Removing the centerstand

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Lint, Apr 18, 2018.

  1. Lint

    Lint Member

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    Is it straightforward or are there tips I should know? The part of my centerstand that's closest to the tire, is REALLY close. Since it was the cause of my last crash on the track, coupled with its proximity to my back tire, it's gotta go. Do I need to remove the header? Please tell me I don't!

    I actually don't really want to do this, but it's too close to the tire. Not touching, but approximately 10mm from it, with the bike on the sidestand. Well that and it keeps touching pavement. o_O
     
  2. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    The gap to tyre is normal.
    I’ve done track days and had no problems with CS.
    But having the right springs (front and back) and having raised the rear 15mm makes all the difference.
    I’m afraid the headers need to come off mate.
     
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  3. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    However, you might be able to do it by loosening the right side bolt then cutting it with an angle grinder.
    That’s the problem bolt that will hit the headers.
     
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  4. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Don't know on the 5th gen, but on the 8th gen. Yes, you do have to take off the header.
     
  5. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I looked at it more closely. The centerstand is most definitely bent. It's actually only about 4mm from the tire. I need to figure out how to loosen the Delkevic header down pipe that the bolt hits on the right side. It's only one pipe, then it will unbolt on that side and it will come off. I'm trying to loosen as little as possible to prevent buying new gaskets etc.
    But, since it's very obviously bent, I suppose I could cut it off. Hard for me to think about doing that though. It's still serviceable as a garage centerstand.
     
  6. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I too have raised the rear/dropped the front, but I'm also on the stock suspension, so any extra clearance, I need it. Add that to the fact of it very nearly touching the tire and, well...
     
  7. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I'm trying to figure out how to get a Dremel in there.
     
  8. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    If you have a Delkevic it’s easy to do.
    Just loosen the connections and the pipe will wriggle out.
    The crush seal will seal again, I’ve done it before as long as it wasn’t over tightened the first time.
    And the rest is sealed with high temp silicone.
     
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  9. Lint

    Lint Member

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    Thank you for the tips. The previous owner put the header on after getting hit by a Prius. Imagine that! Someone in a Prius driving poorly...

    I'll give it a shot this morning.
     
  10. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I can't get the header to budge and I don't want to loosen the whole thing. I suppose I could leave it, but it's very close to the tire.

    20180419_103624.jpg
     
  11. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Come see me, I’ve done this on my 5 Gen prior to my low side, so ironically it was done prior to my header replacement.
     
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  12. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I should. I was thinking of cutting it off, because it's bent and they're around $25 on eBay. But still, part of it would still be on the bike, not being a problem, but it would slightly bug me for a little bit.
    What do you think?
     
  13. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    All we need to cut off is the bolt that hits the headers. Personally, I like not having it, peace of mind at the track and as long as I have my kick stand, not a problem at the track. At home I have more than enough ways to raise the rear of the bike, or the entire bike for that matter, that I don't even miss not having it on the bike.
     
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  14. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    PS, if you come by, you can pick up that front fender while you're here!
     
  15. Lint

    Lint Member

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    There's a concept!
     
  16. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    When I bought My '98 it came without a centerstand. So, I bought a used one on Fleabay. It was bent, but I didn't know that until I had installed it.

    Two things that may help you. One; in order to install the bolt you are having trouble with, I used a small pry bar to give myself just enough room to install the bolt, because I too felt that I could not remove the header. Just a bit of pressure to flex the exhaust did the trick without damage. Second: I was able to straighten the stand enough by doing the following- With the bike on the centerstand, I laid a 12-16 inch long 2X4 on the floor going under the bike with one end against the inside of the left stand peg. With the help of a friend to steady the bike, I then took a sledg hammer to the other end of the 2X4. Mine was bent toward the chain side, that is why I hammered it toward the muffler side. It took quite a few hard hits to get it to where I was satisfied. I hit it hard enough to move the bike an inch or two sideways each time! The used stand must have been off of a crashed bike.

    I guess now that I should have recorded a video of the "repair". I know what your thinking.......... Photo, or it didn't happen. :)
     
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