Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Sidestand Spring

I was in an auto accident in February and did major damage to my left leg. I'm recovering, but have some nerve and muscle damage that still needs more time to heal. My biggest issue is strenght on flexing the foot. I got on my America this weekend for the first time and it felt great, although I'm a bit rusty and a bit nervous at stops. My problem is that I couldn't get the sidestand down with the weeakness with my foot.

Can the spring be changed to make it easier for me to get it down until I am stronger?

Thanks...

I once popped and lost my spring and needed a quick fix, until I was able to get to the dealer. I went to my local hardward store, and they provided me some generic springs to try.
The hardest part for you will be finding one which is strong enough to keep the side stand 'up' and not bounce around (which was my problem)...but yet, weak enough that you can operate while you convalesce.

Keep in mind that the spring does get weaker with age and use - especially if continually stored on the side stand.

Actually, the spring is in it's 'more' relaxed state with the sidestand down. That is the only position you can use to remove the spring.

Charles, have you tried using your heel to put the stand down?

I have found that about every 6 to 8 months that my side stand becomes harder to retract and deploy. What I do is spray the spring with a lubricate like WD-40 and it reduces the effort needed to retract and deploy by well over 50%. So I would recommend that you keep the spring and the kick stand pivot point well lubricated.

Tom

Phil, I guess I got that backwards. I do know that over time the spring weakens a little. I also regularly lubricate with WD-40. With all the road dirt and grime the hinge pivot stiffens up. The oil takes care of that.

I ended up slightly bending the welded on lever out from the exhaust a little. It very easy to hit with my heel - by far the easiest way with the least effort.

Forget the WD40, use chain lube.

Tom, I would think spraying the spring would do nothing, but spraying the pivot points might. I'll try that, thanks.

Phil: The heel is the problem. I lost my strength on the flexing part, so when I sue the heel, my toes drop and I can't swing the little ball out to get the stand down. I find I can't use the ball of my foot as there isn't enough meat on the ball to flip it out either, or the swing is too hard for my foot's abilities.

Dang man, that sucks. Definitely try lubing the pivot. The only other option I can see (if your leg will allow it) is to reach down and push on it with your hand. Once it's past the point of no return, you might be able to use your foot?

As suggested, lube the pivot and work it back and forth. You might also want to try bending the tang (little ball) out a little so it is easier to put your foot on it to push it out.

I called Rockwell Cycles and they also suggested bending the tang out a bit. I think I can use the ball of my foot if I can get a good grip....He did not recommend changing the spring as that might cause issues if going over bumps and such. Last option is to weld a piece onto the tang to get more leverage.

Thanks for all your help and concerns. I'm sure by next Spring this won't be an issue, but I just had to ride once or twice this year to feel I'm not wasting the season.

Cheers.

Not trying to be sarcastic but have you considered carrying a forked stick? Your arm is certainly strong enough to work it.
I will be going in for foot surgery on my left foot the 26th so I may have to do something similar.

Could you slip a bit of conduit over the tang to lengthen it and thereby give yourself better leverage? Wouldn't be pretty but it should work.

Maby a bit of garden hose or somethin...