It has been years since I rode a Sportster and I would like t get some advice.

I have seen more than one Sportster on the side of the road with a kickstand issue.

I got a 1998 1200C for my son. I don't like the way that the kickstand works. I am wondering the following:

1. Putting an extension on the kickstand seems to be a bad idea since springs are a common problem which would cause an extension to be an even bigger problem than the stupid desing in the first place.

2. Adding one half turn to the spring would increase the kickstand's ability to 'snap' into position (up or down) which is an approach that I used on my 2006 Nightrain but the Sportster's kickstand length still doesn't do well. As it is the only way to secure the stand 'in place' is to flip up the foot peg and >place< the stand on the ground and get weight on it or it will pop back under the primary. It seems that this design expects you to shuf off the bike, get off on the low side while holding the bars, and place the kickstand on the ground by sticking your foot under the primary to reach the stand.

3. Bend the mount and/or the spring pin to better locate the stand in the upright position.

4. Figure out that the stand is actually bent.

Anyone remember this far back?
Thanks in advance.

 

Definitely don't understand why the Sportsters don't have the excellent jiffy stand that the Softails and other models do. No advice to offer, just commiserating with you.

 

Last Sportster I rode was a 1971, I remember not liking the kickstand, but don't remember any details...

Maybe you should ask in the Sportster section...

 

My 06 1200 Custom's jiffy stand is hard to find to let down and I have to push it all the way and keep my foot on it until the weight of the bike is on it. Its terrible compared to my softail. I just live with it. I have broken off kickstand brackets on other bikes messing with them and could not ever get repaired satisfactorily. I live with it.