Topic: Is there something wrong or missing with my kickstand/mount?

[Dimitri13]

I have a 550 K0.

When I have the kickstand down, it seems like it leans over WAY too far.

This first one shows where the mount is. Am I already wrong here? I've seen a bunch of frames on google images where the mount is further back, as far back as near the foot peg, but still parallel to the ground.



These are the parts I have for the kickstand. Is there supposed to be a washer/spacer/sleeve here?



This is the lean angle. It used to be even more leaned over because after some time, the mounting point on the kickstand started to separate. This is after I made them parallel to each other again.



This is where the kickstand contacts the ground. Just like the previous image, it used to be even further inward (towards the bike) because the tangs separated.

[bollingball]

I'm sure some 550 guys will get to you. I have a 750. Have your fork tubes been changed?

[jessezm]

It does kinda look suspect to me, like it was cut off and re-welded further up for some reason.  Also, are your tires stock sizes?  Reason I ask is that I have a little taller rear tire and my bike leans way over now on the stock kickstand.

[CoachDoc]

It leans WAY more than my 550. Try looking for another kickstand on eBay. The one you have must be from another bike or altered.

[camelman]

Is the bolt or bolt hole worn?  There will be play in the kickstand if it is, which will allow the bike to lean further.

[grachman]

My 74 has a rubber section at the bottom.  It looks nothing like that one.
Like this one on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Honda-CB550-CB-550-CB550K-Kickstand-/320815352769?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4ab215cbc1

[LesterPiglet]

The 550f frame has the mounting at the rear. I'm not sure if the actual stands are different lengths. The pivot bolt for the kickstand should have a shoulder on it to stop the mount splaying out. If that's a fully threaded bolt then that's the problem.

[seanbarney41]

you could have a stand from a 750 due to a previous owner?...the 750 stand is slightly shorter...I know this because my 750 had the same problem, so I used a 550 kickstand...

[lone*X]

That kickstand is not factory, so may not be the correct length.  74 and 75 550 should be the same.  Just measured my 75 K1 stand and it is 7&11/16 inches from the center of the backside pivot bolt hole to the pavement contact point.  Probably 7&3/4 inches factory new as they all have some wear now.  Also, my K1 frame mounts the KS in exactly the same place as yours.  The pivot hole is below and just a little forward of the front bottom engine mount.  The mount has not been moved. 

[Dimitri13]

bolling: Nope, the fork tubes are stock size.

jesse: Yes, they are stock size.

Coach: I forgot to mention, but I did actually get this kickstand on ebay (when I got the bike it had no kickstand, just a center stand).
I'll check the auction title I got it from. The title was "1974 Honda CB550 Side Stand and Spring." There was no 550F in 74, correct?

camel: The bolt and bolt hole seem fine. No extra wear or play (except when the kickstand tangs were separated.

grach: The parts fiche on bikebandit shoes the kickstand I have: http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1974-honda-cb550/o/m9230#sch398545     #21

Lester: The bolt I have does have a shoulder and it looks like the original bolt. Thanks for the clarification on the mount position.

lone: I'll measure the kickstand length next time I head out to the garage.

Since I can't really find the problem here.. I'll go ahead and ask, is there anything detrimental about using this kickstand?

[lone*X]

Dimitri, I modified the kickstand photo to include the points I measured from.

[LesterPiglet]

I didn't realise the pics expanded.   
Anyhoo I usually put a locknut on the rear of the bolt. I think it may stop the mounts splaying. Just don't lock it up so the stand is hard to move.

[lone*X]

If the lean angle is OK then just use it.  If the lean angle is more than you want then take the stand to a welder and have him weld a shoe on the bottom to lengthen it.  Use to see that done a lot to give a wider contact point so as the stand wouldn't sink into the asphalt on hot summer days.  Many a bike has fallen over as the stand slowly sank into the softened pavement. 

Yes, Factory installed it with a backing nut.

[LesterPiglet]

That kickstand is not factory, so may not be the correct length.  74 and 75 550 should be the same.  Just measured my 75 K1 stand and it is 7&11/16 inches from the center of the backside pivot bolt hole to the pavement contact point.  Probably 7&3/4 inches factory new as they all have some wear now.  Also, my K1 frame mounts the KS in exactly the same place as yours.  The pivot hole is below and just a little forward of the front bottom engine mount.  The mount has not been moved.

My F stand is around 8.5 inches for the same dimensions.

[Dimitri13]

After measuring the stand, I've come to the conclusion that it is indeed an 'F' stand. It's slightly more than 8" eye to foot.

Did they make a 550F in 74?

[LesterPiglet]

Nope. 1975F.  A longer stand would make it sit more upright.

[Dimitri13]

Alright. I guess I'll give the seller an ear(eye)full about selling me an F stand being advertised as a 74 K stand. Then I'll just deal with it because as long as being leaned over that far isn't harmful to the bike, I don't care.

[lone*X]

Dimitri, Since your stand is a quarter inch longer than stock and you still feel the lean is too great check the roundness of the pivot hole in the mount.  Excess lean can be due to the hole wallowing out.  Insert the shouldered bolt in the hole and see how much play there is.  The bolt is harder than the mount so with weight on it the mount can deform.  This may be your problem.  If the bolt is loose in the hole and can tilt even a small amount it is exaggerated  over the length of the kickstand.  I remember a thread quite some time back about wallowed out KS mounts.  Seems like the consensus was that you could drill it over sized to true it up then sleeve it back down to the bolt size.  You might try doing some searches and see if you can find that thread.

[Dimitri13]

Oh, for some reason I read your dimensions as 11 3/4". I do remember there being play in the bolt when I had JUST the bolt in there. Seems that's my problem. I looked for a sleeve for it at home depot one time and didn't find one. I'll probably end up drilling the hole and getting a sleeve to fit.

Thanks for the help.