Kickstand Education
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 627
Likes: 324
From: Covington, VA
Bushings wear out on the jiffy stand. Easy fix: Colony OEM and Custom Hardware Jiffy Stand Mount Kit #3134-4
If the bike leans over too far like my 2005 XL883 does with new tires that are taller (nominal OEM size, but still taller). Easy fix: Bung King CNC Aluminum Kickstand Lift Block
There is no re-engineering or modifications involved.
If the bike leans over too far like my 2005 XL883 does with new tires that are taller (nominal OEM size, but still taller). Easy fix: Bung King CNC Aluminum Kickstand Lift Block
There is no re-engineering or modifications involved.
This is not the first time the OP has initiated a discussion about kickstands . Last year ( 2018 ) the overwhelming consensus was that there is nothing wrong with the design and presumably nothing has changed since then . As previously mentioned , some better information and a few pictures of exactly what the issue is would be greatly appreciated .
Last edited by Midpegs; Jan 1, 2020 at 03:13 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,233
Likes: 4,943
From: England
One thing to be aware of is how the stand works to lock in place. The frame has triangle for the stand to pivot around. If you don't do anything and even if you do the paint is gone from that part of the frame and will now be going rusty. How long it will take before it becomes an actual problem I have no clue. Since I had my stand off to cure a stand down interlock switch issue I was able to put a coat of grease on it and the back side of the stand and all the other moving parts.
It is easy to see once the parts are off the bike how it can all seize up making it look like a spring problem.
It is easy to see once the parts are off the bike how it can all seize up making it look like a spring problem.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 627
Likes: 324
From: Covington, VA
One thing to be aware of is how the stand works to lock in place. The frame has triangle for the stand to pivot around. If you don't do anything and even if you do the paint is gone from that part of the frame and will now be going rusty. How long it will take before it becomes an actual problem I have no clue. Since I had my stand off to cure a stand down interlock switch issue I was able to put a coat of grease on it and the back side of the stand and all the other moving parts.
It is easy to see once the parts are off the bike how it can all seize up making it look like a spring problem.
It is easy to see once the parts are off the bike how it can all seize up making it look like a spring problem.
The spring however, takes a certain procedure with simple garage tools to uninstall/reinstall because it is extremely strong. Here is how I replaced the spring:To remove or install the kickstand (Jiffy stand) spring on a Sportster, the easiest method is to place the motorcycle on a jack to provide complete movement of the kickstand.
To remove the kickstand spring, raise it as far as possible to allow it to shorten and relax. First, remove the rubber bumper so it can travel farther and then hold it in place with one hand against the frame while using Channel Lock slip-joint pliers to slide the spring hook off the motorcycle frame “button”.
To install the kickstand spring, you will need to temporarily extend it farther than normal by inserting washers (used aluminum crush washers work best) into the gaps in the spring loops. To extend the spring and open the gaps, place one end of the spring into a loop in the bench vise. Then use another steel loop for the other hook and slide a long pry bar through the loop. Place the bottom of the pry bar against the base of the workbench below the below the bench vise and pull down, extending the spring so the gaps will open. While the spring is extended, insert 10 crush washers into the gaps in the spring loops. Now the spring is longer than normal.
Take the extended spring to the kickstand and attach one hook around the frame “button” and insert the other hook into the kickstand hole. Lower the kickstand to stretch the spring and open the gaps, then remove the washers with pliers with a 90-degree nose by sticking the nose into the hole of each one and twisting the washer out of the gap.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 627
Likes: 324
From: Covington, VA
I wish mine had been that easy. That's why I didn't replace it, it was so strong. The only way I could open the spring so I could insert the washers was to use a pry bar against the workbench as a fulcrum. Just pulling on it did not work. My new spring is still in my parts box. My bushings however, were very worn and the jiffy stand had a lot of "slop". The bushings are obviously sacrificial to keep the body parts from wearing. Great design for a locking mechanism, even if it is over 100 years old.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Yep , exactly how I have always fitted side stands even when I've upgraded the springs or I couldn't find one that was long enough . Connect the spring and use the leverage of the stand to pull it round into place and drop the pin in . I'm utterly baffled by people who fart around inserting washers or coins into the spring but if it makes them happy then fair enough .
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 627
Likes: 324
From: Covington, VA
Yep , exactly how I have always fitted side stands even when I've upgraded the springs or I couldn't find one that was long enough . Connect the spring and use the leverage of the stand to pull it round into place and drop the pin in . I'm utterly baffled by people who fart around inserting washers or coins into the spring but if it makes them happy then fair enough .