R50/5 centre stand

[JohnT]

My recently acquired bike is a pig to put on the centre stand.
I know from my experience with mono shock R80/100 they roll onto the stand easily.
Is there a later stand that will fit to make life easier?

[Doug-504]

Some more knowledgeable folks may be along soon but it may be worth reading this Snowbum article re side and centre stands, ( centre stands towards the end of the article). Seems even Snowbum was confused as to what fits what with a huge variety of stands made for various models with little interchangeability!

https://bmwmotorcycletech.info/FarleyBrownSurefoot.htm

[Kurt in S.A.]

Can you tell us more about your center stand? When it's on the center stand, is the front tire in the air by say 2 inches or so? If not, then likely the stand has been abused over the years and it is going too far over center.

Kurt

[SteveD]

To specifically answer your question:

46 52 1 234 757 CENTER STAND. Center stand, R50/5 - R90S < 1981. The original 1970-1980 center stands had a welded-on plug on the bottom of the right leg. There is no bottom cap needed for these (original) center stands. If somehow the metal plug is missing, you install a 522 cap. This newest production center stand 46 52 1 234 757 (fits 1970-1980, except R65) does not have a welded metal plug. It takes a 46 52 1 236 522 cap and comes with it.

Without telling you how to suck eggs...you likely know the following but it's useful info if someone is searching.

You might have some wear issues that can be sorted by a good welder.

1. The holes in the stand may be oval shaped by now.
2. The bushes might be severely worn.
3. The top of the stand might be badly worn
4. The frame where the stand interacts might also be worn.
5. Is your suspension in good condition?
Repair: https://www.schweizerschrauber.ch/mot/r ... enterstand

Then there's technique. This becomes very important as the stand wears, but is not a great substitute for a stand in good working order.
Search in boxerworks using "stand query" or "R100RS centre stand repair"

Three contact points.
1. Right foot over the end of the left leg of the stand. Not the tang which should only be used to drop the stand for access.
2. Left hand at left grip.
3. Right hand on lifting handle.

The lift is:
1. Press the foot down on the stand.
2. Lift the bike upwards via the handle.
3. Guide the bike back with the left hand, slowing as you get the centre at vertical.
4. Importantly, using the right hand, allow the bike to rest into position, not to fall onto the frame stops.

[JohnT]

The stand is in good order with minimal wear at the pivot points. The front wheel is indeed 2 inches clear of the ground when on the stand and the feet are in good order. Its just not as easy as the mono's.

[SteveD]

The stand is in good order with minimal wear at the pivot points. The front wheel is indeed 2 inches clear of the ground when on the stand and the feet are in good order. Its just not as easy as the mono's.

If that's the case I think I'd do a clean and regrease with bush replacement to optimize what you've got. The mono centre stand rarely gets a mention compared to the twin shocks, so I can only presume BMW finally worked it out!

I bought one of the first K100's in 1983/4 and the first thing noticed was the stands and the improvement to the centre stand. The self retracting side stand was a pita though.