Side Stand Base for Soft Surfaces?

[Pred8tor]

I've seen a few notes about folks using something under their side stands to prevent the stand from sinking into dirt/soft asphalt. What do you guys use? Do-it-yourself or store bought solutions? I'm looking for ideas.

Thanks!

[Killtimer]

I picked up a piece of .25" aluminium scrap from the local welder. Was able to get a 3.5"x4" piece out of it that fits nicely in the right fairing pocket. I drilled a hole in the corner of mine and attached a piece of bright green survey tape with a loop tied on the end. I made it long enough that I can loop it through my front disk lock and up to the clutch lever. Easy to retrieve, a visual reminder to remove the disk lock :eek: and the tape coils flat around the plate with very little bulk. I replace the tape yearly.

[dannyk]

I use a electrical box cover its metal and about 3 1/2 inches square and tie a lenth of nylon cord to it long enough to reach the left side hand grip with a loop at the end to cinch it to the hand grip, can't leave it behind this way and fits in the right fairing pocket, about 99 cents in a hardware store.

[kgeisinger]

Aluminum "puch out" from a home heating air duct. It's about 4" round.

Kurt

[kgeisinger]

True story...

I Had my Yamaha 750 parked on the center stand on fresh asphalt and it sunk in until the rear tire touched the ground. The problem was that I didn't leave work until late in the evening and the asphalt had hardened during the afternoon. I had to chisel around the center stand to rock it out of the parking spot.

Side stand on sheet metal is apparently the way to go.

Kurt

[seiseman]

I use a electrical box cover its metal and about 3 1/2 inches square and tie a lenth of nylon cord to it long enough to reach the left side hand grip with a loop at the end to cinch it to the hand grip, can't leave it behind this way and fits in the right fairing pocket, about 99 cents in a hardware store.

Ditto :03biker:

[Pred8tor]

Thanks for all of the ideas. I've never had anything like this for my previous bikes, but they didn't put the weight on the side stand like the ST does, either.


I use a electrical box cover its metal and about 3 1/2 inches square and tie a lenth of nylon cord to it long enough to reach the left side hand grip with a loop at the end to cinch it to the hand grip, can't leave it behind this way and fits in the right fairing pocket, about 99 cents in a hardware store.

Ohhh, a good solution with a good price! That's using your head for something else besides holding a helmet!

[duSTy]

I have an item on my sidestand called a duckfoot. It is a flat steel piece of metal with a clamp over the top that holds it onto the sidestand. It is always attached, so I just put my sidestand down and it is ready to go. This used to be available for GoldWings. I had one on my 1500 and gave it a try to fit my ST. It worked. Not the prettiest thing you ever saw, but it works great.

Tom

[Wes]

I love Gadgets.

I found an item at Aerostich. It is a small kick stand plate with a parachute cord attached that is long enough to reach the left grip. On the end of the pararchute cord is a red nylon ribbon with the words "Remove Before Flight".

I bought one and it works great. I laugh every time someone asks "What in the He** is that for?"

find this little $18 item at:

www.aerostich.com/home.php?cat=345

:04biker: Wes

[NormanPCN]

Second vote for the carbon fiber Aerostitch toy. Have yet to use it though.

[rob.uk]

At every motorcycle show I've been to in the UK, where visitor motorcycles are parked on grass, the organisers supply a sidestand support free of charge for you to keep. Its a hard plastic oval shaped moulding with a cup edge to prevent your side stand slipping off it. It has diamond shaped serrations on the lower side to grip the ground.

I could make enquiries about suppliers - I know they are commonly available in the UK from shops at about £1 == $1.82 each. If anyone wants me to get hold of 10 or more and ship them over to the USA, just say the word!

Regards,
Rob

[Rob Hephner]

I step on a soda can, usually works for the day... :)

[Bones]

Hardware stores have plastic discs that you stick to a wall to protect it from a dents by a doorknob. Buy two and stick the adhesive sides to one another. Drill a small hole and run some thin nylon rope through. The rope will help you drop it in the right place while you're still on the bike. Make a loop to drape over your handlebar so you can pick it up when you leave. Lightweight, durable, won't scratch if it hits your paint, fits in your right fairing pocket, cheap.

[Carl_T]

I had some painted luan 1/4 inch plywood laying around so I cut a 3x3 inch piece. It's been used on the last bike (1400cc Intruder) for a couple of years, and now resides in the unlockable front side pocket of the fairing, not trick, but adequate so far.

[SteveST1300]

I picked up some plastic disks made for side stands they were free at the MC show. :03biker:

[Mike]

Beer can :D

[Ken]

$10 for two:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10066&item=4551337403&rd=1

[Putt]

around 2 bucks at my local Yamaha dealer,
Iadded the 3/16's eye bolt and the nylon string..
Fits very nicely in the locking pocket...

Putt

[Dorian]

I step on a soda can, usually works for the day... :)
Beer can :D

Thats been my solution since '70. If I leave it behind, no big deal. But its getting harder and harder to find cans laying around. (recycling)

[Don-STOC237]

AOL cd-roms work well. That's about all they're good for, and they're available for free at thousands of outlets. :D

Personally, I use a "bigfoot" plastic footprint, available at most moto outlets, with a parachute cord attached to it. The other end of the cord is tied into a loop and goes around the clutch control.

[CruisingDog]

I just find a bit of road that is non asphalt. Or find a pebble or a bit of wood or something lying around.

[sundug]

I just welded some scrap steel onto the sides of the stock foot, cost nothing, and does not make the bike stand up straighter, like add on feet will. Nothing to remember, no strings attached. Doug

[sokay]

Five years unfailing service from: The plastic cover to one of those small round "serving savers" one finds in the grocery store. Hole poked in edge with a deployment/retrieval string thereby attached that leads up to handgrip. Stores in right side cubby. :)

[Rob Hephner]

AOL cd-roms work well. That's about all they're good for, and they're available for free at thousands of outlets. :D

Personally, I use a "bigfoot" plastic footprint, available at most moto outlets, with a parachute cord attached to it. The other end of the cord is tied into a loop and goes around the clutch control.

Finally, a use for those damn things!!!!! :mcrider:

[EdsST]

I don't think it matters much, but one thing that I've learned is to somehow connect it to the handle bars or grip when you have the bike on it. I don't know how many I've left behind because I forgot to picked it up after I started the bike.

[threexcharm]

At every motorcycle show I've been to in the UK, where visitor motorcycles are parked on grass, the organisers supply a sidestand support free of charge for you to keep. Its a hard plastic oval shaped moulding with a cup edge to prevent your side stand slipping off it. It has diamond shaped serrations on the lower side to grip the ground.

I could make enquiries about suppliers - I know they are commonly available in the UK from shops at about £1 == $1.82 each. If anyone wants me to get hold of 10 or more and ship them over to the USA, just say the word!

Regards,
Rob

I have a Harley Davidson product that is similar to what you are describing.
It probably sells for around 8 to 10 bucks, but it works real good. The worst part is just having to go into a Harley dealership to buy one. Aside from a lot of chothes, it is the only thing that I have to remind me of my "poser" days.

Joe

[STSmitty]

I bolted on a pad made from a piece of 1/4" aluminum shaped to clear the exhaust when up.