Main stand spring removal option

fred_jb said:

Inserting all those washers looks a bit tedious Mark, so maybe there is scope for making and selling a special tool for this? I modified a suspension spring clamp to try to do this, and managed at the umpteenth attempt, but it wasn't very successful as it was too big and clumsy to fit securely.

What I think it needs is something that can securely hook over the stand bottom crossmember at one end and the bottom spring holder at the other end, with the two parts threaded onto a bar which can be turned with a spanner or socket so as to pull the spring holder down enough be levered off the fixing it hooks onto. A bit like the adjuster on the gear shift but a bit stronger. Maybe needs to fit and be accessible when the stand is up as I think the springs are under less tension in that position.

How about it? Another project for you?

Fred

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Mark Hooton said:

Fred that’s a brilliant idea, lack of time and IQ pushed me towards a quick and simple answer (coins work too) but yeah - I actually did buy something to lever the spring down but it was made as cheap as possible and it fell apart - principle was good tho!

I think I understand what you have in your minds eye - sounds good I must say!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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The Other PaulG said:

That's a brilliant solution Mark.

I would bet that most GSers have wrestled with centre stand springs in their time - I wish I'd known this years ago!

Thanks for sharing, that's useful for the whole community.

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Hun said:

Did you just fall over in this video

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Stevey B said:

Mark,
I used a wickes 6 inch powergrip clamp to remove the springs. Takes a fine touch and 5 minutes. The
clamp takes enough tension to move the mounting plate clear of the retaining lug a quick tap with a screwdriver and hammer and Bob's your uncle springs free.

Stevey B

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ShakeyBMW said:

I managed to break my hook when I tried a similar method to remove mine. I didn’t really have enough repair washers.
I got round this by putting a small shackle in the hook hole and pulling on that. Success!

Overcome by this success I fitted a second shackle to help put it back on. I now have a shackle hanging from my spring plate because I didn’t think about the access needed to remove them and this one is stuck until I grind it off or remove the stand again :

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Mark Hooton said:

Guys/Gals/others

Whilst I`ve been tinkering with my main stand locking project I`ve had to remove my springs (obviously). Now, if it`s already been done like this then MASSIVE respect to whoever did it first, I`m sorry for not knowing. Otherwise, if it helps anyone in any way by giving them another `tool` or option to consider (and I`m sure there`s many out there far better than mine!) then I`ve done good!

And also I`ve had a couple of the lads actually ask how I did remove the springs............

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ChazzyB said:

Spring removal/refit method which has worked for me: Bend an oval 2" - 3" nail by holding it in a vice and whacking it over into a hook shape. Grip the head end with your trusty mole grips. Bike on side stand, sit on the floor beside the bike, hook the nail into the end of the spring and PULL.

And wear safety specs - I've read a horror story about someone pulling on a spring, something letting go and losing an eye.

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brut33 said:

What a great tip. Saves all that grunt/groaning and subsequent double hernia. Excellent.

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