lowered bike -- need to shorten kickstand

[lilmskitty]

Morning all,

New to the forum and have a big question.

I'm 5'3" tall and just got my '04 SV650S 4 days ago. We lowered her 3" by replacing the stock dogbones with longer ones but now of course I have NO lean when I put down the side stand/kickstand. So strategic parking is a necessity.... Any advise on how to shorten it?

Thinking I need to cut out about 1" of stand and have it welded back together (inserting a metal rod for stability purposes) but I was wondering if anyone has experience with this and could offer some comments?

Thanks in advance,

~Kitty

[jonacol]

Can't see a prob with this. Any car repair place should be able to cut off and reweld the little foot for small money. Try 1/2" at a time, its easy to take more off but more tricky to put it back :wink:

[BillyC]

I think this is a little known problem, that is facing the increasing number of shorter ladies on the site - Kate and Samnooshka.

Please let us know how this goes!

[mr&mrs_sv]

I've heard you can adjust(file down) the stop on the side stand where it hits the sidestand switch so when you kick it down it goes further forward so therefore the bike will lean over more. :wink:

[Sid Squid]

You can make a bit of difference by filing the stop, but to make any sizeable change you really need to shorten the stand, it's an easy enough job for anyone with a hacksaw and a welder.

If you were in the London area I'd be glad to help, but it's a bit of a way to your house from here.

[lilmskitty]

Thanks so much for the advise!!

I went to a good machine shop out here and they took off 3/4" of the stand, inserted a metal rod to make it stronger and welded it all back together -- even repainted it for me -- nice guys eh?

All for $30

Nowhe foot rests on the ground correctly and my heart doesn't stop when I have to get off of her -- even though I'd rather just stay on :P

~Kitty