Stumped before I get started

[SamF]

I bought a beat-up, had been sitting a while, '82 LS (without some of the LS bits like the fairing) before Christmas.  It was at the mechanic forever making sure it was safe and running properly.

Now I've got it back and want to tinker a bit.  1st order of business was to replace the bogus sidestand bolt that was incorrect and allowed the sidestand to flap around like a fish outta water.  

Got the correct bolt but dang!  I cannot get the bolt in behind the exhaust.  Looks like the whole exhaust has be moved to access the hole for the bolt.    And THAT is beyond my very limited skill set.  

Anyone got a brilliant secrets they wanna share.  I primarliy use the centerstand but would like a working sidestand for convenience.

[Mike V]

Sam,

No secret that I know of other than removing the exhaust or turning it enough to get to the bolt.  You'll need a finned exhaust nut wrench, which is considered a special tool or in Monte's camp; a Fugowe Club.  Hope I got the spelling right Monte.  They can be purchased from a lot of different vendors.

You'll need to loosen the finned exhaust nut, rear muffler attachment at the frame underside, header bracket attached to the motor mount and the crossover.  If your exhaust system isn't frozen together you should be able to just swing it outwards enough to access the sidestand screw.  Chances are the crossover(s) will give you the most irritation.  If so, you may want to apply penetrating fluid at the exhaust slide fittings to loosen things up.

Damn side stands and center stands on these bikes are the weak link.  Don't expect a lot of improvement in the event the sidestand ears or the frame tab is worn.

-Mike V.

[montmil]

Sam, ...Don't expect a lot of improvement in the event the sidestand ears or the frame tab is worn. -Mike V.

Roger, that.

It's been my experience that you'll discover the bolt hole in the frame's mounting ears for the side stand will likely be worn oversize. You may be able to place the bike on centerstand and do a wiggle test to check for any wear.

I think the semi-famous Brown side stand bolts to exterior points... but that still leaves the need to remove the OEM stand. Both my R65s have a bit of slop at the pivot point. I live with it.

Monte

[Barry]

This is curios. My stand pivots on a removable plain pin #3. The pin is held in place by the cover #5. There are no bolts or threads of any description. The whole thing is held together by spring tension and slotted pins #6 and #7. The stand is easy to remove once the springs are off without having to move the exhaust.  

Must have been several changes along the way as the parts fiche shows 3 different stands. Looks like the first change was pin #3 substituted with a bolt #10. This might have been because with no bolt there is no tension holding the ears of the stand together so some slop may develop (or be there from new).  My stand is fine after I did a custom shim job similar to the recent gear lever thread.

I wonder if your later 82 stand could be returned to this earlier boltless design ?

[montmil]

This is curios. My stand pivots on a removable plain pin... My stand is fine after I did a custom shim job similar to the recent gear lever thread...

Lucky you, Barry, and others with this attach system. We with the new and improved BMW side stand attached via a countersunk machine screw blocked by the exhaust system so you have a PITA removing said screw to shim the kick down stand...

...salute you. [smiley=thumbsup.gif] Was this BMW's idea of fixing something that wasn't broken?

Monte

[Barry]

Was this BMW's idea of fixing something that wasn't broken?

... and it will break in time as they made it so hard to remove I don't suppose they ever get cleaned and greased.

I believe it's called progress Monte. I notice it in many things as I get older !

[SamF]

You guys are awesome.  It is the stupid one with the #10 bolt.  

I ran the bolt through the back to try the fit and it is still very loose.  Would a washer as a shim help?  I may mess with it some more before I do the $150 cave-in and go for the Browns.

[Mike V]

Sam,

In my experience (81 R65) - Shimming the bolt will only result in stiff operation and a lot of difficulty in extending the stand while on the bike.  I learned this the hard way.  If someone has a fix other than building up the worn ears on the stand tabs, I'm very interested.  In my case the problem is the fit or the union with bolt shoulder and bolt hole is completely independent with the metal ball swivel and the gap with the frame tab and side stand ears.  My guess is it's not the bolt that is wearing...it's the side stand and friction points on the ears with the frame tab.  My 81 application may be different than your bike.

-Mike V.

[Justin B.]

Sam, if you plan on keeping the bike you will eventually admit the Brown was a worthwhile investment if you use the stand much...

[bruce_launceston]

I have the 84 LS with a different stand than the one shown above. It has 2 springs and a pin protruding from the back of the pivot bolt.
I have just last week machined a new bronze bush and pivot bolt which has tightened everything up nicely.

FYI, if you have the later system and DONT want the stand to fly up automatically you only need to cut the protruding pin off the end of the pivot bolt.

I've riden it like this for so long I wouldn't dare to change it's operation, It's bad enough getting on a different bike, I often forgetting to put the stand up.

[Barry]

FYI, if you have the later system and DONT want the stand to fly up automatically you only need to cut the protruding pin off the end of the pivot bolt.
 

Now that's one feature that my stand doesn't have and I wish it had.

The above diagram only shows one spring but there are actually 2.

I found if I remove one spring the stand retracts only half way which is safe enough or stays put half way when deployed so I can then flip it up or down as required. Spring tension is still strong enough and it does stay firmly up against the frame tube when riding the bike. Another little mod is a rubber buffer on the end of the centre stand nut so the side stand doesn't clang up against the exhaust pipe also it holds the stand out a few mm which makes easier to  get my toe on it. I still can't deploy it sat on the bike but for me it makes what is a poorly located stand more usable.

[bruce_launceston]

I didn't take me long to learn that I had to get off the bike to put the sidestand down but I can still remember the clumsy attempts from the seat before the penny dropped.

[SamF]

Well, here's a question then:  for those of you with a Brown sidestand, can you deploy it while on the bike or is dismount required first?

I prefer to use the center stand when parking the bike - but sometimes the sidestand is easier and more convenient for brief periods of time.