In order to install my skidplate, I need to unbolt the sidestand so I can mount a bracket. I don't have a centerstand, so I'm looking for a safe, penny tech solution I can use. Yes, a centerstand is on the short list o'things to buy, but I spent a bunch of money on the HT panniers, and the deal on the engine guards/skidplate couldn't be passed up. Any Strom'ers in the Centennial, CO area want to help out? I have several types of adult, hops based beverages for bribes. Or maybe you just want to meet another Wee owner? Ideas?

Thx!
Chris

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Centennial, CO

1964 FJ40
2010 FJ Cruiser
2008 yellow 650 - #33

Burn the land, and boil the sea, no one can take the sky from me...

I loosened the bolts while the bike was on the sidestand, then had my son hold the bike upright while I removed the bolts, but the bracket on, and replaced the bolts. It only took a coupla minutes.

Loosening can be a challenge - I did it from the other side using a socket, a long extension, and a breaker bar on my wrench handle.

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'07 DL650 ABS
'04 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic Silverado (gone)
'04 Yamaha TTR225
'03 BMW F650GS (wife's)
'92 Honda XR250L
'86 Honda VT500c (gone)

If you have a garage, carport etc, run two motorcycle tie down straps from the handlebars to an overhead attachment point. If alone, you may want to zip tie the front brake to hold it while breaking loose / tightening fasteners.

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07 DL1000
05 KLR 650
01 Vulcan 1500 ( Sold )
55 CJ5

THIS IS WHAT YOU DO. get a piece of wood, and you bottlejack out of your car. put the small pice of wood in between the jack and the bike. carefully lift the jack untill the bike feels stable enough to work on it. you dont need to lift the rear tire off the ground. just apply enough force from the jack to stabilize the bike in the upward postition. ive used the procedure many times on many bike.

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never play leapfrog with a unicorn.
-jenna jameson-

strommer offroad club member 5

Cool...I think I'll use the bottle jack idea along with the straps. Don't need to test the engine guards just yet!

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Centennial, CO

1964 FJ40
2010 FJ Cruiser
2008 yellow 650 - #33

Burn the land, and boil the sea, no one can take the sky from me...

I'd suggest this method (even though I poo-pooed it at the time) over any of the above:

Chain Maintenance without center-stand

In particular, the method the involves a couple of eye bolts (or anything similar) and tie-down straps - certainly easier than hanging it from the ceiling, and more stable than just jacking it up with a block of wood. You wouldn't want the bike to fall over while working on it, damaging it and/or you in the process.

+1 did this last night for some chain maintenance.

Works like a champ and it only cost me about $15.00. I'm thinking about not installing a center stand.

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K8 DL650

Flat Black Club #0060

I know you're looking for a free way to do it, but I'd like to share that I bought a stand similar to this one years ago when I got my son a Buell and we've used it over the years on many different bikes. They're dirt cheap, simple to assemble and use, and work great:

http://www.discountramps.com/rear-spool-stand.htm

(can't find the exact model I bought, but this is similar)

Would you be able to loosen the bolts while it's on the side stand and then lean the bike against something...side of the house, woodpile, an old couch, etc. I've used the side-of-the-house method before and it worked fairly well.

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2005 Honda Shadow Aero
2006 Suzuki DL1000
2004 Honda Shadow Spirit
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HOW TO SEARCH THIS SITE = http://stromtrooper.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23427

I used my old Land Cruiser and a couple of straps...worked great!

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Centennial, CO

1964 FJ40
2010 FJ Cruiser
2008 yellow 650 - #33

Burn the land, and boil the sea, no one can take the sky from me...