Center stand springs install

[Kent in Upstate NY]

Is there a tool that makes it easier to stretch the spring for installation? I have been using the many dimes methed which is PITA.

[guzzisteve]

I use a brake tool, kinda twisted thing w/a cup indented on one end.

[Kent in Upstate NY]

I use a bake tool, kinda twisted thing w/a cup indented on one end.

Did you mean a brake tool?

[guzziart]

No tool that I'm aware of but what do I know.

Anyway, I've been successful with that task by first connecting the spring to the unmounted stand & bike, then then muscle the stand (with spring connected) into alignment with stand pivots on bike.  Sometimes instead of trying to get the pivot bolts in with the first try I'll use a couple of screwdrivers, etc as alignment tools.  Once the stand is "on" I'll remove one pin and replace with specified hardware then procedd to the other one.  If you've already tried this, sorry.

Good luck & don't hurt yourself!

Art

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W175-Spring-Pliers/dp/B00BR1BV8Q
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7769039

I have an old pair of unknown brand that have a bit more pointy tips than the above.

[egschade]

Spring puller - it's a T-handle with a small hook at the end.




 You can also try the old trick of putting multiple coins between the spring coils one at a time to elongate it enough to fit.

Did one center stand many years ago and found I was able to install the springs before the pivot bolts then leverage the stand into position.

Whatever you do make sure the bike is secure (in gear and/or clamped) so it doesn't move on you while you're horsing around with the springs.

[cappisj1]

Like guzziart said. It’s easier then finagling a tool to stretch a spring. You should be able to get one side loosely started, attach the springs then use the leverage of the stand to pull it over to start the bolt on the other side.

Good luck,

[john fish]

No tool that I'm aware of but what do I know.

Anyway, I've been successful with that task by first connecting the spring to the unmounted stand & bike, then then muscle the stand (with spring connected) into alignment with stand pivots on bike.  Sometimes instead of trying to get the pivot bolts in with the first try I'll use a couple of screwdrivers, etc as alignment tools.  Once the stand is "on" I'll remove one pin and replace with specified hardware then procedd to the other one.  If you've already tried this, sorry.

Good luck & don't hurt yourself!

Art

That's how I did my last one.  The insert coins method is a pita and doesn't work as well as I thought it would.

[MotoG5]

Just one of those jobs that is always a hard go. All of the above methods will work and sometimes a combination of a them. On my last go around I made a tool from a piece of steel rod with a notch on the end. A take off on the brake tool mentioned. In the end the method that works best is the one you used the last time you got the spring on. 

[pehayes]

You can also try the old trick of putting multiple coins between the spring coils one at a time to elongate it enough to fit.

I did exactly this on one of my Falcone tours in Italy to the amazement of the various onlookers.   Bend the coil and insert one coin.  Bend in the opposite direction and insert another coin.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.  Eventually the spring is long enough to drop into place.  Pliers to pull out the coins and return to pocket.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Guzzistajohn]

I put nickels in the spring to lengthen and a pair of vice grips.   

[guzzisteve]

Did you mean a brake tool?

Yes, fixed it.

[80CX100]

Bend the coil and insert one coin.  Bend in the opposite direction and insert another coin.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.  Eventually the spring is long enough to drop into place.  Pliers to pull out the coins

        This is what works for me; I've always got a few rolls of pennies in the tool box

         fwiw

[greer]

For the really tough ones, we've looped a stout wire onto the spring and around a broomstick, then ran the stick behind the rear wheel hub and used it like a lever.  It can be a mean job sometimes.

Sarah

[Sye]

I use a small hooked ratchet strap attached to one end of the spring and through the back wheel. Works every time.

[guzziart]

I'm gonna have to add some of these spring installation techniques to my repertoire!   

[moto]

Is there a tool that makes it easier to stretch the spring for installation? I have been using the many dimes methed which is PITA.

Dimes are too thin. Use quarters, nickels, or euros. Pennies are only a little better than dimes, but cheaper! I like to use quarters because they give more to grab on to.

[Mike Tashjian]

I did the ratchet strap method on the last one I did. Install springs on stand and then hook on bike. Hook ratchet strap to stand and rear tire. Pull stand with springs attached until holes are close to aligning.  Use tapered punch to help align holes for bolts.  It worked well and seems pretty safe.

[Pescatore]

Coins worked for me with the help of a bike jack.
I kept flexing the stand to insert coins when I removed the spring.
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=102352.msg1759839#msg1759839

[inditx]

I connected one end and used a stout and long Phillips head screw driver.
Gave me enough leverage and slid right on the mount post.
YMMV
inditx

[guzziart]

I connected one end and used a stout and long Phillips head screw driver.
Gave me enough leverage and slid right on the mount post.
YMMV
inditx

 .....Yeah, I forgot about that method.  I use that method with the deck belt on the Cub Cadet from time to time.

[mechanicsavant]

What Antietam cycles said “brake spring pliers “ they not only remove & install all types of springs like farting through silk . They have 100’s of other uses around the home & farm!

[tris]

 Last time I did this I made a  "tool "

Get a short length of 1/2 inch copper pipe and squash one end in a vice enough that it's a nice fit over the pin on the stand.

Put the pipe on the pin at an angle and hook the end of the spring over pipe

Use the leverage from the pipe to stretch the spring and slide the spring off the pipe onto the pin

HTH

Tris

[inditx]

I've been waiting for someone to give the correct procedure here, but I'm not seeing it.  I don't know whether to laugh or cry.  The install requires four zip ties and no spare change.  Here's the certified* Rodekyll method.  I'm using a mock-up for demo purposes based on a random frame that happens to be a '98EV, but all the Tonti's install this way:

First, get the rear of the bike way off the ground.  I prefer an engine hoist, but you can block the rear wheel way up or park over a hole.  You need enough space to swing the stand and the inside mount plate straight down without interference.

Next, loosen the rear mount through-bolt.

3rd, zip tie the springs to their lugs. Let the stand hang





4th, put the kickstand plate/fulcrum bolts through the inside plates and the kickstand lugs.  Leave the bushings out for now.  The bolts should slide through with no resistance.





5th, install the bushings.  It will take a little fussing.  I generally use the nut to slide it in.  Leave the bolt flush with the bushings.




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6th, rotate the entire mess -- kickstand and plate -- as a unit into position and tap the bolt through.  Don't forget to retighten the through-bolt.





7th, collect all that spare change you didn't need and send it to Luap.


*certified on account of I'm both certified and Rodekyll

I’m sure you’re correct but it seems like a lot more work. ymmv
inditx

[radguzzi]

I recently installed a new center stand on the T160 Trident and used the washer method. First time doing that, worked like a charm.

On the Norton I have a giant spring puller that works well.