Installing a later centerstand to an earlier frame

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I know some of you have done it.  I need the details.

The catch on the centerstand is turned 90° from one to the other, so obviously I need different springs.

Also, the early frames used a swinging bracket on each side that held the top of the spring.  I don't think the later models had these.
Where on the later frames does the top of the spring attach?

Max BMW lists 3 spring lengths:
1) 97mm (to 1/82)
2) 143mm (from 1/82)
3) 111mm (from 1/82)
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/DiagramsMain.aspx?vid=51896&MG=46&Diagram=46_0072&parts=46+52+1+236+522

I would just heat up the ends of my current springs and twist them 90°, but I am afraid of weakening them.

Thanks.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Can someone with a '81-'84 bike take pictures of the top of the spring mounts and post them here, please?

[montmil]

Can someone with a '81-'84 bike take pictures of the top of the spring mounts and post them here, please?

I'll do it for you, Rob, as I changed out my nasty '81 stand for a later version. May be tomorrow or so before I can get back to you, but I will do so.

Monte

[montmil]

Just wanted to make you fidget a bit, Rob. Here ya go. . .



Top of spring hooked over stud on frame. On my '81, there was a sheet metal shackle that I removed. Cut off, actually, as there was no room to slip it off without destroying the bit.

Jeez, I'm glad I don't have to sleep under this filthy bike. It doesn't drip any oil at all. That's the truth!

Hope this helps, Rob. My quick measurement looks like about 6.25 inches from the top of the upper edge -arc?- of the spring to the very bottom of the spring... with the spring slightly extended with bike sitting on stand.

Monte




Lower attach point of spring to stand.




Another view of upper spring attach point. And my butt.




View of upper portion of spring with side stand extended.




View with side stand and side stand springs retracted.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

So it looks like you have to have a later-model frame in order to use a later-model center-stand.

Too bad.

[montmil]

...Also, the early frames used a swinging bracket on each side that held the top of the spring...

I think that's what I was referring to as the "shackle". A metal part that had one end pivot on the frame's stud and the other end is where the spring hooked on. The springs that came with my later-model stand were substantially longer than the OEMs on my '81.

Monte