SW Motech centre stand for XL700

[deskjetian]

NEWBIE Q: I just bought a new transalp (in black) and didnt bother with the Honda centre stand 'cos I thought it was too expensive @ £200.
Now I'm looking around and have found one from SW Motech for £126. I was wondering if anyone has had one of these and how they now rate it ?
Ian

[dilly]

I have one on my 700 & works as good as a honda one (I suppose ) & as you say "a lot cheaper".
Hardest thing I found when fitting it was putting on the springs as you will find out if you intend fitting it yourself

[deskjetian]

Thanks Dilly.
You've headed off my next question about how hard it was to fit.
I suspected that the spring mechanism may be difficult. What helped you crack it in the end ?

[dilly]

What I did was to fit a 1 1/2 metre loop of about 5mm diameter rope on the bottom of the spring ,the top already was in place, placed a large crowbar through the loop or you could use a thick chunk of timber and levered it against the back tyre while my accomplice attached it to the proped up stand , bit of advice here, make sure you have been to the toilet first as it involves a bit of straining to get enough tension to pull the spring back and be prepared for varicose veins on your neck .
Good luck.

[Tony M]

Got one on mine, and I reckon it's fine.

Fitting wasn't too bad - the first spring was easy enough, the second was more tricky.

I used a fairly tough old screwdriver with the tip bent over into a small lip, with a slot ground in the middle - suitably tweaked to let me lever against the pin the spring needs to go over. Stand in the "up" position, of course - so there's less stretch on the spring (bike supported on a paddock stand).

I must confess, I don't remember it being quite as easy as that makes it sound, but, start to finish, it probably only took me about half an hour.

Have fun!

[sadpsych]

The good lady bought me an SW Motech centre stand for chrimbo. Fitting took about Five minutes. used a big insulated electrical screwdriver with the bike on the side stand.big spring attached to stand. screwdriver through Tother end of spring, tip over hook on frame bit of a lever and pop, one spring all in place. Doddle or ucking Flucky. Won't know until I fit another i suppose.

[deskjetian]

tony M, sadpsych thanks for your tips.
Ian.