this kickstand spring.....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
It is a pain. But, if you have a jack, the easy way is to remove the kickstand from the footboard bracket, attach the spring, and reassemble.
Don't ask me how I know.
Don't ask me how I know.
Next time, before you take it off, grab a handful of pennies. With the kickstand down (spring extended) slide a penny in between the coils. Do this to 3-5 coils. They act as a spacer and keep the spring elongated, making it easier to go off and on.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 754
Likes: 24
From: Southern Maine
+1 My Dad taught me that back in the 70's when I was working on my first bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 59
From: Chicagoland
Easiest way to replace a kickstand spring?
Easy - loosen the bolt on top of the bracket, lift the top-plate (under the bolt head) up and out of the groove. This will allow you to flip the kickstand straight out forward. Once the kickstand is pointing straight to the fender, hook the spring on the kickstand and the frame. Now flip the kickstand back to it's natural position when it is about 90* to the bike. Drop the top-plate back down in it's locked position and tighten the bolt.
Whole process takes about three minutes. But works best if someone can balance the bike upright for you. In a pinch, you can rest the throttle grip up against a tree, or light-pole, etc. but be careful, so the bike doesn't fall.
An old-timer taught me this trick years ago. He also taught me to keep a spare spring with the bike, because you never know when you're going to bust one. It NEVER happens when you're at home, in the garage! And always keep at least one zip-tie with you to hold up the kickstand until you can get someplace to change the spring.
Took this picture in August on my way to Sturgis, going through Nebraska. Some blue-head 'bout ran me over while we were both pulling out of a gas station. I swerved to miss being hit by her (she wasn't looking where she was going), so I popped off the curb instead of the driveway. As you can see, the spring hit the curb, and bent the hook around and fell off. It literally took me longer to unload the saddlebag to get to the tool kit and new spring, and put everything back when I was done, than it took to actually change the spring. In the picture, you can see the bolt and plate I'm referring to, in the yellow circled area. This same method is how the spring is installed at the factory. It goes in, before the kickstand bolt and top-plate is tightened to the frame. I'll get a better, close-up picture this weekend, and add that too.
Hope this helps!
Easy - loosen the bolt on top of the bracket, lift the top-plate (under the bolt head) up and out of the groove. This will allow you to flip the kickstand straight out forward. Once the kickstand is pointing straight to the fender, hook the spring on the kickstand and the frame. Now flip the kickstand back to it's natural position when it is about 90* to the bike. Drop the top-plate back down in it's locked position and tighten the bolt.
Whole process takes about three minutes. But works best if someone can balance the bike upright for you. In a pinch, you can rest the throttle grip up against a tree, or light-pole, etc. but be careful, so the bike doesn't fall.
An old-timer taught me this trick years ago. He also taught me to keep a spare spring with the bike, because you never know when you're going to bust one. It NEVER happens when you're at home, in the garage! And always keep at least one zip-tie with you to hold up the kickstand until you can get someplace to change the spring.
Took this picture in August on my way to Sturgis, going through Nebraska. Some blue-head 'bout ran me over while we were both pulling out of a gas station. I swerved to miss being hit by her (she wasn't looking where she was going), so I popped off the curb instead of the driveway. As you can see, the spring hit the curb, and bent the hook around and fell off. It literally took me longer to unload the saddlebag to get to the tool kit and new spring, and put everything back when I was done, than it took to actually change the spring. In the picture, you can see the bolt and plate I'm referring to, in the yellow circled area. This same method is how the spring is installed at the factory. It goes in, before the kickstand bolt and top-plate is tightened to the frame. I'll get a better, close-up picture this weekend, and add that too.
Hope this helps!
Last edited by Wanna Ride; Oct 13, 2012 at 08:24 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 3
From: Mebane, NC
If you have a jack or someone to hold the bike the easiest way is:
-Remove top nut holding kickstand in.
-Remove the locking plate that prevents the stand from rolling forward.
-Lower kickstand, then roll it TOWARDS THE FRONT
-This will take the tension off the spring and you can take the spring off at this point
-Reverse steps to put it back together.
Looks like Wanna Ride beat me by a few minutes...lol
-Remove top nut holding kickstand in.
-Remove the locking plate that prevents the stand from rolling forward.
-Lower kickstand, then roll it TOWARDS THE FRONT
-This will take the tension off the spring and you can take the spring off at this point
-Reverse steps to put it back together.
Looks like Wanna Ride beat me by a few minutes...lol
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 705
Likes: 8
From: southern IL
Genius!! I'll have to remember that one.
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