GRRR...V7 850 Center Stand

[MikeP996]

Ordered a Moto Guzzi center stand for my '21 v7 special.  It showed up yesterday after a week in customs. 

It comes completely assembled other than the dual spring installation so the only assembly requirements are to attach the springs and install it on the bike.  I installed the springs per the instructions.  DON'T do that!!!!!

It may depend on who assembled the stand at the factory or what day of the week it was but on my stand the spring contacts the large hinge pin when the stand is raised/lowered.  Over time it would eventually cause the spring to break at that point.  The hinge pin can be installed in either direction on the stand.  If installed one way, the spring will hit it; if installed the other way, the spring clears easily.  SO...if you order the stand - an excellent piece of kit otherwise - be sure to check that BEFORE you install the springs.  If it was like mine, you need to pull the big pivot pin and install it from the opposite side.

After the fact I got on line and found two videos showing exactly the problem; I wish I had thought to research before installation but it never occurred to me that such a simple thing would come from the factory incorrectly assembled.  It was pure luck that I noticed this before installing on the bike.  Once installed, it would never be noticed.  It was much harder to remove the springs than it was to install them...

The videos I found showing the problem are the 2nd and 3rd video on this page (the 2nd video shows the pin as delivered by MG):  https://www.youtube.com/@bsimpson6204/shorts

[MikeP996]

Absent the proper tool, it took quite an effort to remove the springs so I could remove/reinstall the hinge pin from the other side.  In fact, I couldn't get the springs off and ended up having to drive the hinge pin out with the springs still connected.  SO, if you purchase a MG center stand, be SURE to check the hinge pin position before you install the springs.  You want the hinge pin's head on the same side as the spring.  Contrary to the instructions that come with the stand, you do NOT want the cotter pin end of the hinge pin on the same side as the spring. 

[MikeP996]

Center stand install was a fail.  :(

The bolt that holds the crossmember to the frame stripped its internal hex head when trying to remove it with the correct hex socket.  So that's the end of the centerstand install.  Oh well, think of all that extra weight I'm NOT adding! 

[MikeP996]

"So that's the end of the centerstand install. "

NAH...

Centerstand now installed!  I was able to remove the recalcitrant bolt by inserting the hex socket and giving it a couple of taps..ok, BANGS.. with a hammer.  That seated the socket better, past the rounded area.  It probably also shocked the threads to help release any corrosion or thread locker.  Once the long bolt was out and I had loosened the frame bolts on either side, the OEM cross piece came out with just some tapping with a rubber hammer. 

The Moto Guzzi centerstand went in without much difficulty - some minor prying to get it to slide into position.  Long bolt was reinstalled, frame bolts tightened and that was that!  I'm extremely impressed with the quality of the stand/how easy it is to lift the bike onto it.  It literally takes almost no effort - just putting my weight (165 lbs) on the centerstand "foot" and slight lift on the grab bar and up it comes.  Might be the easiest to raise onto the center stand of any bike I've ever owned. 

I'm sure the other aftermarket stands are excellent as well but I'd certainly recommend the MG stand if you are thinking about buying a centerstand.