modified Brown side stand

[redrider90]

I know this subject was covered almost a decade ago.  I am pulling out my Mille and putting it back on the road after a 7 years illness that I am recovering from. I have kept the bike running all these years and managed some updates during that time but am now at it with more time and strength on my hands. These 95-100º days are good for working on it in my A/C shop. In in the 90's I replaced the exhaust with SS Agostini system. Its headers were a bit larger than stock. Also the stock side stand tab had bent slightly from traveling with a lot of gear on it. So the tab on the anchor bracket  moved closer to the larger header and I could not put the stock side stand back on it after installing the Agostini exhaust. So I lived with it just using a center stand. Now I am 74 and still recovering and would like a side stand. I am tearing into the externals of the bike and cleaning and repairing all things needed. I pulled out the stock side stand and laid there on the floor looking at it and the tab.  I suppose I could try and open that tab away from the header and see if I could install the original side stand.  Then I remembered the modified Brown sold by Boxerworks. He still sells them at a whopping $345. But Nathan claims he has had only one not fit in 10 years.
So I have seen the tread from 10 years ago but now I ask the question has this stand performed well for you guys over the years and with stood day to day use and also any tips about installing not included in the thread from years ago. Thanks
BTW I do have a side rail from a Cali with the front mounted side stand on it. I could modify it and paint it red. All I need are the proper nuts and bolts to attach it and cut off all the extraneous tabs that would not be needed on the Mille.   

[Frenchfrog]

I'd go for the cali stand.
Got a G 5 style one on mine after experimenting with other options and it's the bee's knees. Plus factory too..

[Guzzistajohn]

  I have a Brown side stand on this bike. It works really well. Highly recommended.

[guzzisteve]

At that price i'd go with a SP3 stand. I need also cause my LM3 can not have a center stand, 160/18 doesn't go in.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I am probably the one Nathan refers to.  Bought one and tried to fit it to a customer's SP. Something was definitely "off" - the stand drooped at approx. 40 degrees from horizontal when retracted and was not confidence inspiring when deployed. Also, I felt that for the $345 price, they could have at least zinc plated the bracket, but no - it was bare metal.

I installed the factory mid-mount stand instead, and while not perfect, was much better than the Boxerworks stand.
https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=5094

[BMCMOTO]

I have a Brown side stand on my Mille, works OK, interferes with centerstand (must be deployed to use centerstand). I had the mid-mount Guzzi sidestand. The Brown and the Guzzi both leave the bike too upright for my taste. I shortened the Guzzi stand some but it still felt insecure, tucked under the bike too much when deployed, didn't feel trustworthy. The Brown being out farther from the bike feels more trustworthy but the bike remains too vertical for me. I might modify the Brown mounting bracket some to change the angle, just been too lazy so far. I bought my Brown used for a lot less than they want now. I don't like the forward mount California stands cause I'm short legged and cannot reach them without difficulty,  I do like the way they lean the bike, just right, looking to get that angle from a mid-mount sidestand. I also put a deployment peg midway along my Brown side stand for easier deployment.

Brian

[Ncdan]

Any stand has to be better thought than my 02 Stone. I’m 5’10” with a 30” inseam and one of these days I’m going to lose my balance and fall over trying to reach it🥵😡

[berniebee]

I installed the factory mid-mount stand instead, and while not perfect, was much better than the Boxerworks stand.
https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=5094

I bought and installed a mid mount this May. Some pics and description here:
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=105762.60
Scroll about half way down the page.

[Cam3512]

I worked with Nathan and Scott (Guzzi guy) at Boxerworks to develop the modified Brown for Guzzi Tonti’s.  Got the idea from Billy Joel‘s mechanic Alex, but he doesn’t sell anything.  The prototype is on my V7 Sport.  Retracted stand is perfectly parallel with the flat exhaust.  I love it, and I couldn’t even deploy the stock spring loaded stock stand while sitting on the bike.  I know they’re pricey, but what’s it worth to prevent you picking the bike up off the pavement one day?  True, it conflicts with the center stand, but not an issue with me.  Side stand out, retract the center stand.  Side stand in.  Then reverse.

Cam

[Scout63]

I think the G5 stand is the best ever, with maybe the Airhead Brown a close second. Worst is v50, Lemans 1, stock Airhead and 860GT, they all beg centerstand use and carrying a stand plate in my jacket.

[bigbikerrick]

I had a Browns from Boxerworks on my 85 LeMans 1000 . It was a huge improvement over oem. There are two things in life you should never trust.....A Guzzi neutral light, and a spring loaded, Tonti kickstand!
Rick.

[Scout63]

I had a Browns from Boxerworks on my 85 LeMans 1000 . It was a huge improvement over oem. There are two things in life you should never trust.....A Guzzi neutral light, and a spring loaded, Tonti kickstand!
Rick.

Big roger that.

[Tom H]

Any stand has to be better thought than my 02 Stone. I’m 5’10” with a 30” inseam and one of these days I’m going to lose my balance and fall over trying to reach it🥵😡

If your Stone has the big side stand, try using your heel to retract it. Much easier this way, at least for me. I also use only one spring.

Tom

[Cam3512]

On my V7 Sport…

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

On my V7 Sport…

If only the one they sent me fit that well... Of course, I was "installing it wrong".  I don't know how that's even possible.

[Anomaly]

.A Guzzi neutral light, and a spring loaded, Tonti kickstand!
Rick.

Big roger that.

Whoa, you guys are scaring me- I just acquired an 81 T3 California and used the side stand extensively during my long ride through half of Italy. Was I just lucky? Please expand upon your dire comments.

[Frenchfrog]

Don't worry...you could land an elephant on the cali sidestands and then some ! The other ones are best taken off though as even strong ish wind will make them trip and then the bike goes down.

[Anomaly]

Don't worry...you could land an elephant on the cali sidestands and then some ! The other ones are best taken off though as even strong ish wind will make them trip and then the bike goes down.

Whew! Thanks!
On the side stand, about halfway home on the delivery ride:

[Scout63]

Whew! Thanks!
On the side stand, about halfway home on the delivery ride:

That is the good side stand. Not only is it super stable, but it locks when you put weight on it.  Also finally a good picture of your new bike. What a looker.