Motorcycle Center Stand Springs Install - Tricks/ Tips. Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Two simple tricks to install (pull) those incredibly strong main (retaining) springs when installing the Center Stand on a Motorcycle.
I used both of these techniques when I installed the OEM center stand on my 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports several months ago but these techniques may work for other motorcycles or center stands.
I did not yet have my camera available at the time, or I would have filmed the process. But you can get a good idea of what I did and how it works.
Please feel free to ask any questions or to comment.

[@justyouraveragejoe7359]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to share this video on Y/T. I'm heading to the garage now to give it a shot.

[@fifthsymphony3221]

Hope it went well!

[@justyouraveragejoe7359]

It worked great. Took 15 min tops. You made me look like I knew what I was doing in front of my friends. Thanks again. PS I love the centerstand, the best mod on my Africa Twin so far

[@volkin26]

man I really have to thank you for this very helpful video, the rachet strap method was exceptionally simple - I made a twine loop and attached it directly to the hooks of the spring and rachet.. task completed in like half an hour, my back really appreciates the center stand

[@coolhandchunk]

Just used your lever method to install my centre stand springs. Worked well, but easier/safer with two people.... one to pull on the lever and one to get the springs set on the hooks! Thanks for the help!

[@carloppe]

I've just successfully installed a CRF-1100 center stand by employing your technique, thanks a million.

[@fifthsymphony3221]

Glad it worked out for you, man. Ride safe! And thanks for watching!

[@user-ml7ts6de6n]

Thank you so much for this video, I managed to get the first spring on using leverage on my hook tool, but couldn't find a way to get the second spring in place, and as you say, they are bear strong! I used your ratchet strap technique, but just put my hook tool through the big hook on the ratchet strap. Job done in 5 minutes.

[@fifthsymphony3221]

Sweet!

[@johnk.9334]

Clever! I thought I would have to buy a special tool - maybe not. We even have the same bikes, Thanks. (Now I need to watch someone who's installed a rear suspension lowering link.)

[@briankay3414]

Haha, I tied a wire cable around spring puller and the hitch of my truck and slowly pulled the cable taunt. Then carefully moved the car an inch or two to get the springs lined up. It worked prefect and in seconds had both springs installed.

[@dfrensdorffleatherworks7927]

Hello … I have a BMW R1150GS, and had to repair my center stand … therefore having to put the spring back on…. The broom handle/lever worked seamlessly! Took me a total of 5 minutes from start to finish! Thank you!

[@omnikurt]

I'm not a frequent KZbin commenter, but I had to take a couple of minutes to thank you for this video. I looked at those two springs for at least an hour trying to figure out just how to stretch them far enough to go over that tang. Your video was PRICELESS!!! A trip to the hardware store for some 1/8" cord and a scrap piece of 2x2 later and those pesky springs are right where they are supposed to be! I didn't even have to use my leg :) Just levered it with my right arm, and lifted the stand into the correct position with my left. The 2nd spring was a bit tougher, but done in a similar fashion. Thanks again!

[@fifthsymphony3221]

Thanks a lot, man. I'm impressed with how many commenters took this idea and made it even smarter and better. I hope others are reading these comments as well as watching the video. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know! Ride safe, man.

[@buzzlesworth54]

Count me as another thankful viewer. I only had light duty ratchet straps I was afraid would break (this BMW F800ST center stand spring is heavy duty), so I used the broom handle method. I ended up tying 550 cord directly to the spring hook with a slip loop with the other end tied to a furring strip with a two half hitch knot. Saved me 11 dollars and three days waiting for the spring pull tool.

[@fifthsymphony3221]

Good thinking, man - using the slip knot on the spring's hook. No need for the grabbing hook, then (or as I so pedantically call it, my "hook implement," esp. with so many other "hooks" being described in the procedure. With your slip knot and a good pair of pliers to work the spring end over the stand hook, "Bob's your uncle." Thanks man.

[@jmcling823]

Thanks for the info, I ended up using thin stainless steel and a ratchet strap, worked perfect for both removal and installation, had to add a set of wheel chocks as I have a DCT. Side note do this one spring at a time, I tried to remove both at the same time as the wire I had in my shop was too thick to get in between the springs for removal. But took longer to set it up than to remove/install the “damn springs”.

[@tonycarhart8377]

Used the ratchet strap method on a Suzuki V Strom stand, the springs were a killer to stretch however this method worked well, great advice, thanks👏🏻👍

[@snoorani1]

Thank you so much for taking the trouble to explain. I used the ratchet method you described, however, instead of ratcheting it from tires, as I was afraid it may damage spokes, I used a wall nearby, and ensure motorcycle does not move, by putting it in gear, applying brakes on front tire with a band, as well as putting a piece of wood below the rear tire. It worked like magic. BIG THANK YOU !!!

[@fifthsymphony3221]

Your welcome and thanks for sharing. You're right about taking care if using the wheel, as I did, esp. with the spokes. I kept a close eye on it because it did get pretty tight. But I looped the strap several times so that the force would be dispersed and as far away from the spokes as possible (my strap fit easily in the gap between the spokes). In the end, the force required to pull the springs, though great, wasn't so much that I think it caused any issues with the wheel, tire or spokes, but your way is probably safer. Thanks again for sharing. I'm glad it worked out for you! FS

[@Omsracer1]

Thanks for this video. I used the 'broom' handle method and it worked a treat. Hard job made easy!

[@fifthsymphony3221]

Very happy to hear it! Thanks for commenting. Ride safe! FS

[@petersattler3454]

Just fitted a centre stand to cb650. Similar principle but I used the rear wheel as a winch.

[@georgeharsin6292]

I attached one end of a piece of wire to the springs and the other end to a small crowbar. Used the crowbar for leverage and attached springs on first try. This after trying a screwdriver for about 10 minutes.

[@fifthsymphony3221]

Nice. Necessity is the mother of invention. Ride safe!

[@akbound]

The easy way is to put a cord around the hook on the spring then wrap it around a spoke on the rear wheel and tie it together. Push the bike forward and you have stretched the spring. Shove the spring into place and cut the cord. Done Repeat for the second spring.

[@davidcouling7490]

Good information...thanks for sharing. Another method I've seen is to slide lots of washers between the coils of the spring forcing it to extent. Not tried it myself but there is a video on KZbin by Nomanski which looked promising.

[@buzzlesworth54]

Yes, this should probably the first method people try since it doesn't need much setup, only patience. My BMW spring was too strong to bend and was covered more than half by a rubber tube, so broom handle method was the way to go for me.

[@lancelemay6971]

The fun part is when the twine breaks in the process… at least it did for me.

[@FishermansFriend72]

Long bolt which is the attachment point of the center stand support is really tight. I don't dare to heat it up or beat hard so as not to break the block. any tips?

[@Motopskov]

Very useful video, thanks! I think it will be useful to many. I have a question about the size of your center stand. I found a centralstand from Africa 2016, but as you know, Adventure Sport has a higher suspension and as a result, the stand should be higher, so I’m not sure that stand from Africa 2016 will suit Adventure Sport 18. I ask you to measure the distance from the center of the stand attachment to frame to the ground plane. I think this information will also be useful to many. Thank!

[@fifthsymphony3221]

SutenereTwin, I measure about 11 inches (28 cm) from the center stand pivot point to the ground; from center of the mount tube when the bike is in the *upright* position. *But* this measurement can vary from bike to bike depending on where the preload is set. I have my preload currently set pretty high, at 23 clicks up, to account for ride+gear weight (210 lbs.) plus panniers, crash bars, handlebar guards, etc. (about 240 lbs. total). (Which gives me my *very important* proper rear sag measurement). The factory setting is 7 clicks up (assumes a stock Adventure Sports with no add-ons and rider weighing about 150 lbs.)? If your preload is set further down, that measurement will be a bit lower. You might get a 2016 center stand to fit, but when the bike is on the stand, the rear tire may not clear the ground. Depending on your needs, you might be able to make it work by using a piece of thick wood between the stand and the ground-thus getting the rear wheel up off the ground. But my advice would be to try to find an OEM center stand for the Adventure Sports model. They are taller and made to work perfectly with the bike. Good luck and ride safe! FS Ps. There are good YT videos describing how to set the rear sag properly on an adventure bike, but if you’d like to see me address the subject in a video, just let me know. Thanks.

[@Motopskov]

@@fifthsymphony3221 Thank you a lot, this information very usefull!

[@paulgooder6349]

What was your hook you used?you didn’t show us that

[@briankay3414]

A regular T-handle spring puller