How to refit the centre stand spring

[Greybeard]

I just trying to replace the offside pivot bush and bolt after the bolt sheared off last week. My problem is that I can't work out how to get the two springs that keep the stand up re-fitted.

The Haynes manual I have (R1200 twins 04 - 09) says to fit the RHS pivot bolt first, then 'install the stand springs' then install the left hand side pivot bolt. Well, I tried this, then tried installing the pivot bolts in reverse order, but I still can't get the springs located over the pin as there is too much tension.

Assuming that I'm not just too weedy to do the job there must be a trick... saw another post from several years ago saying that getting the springs back on was difficult but no solution was published.

Anyone help please?

 

[forest biker]

I just trying to replace the offside pivot bush and bolt after the bolt sheared off last week. My problem is that I can't work out how to get the two springs that keep the stand up re-fitted.

The Haynes manual I have (R1200 twins 04 - 09) says to fit the RHS pivot bolt first, then 'install the stand springs' then install the left hand side pivot bolt. Well, I tried this, then tried installing the pivot bolts in reverse order, but I still can't get the springs located over the pin as there is too much tension.

Assuming that I'm not just too weedy to do the job there must be a trick... saw another post from several years ago saying that getting the springs back on was difficult but no solution was published.

Anyone help please?

The'll go on i had mine off a bit back to spray the stand up , i used heavy duty cable ties on the end of the springs , with gloves on put my foot against the bike and pulled them on

 

[harryv]

try putting coins into the springs to make them longer,this should help

 

[haydw]

I had exactly the same problem.

If you look at where the springs locate in the middle of the centre stand you will notice they are located in an L-shaped bracket bolted to it.

Undo the bolt- this releases the spring tension. Mount the end of the spring in the bracket then locate the other end on the mount on the frame. Do the same with the second spring, then tighten the bolt.

Job done. With no swearing and pinched fingers.

 

[oldnfat]

I had exactly the same problem.

If you look at where the springs locate in the middle of the centre stand you will notice they are located in an L-shaped bracket bolted to it.

Undo the bolt- this releases the spring tension. Mount the end of the spring in the bracket then locate the other end on the mount on the frame. Do the same with the second spring, then tighten the bolt.

Job done. With no swearing and pinched fingers.

+1 Should be no problem...have just done the job myself with no problems.

 

[Demongroover]

Use a spring pulled.
It's a T shaped tool with a small hook on the end.
Hook the ends of the springs and pull. Simples!

 

[Marks adventure]

Use a spring pulled.
It's a T shaped tool with a small hook on the end.
Hook the ends of the springs and pull. Simples!

and they are a cheap as chips, less than a fiver if i remember.

 

[jogo]

I had the same problem and ended up with putting the spring end in a bench vice and bow the spring. Then I placed washers in every gap that opened up. Then I bowed the spring to the other side and and also inserted washers in the now open gaps. This extended the length of the spring enough to fit it.

 

[Greybeard]

Sorted!

Thanks for the tips... in the end I used a combination of the washers in the spring to extend the length coupled with a bit of brute force to pull the spring over the top locating pin. I tried a cable tie to do this but I couldn't get enough purchase - I ended up using an old wire coat hanger re-shaped into a loop, and I used a sledge hammer handle I happened to have in the garage to slip through the free end (opposite to the 'spring' end) to get more purchase + feet to brace against the centre stand which was in the retracted position.

Simples? not sure I want to do it every weekend....

Again, thanks for the ideas.

PS - on my model (2005 R1200GS) the spring location hole on the centre stand is welded to the stand - so not possible to loosen any bolt to release the sprint tension.

 

[Richard ZB]

Thanks for all the advice. Coins did it for me, 2 pence, about 18 in each spring, hard work getting them in in a vice, then pulled them out with mole grips one by one. Perfect. Satisfying to beat the little bigger.

 

[Bendy toy]

Mine had the tension bolt but I no longer use the centre stand.

 

[Kritou]

Probably best to insert the coins/washers at almost full extensionof the centrestand. Should make removal and subsequent refitting much easier

 

[Bendy toy]

Mine has a long bolt on the centre stand spring bracket. Take it back to end of thread fit springs and wind up the bolt easy peasy. Some Copaslip on the treads is a nice idea.