Topic: Do All 550K's lean so much on side stand?

[Popwood]

Is it my bike (a '75) or do all 550k's just lean a lot on their side stand? I see the stand is mounted further forward than on my 750k. To my view, the 550 just seems to "slouch" like one of those old Harley's with a side stand that looks like it just came off a Schwinn and is about to tip over.

This is a sweet bike/model/design but the 15 degree list to port doesn't do it any favors when posing, if you catch my drift.

Any thoughts on correcting?

[Rlint]

I'm curious about this, too.  My carbs overflow notably, but upon a quick cursory inspection, everything in the carbs looks to be in good shape and adjusted properly.

[MCRider]

Is it my bike (a '75) or do all 550k's just lean a lot on their side stand? I see the stand is mounted further forward than on my 750k. To my view, the 550 just seems to "slouch" like one of those old Harley's with a side stand that looks like it just came off a Schwinn and is about to tip over.

This is a sweet bike/model/design but the 15 degree list to port doesn't do it any favors when posing, if you catch my drift.

Any thoughts on correcting?

The usual complaint is they stand up too straight. Do you have aftermarket shockabsorbers? taller?

[TwoTired]

They don't lean far over when is stock configuration adjustment.

The tab on the frame can be bent.
The bolt on the stand fork can be loose and allow the side stand fork to splay outward. (This changes the angle of the stand wrt the frame.)
Is there a lot of up and down movement at the end of the side stand when in the down position?

Longer shocks and stiffer springs front and/or rear, can cause excessive lean over.
Taller/oversize tires?

[Bluto]

My avitar is a stock 76.  It does lean a bit more than the 750's.  That makes it cooler......right?

[TwoTired]

My avitar is a stock 76.  It does lean a bit more than the 750's.  That makes it cooler......right?

My 750's lean way more than my 550's.  FYI

[Bob750]

Just don't park your ride, whatever displacement, out of gear next to a curb on a slope, pointed down slope while using the sidestand...

As I walked away from my bike, I heard this nasty CHUKK sound.  Turned around and saw this... I had to take a pic just so I could help others not have this problem.  This was years ago, but I still have a scar on my alt cover. I patched it with PC-11 two part epoxy--cheaper than a new cover...

[wardenerd]

the tank will also overflow if filled up completely and plqaced on the side stand.  I prefer the center stand

[le_sterls]

I have a '77 550. Stands up pretty straight. If you're making comparisons with a harley sidestand, I'd say it leans more than mine. What year is it?

[Bluto]

My avitar is a stock 76.  It does lean a bit more than the 750's.  That makes it cooler......right?

My 750's lean way more than my 550's.  FYI

That does it......I'm bending my bracket 

[lone*X]

"This is a sweet bike/model/design but the 15 degree list to port doesn't do it any favors when posing, if you catch my drift."

Taking your comment literally.  When "posing" a bike for pictures it makes little difference what make or model, old or modern.  They all lean when on the side stand, some more than others,  but most photographers will want the bike more upright.  Place a 2x4 block under the side stand for the photo session.  You can hide the block with creative camera angles.  Fork angle also makes a huge difference in the final photos so experiment.  

If "posing" is just how it looks parked in front of the local watering hole then be careful how you mod it, you don't want it too upright.  Your bike will be much less stable if the lean angle is reduced too much.  Some buffalo leaving the watering hole may be a little on the wobbly side and the results could be disastrous.

[Popwood]

Mine is stock all the way and leans way more than my stock 750. I'll look into bending the tab. And "posing" has nothing to do with portraiture, just how is sits when parked while heading into the IGA. Granted, it needs to lean a bit to be stable on the side stand, but this honey of a model needs to stand more proud. (Could I open a can of worms here and suggest this model is the sweetest sohc4 ever made?)

[KB02]

Popwood - measure your side stand. Take a look at the crappy picture I drew below. My side stand it too long. It measures 8 inches from the center of the pivot to the ground. How long is yours?

[Popwood]

Thanks, KB, I'll take a measurement tonight. The 750 was my stead of choice coming to work today.

[le_sterls]

Thanks, KB, I'll take a measurement tonight. The 750 was my stead of choice coming to work today.

  You wouldn't be slacking on the job, would you?

[Popwood]

KB, after slacking on the job all day, hanging out on the forum here, I came home and measured my stand using the coordinates in your drawing. Mine is also 8 inches.

I looked at that bracket welded to the frame that serves as the attachment for the side stand and concluded there's no way in hell that's going to bend. Have others done this? Given the boxie shape and gauge steel, just can't see bending it with anything less than a nine pound sledge hammer!!

I did close the gap a bit at the top of the stand where it sleeves onto the bracket. Helped a little, and snugged up the bolt and nut that secures it. Some improvement so I'm thinking I'll live with it. I pulled up the 750 right along side the 550 and the difference really isn't so great no.