Okay, so I'm new to HD. I've been riding the GL1800 Gold Wing for too many years and have become accustomed to the kick stand being reliable. Picked up my new 2017 Ultra Limited and was amazed that the damn thing went onto it's side the first week of use...three times!

Why is the stand so unreliable? I kick it forward and lean the bike into the resting position but find I have to be very, very careful to keep an eye on the stand as I've seen it creep backwards toward a full tip-over more than once. Like I said, three times in the first week is unacceptable and I've got an appointment with the shop for tomorrow. I have never had this issue with any of my other bikes. When the stand goes down you have to have a reliable part doing an important action or you become dissatisfied with what was promised would be a very pleasant experience...joining my brothers riding an American product.

My Harley riding buddy warns me that the stand has to slip into a socket before it is stable and reliable but that he has never had his flop over onto it's side like a big dead animal before. One would think a brand new bike would not be an issue like I'm describing. So far, I've been tempted to return the bike and return to a reliable scooter. I keep telling myself that just can't be right. Certainly Harley wouldn't design a loose side stand on any of it's bikes let along one of it's best. I admit, I'm gun shy now.

Has ANYONE felt the side stand is loose like this? I mean, it requires pressure to press it forward...the spring is in place. It requires a light touch to bring it up indicating that there is springs at work for that backward movement too but man, am I that stupid that I can't feel comfortable with a simple task of standing the bike?!

Comments guys?
BT

 

I always kick my kickstand forward when I put it in the down position, to make sure it's in the correct position. I've never had any bike fall yet. It's a good habit to get into.

 

User error. There is a keyway that fits into a slot. When positioned correctly you can actually push your bike from behind and drag/scrape the kickstand and it will not fall over!!??

I find it hard to believe that your bike fell over 3 times. You either forgot to put it down, or are just a troll looking to bash Harley?

When you are on the bike push the kickstand out. The spring will help it go all the way forward. Lay the bike over on the stand...So simple even a former Honda rider can do it?

 

I have a sporty but have never had or seen any problem like that before. And I've tried to start mine in the fork lock hole before!

 

When ever I put the side stand down, from sitting on the bike, I always press forward on the toe stop to ensure that it's locked in a forward position. I keep my foot against the toe stop as I dismount and turn the handle bars to the left.

Is the jiffy stand not locking forward when you put it down?

 

Assuming there is nothing missing/broken, the Jiffy Stand is the most reliable side stand in the industry. When properly engaged, it locks and cannot go back up with the weight of the motorcycle on it. PERIOD!

 

I have to agree = 3 times???? AND your know Motorcycles ??

I am a short rider and have had full baggers since 2004 - NEVER an issue with the jiffy/Kick stand. I do have the habit of the 'once tap' with my foot before I rest the bike on the stand... On my very first HD (Fat boy) 1996 - on the way home - stopped by a friends house - parked the bike and before I got off - wife came out and ask me to please pull forward so she could get out. pull the bike upright - walked the bike forward about 10 feet and set it back on the jiffy/kick stand - Yep, the jiffy/kick stand had move backwards just a bit while I was walking it forward - when I put the weight back on the stand - it DID NOT go back into that slot - got off the bike - bike moved and it went down.. USER ERROR - Now to do that 2 more times???? I should be spanked hard,
Something missing here??

 

Good idea. That will satisfy you and provide an excellent low mileage HD at a good price for someone who can master its kickstand. A "win" all around.

 

Return the bike immediately!

Seriously though, just look down at the tab on the jiffy stand to ensure its "seated." I make eye contact with that tab every time I get off the bike. Honestly, it's probably user error. If you don't think so, take it to the dealer and reproduce the issue. I'm sure any damage would then be covered.