sidestand problem

[mrhedges]

ok I feel alittle retarded posting this but I can't for the life of me figure out how to get the Sidestand attached to my gs550L

The old sidestand was busted so I removed it and took the sidestand from my parts bike a 1980 gs550e and I can't figure out how to get it on.

Both stands seem very smilier the E is slightly longer but the spring length is the same.

I have searched this forum and youtube is this just so simple nobody has any trouble with it?

[tkent02]

Which part can't you do?

[mrhedges]

Well I have tried to bolt it on then put the spring on and I have tried to put the spring on the bolt it on. If I put the spring on first I can't get the bolt through and If I put the bolt on first I can't stretch the spring enough

[tkent02]

Install the stand without the spring. Bend the spring, put a few coins between the coils. Bend it the other way, put in more coins. Washers, coins, whatever. As you do this the spring gets longer. Keep bending it and adding more coins. Enough coins and it will be long enough to slip over the pins easily, remove the coins and drink a beer.

[mrhedges]

thanks! Gonna try that right now...

[mrhedges]

wait! what brand of beer?... highlife is on sale for 5.44 at the gas station a block away

[tkent02]

If I'd known you would drink that crap, I wouldn't have told you how.
Go get a real beer.

[mrhedges]

I got it on, well I'll buy you whatever you drink next time you find yourself in New Orleans

[mrbill5491]

I've used a drum brake spring tool, works pretty good. Lots of leverage.