Center Stand Install w Photos

[Kevin C]

I had been thinking about getting two Pit Bull stands for working on my bike, but opted for a center stand and was going to just get a front pit bull - now I realize I won't need the front stand. With the Center stand and a floor jack stand ($19/pair at Sears) I'll be able to change both tires.

Install was very easy EXCEPT for getting the springs on . Once you figure out how to do it - it's pretty easy.

First photo show the center stand & install kit ($210, but can be had cheaper, I had a credit at my local shop)

Next photo is my low tech tool set - only special tool I bought was a spring puller ($17) which you can get at any automotive store.

How do you like that set up by the stairs in the 3rd shot , made working underneath very easy.

Directions were straight forward, but I wasn't sure how to connect the left side with the stop plate - hope this close up photo helps. Also a shot from the right.

Getting the belly pan off was a breeze and you can see the marks for cutting - I used a jig saw (bought a Dremel today, but didn't use it - gets returned tomorrow)

Last shot shows center stand and floor jack set up - steering locked.

Took me a couple of hours - not bad considering I didn't know what I was getting into and I was working solo. Next time it would take me about one hour - be happy to help anyone in the area with a KS or KR that wants to add one.

[Flyboy]

Nice job Kevin .

The trick is to place quarters in the springs to enlarge it. Then remove them once the CS is attached...Next time

[Kevin C]

The trick is to place quarters in the springs to enlarge it

Damn!! I had read about that trick, but forgot to try it.

[moons]

Originally Posted by Kevin C

- be happy to help anyone in the area with a KS or KR that wants to add one.

Kevin, I'd like to take you up on that offer

I've been considering Pit Bull stands, but after your post, the centerstand seems like the way to go

Is it ok if I come up on Easter Sunday around dinner time?

[Billg]

Originally Posted by moons

Kevin, I'd like to take you up on that offer

I've been considering Pit Bull stands, but after your post, the centerstand seems like the way to go

Is it ok if I come up on Easter Sunday around dinner time?

Looks like next Saturday we'll be doing tires and center stands

[Rick]

What? Your bikes didn't come with center stands?

[Billg]

Originally Posted by Rick

What? Your bikes didn't come with center stands?

Stir'in the the pot Rick

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Billg

Stir'in the the pot Rick

Who, me?

[CBejbl]

Nice job Kevin. I am also a fan of the center stand. I had Max's put it on before I picked up the bike. The funny thing is, they only charged me for the stand, not the labor.

Is the tranny fixed yet? I'm ready for Dutchess County.

[Kevin C]

Is the tranny fixed yet? I'm ready for Dutchess County.

Still hoping the tranny gets fixed next week as planned - have not heard if the parts are going to make it in.

Bike is still ridable, but my front tire is shot - was planning on replacing it today, but my tires won't get delivered until next week (longest I've ever waited for tires from S.W. Moto).

I'm thinking Sullivan and/or Dutchess County after the tech day at BillG's on the 14th.

[Muddy1]

Nice job Kevin!
Your tools on the blue cloth make it look...oh.. I don't know.. kinda surgical?
The photo with the heavy bike next to the stairs gave me chills though.

[BMWBuddha]

Kevin,
I'll take you up on the offer as well...I bought the parts 2 years ago and have dreaded the install. I'll buy lunch and the beer....
Maybe we can do it next time you're at BillG's for tires?
Pete

[Billg]

Originally Posted by BMWBuddha

Kevin,
I'll take you up on the offer as well...I bought the parts 2 years ago and have dreaded the install. I'll buy lunch and the beer....
Maybe we can do it next time you're at BillG's for tires?
Pete

Next Saturday Pete, are you going to be around?

[cabnfvr]

Originally Posted by Kevin C

..... center stand ...... Install was very easy EXCEPT for getting the springs on . Once you figure out how to do it - it's pretty easy.........

I made a lever for the spring install that Archimedes would have been proud of. It consisted of a jack handle, a 1/2" pull bar, and some duct tape.

Oh yeah, it worked.

[Kevin C]

Your tools on the blue cloth make it look...oh.. I don't know.. kinda surgical?

I guess the job rubs off on me. Those are surgical towels & I spend my days in surgery, but I'm not a doc. I sell orthopedic surgical implants and equipment. I know a lot more about doing ACL's and Rotator cuff repairs than I do about working on bikes.

[Karlb]

Originally Posted by Rick

What? Your bikes didn't come with center stands?

didnt come with leaking rear seals either!!

[Billg]

Originally Posted by Karlb

didnt come with leaking rear seals either!!

Or leaking front fork seals.
In fact they left those seals out

[tomeckert]

The spring did require a good pull.The floor jack can be replaced with one tie strap. I remove my rear wheel first and fasten a strap to the rear frame.Pull the rear down until the front comes off the ground .You can use a block off wood under the swing arm if you want.I have a lift to provide a place to pull down howerver any fixed object that's lower will do.I can remove both wheels and get the tires mounted and be back riding in about an hour.Try that on a Harley.

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Karlb

didnt come with leaking rear seals either!!

I've been lucky... so far.

Nice write up Kevin, wish I had a chance to use it.

[debu]

Greg and I installed SW-MOTECH Centerstand (BMW K1200S, K1200R, & K1200R Sport) - Center stand ($140 + shipping) from Twisted Throttle.

The instructions where accurate. The only issue we found was that the instructions did not talk about the right side belly pan cut. The left side cut was straight forward (follow the factory marking, we made a little curve to accomodate the left leg of the center stand). Greg used a dremel tool to cut. The cut itself did not take much time. But he spent some time making the edges look like the factory mold and I have to say, he got it pretty close.

Getting the spring to extend was a pain (the spring loading tool was in back order). This is what we did. (Using the quarter technique)

1. Hold the spring between two screw drivers.
2. Stand on one screw driver (holding it between your legs) and do a dead lift with the other.
3. While the spring expands, have someone insert quarters on either sides. If not done on either side, the spring expands with an arch. So do it on either sides, alternating.
4. You might have to manually pull the inside spring (there are two springs). This can be done with a small screw driver.
5. Load it on the stand and pull the stand down for the quarters to fall off.

The following are some pictures.

[hgp3]

Originally Posted by Kevin C

I guess the job rubs off on me. Those are surgical towels & I spend my days in surgery, but I'm not a doc. I sell orthopedic surgical implants and equipment. I know a lot more about doing ACL's and Rotator cuff repairs than I do about working on bikes.

Like this stuff?

[biff]

I put a motech stand on my k12s and I have one on the way for my k13s. I just hooked the springs with a screw driver and placed them on the pin. They are stiff. The directions suck. Use the cut out lines on the belly pan that are already there.