The old "Rope Trick"

[Gonzodog]

While putting a center stand on my Wee I realized there was no way I was going to be able to pull the big spring onto the post without superhuman strength.

So, after a bit of thinking I remembered how we used to tighten wire fencing.

It goes something like this:

1. Run an 8mm bolt into the track spool boss on the underside of the right swingarm. Leave about 8-10mm sticking out.

2. Get 2-3 ft of strong 1/4" nylon rope and tie it in a loop. Use a square or bowline knot.

3. Get a 4-5" long length of something stout. (I used a socket extension.)

4. Hook one end of the loop over the bolt and the other end around the hook on the spring.

5. Put the something stout inside the loop and start twisting.

6. When you've wound it up to the point that the spring hook will fit over the post on the sidestand you can start untwisting the rope. Be careful so it doesn't get away from you as there is a lot of torque on the twisted up rope and it could spit the twisting thingie right into your eye.

7. Now you're done and you can have an adult beverage. You deserve it!

[iron_llama]

Search for the 'boot lace method', it's a lot easier. DO ONE SPRING AT A TIME!

[JayR]

I must have had unique luck. I used a screwdriver, hooked both springs to the stand, held the stand in the "up" position, and pried the springs over the round peg. No problems, no boot strings, no fence stretcher. By the way we used block and tackle stretcher to tighten the wire.

[TouringDude]

the key to success is having the front wheel pushed up against an immovable object, so that you don't coax the bike off the sidestand. don't ask me how i know this. i just used some needlenose vice grips and did one spring at a time. piece o' cake.

[Gonzodog]

Sorry I wasted your time

[JayR]

Gonzodog, I did not think you wasted my time. I to am very happy with my V-Strom and tell everyone more than they need to know. I was having some fun thinking back to using the fence stretcher through the woods after we brushed lines and before we started digging holes though.

We did use the twisted wire bit to assist holding the 5 corner post system in place with a wooden top brace from the corner post to the second post top, then a diagonal wooden brace from the top of the second post to the bottom of the third post.

[Gonzodog]

JayR

I don't miss fencing days but when I had to do it I did learn the value of hard work. We used a come-along too, but I couldn't see how to use it on the bike. :-)

The thing about using a twisting motion is that it places no tipping force on the bike, and takes very little strength to accomplish the mission. No danger of a spring taking off either. BTW - this was with a SWMotech stand (a very nice piece).