Losing the centre ground

How did we bikers ever get to the current state of things, where 90 per cent of new motorcycles come without centre stands?
Were we consulted?  Did anyone ask you?  I thought not!
Is it fair that Triumph Bonneville owners, for example, have to pay over £100 for a centre stand?
How are they expected to align the wheels, change the rear disc pads …?
Whatever next? Will we be expected to pay for footrest rubbers, handlebar grips, user manuals...?
There is a case, I admit, for off road and track-day bikes to be supplied without centre stands.  But for the rest of the market – NO!
Mind you, I am wondering if anyone is man – or woman – enough to be able to hoick the Triumph Rocket 3 onto its (non-existent) centre stand.
As BMW are the only company who are really innovating in bikes right now, I think it’s up to them to take a lead.  Power assist centre stand anyone?


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