GS550e Middle kick stand help.

[Markofalltrades]

I bought a bike that has the middle kick stand in the box and a spring. Its nice for maintenance so I attached it. I placed washers in the spring to stretch it out enough to attach it. Now the spring is stretched too long and kickstand hangs like a carrier jet arresting hook. (Wont that be a blast when the bike finds a suitable place to go from 60 to 0 in just .01 second!)
I likely need a new spring. Where to buy one and what is the proper way to attach this crazy high tension spring without stretching it? Any techniques you've found helpful?

[Grimly]

Best place is a new OEM spring, all others are 40 years old.
I've used the washers and coins trick a few times, another couple times put one bolt in and heaved it into line on the other side.
The washer technique will not damage a good spring - look at how much it stretches when in in use.

[Markofalltrades]

Thanks Grimly for the response. I will get a new spring.

[rphillips]

I never heard of the washers or coin thing, but always always been able to get a long screwdriver to pry the hook on the spring over either the hook on the frame or the stand. Not easy but doable but kind'f dangerous, be careful.

[Syd]

This issue caught me out. I ended up leaving the bolts out of the mounting holes. Placing the spring ends onto the frame and stand loops (spring mounting points), then working the stand assembly into place.

This method ensures minimal tension on the spring.

[Markofalltrades]

Oh I like that idea Syd. I will try this first.

[rphillips]

Scratching my head... how or what to use to pull the stand forward enough to get the stand holes to align with the frame holes, that spring is quite strong??? Or can you put enough coins and washers in the spring to make it long enough it doesn't need to be stretched??? That sounds great, just hook the spring on both ends then use plyers to pull out the coins one at a time, which will gradually put the tension back on the spring... Never heard that but sure seems pretty simple... Hope it works, let us know.

[Markofalltrades]

I did notice after the first spring was installed using about 20 washers that it would have been a LOT easier (Less tension) if the stand was in the back position instead of in use to add less coins. I will reply when a new spring arrives and also after my week vacation coming up.

[Cipher]

Eye protection
iirc I finessed mine on quite easily
something to do with loosely aligning the pivot points a LA spudge wrench.
udge wrench.