Getting spring back on to centre stand...

[Grim Rider]

Anyone got any tips on how to do this because I spent half an hour struggling with it last night before giving up

 

[flatdog]

It's bloody hard.
I used a long nosed pliers to hold the spring and a screwdriver to guide the spring onto the mount..
I think if you loosen the stand mounting area, engage the spring then tighten it back also helps.
But it was flippin years ago when I did it.

 

[MarkShelley]

There is a tool which is simply a handle with a hook on it that allows you to hook onto the end of the spring and stretch it more easily. You can also use the trick of inserting coins between each spring coil to gradually elongate it. I have also used strong baling twine looped around one end of the Spring and a screwdriver or similar to act as a handle to make it easier to pull the Spring open. It helps to have anoth pair of hands when doing this though to guide the Spring to where it needs to go. I would also recommend eye protection and leather gloves in case things go pear shaped........in fact why not wear your full bike kit, just to be sure

 

[DutchBryn]

Last time I did something like this I finally succeeded by looping some steel wire over one of the spring's hooks and pulling it into position. Then you just have to wiggle the wire free.

 

[Posh Pete]

You have got the bike on the sidestand right?

Get a bunch of 2p pieces and hammer them in to lengthen the spring. Pull em out when you get the loop over.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

I made a double handled spring puller but even then the effort to pull the spring back into place was a 2 man job one to pull the spring sat on ground like a rower and me ( I am a lazy bastard) to hold the bike

 

[cookie]

Put the spring on first, then wrestle the stand so you can get the pivot bolts in.
Works for me on most occasions.

 

[Davy F]

A good stout cable tie.....works every time. Wear a glove tho'.

 

[Dusty]

I use a tent peg puller.. about 2.50 from go out doors...wear protective glasses cause when it goes.......

 

[mrtee43]

Fool proof method without any need for force or strength.

Get yourself one of those cheap ratchet straps from wherever, mine were 4 for a tenner and used for many other applications. Tie one end of a thick bootlace or similar to the spring or spring plate to be pulled into place, if it is a double one like the GS LC. Tie the other end to the ratchet strap. Fix the other end of the ratchet strap to something solid. I tied mine to the towing eye on my van parked suitably close.

Work the ratchet and it will pull the spring into place without effort.

This worked first time after trying the penny method, a bucket handle and trying to pull it into place and both failing.

 

[Uncle-Fester]

I just used long nosed pliers, seemed much easier than doing the same with old drum brakes

 

[boxer]

Got a lift table?

Bike on center stand then drill a hole in table under the spigot the will spring mount to.

Tie nylon rope to free spring end and pass through drilled hole.

Tie rope to table locking/safty bar you've positioned under the hole and locked down/jammed on table frame/base.

Raise table and pop spring on spigot.

Don't underestimate the thickness of rope required.

 

[Mongolian Explorer]

Long nose mole grips and some muscle pulling power

 

[Grim Rider]

Thanks for the ideas - have tried pulling with mole grips but must lack the muscle strength required for such an operation. Tried putting spring on first then using ratchet strap to pull centre stand straight but found it impossible to line up all the holes and washer for the pivot bolt to go through (has worked for a Triumph and Honda before!). Shall persevere with some of the other suggestions

 

[DutchBryn]

I'm no Jeff Capes either. If you try using thin steel wire (used because I had some) or some strong cord (used to hold tents up) Attach the spring at the top end, using the wire / string pull downwards, loop it under one of your feet and use your weight.

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Clothes hanger with a hook fashioned on one end?

 

[MikeO]

Just unravel a wire coat hanger and bend it in half. Snag the end of the spring in the bend - you can use as much force as you have that way - takes a couple of ticks...

 

[Deleted account 210214001]

Make sure the stand is in the "up" position as well; the spring length is shorter that way.

 

[seahorse]

+1 for the coin trick. Bit laborious but better than injured hands!

 

[Cyrus]

I bought the spring puller tool - the hook's just the right shape etc and it's really easy and safe.