Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm not even sure where to begin. This doesn't seem to be a question others ask and my Google searches and searches in this forum have left me even more confused. I'm looking for a good center stand so I can begin work on my 1990 GS550E. I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. Are center stands universal, or are they specifically made for models? Where can I find one? Thanks in advance.

Because of frame designs it's nearly impossible to make a center stand that's universal. Rather they are made for individual models, and usually only if that particular model's popularity and general use warrant it. A quick search didn't find anything for your particular bike.

Have you considered a Paddock stand? There are several designs, I myself have the paddle type... which I cannot find a picture of right now. Basically it's got two flat paddles that fit under the swing arm and will lift the rear wheel off the ground. You can also get ones for front wheels. Anywhere between $80 and $100 each. You can't take it with you on the bike easily, but it will allow you to do some basic maintenance at home.

What kind of work are you trying to do?

I need to change the chain and sprockets due to wear and tear by the previous owner. I would also just like to be able to wrench on it whenever necessary. This is my first bike, but I'm far from mechanically challenged. I just want it around in the garage for anything that comes up.

Oh by the way, noobie mistake. It is a gs500e NOT a gs550.

A rear stand is a very good investment (one we should do as well!). I think you'll get more from buying a rear stand verses a center stand specific for a bike. Mainly because the rear stand you can use on any bike thereafter.

I just entered a contest for a Redline stand giveaway - I want one!

Various models are made for with spools and without.

I read something from an article online that claims that a rear stand isn't as generally helpful as a center stand. Is that common knowledge? I'm not really worried about being able to use it on another bike, because I just got this one and will probably own it for many seasons. I'm not really a speed freak or interested in cruisers. Are there certain things I wouldn't be able to do on either type of stand?

Well... you can't take the swing arm off if you use a rear stand. If you tie down the front end and use a center stand you can.

I've been training as a bike mechanic for about 8 months now (hopefully what stands to be a long career) and a paddock stand is invaluable. I like the convenience of a centerstand, but the paddock will allow you to do all the stuff you want to do so far.

Just remember to:

1) put it in gear, apply the rear brake then loosen the retention bolt for the front sprocket
2) loosen the rear axle nut
3) put the bike on the paddock stand and pull out the axle/rear wheel
4) make sure to torque everything back correctly and use a new cotter pin

You have a center stand dont you? Unless someone removed it.

TR7 wrote:You have a center stand dont you? Unless someone removed it.

I've only been able to find one for the '97 forwards. Maybe I missed it though.

My 91 has one. Odd. Either way, check around http://gstwin.com/ youll probably have better luck there than anywhere else, alot of bikes get parted out.