Yep. There's a nut (at least there is on my '03 SM). It's fairly thin (about 1/4 inch thick) for it's size, and the threads barely come flush to the end of the nut. So, I can see that if the nut weren't there, it would look like the bolt wasn't long enough for a nut to fit. It looks like a fairly poor design as the spring scrapes against one side of the nut every time you put the stand out (or in). I'm surprised more of them don't just work themselves loose.
Seriously, if you're reading this, check this on your bike.
Stone, yours is probably sitting in a parking lot somewhere...
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
