Kickstand spring

[rider9]

Well it finally happened to me, after ridin my Valk for about 11 years now the bolt/pin that ancors the kickstand spring gave up the ghost.  Luckily I still had the spring hangin' there and was able to get a bolt with spacers and nuts to rig up.  Now here's the problem ...

With some help (and several choice words) I got the spring mounted again, and with the kickstand extended it operates the way it did before.  But when I fold it up it doesn't pull against the bike frame like it did, wants to hang about halfway down.  Is the spring mounted backwards? (has a longer end and a shorter one).  Or is there a second spring that attaches somewhere to pull it in to the frame in the up position?

And while I'm at it what's with this idea I read about sliding coins between the coils to make the spring easier to mount?  I've got about 7 or 8 pennies tucked in there but still can't get the dang thing off without gettin' someone to help me again.

Could someone please give me some guidance on this?  Check your stand and see if there's 2 springs or just one.  I wanna get this fixed soon ... weather's gettin' better (and I may need my pennies back to help get some gas

[Bone]

Did you try quarters in the spring ? Mine has one spring.

Look at the picture the long end goes to the bolt for switch clearance.

[gordonv]

Check your stand and see if there's 2 springs or just one.  I wanna get this fixed soon ... weather's gettin' better (and I may need my pennies back to help get some gas

It was posted just a little while ago, the European models had dual springs. Since it doesn't seem to be a problem with only one spring in North America, I would look elseware.

[bobm]

take the pennies out get someone to hold the bike close the kickstand and see if the spring or the bolt you fitted is fouling anywhere

also if still a problem how about a photograph

[john]

new spring ...   
new spring bolt   
and a new spring bolt nut             ???
 a no brain'er               

[bobm]

link to uk valkyrie site with picture of 2 spring version

http://www.valkyrieridersuk.com/VRCCUK/showthread.php?tid=195

[Bone]

I have this in my Photo stash and a similar picture is in Shoptalk Microfiche.
Sorry bobm you already posted the same picture.

[Sodbuster]

Might try fabricating something similar to a brake spring tool ....
http://compare.ebay.com/like/260897807283?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

Not sure if this tool would work specifically as the diameter of the tool would have to fit inside the hook of the sidestand spring but I think you get the idea anyway.

Basically a piece of correct diameter rod with a small divet in the end.

[Bone]

Sodbuster one time I used an old brake spoon tool that had a large curved end. The were used on cars to stretch the brake springs. I used the other end which had a notch. Just slid the spring up the handle onto the pin.

[Ricky-D]

Well it finally happened to me, after ridin my Valk for about 11 years now the bolt/pin that ancors the kickstand spring gave up the ghost.  Luckily I still had the spring hangin' there and was able to get a bolt with spacers and nuts to rig up.  Now here's the problem ...

With some help (and several choice words) I got the spring mounted again, and with the kickstand extended it operates the way it did before.  But when I fold it up it doesn't pull against the bike frame like it did, wants to hang about halfway down.  Is the spring mounted backwards? (has a longer end and a shorter one).  Or is there a second spring that attaches somewhere to pull it in to the frame in the up position?

And while I'm at it what's with this idea I read about sliding coins between the coils to make the spring easier to mount?  I've got about 7 or 8 pennies tucked in there but still can't get the dang thing off without gettin' someone to help me again.

Could someone please give me some guidance on this?  Check your stand and see if there's 2 springs or just one.  I wanna get this fixed soon ... weather's gettin' better (and I may need my pennies back to help get some gas

It seems like you stretched the spring out of spec installing it.

Installing the spring is best done with the side stand retracted.

You need a new spring more than likely.

***

[custom1]

When mine broke I just clamped vise grips on the spring half way between the top hook and the coils and with the side stand down and the bike resting on it, pulled straight up and off the broken pin bolt. Put the new bolt and nut on and reinstalled the spring with the vise grips. No coins involved, and no helper.

You don't still have the pennies in there when you are trying it?? They will keep it from retracting the whole way....  Had to ask.

[Sodbuster]

Is that typically where they fail is at the threaded portion of the pin ??  I'm thinking I could come up with a better design than that and be a hell of a lot stronger.

[Bone]

Pulled in to get gas one day and the side-stand went down easy no spring tension. Close to home so I put a bungee cord on the stand. Looking at it the pin was bent. The pins are not cheap and not in stock at my shop.

Looking things over while I made a temporary bolt I figured I was guilty of bumping the pin when I pushed the lift under the bike. I must have gradually bent the pin which is a pretty sturdy looking part.

I cut a wooden block I place against the side stand that stops my jack just before it makes contact with the pin

[SCain]

I've always used the vise grip method. One thing I do periodically is to service the side stand, it gets a lot of road grime in there and a good cleaning is needed once in a while.