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Once again, an ancient topic discussed at length in the old Phorum. As I understand it, the problem with '84s is different than the earlier Eighties bikes: the centerstand requires lifting the bike too high in order to get it up on the stand. Consquently, either wheel is far higher than it really needs to be. I seem to recall that the basic approach was to shorten the centerstand either on the bottom or the top. Has anyone done this, and if so, what were the dimensions you used to shorten the stand?

Littleleroy wrote:Once again, an ancient topic discussed at length in the old Phorum. As I understand it, the problem with '84s is different than the earlier Eighties bikes: the centerstand requires lifting the bike too high in order to get it up on the stand. Consquently, either wheel is far higher than it really needs to be. I seem to recall that the basic approach was to shorten the centerstand either on the bottom or the top. Has anyone done this, and if so, what were the dimensions you used to shorten the stand?

Here is my 84 R100. I had to build up the bottom contact patches with weld as they wore out quickly. Never had a problem with too much gap with the front wheel. BTW I'm the original owner.

Hmmm . . . that's strange. The front wheel of my bike has a much larger gap. I wonder if I've got a different than stock sidestand? That's the problem with being the fourth owner--one never knows the complete history of the bike. Maybe I can take photos of the stand, and we can compare it to yours?

Another possibility is you have shorter than stock rear shocks.

Still have the orignal Boge, which I don't think have been modfied, but I will check. I retrofitted Wilburs (using their stock length springs) and the height issue is the same.

Or smaller than stock tires.

Or flat smaller than stock tyres.

After repairing my 81 c/stand I had just under 3" under the front tyre.
I built up weld wider than the stand to better contact the stop.

Littleleroy wrote:.... As I understand it, the problem with '84s is different than the earlier Eighties bikes: the centerstand requires lifting the bike too high in order to get it up on the stand. Consquently, either wheel is far higher than it really needs to be.....

Is the centre stand for the 1984 model different from the 81-3 years? If so how were they different?

For reference, my 11/1981 R100RS also has the front wheel 3-4" off the ground when on the centre stand. That's about how it should be.

For another reference my /6 and /7 bikes have the wheel about 3-4 inches off the ground. That, coupled with SteveD's reference would suggest that's what God and BMW decided it should be thus.

I wonder littleroy if your technique needs brushing up on. Momentum would be the key, not lifting.

I think Duane may even have an article on his site. As best I remember this is sort of what I do. Standing beside the bike, with the centerstand laying on the ground I put one hand on the handlebar, the other on the lift handle, and my right forefoot on the left hand foot of the centerstand, as if I were going to try lifting it with only my foot. Then with a big swing, primarily with my right arm I will pull the bike back and then up onto the centerstand. Standing on that left hand foot of the centerstand doesn't look like it would help any, but it seems to make it easier for me. One thing is sure, your right foot on the leg will make sure the centerstand doesn't scoot back wasting all the energy you've put into your big swing.

Think momentum, with the R/H centerstand foot serving as a pivot point to lever the bike up.

(Editing)
An aftermarket Reynolds center stand will make the lift easier since it doesn't lift the bike up. Be careful not to get the wrong one. I have personally encountered two '81 to '84 bikes with the reynolds lift on them that would only touch one leg at a time. In fact I own one of them, an '84RS. I modified the centerstand to work by adding a spacer under each foot. I'm pretty sure the centerstands were fitted by an old Boise, ID dealer, and he didn't know the difference between an R65 centerstand and the other airheads.




Ken

Using a correct Reynold's Ride Off stand is such a pleasure. Not only is it a ride-off, but a ride-on too.