Why Is It? - SV650.org

Lissa · 19-07-09, 07:24 AM

You know how it is, you can't sleep so you lie there pondering life's little mysteries, and this one has really got me wondering.

Why do all bikes have the side stand on the left? Yes, it works fine for us in this country..........you park up at the side of the road and your bike leans away from the traffic..........but considering most countries in the world drive on the right it means that their bikes will be leaning towards the traffic.

Not an earth-shattering thing to think about, but it's got me pondering.

Does anyone know the answer, or have another inponderable question?

the_lone_wolf · 19-07-09, 07:26 AM

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_a_m...nd_on_the_left

Lissa · 19-07-09, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_a_m...nd_on_the_left

Why not? Not really a valid answer!

the_lone_wolf · 19-07-09, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissa

Why not? Not really a valid answer!

I reckon it's as valid an answer as we have

I can't see a technical reason to have it on the left

Lissa · 19-07-09, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

I can't see a technical reason to have it on the left

That's my point. You have to assume that the vast majority of bikes made will be sold to countries that drive on the right, so it would make far more sense for the sidestand to be on the right-hand side.

Odd one, isn't it?

19-07-09, 07:38 AM

The answer might go back to the days of horses which are nearly always (unless trained otherwise) mounted and dismounted from the left.

Cheers

19-07-09, 07:40 AM

Well, I can swing my right leg higher than my left. Maybe they do it just for me....

Lissa · 19-07-09, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattCo

The answer might go back to the days of horses which are nearly always (unless trained otherwise) mounted and dismounted from the left.

Cheers

Hmmm, never thought of that. I grew up around horses and automatically would mount horse or bike from the left. I've seen a couple of pillions mount from the right, and it just looks wrong. I couldn't do it!

Lissa · 19-07-09, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by furry ginger one

well, i can swing my right leg higher than my left. Maybe they do it just for me....

pmsl!

ixlr8 · 19-07-09, 07:42 AM

The most common bikes were British early on (LHD)? And then Japanese (LHD)?

19-07-09, 07:24 AM	#1
Lissa Just Ballast Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rugby, South Mids Group Posts: 4,381	Why Is It? You know how it is, you can't sleep so you lie there pondering life's little mysteries, and this one has really got me wondering. Why do all bikes have the side stand on the left? Yes, it works fine for us in this country..........you park up at the side of the road and your bike leans away from the traffic..........but considering most countries in the world drive on the right it means that their bikes will be leaning towards the traffic. Not an earth-shattering thing to think about, but it's got me pondering. Does anyone know the answer, or have another inponderable question? __________________ If It's Too Loud, You're Too Old! I'd Rather Have Two Big Bangs Than Four Little Strokes

19-07-09, 07:26 AM	#2
the_lone_wolf Captain Awesome Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hamble Posts: 4,266	Re: Why Is It? http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_a_m...nd_on_the_left __________________ Official "Dumbass of the Year" 2011 (•_•) ( •_•)>⌐■-■ (⌐■_■) Deal with it...

19-07-09, 07:38 AM	#6
MattCollins Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Why Is It? The answer might go back to the days of horses which are nearly always (unless trained otherwise) mounted and dismounted from the left. Cheers

19-07-09, 07:40 AM	#7
FG1 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Why Is It? Well, I can swing my right leg higher than my left. Maybe they do it just for me....

19-07-09, 07:42 AM	#10
ixlr8 Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 117	Re: Why Is It? The most common bikes were British early on (LHD)? And then Japanese (LHD)?