Center Stand removal / replacement?

[Windhorse]

OK, I've lowered the 03 with Kouba links 7/8" and now want to shorten the center stand. Reading the threads, there seems to be an issue with getting the pivot bolt out and installing the new one. I also read where the 03 center stands were not up to par in the strength department. Should I be suspect of the old center stand? Where were these breaking? I plan to cut from the bottom, reweld the feet back on and leave the pivot end alone. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[ionbeam]

... I also read where the 03 center stands were not up to par in the strength department. Should I be suspect of the old center stand? Where were these breaking?...

Yes be suspect! The '03 had center stands that failed right where the lever arm meets the leg resulting in the left foot being torn off. There was speculation that the metal was too thin and water was unable to escape causing corrosion. Yamaha redesigned the center stand beginning in '04. There is one bolt on the center stand that has the head on the wrong side which results in the inability to remove the bolt by ordinary means. This was recently discussed in FJReady's lubing the shock relay arm assembly as well as kaitsdad's thread.

'03 vs '04 Note the new gusset and possibly heaver gauge metal on the new stand.

 

[Windhorse]

Thanks ionbeam for the info. I can probably get a welder to add the extra brace. Thanks for the pics.

 

[Donal]

Thanks ionbeam for the info. I can probably get a welder to add the extra brace. Thanks for the pics.

Don't know how much a welder will charge but you might want to consider buying a new centre stand (or find one in a scrap yard/ebay). A new stand will cost you ~$146 - https://www.powersportsplus.com/parts/search/Yamaha/Motorcycle/2009/FJR+1300A+-+FJR13AYB/STAND+FOOTREST/parts.html

Don

 

[Fred W]

+1 on the new center stand.

Also, when you do remove the stand you'll want to remove the 4 bolts that hold the center stand brackets (on both sides) as well as the two bolts that thread through the exhaust bracket into the center stand brackets. Then the whole center stand assembly can be removed. Once on a bench you can easily remove the pivot bolts and spring.

If I were going to shorten the stand, I'd cut some length out of the part at the top, not the bottom. That would be much easier than messing around with the feet and deployment arm, IMO.

Another forum member sent me some files (to host for him) that show how this was accomplished:

Bike Lowering Stage III - side & center stands

And in case there is any interest, the other two "stages" are here also:

Stage I - Seat

Stage II - Suspension

 

[Canadian FJR]

Last year I pulled the centerstand off my 2003. It was in great shape and no signs of breakage but I took it to a very good local welder to have it modified by showing him the pics of the newer style. I then had it cleaned up and powdercosted. I would suggest it as a good winter project.

Canadian FJR

 

[Windhorse]

Thanks Fred W for the links. Excellent idea to take the whole assembly down and THEN pull the spring! I had also figured cutting from the top is easier. I did this on a BMW that I lowered and found that the only issue with cutting from the top is you will need a different (shorter) spring and if the cuts aren't made exactly the same on both sides, the bike will list to one side with it up on the stand! Thanks again.