Boxerworks.com

Ok every one, Ive search for a few hours and have came up empty handed. While my speedometer is off for repair, I decided to install a stock side stand on it. I have all the pieces for it. But it seems like the pin is a really tight fit, like ill have to beat it into the frame hole and the stand hole. Is this normal? Also how hard is it to remove the front engine mount? I think ill need to remove it in order to get the stand and the pin in the frame hole. Is that right? Or is there a trick to it. The piece that the spring attaches to is already on the engine mount bolt, I just need to install the pin and stand and wait for the support shackle to show up in the mail. Thanks for your time,
Justin

Hello 72R75, yes, the pin is a tight fit. You might want to consider reducing its diameter on the side stand portion so the side stand will pivot easily, but without play. Grease it too. I used a lathe, but you could chuck it in a drill and sand it down slightly to fit. To install the pin in the frame, you will have to move the front engine bracket, there is a tab on it that keeps the side stand from sliding off the pin. Just remove the nut on that side and tap the threaded rod in far enough to drop that bracket. You will also need to remove the oil pan to get a straight shot for beating it in. Don't hit the mating surface! Better yet, reduce it's diameter here too, and use a vise grips or similar to press it in. Then, have someone put a spot weld on the outside to prevent it from moving. Hope this helps!

There are a few who might disagree with me but I think more will agree: We are not offended by questions asked that havent been researched on the internet. We are, after all, free to ignore the topic and go on to something else.

My view of Boxerworks is that we are essentially about fellowship and discussion centered upon BMW motorcycles, especially airheads. New members and their questions do things for us. New and interesting people are drawn here by questions and in the process of discussion we get to know others with same or at least similar interests. And the process of dealing with the questions we get to know the newbie and each other. I have developed some great lasting friendships, friendships that go far beyond a brand of motorcycle that we have in common.

We also learn. I was a newbie back when Nathan, the original owner of the Boxerworks forum, was posting. It is incredible to me how much I have learned in the process of reading the questions and answers. I'm convinced that I wouldn't have learned nearly as much as I would have if people had fully researched their problem before posting. In the same vein it is gratifying to be in a position to help somebody out with a shared interest. Were it not for Boxerworks my knowledge (and opinion) base would be far smaller.

And, I must confess, it is also nice getting one's ego stroked by someone you've been able to help.

And then there is the Speakeasy where we talk about a lot of things other than BMW motorcycles. It is many things to many people, but I'm not going to attempt to list the many things. Suffice to say the Speakeasy is the prime venue for many and the scene for widly varied discussions (and the occasional hot disagreement).

Were Boxerworks just a problem resolution board I think it would have withered on the vine and died a long time ago.


Ken

Ken I totally understand. I try my best. I just dont have alot of free time to spending researching. I work 12 hour shifts as a mechanic at a coal mine, by time I get home, eat dinner or breakfast, shower, spend time with my wife and son its bed time. And then on my days off its 16 hour days building my shop. Once the shop is done Ill have alot of time freed up. Just been rough building a 36x54 shop by myself, cause Ive found out that you cant releye on friends to give you a hand, but when they need help your the first one they call. Sorry to waste your time,
Justin

Tim Shepherd wrote:Hello 72R75, yes, the pin is a tight fit. You might want to consider reducing its diameter on the side stand portion so the side stand will pivot easily, but without play. Grease it too. I used a lathe, but you could chuck it in a drill and sand it down slightly to fit. To install the pin in the frame, you will have to move the front engine bracket, there is a tab on it that keeps the side stand from sliding off the pin. Just remove the nut on that side and tap the threaded rod in far enough to drop that bracket. You will also need to remove the oil pan to get a straight shot for beating it in. Don't hit the mating surface! Better yet, reduce it's diameter here too, and use a vise grips or similar to press it in. Then, have someone put a spot weld on the outside to prevent it from moving. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the help, I have a mig welder so Ill just spot weld it myself. Im gonna try and use a C-clamp before I pull the pan to see if I can suck it in that way.
Justin

72R75 wrote:Ken I totally understand. . . Sorry to waste your time,

No, no no! What I was trying to say is that I don't regard it as a waste of my time.


Ken

Ken in Oklahoma wrote:

72R75 wrote:Ken I totally understand. . . Sorry to waste your time,

No, no no! What I was trying to say is that I don't regard it as a waste of my time.


Ken

When I need help with my airheads, the first place I come is here. Google is usually not at all or just filling in blanks in what I learn here.

Regarding the Sidestand - In my opinion, Airhead OEM side stands are unsafe and unreliable and there are alternatives. The only one I have experience with is the Brownstand which I like a lot.

Ken in Oklahoma wrote:

72R75 wrote:Ken I totally understand. . . Sorry to waste your time,

No, no no! What I was trying to say is that I don't regard it as a waste of my time.


Ken

Ok my bad, I guess I took it the wrong way.
Justin