will collapse . This Bike-Lift Centre Stand uses pins which locate into the hollow swingarm pivot on a bike to lift the back end , which can then allow removal of the rear shock and linkage for servicing because the bike is suspended by the swingarm pivot / frame . Using the stand is pretty simple . It can be done solo , but it ’ s altogether easier with another person holding the bike upright , otherwise you ’ ll be trying to balance the bike while trying to line up the mounting pins and the threaded tightening rod . It ’ s a little fiddly to get the conical pins lined up and the threaded rod through the swingarm pivot , but once you ’ ve done it a couple of times it ’ s doable on your own . First up was the Aprilia . I know that the rear suspension linkages on the early Aprilia V-twins have a tendency to seize up with winter riding and a lack of maintenance . Some owners have been very lucky to come away unscathed after the dog-bone link actually
split while they ’ ve been riding ... the effect of this is for the rear of the bike to collapse , which would have to be an arse-puckering moment . So ... first job on the list for the Aprilia over winter was to get the linkage out , clean the needle roller bearings and re-grease them . I ’ m pretty sure that this particular bike has only seen dry weather in its 18 years on this planet , so I was very pleased to see them reasonably well greased and moving freely . At least I know it ’ s now all lovely down there and good to go for another year or more . The Africa Twin was bought by Doug , one of KR ’ s steadfast helpers , last winter and it was clear from the outset it had been used for some extensive adventure riding in its short life . It ’ s my experience that most bike ’ s suspension linkages aren ’ t well greased at the factory , so a bike with plenty of dirt and water use is going to need the linkage stripping regularly or it ’ ll rust and wear out in short order . And so it was . Once the crud was
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