Side-stand spring.

[dogwheel]

Friends, I must be daft but I can't a see a way to remove (and later replace) the spring on my '03 650 Alp sidestand. The spring seems immune to the old dodges using levers and loops of baler twine. Why remove the stand ? because I want to weld on a "Bigfoot", and a coat of paint would not come amiss.
Any ideas?
Cheers, Dogwheel.

[alpslapper]

When the side stand is down, the spring is fully stretched. So would wedging some coins, small wooden/plastic wedges between the coils of the spring work? When the side stand is then up - the spring wouldnt be able to recoil fully, so you might be able to get a better grip of the top hook of the spring?

I don't know., just wondering out loud.

Someone will be along soon who actually knows what they're talking about and offer proper advice.

[StumpyFingers]

Could you just remove the side stand and then the spring.
It is usually slack when raised so should be easier to do.

[dogwheel]

Thanks guys, I've taken your kindly suggested ideas on board, and will try them, mind you I'm still thinking about the problem. My pal made a clever gadget which we've used to deal with Centre Stand springs, but it is not suited to the side stand prob.
Cheers, Dogwheel.

[Alba]

I took my spring off a month or so back and it was brute force and ignorance I have a 52 plate, can't be much different. If I remember correctly the bottom loop of the spring needs pulling down then moved towards the centre of the bike, as it is in a recess. Then the top spring loop should be removed from a hole. Pair of pliers and a skint knuckle should do it I done it with the stand down due to access.

I hope this helps.

[dogwheel]

Thanks Alba, I've got loads of ignorance and I'm working on the brute force, seriously tho'; I'll try your approach, with plasters and bandage at the ready, I'd love to know how they manage at the Factory, thanks again, Dogwheel.