Harley Touring Kickstand Problems and Alternative

Power. Freedom. Community. All these aspects make Harley-Davidson the height of motorcycle ownership. A Harley's unparalleled comfort and ability to go miles are why many bike owners dream of owning this iconic vehicle.

But there's just one problem: the Harley-Davidson stock kickstand. It's an often overlooked component that can challenge Harley-Davidson Touring owners. After all, even the most legendary machines can have a shortcoming or two.

This article is not to criticize Harley-Davidson motorcycles entirely. But you must admit that even the best products can still benefit from improvement. Many riders have found creative solutions or aftermarket alternatives to address the stock kickstand issues.

We'll explore these common problems with the Harley Touring kickstand and find out the aftermarket options to provide a more secure and convenient parking experience.

Regular Harley Davidson Kickstand Problems

A common problem with Harley-Davidson kickstands is their design. They're mainly designed for shorter stops and quick pit stops, so the kickstand is not always reliable when holding a fully loaded touring bike. This problem especially crops up on uneven surfaces.

The danger of toppling over is real. One long-time Harley owner, J. Miller, complains, "I've had my bike tip over more times than I can count. Soft ground, gravel, or even a slight incline can be a recipe for disaster."

Other Harley kickstand problems may also include the length and placement, which can be particularly frustrating for taller riders. Riders frequently navigating challenging parking situations also complain about the kickstand's length and placement. Some of them resort to "creative parking maneuvers" just to avoid dropping the bike.

At a glance, these issues may seem small. But they do impact a rider's experience. After all, riders should be confident that their Harleys are still safe while parked. Without an adequate kickstand, riders risk damaging their motorcycles.

Why Harley-Davidson Kickstands Fall Short

Here are areas where many people often find the Harley-Davidson kickstand problematic.

• Unstable on rough surfaces: The stock kickstand tends to sink into soft ground, gravel, or uneven pavement. The bike risks tipping over, especially when fully loaded.
• Insufficient length: Taller riders or those with additional accessories might find the standard kickstand too short. Parking on inclines or rough surfaces is challenging.
• Ground clearance: The kickstand's placement can interfere with ground clearance when taking a tight turn.
• Deterioration: Like many products, the kickstand's components can wear out. Worn-out bushings and springs may affect its stability and functionality.
• Kickstand switch issues: If the kickstand switch has an electrical problem, your bike won't start, which can be inconvenient and frustrating.

The Impact of Kickstand Issues

An inadequate kickstand that vies way can lead to many issues. It may lead to a catastrophic drop, leading to costly repairs. As if the financial ramifications are not frustrating enough, there's also the emotional impact of seeing your prized possession damaged.

A dropped motorcycle due to kickstand issues also poses safety risks. Falling bikes can cause injuries to the rider or bystanders. In extreme cases, it may even lead to accidents involving other vehicles.

This is the real impact of a faulty kickstand. It can quickly overshadow the pride of ownership and the great sense of freedom and adventure from owning a Harley-Davidson.

The Real Costs of Kickstand Failure

The consequences of a kickstand failure can be severe. Look at the detailed impacts of a faulty kickstand.

1. Physical damage to the motorcycle. A kickstand failure often results in the bike falling over, leading to various potential physical damages. These include scratches and dents, as well as internal components like engines and electrical systems that can be compromised if the bike lands on a sensitive part. Damages may also extend to the wheels, tires, and exhaust systems, which will require significant repairs.
2. Risk of personal injury. Imagine a motorcycle as big as a Harley falling over. When that happens, the rider risks personal injuries. The falling motorcycle can strike you and cause cuts, bruises, or even broken bones. Even worse, if you get pinned under the motorcycle, this will result in a severe crush injury.
3. Financial loss due to repairs. A kickstand failure may incur expensive repair costs. This will burden your wallet as the repairs may involve significant expenses for parts and labor. You may need a replacement vehicle if the motorcycle is your primary vehicle. Then, there's the time-consuming issue of filing an insurance claim.
4. Emotional burdens from losing the motorcycle. Repairing a damaged motorcycle may take days or even weeks. This means you're deprived of your vehicle for riding, which can cause inconvenience and often leads to frustrations. Losing a motorcycle to damages, even though the damages can be repaired, will cause stress and anxiety.

Alternatives to the Stock Kickstand

There are a couple of options to mitigate the shortcomings of Harley-Davidson Motorcycle's stock kickstand. First, go for custom Harley kickstands. These kickstands are tailor-made just for you according to your specifications.

Second, consider the aftermarket options for a Harley Davidson kickstand replacement. The aftermarket often has more ready-made, compelling solutions. There's a plethora of alternative kickstands designed to provide increased stability and durability. Many of them also match the iconic Harley-Davidson aesthetics.

Some of the kickstand options you can find from the aftermarket are:

• Extended-length models for taller riders
• Wider footprint designs for added stability
• Electronically-assisted kickstands

Harley-Davidson riders can significantly improve their riding experience by investing in a quality aftermarket kickstand.

Upgrading Your Ride: Better Solutions for Harley Kickstands

The following are the key benefits of finding alternative Harley kickstands in the aftermarket:

1. Enhanced stability: Many aftermarket kickstands are engineered to withstand the weight of a fully loaded touring motorcycle. They're typically constructed from heavier-duty materials and often feature wider footprints for a more secure parking experience, even on uneven surfaces or soft ground.
2. Durability: Aftermarket kickstands are often built to last. They use high-quality materials and precision engineering. This means less wear and tear, reduced maintenance, and a longer lifespan than stock components.
3. Complementary aesthetics: While the stock kickstands are meant to look compatible with your Harley, the aftermarket ones can do more. Aftermarket kickstands are designed to complement and enhance the overall look of your Harley. There are usually more options in the variety of finishes and styles available, allowing riders to choose the one matching their preferences and motorcycle.

The WheelDock Slammer Stand - A Superior Alternative

The aftermarket offers a variety of kickstand options. Still, one product stands out as the optimal solution to the kickstand challenge faced by Harley-Davidson Touring riders: the WheelDock Slammer Stand.

The Slammer Stand is designed specifically for Harley Touring models, offering unparalleled stability, durability, and convenience. Unlike traditional or stock kickstands, the Slammer stand engages with the motorcycle's frame and rear wheel, resulting in an unbreakable support system. This unique design erases the risk of the bike tipping over, even on the most challenging terrains.

Furthermore, the Slammer Stand can withstand the rigors of the open road. Made from quality materials only, it is designed to be extremely durable. It's the one kickstand that offers Harley riders the unmatched convenience of being on the road. The WheelDock Slammer Stand is more than just an accessory—it's a brilliant contribution to riding excellence.

Why the WheelDock Slammer Stand is the Ultimate Upgrade

One user, Shane Webb, already endorses this stand, saying, "Slammer Plus Stand was exactly what I was looking for. I gotta say this was by far the easiest part I’ve put on any bike." Meanwhile, user Shelby Field says, "Very well made."

Now, let's take a closer look at the key features and benefits of the WheelDock Slammer Stand.

1. Unmatched stability. The Slammer Stand is more than stable—you can mount it even when there's no rider present. Like other WheelDock stands, the design of this stand allows for vertical storage without any danger of the vehicle tilting over.
2. Easy installation. Thanks to its bolt-on designs, the Slammer Stand will be easy to install. No modifications are required, so your bike's original state will be preserved. The Harley-Davidson Touring kickstand includes all the necessary hardware for an efficient installation.
3. High durability. As a product made in America, the Slammer Stand uses only the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. The design features a black epoxy powder-coated body (a challenging chrome lever is optional). The premium finish enhances the aesthetics while ensuring longevity.
4. Compatibility with Harley-Davidson technology. The Slammer Stand is compatible with Harley's onboard air suspension system. This innovation is not just a Harley Touring accessory; it strengthens your Harley-Davidson experience to the max.

Conclusion

Stock Harley-Davidson kickstands are known to have a few problems, such as stability issues and their length and placement. This problem has caused discomfort and may lead to risks for many Harley riders. Having an adequate kickstand should be a priority for all Harley riders so they can avoid risks and damages, physical, financial, and emotional.

The WheelDock Slammer Stand is one of the top aftermarket solutions to the stock Harley touring kickstand; it's a top-rated product guaranteed to enhance your Harley touring experience. Have a look at the Slammer Stand and other WheelDock products. 

And, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.