Centre-stand spring?

[nmason]

Hi there
I am trying to attach a centre stand to one of my scooters and am having a few issues trying to stretch the spring that hold the stand in place. Does anyone have any ideas for an easy way to do this? Any ideas will help (I hope)

[Pixie]

Use a stout metal hook to pull the end of the spring on to its' attachment point.
A wire coat hangar will work.
It is easier to attach the spring with the stand in the up position,if you can get access to the area the spring is mounted.

[Paul in NZ]

Depending on the spring, you can lengthen them by putting washers between the coils - never had much luck myself but some use that method. I'd a stretch and grunt and slip and scratch the paint kinda guy...

[Crisis management]

HTFU......someone had to say it!

I've generally found it easier to have the stand off the bike first, attach the spring to the bike and the stand and only then attach the stand to the bike.
This gives you a bit more leverage on the spring and seems to work for me.
Trying to attach the spring otherwise usually results in springs, tools and bits of flesh flying in all directions.

Have fun!

[F5 Dave]

The easiest way is a spring puller. Problem is most of the component parts are probably not in you garage, but easy enough to blag.

Get an old spoke & grind the bent nippley part so it forms a hook (ie take off the sides & lower parts). Cut 100mm of an old broomstick & drill a hole in it with a 6mm hole halfway through & feed the spoke into it then attach the threaded nipple.

voilà! a professional spring puller for no money.

[smudge]

I use a motorcycle spoke too and my wife wonders why the broom is getting shorter. I havent used that on a centre stand spring though, they may be just too tough. You can use a bit of heavy fishing line instead of the spoke. I would try putting the spring on first and then using the stand itself to align the holes for the bolt. It isn't a difficult job on most bikes once you get the knack.