Tech Tip: Fixing the kickstand auto-retraction
- Thread starter MattR
- Start date
Fire Escape
New member
Finally did it!
I finally did the link mod and "fixed" my stand, hey .... it's only been a couple of years. One thing I may have done differently on my '05 FSE was to go to "Tractor Supply" and get some generic size 60 master links. They still have to be drilled out (I heated it to cherry red and let it air cool first) but since they use a much larger pin on the #60s it wasn't a real big step up and the extra length positioned the springs out just a bit more though they still rub the pivot bolt.
Bruce
I finally did the link mod and "fixed" my stand, hey .... it's only been a couple of years. One thing I may have done differently on my '05 FSE was to go to "Tractor Supply" and get some generic size 60 master links. They still have to be drilled out (I heated it to cherry red and let it air cool first) but since they use a much larger pin on the #60s it wasn't a real big step up and the extra length positioned the springs out just a bit more though they still rub the pivot bolt.
Bruce
Alternate fix
Like everyone else, I hate the auto retract. The chain link method is simple but the spring tends to crab as the stand pivots.
Stock dimensions of the spring eye to eye: up is 8.750", down is 10.625". The extra yank really contributes to the auto retract.
I wanted the new attachment point ahead of the stand's pivot point. I figured the original spring tab would be in the way so I ground it off the stock bracket.
I made up a piece that is held by the pivot bolt. A grooved button attaches to it, along with a pin on the back that can torque against the stock bracket. The idea is that if the pivot bolt loosens up, the spring can't pull things out of place.
On the first try I used an intermediate link to get a smooth pivot action. Not shown in the photo is the extra holes in the link as I played with different spring tensions.
While the operation was slick, there wasn't enough tension in the up position even with more spring preload. From this I could tell that I needed to move the spring anchor higher.
My next bracket had a top torque tab and a higher anchor point. This would not be as high as the chain link method, but still high enough to gain some extra leverage. The spring goes around the button now.
This worked out great. New dimensions of the installed spring: up is 9.625", down is 9.875". Lots of force in both directions and .750" less stretch on the spring when down. Really smooth operation.
Like everyone else, I hate the auto retract. The chain link method is simple but the spring tends to crab as the stand pivots.
Stock dimensions of the spring eye to eye: up is 8.750", down is 10.625". The extra yank really contributes to the auto retract.
I wanted the new attachment point ahead of the stand's pivot point. I figured the original spring tab would be in the way so I ground it off the stock bracket.
I made up a piece that is held by the pivot bolt. A grooved button attaches to it, along with a pin on the back that can torque against the stock bracket. The idea is that if the pivot bolt loosens up, the spring can't pull things out of place.
On the first try I used an intermediate link to get a smooth pivot action. Not shown in the photo is the extra holes in the link as I played with different spring tensions.
While the operation was slick, there wasn't enough tension in the up position even with more spring preload. From this I could tell that I needed to move the spring anchor higher.
My next bracket had a top torque tab and a higher anchor point. This would not be as high as the chain link method, but still high enough to gain some extra leverage. The spring goes around the button now.
This worked out great. New dimensions of the installed spring: up is 9.625", down is 9.875". Lots of force in both directions and .750" less stretch on the spring when down. Really smooth operation.
the sidestand foot
I don't like the angle the bike leans over at with the stand down. Too far considering the tiny foot at the end. Setting it on different shims indicated that adding .750" would be about right. I put a 3/4" piece of PVC sheet under the stand and scribed the shape. Set the jigsaw to a 30* angle and cut the plastic. This flares the new foot out for more area. I left the straight side at 90* because it's close to the chain when up.
I drilled and tapped two M4 holes in the end of the stand, then bolted on the plastic piece and painted it silver. It looks odd but works well.
I don't like the angle the bike leans over at with the stand down. Too far considering the tiny foot at the end. Setting it on different shims indicated that adding .750" would be about right. I put a 3/4" piece of PVC sheet under the stand and scribed the shape. Set the jigsaw to a 30* angle and cut the plastic. This flares the new foot out for more area. I left the straight side at 90* because it's close to the chain when up.
I drilled and tapped two M4 holes in the end of the stand, then bolted on the plastic piece and painted it silver. It looks odd but works well.
JP4
New member
Loosen the bolt for the lower chain roller!
I think somebody else noted it, but the key to doing this fix is loosening the bolt for the lower chain roller. That bolt holds the kickstand bracket, loosening it allows you to get a straight-in line on the bolt.
The bolt securing my kickstand was srtipped on my brand new bike when I removed it. First time I've ever pulled out a stripped bolt from the factory on a brand new bike!
Easy to see how it happened though, given the awkward design. Ran a tap through it and figured out that loosening the lower chain roller made the entire job reasonable.
Some pics:
Oh ya, don't attempt this fix without a good spring puller on hand.
I think somebody else noted it, but the key to doing this fix is loosening the bolt for the lower chain roller. That bolt holds the kickstand bracket, loosening it allows you to get a straight-in line on the bolt.
The bolt securing my kickstand was srtipped on my brand new bike when I removed it. First time I've ever pulled out a stripped bolt from the factory on a brand new bike!
Easy to see how it happened though, given the awkward design. Ran a tap through it and figured out that loosening the lower chain roller made the entire job reasonable.
Some pics:
Oh ya, don't attempt this fix without a good spring puller on hand.
dualsportutah.com
New member
Still a pain in the ass anytime you need to take it off or put it back on I can change both tires on my bike in the time it takes to mess with the side stand
But now the 2012 look like it was done right? well see!
But now the 2012 look like it was done right? well see!
Onespeed
New member
Chuck that stand off the 2012 in the garbage. Mine kept backing out...lots of use from helping my son start his bike after dumping it. Last time I was out I tightened it be fore I left and put it on its stand to help my son....i hear a snap and my bike hits the ground. Bolt snapped. Ill be using the trees for now on.
GasGasDreamer
Platinum Level Site Supporter
i personally like the idea that the kickstand has the auto retract feature.
a pretty bad problem can arise from it being left down and riding off.
a one time bruised leg is worth it imho.
a pretty bad problem can arise from it being left down and riding off.
a one time bruised leg is worth it imho.
gasgas guy
Bronze Level Site Supporter
auto retract kick stand fix on 2012-2013?
Anyone fix the the newer bikes yet ,please show a picture.
Anyone fix the the newer bikes yet ,please show a picture.
rgranger
Gold Level Site Supporter
there is no place on the '13s to move the anchor post like on the 11s. may have a buddy look at something, it would have to be some big ungainly thing like the kick stand for my husky.
http://trailtech.net/kickstands.html
http://trailtech.net/kickstands.html
On my 2013, I just bent the spring mount tap a few millimeters forward. Now the spring anchor point is just forward of the kickstand pivot...no more auto-retract. Works great.
A few taps with a hammer or some gentle force with some pliers will do. A couple chips of paint did come off where the bend is, but a dab of touch up car paint will protect it and make it in noticeable.
It looks to me like the mount on the new bikes are design to allow this easy modification. I think the auto retract is a gov mandated safety thing...or a corporate lawyer mandated thing.
A few taps with a hammer or some gentle force with some pliers will do. A couple chips of paint did come off where the bend is, but a dab of touch up car paint will protect it and make it in noticeable.
It looks to me like the mount on the new bikes are design to allow this easy modification. I think the auto retract is a gov mandated safety thing...or a corporate lawyer mandated thing.
A slightly different way of fixing these stands. I have a 2005 ec200 and i was used to the auto retract shin splitter (I only run the single smaller gauge spring), but was sick of the foot of the stand wacking the side plate.
I left everything connected but loosened the bolt underneath and undid the bolt that runs fore and aft so i could space the kickstand bracket off the frame with a chunky washer. Bolted everything back together and it works heaps better now.
The kickstand now sits slightly further forward and is much less prone to auto-retracting, and is about 15mm clear of the bottom of the side-plate when up. Also, the spring isn't being tensioned as much as it is when you use the chain link trick.
I left everything connected but loosened the bolt underneath and undid the bolt that runs fore and aft so i could space the kickstand bracket off the frame with a chunky washer. Bolted everything back together and it works heaps better now.
The kickstand now sits slightly further forward and is much less prone to auto-retracting, and is about 15mm clear of the bottom of the side-plate when up. Also, the spring isn't being tensioned as much as it is when you use the chain link trick.
Paynebrody
New member
slightly off topic but does anyone know of a replacement side stand for an 07' EC300? Mine was bent beyond repair when I got it and I've just been dealing with it since. Starting to give me the irrits...