K11 center stands here on this forum, including from me,, BUT does anyone know if there is an 'after market' design that alleges to improve function and stability ??

Best regards........// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

[mnb]

I've always thought the center stand was fine. It's the side stand that sucks.
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

[Ernie-NH]

Hi "mnb"....

No argument on the Side Stand,,, it sucks as well. However, my complaint with the "K" series center stands is that when loaded for long distance : ( ie: tent, tools, sleeping bag, utensils, clothing, spare parts, etc. ) I can NOT get it up on the center stand ! I am not a weakling, ( 6'1", 185 lbs and physically fit ), but it seems the kinematics of the stand, given its placement, offers little or no mechanical advantage. The center stand of my old Airhead is directly beneath the engine and placed such that the front wheel rises whilst the rear wheel rests on the ground. In that position it can very easily be tilted either forward or rearward, and even pivoted 180 about one tine of the center stand. Attempting to rock the "K" either forward or rearward whilst on the center stand feels like one is inviting disaster. On my last long distance ride, I attempted on several occasions to get the bike up on the center stand when filling the tank, with NO success and I had only a 25# Tourmaster bag mounted on the long axis of the bike !

The reason I asked the question, is that problems are met and resolved through invention, and ( not being the sharpest knife in the drawer ) I had hoped that this problem may have been recognized and resolved by some bright enterprising individual in pursuit of a buck ! Guess not, since the Internet also yields nothing. I think the "K" is a terrific and dependable machine which begs each owner to learn and become more intimate with the mechanism...BUT is also looks like there may be not product to address what I consider to be a design oversight.

Best regards............// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

[mnb]

[Jim]

Ernie - I weigh a little more than you do, I'm not physically fit - and I'm a couple inches shorter. I am a few years younger - but not enough to make a difference.

I've had some outrageous loads on the K, and at times also had a trailer connected. I pull the clutch in, drop the center stand to the ground, grab the handle - then lift on the handle and push down with my foot on the stand at the same time. Granted, it isn't always easy, but the bike always goes on the center stand.

I sometimes have trouble getting the bike off the center stand, but that's mostly due to a short inseam. You're a couple inches taller - that probably helps.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

[Shoganai]

Here's what Steve and I did for my Alaska trip in 2006.
http://shoganai.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Centerstand-Mod/1431364_ZuoAi#68002439_9Js9Y

I would not really recommend it, but it did solve the 'loaded bike/center stand' issue for me.

I agree, the best solution is to adj. your pre-load.

If funds allow, get an Ohlins or other high quality rear shock that will give you the latitude to make the best pre-load adjustment.

This is the shock I have and how it's adjusted.

http://www.ohlins.com/Checkpoint-Ohlins/Setting-Up-Your-Bike/Setting-up-your-Motocross-bike/How-to-adjust/Spring-Preload/

Good "How To" link >>> http://www.ehow.com/how_6346388_adjust-spring-honda-cbr600rr-motorcycle.html
_________________
1993 K1100RS aka The Shop Whore
1994 K1100RS aka Blue Streak

The long road is a rainbow and the pot of gold lies there.
So slip the chain and I'm off again,
You'll find me everywhere. I'm a Rover. - JT


Nana korobi ya oki

[Flying Duck]

Try doing it with a flat tire on the side of the freeway. (Last Friday.)
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

[Shoganai]

[Ernie-NH]

Good morning all.......

Thanks Gwen for the "pic link"... I have thought about your "Alaska Solution" but normally getting the unloaded bike on the center stand is NOT a problem. That's why I was dumfounded ( normal condition for me ! ) when It became so difficult with only this little load of ca:25#, which to me as a retired engineer means "kinematic Twilight zone" ! ...ie: functions well vs. functions with difficulty, with only a minor change ! I dont yet know for sure, but it would seem that a vertical plumb line through the 'center of gravity', or just slightly aft of that, would be the ideal lateral position at which to place the center stand pivot so that the front wheel would rest on the ground ... Both my Kawasakis and two other BMWs seem to have their center stand pivots at or just aft of the 'balance' point, and all four are EASY to place on the stand.

I have a Works Progressive shock, easy to adjust pre-load... BUT with only a 25# load, why bother ?? I think Duck's 'flat tire' situation is a good example of BMW's failure to put enough effort into the placement of the center stand on the longitudinal axis of the frame, and nothing more. This situation does not detract from the bike or its overall evaluation one iotta, but as a fellow Brick owner/rider/ it's interesting to discuss.

Best regards all.............// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

[Flying Duck]

If you think about it, it stems from the fact that the K1100LT design is an evolution (as opposed to revolution) of the original K100 design. The tranny (and hence CS mounting) is the same as the K100 design. Given that, the only thing they could've done to make is easier is to make the "pedal" longer or maybe angle it rearward a little more to improve the leverage somewhat.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE