BMW R1200RT Side Stand Modification

It felt like my RT was leaning over too far when on the side stand, so I decided to take a look to see if there was any damage or if something could be improved. Since the bushings and structure seemed fine, I focused on the stand foot and modified it by welding on additional thickness and width. It did make a difference in lean angle when I reinstalled the modified stand.

[@wandering_armadillo]

These are the kind of projects my dad would be enjoying when he was alive. I find watching you brings me back to those times, and I'm learning some interesting stuff. The commenter who called this overkill is missing the point completely about finding an issue, concocting a plan and happily pursuing a solution alone. Great stuff!

[@tinderboxarts]

Agreed--if I can possibly figure out some kind of mess to make on my own, I'm happier doing it that way.

[@jayglanville7766]

Useful for those who want to do it themselves, but of course the easiest solution (just takes a couple of minutes) is to just buy a bolt-on sidestand enlarger which not only gives a thicker base, but also a greatly increased surface area so the bike can be safely parked on soft ground without sinking in.

[@tinderboxarts]

That's certainly an option, although it doesn't add the strength and resistance against bending that welding on steel will do. Mostly, though, I'm just too cheap to buy a solution!

[@roundingcorners]

I bought a used RT with an aftermarket claw on the base, about 3x the time. I still find the sidestand too flat, it needs more lean for hills and whatnot, esp for its weight.

[@newcastlell]

I had the opposite problem with my 99 RT 1100, On Trips when fully loaded I was constantly looking for alternative spots to park when touring Colorado while my friends on their Harleys had no trouble parking anywhere, My bike was too upright and worried it would fall over if I didn't get a bit more lean.

[@tinderboxarts]

Possibly the suspension was either modified or sagging.

[@ronniep1376]

Good video, compared to mine your weld looks great. I had same issue with my 07. I’m short but couldn’t use the peg to mount the bike because of the lean angle.

[@Porsche996driver]

Great job -- great diy project. (My buddy loves to weld ha.) My new-to-me '05 GS is amazing, but the sidestand has the same issue with that odd "looseness" and slides over too much with the full weight of the bike. My '02 R1150R does not have this issue, strange. I was hoping to see if there was an actual bolt that was loosening up, but your images of how the kickstand slides out that extra bit is also my issue exactly. BMW's are so tough, strange to see this weak sidestand design (?). The sidestand shouldn't have that wobble at all. I might just add one of the bolt-on expanders for reach and bigger footprint. Thanks again and great video -- best one on YT on this subject.

[@tinderboxarts]

Yeah, the design is not much to write home about. My repair has continue to hold up well, though.

[@frazbmw]

Love to see an overall review of your RT

[@SteveCampbell8901]

Nice work and thanks for making me famous...the 1100s had that hole as standard

[@albrown9609]

Just make the pad larger so when you park on soft ground the stand won't sink as much. Yes the stock stand will sink into asphalt on hot days.

[@tinderboxarts]

Yes, my modification made the pad both thicker and larger in area.

[@jeffreymorris3520]

My 16 RT does not lean enough. It is practically vertical and I worry about a gust of wind blowing it over.

[@tinderboxarts]

It's funny, there seems to be quite a variation on lean angle among stock bikes.

[@MultiBikerboy1]

A plastic cover which fits over a pet food can will do the job.

[@garym0ikw214]

Overkill.

[@tinderboxarts]

Cheaper than an aftermarket "foot" and I have the welder, so...