1982 850 G side stand

[Larryr58]

Hello All, didn’t know where to post this so took a pun on this section.
Is anyone know if there is an alternate side stand to the standard unit that comes on the 850G, I find it a bit short, when on the side stand the bike is on a concerning angle, I know it won’t fall over but I’d like it a bit more upright.
Thanks for your advice

 

[Rob S.]

I use a brick at home, but before I replaced the fork springs, two bricks fit nicely. So look into refurbing your suspension.

 

[Burque73]

Maybe someone can 3D print a rubber boot for you.

I'll agree, it's a rather unnerving angle this bike leans at. Once, I neglected to deploy the stand and by the time I reached the expected lean angle it was too late. At least I got my leg out from under it. Ever since that mishap, I've double checked and leaned very slowly. On the other hand I had a crazy strong gust of wind blow the bike over when it was too upright.

 

[rphillips]

Many old Suzuki's sat too straight up, we'd slightly bend the stand out (up) so they would lean a little more. Maybe bend yours in (down) a little, just be sure to keep the side stand switch lined up.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

I made a shoe cut out a piece of wood the shape of the foot, drilled a couple holes thru the foot and bolted the wood shoe on.
Been working fine for a decade, but seems to be wearing down. I can replace it anytime.

 

[rphillips]

Not hijacking your idea bill, just thinking what if made out of a piece of rubber tire? thin motorcycle tire, thicker car tire, even thicker big truck tire.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Not hijacking your idea bill, just thinking what if made out of a piece of rubber tire? thin motorcycle tire, thicker car tire, even thicker big truck tire.

You're welcome to try cutting a 1" x 2" block from a 1" thick truck tire.
I used a scrap of mahogany.

 

[oldGSfan]

Not hijacking your idea bill, just thinking what if made out of a piece of rubber tire? thin motorcycle tire, thicker car tire, even thicker big truck tire.

A hockey puck is a good quick solution with good grip and support. You can melt it in a bit where the foot of the stand goes.

 

[Larryr58]

Thanks for the responses, you’ve given me a few ideas Regards

 

[Brendan W]

Could the bike height be a tad more than the sidestand was designed for?
What size tyres and rear shock length are you running with?
I found my 850 leaned too much and was difficult to lift on the main stand.
I put it down to wear at the pivots combined with slight differences in height?

 

[Rob S.]

Or old, worn fork springs.

 

[Grimly]

Or old, worn fork springs.

That, front and rear, can add up to a loss of nearly 3/4" in height, which makes one helluva difference to popping it up onto the stand.
I distinctly recall my 850s were much easier (almost effortless) to pull onto the stands when they were much younger.
My XJ is about the same, as it's had replacement (lower mileage) forks and replacement rear shocks, so is still quite easy to do.

 

[Brendan W]

You were younger too...........