ST1100 - sidestand and centre stand spring maintenance

[saaz]

Hi all

Just had an issue I have not come across before on my ST1100 - the side stand spring interacted with the centre stand spring, and both did not work to retract the stands.  The sidestand spring had interfered with the centre stand spring and come off.  Luckily this was at home so I just put the side stand spring back on.

The thing to watch out for is that the rubber tube/boot that goes around the springs are in the right position to stop the side stand spring from interfering with the centre stand spring, hooking on it and coming off, thereby stopping the centre stand spring working.

Easy enough to see as when the springs rub against each other the rubber boots should stop any interaction.  Mine took 17 years to interfere, but you never know. To check put on the center stand and move the sides tand up and down. Check that the rubber boot is high enough up on the springs 

[single]

I am having issues with my centre stand at the moment.
Problem being bike wont come off it without physically lifting bike and kicking stand back up
spring is ok so is side stand spring
any suggestions on a cause?

[Brock]

might need a good dose of oil, or grease

[saaz]

The spring may be binding.  Originally there were two springs on mine, but one broke (the small one) years ago and I haven't bothered to replace it.  Is the spring on yours the same size as the side stand one? as that is the main centre stand spring.  The spring should be under tension when the centre stand is up, so perhaps check that it is located properly.  Something may be stuck in the spring, as that is what happened to mine when the side stand spring decided to attach itself to the centre stand spring, thereby stopping the centre stand spring from working through its full range.

[alans1100]

My main centre stand spring off of mine as well. As with Johns, interference occurred and the only way I could fix it was to remove the side stand springs. Then I noticed the main spring not mounted on the lower point. I'm not exactly sure what happened but the main centre stand spring had bent. Relying on small spring until I can get a new main spring fitted (I have). Both side stand springs are ok and fairly easy to install.

Fork seals are getting done in a couple weeks so I'll get them to fit the centre stand spring as well

[Chops]

I had my side stand off last week I was not happy with the length of the spike and welded on a longer curved piece of rod gave it a coat of paint and checked the springs all appeared good.

[BigTed]

While you're checking, definitely look for rust around all parts. A long time ago I watched a friend watch in horror as he put is BMW K100 on the side stand in his garage, walk around to the front, and then snap - the base of the stand gave way. He was parked close enough to the brick wall that the top half of the bike made contact with the wall, but far enough away from it that its weight ensure it made it all the way to the ground. It ended up ripping (literally) all of the fairing from the front of his bike and cost him mega$$ to fix.

The cause was: hollow pipework used for the stand, water penetrated and rusted from the inside out. I'm not sure if it can happen to an ST (perhaps I'll check tonight  ).

[single]

Thanks for all the hints on springs

Will have the STeed up on a hoist on friday doing timing belt and service, so will take stand off and check it right through.

I'm to old to be manhandling the STeed of the stand all the time

[single]

Well have just completed the timing belt change and service with the majority of the hard work done by a Goldwing Rider

Thanks Heaps Bringellian

Next time not as much swearing please

As for the centre stand Do you think it would play up? Not a chance

So till it happens again if it aint broke aint touchin it.