I'm going to replace my side stand springs. Is there anything I should know to make it go easy?

YES

Gather together a big handful of small washers (or pennies) and wedge as many of them as possible in between the coils of the springs on the bike while stretched - fold the stand back up then use a screwdriver to unclip the loops leaving the washers/coins in place. NOTE WELL which way round the spring loops go.

To attach the new springs, use one of two methods:

1. Clamp one end of the springs in a bench vice and bend them back and forth to insert washers/pennies between the coils to leave it packed before affixing to bike.
or
2. This needs some prep but is MUCH EASIER. You need somewhere to fix one end of the springs above your head - I use a nail in the beam supporting my wooden shed roof. You'll need a strong cord about 5ft long fixed to the springs with a large loop tied in dangling end of the cord. Use a plank of wood through the loop and step on it to streeeeeeeeetttch the new springs, insert as many washers/pennies as possible (you'll know how many are needed because you've already done it to remove the old springs) then step off the plank to release tension.

VOILA, you now have packed springs that will slip easily onto the locating lugs with the deft use of screwdriver to assist.

Google side/centre spring stretching, lots of the bench vice method videos but only ever seen one for the cord method (which was an absolute game changer for me once discovered, SO MUCH EASIER), if I can find it I'll post the link.

 

Hi, this won't really work with our double springs. It works great on single springs.

The nice thing about double springs is that each is not that strong. But together they are.

Just make a wire loop. Inch or two long. Hook it over one spring and use a long rod as a lever,hook spring, jiggle out wire, repeat, and, done.

Quote from: herennow on July 12, 2024, 01:14:43 PMHi, this won't really work with our double springs. It works great on single springs.

The nice thing about double springs is that each is not that strong. But together they are.

Just make a wire loop. Inch or two long. Hook it over one spring and use a long rod as a lever,hook spring, jiggle out wire, repeat, and, done.

Should I do this with the stand up or down?

@herennow
COMPLETE COBBLERS
I've used it for both my GS500 4 times for side and centre stand springs and 2 times for my Bonneville - don't knock it until you've tried it mate. 

oDB0, I did it last week with the side stand down, but might be a bit easier with it up

Gruntle, Maybe you have non-standard springs?, I can imagine putting pennies in the inner spring. How you going to get the outer spring over the inner then, with or without washers.

Maybe post a short video? Will be interesting to see.

PS, no need to SHOUT in a discussion👍