R80 Center stand question

[RonKMiller]

So, does my center stand work correctly doing the two step? :dance :dance

Instead of one continuous spring controlled motion - like I've had on every bike I've owned - it just kind of "flops" on the ground... just seems kind of odd. I guess this makes sense when you think about having to place your foot on the pad in order to put it up on the stand. :scratch

(I already know NOT to step on the wire extension...) ;)

I don't know what it is about BMW center stands, kick stands, etc. My "modern" 2001 LT is challenged as well. :dunno

I still think they are trying to get back at us for bombing the snot out of them... :laugh

[mneblett]

So, does my center stand work correctly doing the two step? :dance :dance

Instead of one continuous spring controlled motion - like I've had on every bike I've owned - it just kind of "flops" on the ground... just seems kind of odd. I guess this makes sense when you think about having to place your foot on the pad in order to put it up on the stand. :scratch

(I already know NOT to step on the wire extension...) ;)

I don't know what it is about BMW center stands, kick stands, etc. My "modern" 2001 LT is challenged as well. :dunno

I still think they are trying to get back at us for bombing the snot out of them... :laugh
The older centerstands have something of an "over center" pivot point -- the springs either hold the stand up, or keep it down on the ground. As the stand is pushed down by your foot, about 1/2 way down it passes the over center point and the springs drive the stand the rest of the way down. Perfectly normal for an airhead.

One thing to check (likely not an issue yet on your low miles bike): the centerstand mounting points. Two things to keep an eye on -- the centerstand mounting bolts can work loose (periodically check tightness and use blue locktite when reinstalling), and the pivot bushings/holes in the top of the stand can wear (regular greasing eliminates most/all of the wear).

[Typ181R90]

My bike is low mileage, but I second checking the mounting bolts working loose. I got home from a pretty short ride and put the bike on its center stand and it sorta leaned over to the right (still stood up though), and sure enough the right bolt worked itself out (and snapped the spring somehow), now I find myself tightening it every 3rd trip or so until I'll re-bolt it with locktite

[sfaulkner68]

I agree w/ everything in posts #2 and #3, the over-center pivot being normal, and, will third the idea of periodically checking the stand mounting bolts. They will work loose w/ use and eventually bend or break.

Now, how come no one is addressing the snot-bombing issue! You might be on to something...

[toooldtocare]

[QUOTE=sfaulkner68;567156]I agree w/ everything in posts #2 and #3, the over-center pivot being normal, and, will third the idea of periodically checking the stand mounting bolts. They will work loose w/ use and eventually bend or break.
QUOTE]

----and, if they work loose, they often mess up the threads in the frame. Ask me how I know this.

[RonKMiller]

Thanks gents for the advice - out to the garage this evening armed with a socket wrench, loc-tite and some grease!

[toooldtocare]

And,,,, on my bikes (78 R100RS and now long gone 74 R90S) you have to remove the exhaust to get the bolts out due to clearance issues. No big deal, just more work.

[rvbeemer]

I had the same issue of the bolts backing out often. I removed the bolts and drilled the heads for wire and safety wired them. No more backing out.