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lowered bike = shorter stand

2K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  dinggus 
#1 ·
Being "vertically challenged" and having bad knees I had to lower my '15 RGS. Progressive 944 lows (regular spring rate) and Progressive monotube front end with -1" spacer. $900 later is rides better and is the ideal seat height for me but the bike virtually vertical when on the stand. And then it finally happened... a slight off camber parking job and the bike was on the ground. Luckily it fell on the grass and only a mark on the crash bar and a bunch on the saddle bad, lock area, and the top cover:crying:. So I did the wise thing after kicking myself in the ass for not doing it sooner - install a shorter stand. Drag Specialities -1". easy to do and less than $37 delivered. Yes ... 10 minutes and $37 dollars earlier could have avoided $500 + of damage to my side bag, and crash bar. If you have lowered your bike, do the wise thing and get a shorter stand before you end up writing a similar post.
 

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#2 ·
if you feel like the bike is too upright, turning the handlebars to the right will make the bike want to fall left, which is the kickstand side. Just another way to avoid having the bike fall on its right side.
Always sucks seeing the bike on its side for the first time. But it happens
 
#3 ·
Good advise. Kickstand length is not something most of us consider when doing modifications to our bikes. My recent modifications have had the opposite effect with more lean to the left and more weight on the stand. Putting Ohlin shocks on the rear raises the back of the bike when sitting riderless. With rider on it sits at stock height but without it sits higher. Then I added a 21" front wheel which has odiously raised the front. So now my bike leans hard on the kickstand, which I suspect to not be a problem as long as the stand is on solid ground but not something I was thinking about when doing these mods.
 
#5 ·
You can get a little more lean out of it by putting shims (washers) between the frame and side stand bracket. Shims behind the lower bolts add lean. Shims behind the upper bolts take lean away.

I've seen this done on some show bikes, not sure how well it works in the real world.
 
#6 ·
You can get a little more lean out of it by putting shims (washers) between the frame and side stand bracket. Shims behind the lower bolts add lean. Shims behind the upper bolts take lean away.

I've seen this done on some show bikes, not sure how well it works in the real world.
Quite well actually, we did it on my brother's Softail for a while with washers as a spacer, and finally with one of those pre made wedges that go behind the SS mount (like $12 IIRC) to lean it over a bit more.

I've never trusted aftermarket Side Stands after having a couple of them break/bend on me years ago.
 
#10 ·
ebay: Drag Specialties Chrome Kickstand -1" Lowered - 0510-0266

you'll find one right now for $27.00 Delivered!

it's A LOT less expensive than the Pingel which is like $200
 
#8 ·
A lowered center stand is on my list when I do air ride and add a 21" wheel!
 
#12 ·
Which center stand do you want to go with?
 
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