No centre stand. How to lift the rear?

[himaro]

So, I've got a 2012 glee with no centre stand.
How do I get the rear wheel up for maintenance?
I was thinking of getting a bottle jack but I've got a rather large level of paranoia about that oddly enough
I live in a flat so I can't really have a proper jack due to lack of space to keep it.

[AlanT]

Swing arm bobbins and a paddock stand?

[greywolf]

Get a centre stand. You'll always have it when you need it. It makes chain maintenance so much easier.

[himaro]

Paddock stands take up too much space. I live in a flat and I'm already overflowing with stuff.
And I'd love a centre stand but they cost a fortune for what they are.
Plus, most the times I've dropped my motorbike in the last 10 years have been when putting it on the stand... I've never got the knack for it  . That poor CX500.....

[Gassoon]

Cosmo centre-stands, if reports are to be believed, are in some ways better than original (eg s/steel where they touch the ground), and very reasonably priced (I think 95 euros). And you should even get a forum 10% discount on that price! [code: vstromuk]

http://www.cosmo-accessories.com/online-store/electronics-computers/dl-650-v-strom/centerstand650-55-info.html

[Rusty Nuts]

Got to be a centre stand, really.


Cost a fortune "for what they are"?
Maybe, but you'll always have it with you wherever you go, and you need no extra storage space for it whatsoever.


If it's just chain cleaning etc, how about a wheel spinner? No good for much else, and still requires storing.
Or a Packjack, which will still need to be stowed somewhere on the bike when touring.


There are a few decent videos on Youtube showing correct centre stand technique, it's surprisingly easy once you forget the idea of "hauling it up" onto the stand and let the leverage work with you.

[tallpaul]

+1 for centre stand. Just the job and stores away neatly under the bike when not in use. Winner!

[greywolf]

This says it all except for a way to make sure all of your weight is on the stand lever. Lifting your free foot off the ground will insure that.

[old git]

 I agree with all the above. A centre stand is a no brainer especially if you have nowhere to keep alternatives. I don't get why people struggle with centre stands. Much easier than trying to safely get the rear off the ground single handed using a paddock stand.

[Rich:-)]

You can get paddock stands that come apart for storage, but I think they are a bit wobbly in use.
I also have an ABBA stand, which is great, stores well but is expensive.

Really... to be honest the centre stand is a winner. I very rarely use my side stand, or should I say.. I always use the side stand initially but then transfer to bike to the centre stand if possible (flat/level ground).

[Rusty Nuts]

And a Cosmo one is £101.90 delivered just now. (113 euros plus shipping. )

[King Orry]

I've a wood battern I carry in my topbox, I lift/lean the bike onto the side stand and wedge it under the wheel nut. Works a treat for oiling the chain, not sure I want to do much more than that using it though.
At home I've an old paddock stand for more serious jobs.
 Keep thinking about a centre stand, but then find something more interesting to spend the cash on.