Sidestand doesn't inspire confidence

**biketimus_prime** · 11th April 2015, 18:37

Hi all,

Just wondering what the deal is with sidestands on bikes, can you replace them with "stronger" ones?
My 2005 R6 factory sidestand is so skinny and actually flexes back and forth if a decent weight is applied or even when resting the bike on it.
I've seen videos of guys moving their bikes around on the spot by using the sidestand, I don't think I could do that with my one. I'm worried the stand will fail after repetitive cycles of flexing.

Can I get upgraded stands? Is the R6 known for a bitchass stand and what do you do to fix it?
I assume once you upgrade the stand, there is more stress on the pivot, but I'm sure it could handle it better than the current stand.

**ellipsis** · 11th April 2015, 18:48

...I wonder if their are lots of R6's lying down all over the world right now...prob not...

**Tazz** · 11th April 2015, 18:55

Sounds like you've lost the factory toolkit man. Mine came with a little Japanese dude that holds it up.

**FJRider** · 11th April 2015, 19:13

Originally Posted by Tazz

Sounds like you've lost the factory toolkit man. Mine came with a little Japanese dude that holds it up.

It must be an older model then ... mine came with a Japanese chick ...

**biketimus_prime** · 11th April 2015, 19:27

Lots of people online talking about how flimsy it is but none talking about it failing... Just wondered what you guys thought regarding it. I'm just scared I'll turn up to find my bike over on it's side one day. The stand actually rests in a curved state, you can see it flex and then hold it's position when you put the weight of the bike on it.

**The End** · 11th April 2015, 20:42

Can definitely be done on the R6

**nzspokes** · 11th April 2015, 21:15

Originally Posted by The End

Can definitely be done on the R6

God thats an ugly helmet.

I do the sidestand turn all the time, more so on my 1200 Bandit cause its to hard to push about.

**Mike.Gayner** · 12th April 2015, 08:09

Originally Posted by The End

Can definitely be done on the R6

"Put your steering wheel like this" WTF

**Big Dog** · 12th April 2015, 10:11

It can be upgraded. Question is do you need to?
If there is no evidence this is a risk ( thousands sold world wide and you can't find evidence of any reports of them breaking ) perhaps Yamaha got it right.
Or maybe the flex is intentional? To cure the problem that used to exist with a lot of sports bikes of the stand just folding up without any interaction when used on the flat.
If you take your time you will find plenty of aftermarket (usually height adjustable because this kind of mod is more common in a height conversion) options. If both sides of the hinge are alloy you should really stay alloy.

You could talk to an engineer about getting more material added.

You could google / trademe /eBay aftermarket ones.

You could pop it off and go to a wreckers and see what they have that would work. May need a little modification to fit.

Most options will add weight over the stock stand one on a modern sport bike.

Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

**Tazz** · 12th April 2015, 14:54

Originally Posted by biketimus_prime

Lots of people online talking about how flimsy it is but none talking about it failing... Just wondered what you guys thought regarding it. I'm just scared I'll turn up to find my bike over on it's side one day. The stand actually rests in a curved state, you can see it flex and then hold it's position when you put the weight of the bike on it.

Measure it and replace?
If you've read up and it's not a problem for anyone else it's usually a sign though

Originally Posted by nzspokes

God thats an ugly helmet.

I don't think a mother could even love that helmet.

**AllanB** · 12th April 2015, 19:06

Meh - no record of them failing.

Have you seen those Harley ones - they lock in position but the position is often lightly rearwards so it looks and feels like the stand is not forward enough and will roll back. Freaks me out anytime I ride a Hog.

Lots of Italian bikes side stands stand the bike too upright IMO. A good fart could blow some of them over.

Ducati have had a few issues with some models over the years.

You could always park it up in your garage on a race stand if it gives you the shits.

**Katiepie** · 12th April 2015, 20:22

I have an '08 R6. The guy who did my last WOF tried to turn the bike on the stand (in front of me) and the stand snapped and the bike was on the ground. Didn't have the cash for a new stand so have had that one repaired, re-welded and strengthened. Not sure if it's the original stand or not. But it didn't seem to cope too well with the added pressure on it.

**Tazz** · 12th April 2015, 22:53

Originally Posted by Katiepie

I have an '08 R6. The guy who did my last WOF tried to turn the bike on the stand (in front of me) and the stand snapped and the bike was on the ground. Didn't have the cash for a new stand so have had that one repaired, re-welded and strengthened. Not sure if it's the original stand or not. But it didn't seem to cope too well with the added pressure on it.

Well there you go.

The WOF dude should have replaced your stand though.

**bogan** · 12th April 2015, 23:11

Yeh don't do the lean and spin thing, puts forces on em they were never designed for. The stand itself can take a bit of flex (if steel) its the foot and the pivot you gotta watch, foot for penetrating the ground, and pivot for shear/wear (esp if some po muppet has been putting the whole bike weight on it).