Loose Sidestand, help?

[abronco1]

So I'm very new to the site...been reading about the GS for a few months now, got a 97 GS 500 a month or so ago and last week my sidestand gave out on me and ended up falling towards me (I caught it no problem) as I was only about 2 inches away from the bike.  It also "slightly" did it a second time on the same day.  Well I checked the sidestand last night and I can physically push it in and out where as it looks loose.  Is this normal?  My dad has a BMW R1100 and I tested his sidestand, it doesn't move at all.  Can I just tighten it to fix it?  Thanks, and I look forward to becoming a more active member of this great site!

[lee67]

yeah just nip up the two bolts...also make sure the spring is stil attached

[abronco1]

yah the spring is still attached....I'm gonna have my brother in-law help me with it.  I've tried tightening a few different ways and nothing seems to be working.  It's probably just me, so I"ll find out tomorrow.  Thanks for the reply!

[Kerry]

The "looseness" IS normal.  When you park, it's best if can do two things (besides putting the sidestand down):

1) Park facing uphill.  When the sidstand is fully rotated forward and THEN the bike is leaned over, there will be forward pull exerted on the sidestand if the bike is pointing uphill (thus keeping it "locked" in place).

2) If the bike seems a little too vertical (and therefore unstable) when you park it, you can actually hook your foot inside the sidestand, tilt the bike towards vertical until the weight is off of the stand, and then push the bottom of the sidestand away from the bike as you lean the bike back onto the stand.  You can do this because of the "looseness" you mentioned, and at times it can make the bike more stable.[/list:u]

[abronco1]

Kerry, Thank you for advice, but my only concern is that a couple weeks ago the side stand completely gave out on me.  (Had I not been standing about 2 inches away from the bike then it would have fallen).  I can understand that "some looseness" is normal, but when the bike almost topples over then it make me think.  Thanks again!

-Eric