Sidestand spring flings

[Dingoe]

I’ve been rebuilding a 2001 XC300 and I’ve run into some snags.
I just got a new side stand spring and installed it based on the microfish images and the thing is a joke, in fact the whole sidestand GasGas design in a joke. The angle on the stand is a bit odd, but the big issue is the new spring works well as long as the stand is up, but if I attempt to put it down the spring flies off. I could be doing something wrong, but based on the fish images it looks like I have it on correctly. Needless to say the new spring has bent and lost it’s integrity, so I assume it weaker now and will continue to bend. Is anyone using the sidestand with or without the spring? Bottom line, I’m use to the quality of the KTM sidestands and this just can’t compare. In fact the Husqvarna stand is even better and my TE570 would fall if the wind blew hard. Overall I wish the thing was better, because I was hoping to use it. Let me know if you all are having any luck with or without springs. Looks like my option is use it without the spring or remove it.


Thanks for the help and I’m new to GG’s, I got the bike in Nov. and have yet to ride it beyond the driveway. Took it down to the fame the first night I had it and am just now beginning to put it all back together and I can wait to ride it.

 

[JTT]

The biggest problem most people have with the stands is the "self-retracting" action they have from the factory. This is fixed with a little mod using an old chain link plate, however this doesn't seem to be your issue.

Look closely at what is causing the spring to come off. Must be something bent or broken somewhere, or you have the spring on upside down.

The stands are minimalist to be generous. The newer post-2005 stands are alloy and much nicer, although still not streetbike standard by any means.

 

[Boomhauer]

I would say that the spring is mounted wrong.

 

[Dingoe]

Just checked out the photos of the master link fix for the sidestand and I think that will work. From the photos I can tell that the spring attachment point on my stand is not stock and was re-wielded from what was remaining of the original spring mounting loop. Looks like the wield itself is causing the spring to bend and fly off.

Thanks for all the input and the master like looks like the trick.

 

[Hawkeye]

No joke, there is a law in Spain that mandates that mfgr's must have their kickstand's auto-retract, so we all get to suffer.

Just like Jeff will always tell you that his best friend is 'the' Les at LTR, I'll never miss a chance to say that my brother invented and posted on the GG websites the now famous master link kickstand mod.

Never ceases to amaze me how much mileage I'm getting out of this interesting tidbit of fact...

 

[lukemillar]

Can someone post a link to this mod? I have searched, but can only find threads that talk about it.

My sidestand flicked up earlier and smashed the side panel

 

[rpduc]

I don't know where the link is, but it's a very simple mod. They call it the "master link" fix because they drill out a side plate from a master link and stick it on the upper bolt that holds the sidestand bracket. Master links are hard to drill. You have to knock the heat treating out by heating cherry red with a torch before you try drilling. After you get that plate mounted just hook the end of the spring in the remaining hole. This moves the anchor point in front of the pivot and the spring tension holds the in both down and up positions.

I'll run and snap a pic for you...

 

[lukemillar]

I don't know where the link is, but it's a very simple mod. They call it the "master link" fix because they drill out a side plate from a master link and stick it on the upper bolt that holds the sidestand bracket. Master links are hard to drill. You have to knock the heat treating out by heating cherry red with a torch before you try drilling. After you get that plate mounted just hook the end of the spring in the remaining hole. This moves the anchor point in front of the pivot and the spring tension holds the in both down and up positions.

I'll run and snap a pic for you...

That's great! Thank you

 

[gascanuck]

does this fix mean that the stand won't come flying up anymore? it won't gouge out the side plate? if this is true then many thanks and blessings on you and yours.

 

[Skidad]

Here is the link I know of...

http://www.scottysdirtbikespares.com/gas-gas-set-up-tips/gas-gas-stand-fix.html

 

[rpduc]

Well it can still swing up fast if you kick it past the pivot point and don't keep your foot on it, but at least you you can choose when and how it swings. The way mine sits it still rubs the side plate when up but I've never fretted much about appearance on dirtbikes.

 

[Cruiser]

Seams everybody hates the auto retract stand.. I've had mine on my 97 and then on my 03 and never changed them,, I like them,, way nicer than the "snap off when your back is turned KTM stand, which will take you out while your watering a tree on the side of a trail".. yes I hated my ktm stand,, the bolt broke 3-4 times then the end snapped off the stand.. I wish I kept my stand from my 03 so I could put it on my 625,, that only has a centerstand..

 

[skid jackson]

You can also ........

There is a bushing that goes between the kickstand bolt and the kick stand. it is there so you can't cinch down on the stand bolt and bind the kickstand. Take the bushing out and grind it down a bit then cinch the stand bolt down enough so that the stand does not fly up when unweighted.

 

[MattR]

Here is the link I know of...

http://www.scottysdirtbikespares.com/gas-gas-set-up-tips/gas-gas-stand-fix.html

There is actually a sticky in our forum, but I guess it could be overlooked. Some guy named Matt posted this a while back.
http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8

Tech Tip:
When picking the chain link, don't use the outer link plate. Instead, use the inner link plate and push out the roller bushing. The inner plate has larger holes in the link plate. There will be very little drilling needed for the bolt. I learned this the second time doing this modification.

 

[moto9]

I removed my stand as well, it started to rub on the swing arm...a tree will have to do.

 

[Skidad]

I believe Go-Fasters has a new and better kick stand design being made from one of the accessory companies. Not sure when it will be ready but some of the ones I've seen for the KTM's are really nice and hopefully it will be similar to those.

 

[Loosenut]

I used a small piece of scrap metal rather than the chain side plate. MUCH, MUCH easier to drill than the hardened chain material.