Annoying Centre-Stand Problem

robs ss

robs ss

VIP MEMBER
Joined
Aug 16, 2016
Messages
3,429
Country flag
I have a minor, but annoying, problem with my centre stand that I have been avoiding addressing.
The return tang on the spring, where it hooks through the engine/gearbox cradle, is too long. As the centre stand is kicked up the tang scores against the top of the centre stand plate on the LHS stopping it folding up properly. Only needs a another kick to return, but it's still annoying.
Probably only needs 3-4mm ground off the end of the tang.

Reason for avoidance is difficulty I anticipate during reassembly - fighting the spring.
Anyone had/addressed this issue and willing to offer advice?
Cheers
 
robs ss said:
I have a minor, but annoying, problem with my centre stand that I have been avoiding addressing.
The return tang on the spring, where it hooks through the engine/gearbox cradle, is too long. As the centre stand is kicked up the tang scores against the top of the centre stand plate on the LHS stopping it folding up properly. Only needs a another kick to return, but it's still annoying.
Probably only needs 3-4mm ground off the end of the tang.

Reason for avoidance is difficulty I anticipate during reassembly - fighting the spring.
Anyone had/addressed this issue and willing to offer advice?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Rob,
Is the hole in the center stand still in good shape? I had the same problem but after repairing the oblonged hole in the stand with a fender washer welded to the stand,everything lined up and stand returns properly.The tool shown works lying on the floor with the stand in the up position.
Mike
Annoying Centre-Stand Problem
Annoying Centre-Stand Problem
 
I don't know if this applies to your stand but a similar problem has been reported before and turned out to be caused by too much metal around the replacement RGM centre stand pivot.
www.accessnorton.com

Centre Stand Spring Problem

I have fitted a new cradle and centre stand with the existing spring to my '74 Roadster. When taking the bike off the centre stand there is a clunking and scraping noise coming from under the bike. On inspection I found the part of the spring that passes through the cradle plate on the drive...
www.accessnorton.com www.accessnorton.com
 
YING said:
Rob,
Is the hole in the center stand still in good shape? I had the same problem but after repairing the oblonged hole in the stand with a fender washer welded to the stand,everything lined up and stand returns properly.The tool shown works lying on the floor with the stand in the up position.
Mike View attachment 101800View attachment 101801
Click to expand...
Thanks Mike. Yes the holes are on good shape but I'll make a puller like yours.
Cheers
 
L.A.B. said:
I don't know if this applies to your stand but a similar problem has been reported before and turned out to be caused by too much metal around the replacement RGM centre stand pivot.
www.accessnorton.com

Centre Stand Spring Problem

I have fitted a new cradle and centre stand with the existing spring to my '74 Roadster. When taking the bike off the centre stand there is a clunking and scraping noise coming from under the bike. On inspection I found the part of the spring that passes through the cradle plate on the drive...
www.accessnorton.com www.accessnorton.com
Click to expand...
Yes Les - my problem is similar, but I think the issue with mine in the tang. Much longer than it needs to be. The stand plates don't appear to be as large as those in that thread.
I did a bit of a search but didn't see that thread - thanks again for your memory and assistance!
Cheers
 
There are different center stand springs

69/70 - 06.1039

andover-norton.co.uk

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.
andover-norton.co.uk

71/72 - 06.2514

andover-norton.co.uk

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.
andover-norton.co.uk

73-75 - 06.4643

andover-norton.co.uk

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.
andover-norton.co.uk
 
One trick to try for reassembly, fit the spring before putting the pivot bolts in. Then just lever stand against spring so pivot holes align enough to get one then two bolts through. Should not need a pulling tool. This method worked a charm on my modern bonneville when fitting aftermarket and then later Triumph brand stand kits.
 
TomU said:
There are different center stand springs

69/70 - 06.1039

andover-norton.co.uk

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.
andover-norton.co.uk

71/72 - 06.2514

andover-norton.co.uk

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.
andover-norton.co.uk

73-75 - 06.4643

andover-norton.co.uk

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.
andover-norton.co.uk
Click to expand...
Thanks
Mine is (apparently) the correct one for my bike (Mk2A 850) - the last, fatter one
Cheers
 
Also could the spring be reversed ?
I use Tornado's method .
Plus recently I removed the center stand completely on advice from a Harley friend.
He cited why drag around the weight , you can easily put it back on to change a tire or whenever required , obviously not on the roadside ( I have CAA for that ) . Recently I changed a wheel / tire by re-installing it without the spring and cable , tied it up solid , to prevent any accident .
 
Torontonian said:
Also could the spring be reversed ?
I use Tornado's method .
Plus recently I removed the center stand completely on advice from a Harley friend.
He cited why drag around the weight , you can easily put it back on to change a tire or whenever required , obviously not on the roadside ( I have CAA for that ) . Recently I changed a wheel / tire by re-installing it without the spring and cable , tied it up solid , to prevent any accident .
Click to expand...
Do you use the centerstand during winter storage?
 
Torontonian said:
Also could the spring be reversed ?
I use Tornado's method .
Plus recently I removed the center stand completely on advice from a Harley friend.
He cited why drag around the weight , you can easily put it back on to change a tire or whenever required , obviously not on the roadside ( I have CAA for that ) . Recently I changed a wheel / tire by re-installing it without the spring and cable , tied it up solid , to prevent any accident .
Click to expand...
Have you tried dieting? ;)
 
robs ss said:
I have a minor, but annoying, problem with my centre stand that I have been avoiding addressing.
The return tang on the spring, where it hooks through the engine/gearbox cradle, is too long. As the centre stand is kicked up the tang scores against the top of the centre stand plate on the LHS stopping it folding up properly. Only needs a another kick to return, but it's still annoying.
Probably only needs 3-4mm ground off the end of the tang.

Reason for avoidance is difficulty I anticipate during reassembly - fighting the spring.
Anyone had/addressed this issue and willing to offer advice?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Hi Rob, so with bike on the C/stand insert thick coins ( 2 pence piece here in UK) or thick washers then roll bike off C/stand using the side stand. Coins/washers keep C/stand springbextended and you can remove / refit easily…FWIW , has worked for me.
 
TBW said:
Hi Rob, so with bike on the C/stand insert thick coins ( 2 pence piece here in UK) or thick washers then roll bike off C/stand using the side stand. Coins/washers keep C/stand springbextended and you can remove / refit easily…FWIW , has worked for me.
Click to expand...
Oh - I think I see.
You mean insert them between the coils of the spring to keep it "extended?
Great idea!
Cheers
 
robs ss said:
Oh - I think I see.
You mean insert them between the coils of the spring to keep it "extended?
Great idea!
Cheers
Click to expand...
Rob, exactly so. suitable thickness and sufficiently “wedged” in keeps the spring full extended 👍👍. Good luck.
 
Way back in the late 70s my centre stand spring must have lost a bit of spring to it one day while cranking the Commando into very tight left corner the CS dropped a little that the foot dug into the bitumen while cranked over lifted the whole back wheel off the corner, I can tell you that scared to cr.p out of me, new spring fixed it but when I converted to the Featherbed frame I done away from a CS all together, in fact because I built the bike for handling tight corners I rode it for over 20 years with no stand at all, everyone knew my Norton it was always leaning up on something when parked.

Ashley
 
Well - thanks for all the input.
Just finished the job in less than an hour.
Used @TBW method Aussie 50c pieces though (guess that's inflation!)
I re-radiussed the top of the plate, painted it and reinstalled.
The benefit of this method is the spring is always a bit too long, hence slack.
Allowed me to muck about putting spray lube on the bushes (TAC 2) and to get a feel of how much side play there is once tightened up (less than 5mm at the end of the stand)
One "improvement" I made was to tape the coins in place with low-tack masking tape. They had a tendency to fall out while folding the stand up otherwise.
Oh - and I did the whole thing on a scissor-jack - very stable.

The stand now folds very smoothly!
One more little annoyance out of the way.
Thanks again
Cheers!
 
Jdub said:
I highly recommend a purpose-made heavy duty spring puller/installer. I purchased this one and use it for other tasks all over the shop.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip, it made it MUCH easier to install the spring. MotionPro #08-0127 $15.95 from amazon, highly recommended
 
Maybe uninstall the spring then uninstall the centre stand
Or is that just me 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Sorry I'll get me coat!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

ashman
Seems a lot on here have different ways of doing thing on their Norton's
2
Replies
23
Views
1,293
milfordite
milfordite
T
  • Locked
Centre Stand Spring Problem
Replies
6
Views
3,480
thunderbolt
T
chaztuna
  • Locked
850 Mk III Gearbox [aka Transmission] Removal
Replies
6
Views
1,506
chaztuna
chaztuna
olympus
  • Locked
Main Stand Spring
Replies
12
Views
2,288
L.A.B.
L.A.B.
Blewdy Yaink
  • Locked
Technical Details on the New FullAuto Commando Cylinder Head from STS, in the US.
2 3
Replies
54
Views
6,919
Brooking 850
Brooking 850
Back
Top