Author Topic: Sidestand Spring Adjustment - KTM 640 (Read 1778 times)

Firecoast · « **on:** May 06, 2014, 10:14:16 am »

The spring on the 640's sidestand is extremely tight and I sometimes battle to kick the stand out properly, resulting in it jumping back up and the bike taking a bit of a snooze...

Soooooooo, besides growing taller, which isn't going to happen anytime soon... is there an adjustment I can make to this spring or sidestand so that I atleast preserve a bit of dignity on rides?

Fanks

rosiemeposie · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2014, 11:51:35 am »

Hi, i am experiencing the same problem. Would appreciate knowing a fix. I notice you have some sort of tank cover? may i ask what and where you got it? I have damage to the tank in that area and i am reluctant to fix the tank without deciding on a solution (crash bars, padding etc.,) Cheers, Grant

Firecoast · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2014, 12:06:47 pm »

I was also looking at crashbars, but they are very scarce and allegedly the ones that are available eventually crack due to the vibration.

I bought the bike with the fibreglass covers on them. I am sure it can't be that difficult to have them made up. I must say, even though they don't look as pretty, they do the job really well.

Malibu · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2014, 12:13:28 pm »

The side-stand is after-market... so will always be a half-assed affair...

Jules ground the bracket a bit so the leg moved further forward when out... seemed to work for Li...
You can also go buy different springs from some or other spring place...

I have NEVER had my bike go lay-down on me 'cos of a side stand incident... (ya right) every now and again I forget to keep it out with my boot when setting it up to use and then I have a face-plant... usually when there is a lotta people watching!

Firecoast · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2014, 12:18:38 pm »

KTMRICK · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2014, 12:38:47 pm »

Quote from: Malibu on May 06, 2014, 12:13:28 pm

The side-stand is after-market... so will always be a half-assed affair...

Jules ground the bracket a bit so the leg moved further forward when out... seemed to work for Li...
You can also go buy different springs from some or other spring place...

I have NEVER had my bike go lay-down on me 'cos of a side stand incident... (ya right) every now and again I forget to keep it out with my boot when setting it up to use and then I have a face-plant... usually when there is a lotta people watching!

Ditto, you're not alone in this, I fall virtually on very ride.

You learn to roll with the fall after a while. I have even snapped the retaining bolt from the side-stand springing back so hard. So happy I am not the only one.

Malibu · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2014, 12:42:31 pm »

I was on a trip to Magoebaskloof, and out in front of the big restaurant in Bela Bela the entire assembly broke off while putting it on the side-stand. I planted! Big time... with a very neat stylized tuck-and-roll! I almost made it look cool!

Firecoast · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2014, 12:58:48 pm »

Quote from: Malibu on May 06, 2014, 12:42:31 pm

I was on a trip to Magoebaskloof, and out in front of the big restaurant in Bela Bela the entire assembly broke off while putting it on the side-stand. I planted! Big time... with a very neat stylized tuck-and-roll! I almost made it look cool!

I am quite glad a just did a side-step, cos if I did a tuck and roll, Throttle would be fishing me out of the river.

Malibu · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2014, 01:07:44 pm »

Then you'd be all like....

KTMRICK · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2014, 02:11:04 pm »

Okay so I went and grinded a bit as suggested and it seems to hold okay now. It just needs a bit grinded off to cam over centre. Mine came fitted with double springs and shoots up with some alacrity I must say. Let's hope this works now???

Firecoast · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2014, 02:32:38 pm »

Goodo, will crack the whip and see if it works.

KTMRICK · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2014, 03:53:57 pm »

Did a quick test ride, stop, put side-stand out, dismount, mount etc. The problem as I see it is mental, as in remember to make this a definite 6-step procedure. Forget trying to engage side-stand and leaning the bike over simultaneously as you will see your backside.

1. Stop, switch off engine and engage front brake
2. Engage side-stand and ensure it is fully extended
3. Maintain engagement with your boot
4. Lean bike over onto stand
5. dismount whilst holding front brake
6. test to ensure stand is properly engaged (helps to leave it in gear as the slightest forward movement will disengage the side-stand!!!)

And you thought DS biking was simple?

Malibu · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2014, 04:10:17 pm »

Hey, we still have the best suspension out there...

let the others bitch about that!

Wookie · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2014, 04:24:01 pm »

Quote from: Malibu on May 06, 2014, 04:10:17 pm

Hey, we still have the best suspension out there... let the others bitch about that!

Mmmmmm but I remember a certain KTM rider down at Wakkerstroom saying his brothers KLR was just about as good in the suspension department

Malibu · « **Reply #14 on:** May 06, 2014, 04:29:00 pm »

Quote from: Wookie on May 06, 2014, 04:24:01 pm

Quote from: Malibu on May 06, 2014, 04:10:17 pm
Hey, we still have the best suspension out there... let the others bitch about that!

Mmmmmm but I remember a certain KTM rider down at Wakkerstroom saying his brothers KLR was just about as good in the suspension department

Ya ya... go away!

Wookie · « **Reply #15 on:** May 06, 2014, 04:30:15 pm »

Malibu · « **Reply #16 on:** May 06, 2014, 04:34:49 pm »

Quote from: KTMRICK on May 06, 2014, 03:53:57 pm

Did a quick test ride, stop, put side-stand out, dismount, mount etc. The problem as I see it is mental, as in remember to make this a definite 6-step procedure. Forget trying to engage side-stand and leaning the bike over simultaneously as you will see your backside.

1. Stop, switch off engine and engage front brake
2. Engage side-stand and ensure it is fully extended
3. Maintain engagement with your boot
4. Lean bike over onto stand
5. dismount whilst holding front brake
6. test to ensure stand is properly engaged (helps to leave it in gear as the slightest forward movement will disengage the side-stand!!!)

And you thought DS biking was simple?

Or, dismount while moving, coming to a stop and then stepping down, beautifully, with style... use center stand!
My preferred method when training... then no-one laughs at me on the first day if I mess-up the side-stand thing, and I look COOL!

KTMRICK · « **Reply #17 on:** May 06, 2014, 06:27:01 pm »

Quote from: Malibu on May 06, 2014, 04:29:00 pm

Quote from: Wookie on May 06, 2014, 04:24:01 pm
Quote from: Malibu on May 06, 2014, 04:10:17 pm
Hey, we still have the best suspension out there... let the others bitch about that!

Mmmmmm but I remember a certain KTM rider down at Wakkerstroom saying his brothers KLR was just about as good in the suspension department

Ya ya... go away!

Ja Wookie, piss off!!! This is a KTM thread.

Malibu · « **Reply #18 on:** May 08, 2014, 07:41:25 am »

Quote from: KTMRICK on May 06, 2014, 06:27:01 pm

Quote from: Malibu on May 06, 2014, 04:29:00 pm
Quote from: Wookie on May 06, 2014, 04:24:01 pm
Quote from: Malibu on May 06, 2014, 04:10:17 pm
Hey, we still have the best suspension out there... let the others bitch about that!

Mmmmmm but I remember a certain KTM rider down at Wakkerstroom saying his brothers KLR was just about as good in the suspension department

Ya ya... go away!

Ja Wookie, piss off!!! This is a KTM thread.

We have to remember though, most his suspension is KTM!

Rascal · « **Reply #19 on:** May 08, 2014, 07:45:09 am »

easy solution, the aftermarket sidestand has two springs, remove both and put only one back. ( use a vicegrip as they are a bitch to get off)

worked like a charm for me