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

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)