Center Stand Removal while on Side Stand?

[Lucien Harpress]

Pretty much what the thread topic says- is it possible/recommended to remove the center stand while the bike is on the side stand? Or should I wait until I'm able to afford some kind of motorcycle lift (or come up with an equivalent redneck solution)? My center stand is pretty beat up and I'd like to at least get a fresh coat of paint on it. I'm just not sure of the best way of getting it off...

[robin1731]

I'm sure there are a lot more that have been removed while the bike was on the side stand. Not really that many people have a lift.

[Placerville]

I think the exhausts have to come off to remove the center stand. Yes? No? I refreshed mine when I restored my exhausts and headers so, I seem to remember that being the case. Whatever you do, once it's apart, install a zerk fitting.

A comment from Old Fogey from an old posting:

"Anyone reading this thread that wishes to keep centre stand in working order should do as I did. With the stand off the bike drill it at the rear (so that you can get at it when the bike is on the stand) and fit a small grease nipple. (Zerk fitting?) Then put a double blade in your hacksaw through the bore of the stand and put a shallow cut along the length of the stand in line with the drilling. Make sure that the mounting ears are a close fit to the sides of the stand before nipping up the pinch bolts. (I did think about using a felt washer each side to make it a little less messy). Future maintenance is just a couple of shots with the grease gun while moving the stand through its arc."

I also saw another post (couldn't find it) where a member showed how he ground some spiral grooves in the Pipe (#3) which further helps to distribute the grease.

[Tugboat]

Yes, you have to remove your pipes to get the pin out. Otherwise, you can do it on the side stand. I'm about to do the opposite

[Lucien Harpress]

Pipes coming off isn't a big deal- mine are getting replaced anyway. I'm just used to doing all my work while it's on the centerstand, so when it comes to taking it off I was a bit unsure how to proceed.

Thanks!

[Motowalt]

Got any tips/tricks on installing the center stand spring?

[robbie202]

maybe this is done by now but i just took mine off and the pipes were already off. i just broke the cotter pin, pried the spring off with a screwdriver and banged the tube thingy out with the screwdriver.

[Tugboat]

Got any tips/tricks on installing the center stand spring?

I'd like to hear this too. About to install my center stand and those springs are a total PIA!!

[avg_joe]

Sometimes you can get them to go on with an automotive drum brake spring remover/installer tool.
Usually, I just have to grab that bugger hard with a channel lock, and muscle it into place.
Not a bad idea to wear some gloves, and safety glasses.

avg_joe

[gregforesi]

+1 on the brake tool. I use it for the sidestand spring as well.

[Oldewing]

++1, that's how I did it.

[CYBORG]

i just did one today...with a brake tool. but i had to grind the end to a little smaller diameter to allow the spring to slip on. i made a tool for it some time ago...but couldn't find it today. guess its time to clean up in the shop.....a little

[Lucien Harpress]

I was planning on trying the "stretch spring out using the centerstand then stuff washers into the gaps until you can get it off" method.

It worked on my GL1200, anyway... (the bike for this question is my 1000, forgot to put that in the original post)

[IndianaJohn]

The common method I learned of a long time ago is to clamp one end of the spring in a vice. Bend it sideways and insert a penny in between each of several coils on that side. Bend it back the opposite direction and insert an equal number of pennies on that side. Try to fit the spring in place. If needed, insert more pennies between more coils until it will slip in place easily. When you flex the stand down, the coils will open up and the pennies will fall out. And no tools (except a bench vise) is needed!

[Placerville]

The common method I learned of a long time ago is to clamp one end of the spring in a vice. Bend it sideways and insert a penny in between each of several coils on that side. Bend it back the opposite direction and insert an equal number of pennies on that side. Try to fit the spring in place. If needed, insert more pennies between more coils until it will slip in place easily. When you flex the stand down, the coils will open up and the pennies will fall out. And no tools (except a bench vise) is needed!

When I installed mine, I hooked one end of the spring onto the frame mount, looped the other end over a very larger screwdriver shaft and put the driver tip under the hook on the center stand. Then I pulled down on the driver and let the spring slide down the shaft into place........after the 12th. try.

Or, you can use the method above once. Your choice.