Installing a CSC RX3 Adventure Center Stand

Fast and Easy Installation of a Center Stand on the CSC RX3 – a GREAT Accessory for any ADV Bike!

Guest post by Randy Reek

I recently took advantage of the CSC “Black Friday” sale and ordered a center stand for my RX3. I have had center stands on several bikes in the past, but had not added one to my RX3. Looking forward to the 2020 riding calendar, I made this the first change to my bike.

CSC RX3 center stand – a FAST and EASY installation!

The only reason to NOT add a center stand is the fear of losing ground clearance on rough trails. But this is really not an issue with the RX3 Adventure since the mounting tabs are still in place on the lower frame – whether or not you add the stand! Besides, if you are in rocks or logs where this critical inch of clearance is an issue – you are probably over your head and pushing your RX3 anyway!

There are a few valid reasons why your ADV bike needs a center stand:

1. The center stand makes maintenance and repairs much easier. Whether changing a flat tire or lubing the chain, an upright bike is a huge advantage.
2. A center stand which holds the bike securely and level also makes daily packing and unpacking easier.
3. An upright bike on the center stand also takes up less room than a bike leaning on the side stand. This comes in handy in the garage, but also might be an advantage in sketchy parking spots with other motorcycles, fences, or anything that can hurt your bike. The center stand may also provide better footing on soft surfaces than the side stand.

Installing the center stand on the CSC RX3 Adventure is easy and takes less than 30 minutes. It takes a few minutes to clean off the accumulated dirt on the bottom of the frame, then the stand slips into place between the mounting tabs.

Clean off the mud and the RX3 center stand slips in place.

CSC has a full pictorial tutorial on the website. Here are the simple steps required to install the RX3 center stand:

The center stand kit will include the stand, a pivot shaft, spring and mounting clip. The pivot shaft may require a circlip at each end. Or the shaft may have a fixed washer on one end, which requires a circlip only on the opposite side for installation. To attach the spring mounting clip to the frame, a short, self-tapping screw with an integral shoulder is used. You will need a 13mm socket for this installation. In addition, a pliers to seat the circlip and a screwdriver to install the spring will be needed.

RX3 Center Stand kit – just add a little grease to the pivot shaft

You can complete this easy installation with the bike on its side stand or a lift.

1. If required, install a circlip on one end of the center stand pivot shaft. This is not necessary if the shaft has a fixed washer on one end.
2. Lube the center stand pivot shaft with grease.
3. Lube the interior of the center stand mount with grease.
4. Position the center stand between its two mounting points on the motorcycle frame, then slide the pivot shaft through the center stand and its mounting points. (If installing on a dirty bike, first clean off any accumulated dirt or mud.)
5. Install the retaining circlip on the center stand pivot shaft.
6. Insert the shouldered self-tapping bolt through the spring tab. The spring tab faces rearward and is attached to the hole located under the motorcycle frame on the right side of the stand. Tighten the self-tapping bolt with the tab facing rearward. Do not overtighten the self-tapping bolt. A dab of Loctite is a good idea on this screw.
7. Install one hooked end of the spring on the tab.
8. With the center stand in the raised position, install the other hooked end of the spring on the center stand stud. Pry the spring in place with a screwdriver. Go slowly – it may take a couple of attempts to position the spring on the center stand.

You are done! If you need to remove the center stand for any reason (riding rough off-road trails where ground clearance is crucial), you can remove the spring, right-side circlip, shaft and stand in about five minutes.

I have installed center stands on other bike brands – and the RX3 installation is the easiest and fastest – BY FAR! CSC has the frame pre-engineered for the stand. The center stand is VERY reasonably priced. You can also have CSC install the center stand before shipping your new RX3. There are lots of advantages of adding the center stand – so consider making the upgrade to your RX3 Adventure!