[ShadowRider]

One thing I have noticed is that the bike seems to lean VERY far to the left when on its side stand. So much, in fact, that you can't get to the left side exhaust pipes to clean them, or anything else in that area. Maybe the 1300 doesn't lean any more than any other bike out there, but it does seem to be really hard to get at the left side. So I have been considering a stand to keep the bike upright for cleaning, oil changes, and installing mods.

Does anyone have experience with stuff like this? I'm considering something like this:

Harbor Freight motorcycle stand

Any thoughts on this particular model, or can you recommend something else? Or should I just wait for a center stand to be made available?

 

[sleepngbear]

Drop a short length of 2x4 under the side stand to hold it a little more upright. I've done that often. Just remember not to lean on it.

 

[bob]

That's the same one I was considering. Has rubber feet at the ends so should work without bolting down. Never had a bike without a center stand but with one of these don't see much of a problem. Also thinking of the HF motorcycle jack like this to use with wood blocks to raise it up a little for maintenance and adding goodies.

I park my bike during cooler months angled in next to the cage (4 wheeled contraption) on the side of the garage so I can get either one in/out as needed without moving the other. Wife likes all the cages under cover during those months. I would have this stand/chock sitting so I can ride right in the garage and onto the chock and leave it like that. Have been able to park both cages and both my bike and her scooter this way for many years in our 2 cage garage.

 

[gadgetman]

My 2 cents.
I have a bike jack similar to what you are showing. However, I can't image (and would never try) using it safely without the bike on a center stand to begin with!


here's another stand option on sale right now.
TRACKSIDE - Roll On Wheel Chock - Tie-downs - Transport & Storage - Accessories - Cycle Gear

Regardless I plan to get the center stand. The only time any of my rides are on side stand is when I'm out riding. When home in garage I always have on center. It minimizes teh foot print needed. But more importantly maitains all fluids at level. And that is particularly important for the battery I (if acid in any cells is not at full). If so, that/those cells plates may have areas expossed to air which leads to oxidation build up on plates which then falls and ventually shorts out cell slightly (reducing capacity) and then mores so and it may eventually die prematurely.
Since the new CTX battery is in left side of the fairing, a leaning bike (and according to above it leans significantly) can really impact it's lifespan.

 

[bob]

You must still use WET cell batteries. I believe all, if not most, newer bikes are using AGM batteries where there is no loose acid (it's contained in the glass matting) and it is kept in contact with the "plates" regardless of the battery position, even if it is upside down. BTW, AGM is not the same as a gel cell. The latter is rather expensive for most mc applications. It really doesn't matter, as far as the battery is concerned in this bike, if you put it on the side stand or on a center stand. over the last 14 yrs I've done a lot of study into different batteries for vehicles for EV application and much of that also translates to standard cage and mc application. I haven't put a wet cell battery in any of my bikes starting with the first time I replaced my GW battery in 2003. Too convenient.

Also, that roll on wheel chock is about the same as the HF version. Can't get the bike on the center stand and keep it in the chock at the same time since you have to roll the bike back to put it up on the center stand. Tie downs only needed if using on a trailer to transport it really. And the lift that I am thinking of would not be used with the center stand down since that would interfere with the placement of the pads. Lots of guys I know of use lifts like this (no center stand) and if lifting the bike to work on it will use tie downs on each side to keep it on the stand with no problems. A bike lift platform is another matter. You would want the center stand or a front wheel chock for that as well as tie downs.

That's not to say you don't need/want a center stand. It does come in handy for many things and at many times. I personally don't think I would have to have it with these two items in my garage.

 

[ShadowRider]

Here's another stand option on sale right now.
TRACKSIDE - Roll On Wheel Chock - Tie-downs - Transport & Storage - Accessories - Cycle Gear

I was looking at the same Cycle Gear stand, too, since we have a store nearby and I could pick it up and save the shipping cost. We have Harbor Freight as well, so I guess I'm good either way. I'm leaning more toward Cycle Gear, I think.

Very good point about the fluids and battery. I always kept the Gold Wing on the center stand in the garage; the Shadow never had one but seemed to do OK. I would much prefer this bike to be upright as much as possible. I think the center stand would be the most convenient option but would be the most expensive (especially counting the cost of installation by my dealer) and there's no telling how long it will be before Honda makes it available. The cost for it is unknown, and may be high because you have to replace the chrome over at least part of the pipes.

I guess I will have to think about this.

 

[gadgetman]

I wasn't aware most bikes are coming with gell or AMG. I knew it's an option if you want... To pay for it of course. AND YES I HAVE STILL BEEN USING WET ONES! In fact bought one in fall for my older '88 wing... It's 4'th replacement battery since new... 26 years ago. And that goes to new owner this weekend.
But centered most time and tendered when in lay up have been good enough... So far. However I may consider an alternative with next replacement
Hey you guys with your ride... what variety comes stock with the CTX?

 

[bob]

Should be easy to tell what the battery is if you can see the top. Wet cells have caps over each cell, AGM has two (usually) sealed covers flush with the top that are not intended to be removed. You usually don't see Gel batteries on any passenger vehicle due to extra high cost for the smaller size of these batteries, even in cars and trucks. Commercial is different an may have Gel in larger vehicles that need larger batteries. May be different if that has changed in the last 5 or 8 years. I usually order Westco batteries for my bikes. All the AGM batteries I've used so far seem to last 4-5+ years at least. All the wet cells I've used haven't lasted that long. Maybe my lack of timely maintenance on them

 

[sleepngbear]

Bob, you slacker.

 

[ballward]

moving the CTX1300

One thing I have noticed is that the bike seems to lean VERY far to the left when on its side stand. So much, in fact, that you can't get to the left side exhaust pipes to clean them, or anything else in that area. Maybe the 1300 doesn't lean any more than any other bike out there, but it does seem to be really hard to get at the left side. So I have been considering a stand to keep the bike upright for cleaning, oil changes, and installing mods.

Does anyone have experience with stuff like this? I'm considering something like this:

Harbor Freight motorcycle stand

Any thoughts on this particular model, or can you recommend something else? Or should I just wait for a center stand to be made available?

I decided I would wait for the centre stand and buy a unit called the
Park n Move PNM-2
It just came and looks as if it will be ideal for the job. take a look at their video and see what you think
Cheers
ballward

 

[soggybottom]

Before buying a M/C cruiser jack make sure there is nothing hanging below the bottom frame rails, also make sure the frame rails aren't too far apart to accommodate the jack.

 

[sleepngbear]

The CTX looks pretty narrow at the bottom. The biggest challenge is going to be clearing the exhaust pipes. Although to be honest I haven't even looked down under there yet.