Kickstand?

[Peteg]

My bike sits pretty low on kickstand, especially since it has 12 1/2" rear shocks , but I think it's normal. My  2007 VTX 1300 is similar. After having issues getting the Valk off kick stand with a full load I took a close look under the bike and noted that the frame cross member that the kick stand clamps to has a very slight curve to it. It's highest in the center and the curve looks uniform. Wouldn't even notice it if I wasn't specifically staring at it. Is this normal? The bike handles great.

On another note, if your bike is fully loaded ready for travel and you can't lift it off the stand, do you need to buy a smaller bike???

[sandy]

The bent cross member is not normal. Try turning the bars all the way to the right and lift the bike.

[Chrisj CMA]

Bent crossmembers have three usual causes (in my experience) trailering with the bike on the side stand. Using center stands that inappropriately load the crossmember. Thirdly. Uneven terrain including ramps that cause “ground” contact.

Regardless of the cause a compromised crossmember is not something one should ignore. It’s not an easy fix but several Valkyries have suffered this damage and have been repaired.

[Jess from VA]

Assuming the cross-member is bent, but stable and safe, you may be able to shim the kickstand mount so it stands the bike up a little more (like it would be if the cross-member wasn't bent).

My 13" shock interstate leans over more/farther on the kickstand than my other 12.5" shock interstate does. 

[Peteg]

Thanks for the input. I went out and looked again assuming I might be able to find a way to measure the bend and monitor it. Looking at everything really close I'm now convinced it's not bent. I think I was staring too hard at the cross bar and kickstand clamping as a unit and thought I saw a slight deflection.

Yes Sandy I tried turning the bars all the way right with my left palm up and my right palm down still no good. I'm pretty small so I don't get a lot of leverage. I had 200 lbs on the back of the bike simulating my wife and gear. If she was actually on the bike I would have needed her to lean out and help. I can hear her already saying something irrational like I'm not getting on that bike with you if you can't even lift it off the kick stand LOL.

I'm actually checking out the bike prior to a one up camping trip with a hitch hauler rack, so there will be a lot less weight and the weight will be lower to the ground. I think I'll have some plywood pucks in the tank bag to avoid problems in any unpaved areas with the loaded beast. I mean what could possibly go wrong. At least my wife will be 2,000 miles away. Maybe if I need to stop for road construction the guy in the car behind me will have to get out and help me up when the flag man gives us the go!

[-mike-]

I don't know if the crossmember is bent on your bike.

If it is, you should adress the issue, as been said already.

If the frame is OK, a kickstand pad like this should solve your problem:

https://www.valkyrieparts.de/epages/63631381.sf/en_GB/?ViewObjectPath=%2FShops%2F63631381%2FProducts%2F%2203.776%20U4%22

Best,
-mike-

[h13man]

I use my inner thigh to assist in up righting for 11yrs. of ownership even with 32" inseam and always cocked to the left parked. As parking on left leaning incline, I avoid parking in this position for obvious reason. I always seek good/safe parking regardless. Add on kickstand pads/extensions can be an assist in lean angle. Yeh I've been "old" for awhile. 

[Challenger]

If you have 12.5" shocks and your bike still leans over too far, something is definitely bent. Your wife should not be on the bike while on the kick stand. Passenger should mount after you have righted the bike and be holding the brake.

[GWS]

Valkyries do lean a little too much on the kickstand. I made my own pad from an old cow mattress. Yes, it's a thing - a 4'x6' soft rubber mat that goes on a cow's stall so she's cozy when she lies down. The crucial measurement is that it's 3/4" thick. Perfect for this application. Hold it in place with the adhesive of your choice. (Just remember to wash the cow crap off if your wife is squeamish.)

When I made mine I also made several more, thinking I'd sell them to the needy. Now I'd just like to get them off my shop bench. Contact me if interested.

[Peteg]

Thanks GWS. I was contemplating doing the same at a 1/2" shim, I only have 29" inseam. I ran into the problem when I had a ton of dead weight on the bike and my new suspension was jacked way up. I won't ever actually have that much dead weight on the bike and it doesn't look like I'll ever have the preload set that high. In case of emergency when I take a heavy load camping trip next month I'll have some pieces of plywood with me. I doubt I'll have to use them, but if I pick the wrong parking spot, I won't need to wait for help or have to find the right rock.