breva 750 Center stand

[Jurgen]

I posted this a couple of days before but it did not show up under General Discussion, so I'll try again.  Can anyone tell me if a centerstand (CS) on a Breva 750 will balance the bike fore and aft, i.e. will the bike allow me to remove either wheel with the other wheel staying on the ground?

[Irn]

Yes it will, you will have to weigh down the rear of the bike to get the front wheel off the ground, then it can be easily removed.  Rear wheel has clearance to remove with center stand, be sure the read the threads about rear wheel removal.

[Arizona Wayne]

I just put something appropriate height under the sump to keep the front wheel high enough to remove the front wheel when on the centerstand.  ;)

[Jurgen]

Thanks for the advice, Irn.  I have had a number of BMW airheads that had balancing center stands, remove either wheel and the other one stays on the ground.  Easy to service tires on the road.  On my last F650GS I had to put a bucket of water and rocks on the aft rack to get the front wheel off the ground.  Difficult to do on the road, bad design in my opinion.  That's why I wanted to know if a center stand on theBreva was a worthwhile investment.

[Arizona Wayne]

Thanks for the advice, Irn.  I have had a number of BMW airheads that had balancing center stands, remove either wheel and the other one stays on the ground.  Easy to service tires on the road.  On my last F650GS I had to put a bucket of water and rocks on the aft rack to get the front wheel off the ground.  Difficult to do on the road, bad design in my opinion.  That's why I wanted to know if a center stand on theBreva was a worthwhile investment.

Airhead BMWs are the only bikes w/a centerstand balanced like that.  Rarely have I had a front tire ever need attention compared to a rear tire.   Most new bikes don't have a centerstand, which is a non starter for me.  ~;

[Hugh Straub]

I installed a Moto Guzzi (not the German aftermarket) center stand on my 2007 Breva 750 a couple of months ago.  I had already changed the tires on the bike using a scissor jack and making good use of the removable rear plate on my lift table. So the center stand was the next project after changing the old tires.

I think you will find the center stand a huge asset, not just for tire issues but for basic things like checking and changing the oil or simply fueling. The center stand works a treat, and to my mind is essential kit...I would't own a bike without one.

Installation is tricky as the unit comes with no instructions.  But if you join the Yahoo 750 Moto Guzzi group, you'll find a file of instructions for installing the stand on a Guzzi Nevada, which bike appears to me to have a similar frame to the Breva.  My stand didn't quite fit so I resorted to a good metal file to shave away a millimeter or two and then a soft mallet to persuade it in to position. 

If you decide to proceed with the stand, and you wish to discuss installation, send a note and I'll try to help.  Once it is installed, you'll realize it is a great convenience.

[Jurgen]

Thanks for your answer, Hugh.  For me a center stand is also a necessity, helps in the garage, and gives me a secure feeling on the road, like cast wheels without tubes.  I just wonder why other (than BMW) makes can't get the CS in the right position seems pretty simple.  Where did you purchase yours?  Jürgen

[Hugh Straub]

I bought the stand through AF1Racing in Texas. ( af1racing.com).  They were very helpful on the phone during the installation process.  They're nice folks.