SR500 side stand lengthening

With the SR500 going in a street tracker direction, I wanted to ditch the center stand. I didn't use the side stand much, since the bike leaned over too far, and was not very stable on it, so had to fix it.

First thing is to look for anything bent or damaged. The frame tab looked fine. One problem, the stand pivot had slop in it, which caused the bike to lean over more. The top was flared out a bit, so I bent it back and noticed the bolt head doesn't make contact when installed all of the way. When reinstalling, I used a flat washer here, which should keep it from flaring back out again.


I then measured and figured I needed to lengthen it by 2 inches, so first the cut.


I'd cut off the left side passenger peg mount (the right side stayed since it is also the exhaust mount), and one part was the perfect size tubing to slug it.


I cut a 2" piece of 3/4" OD x 1/16" wall tubing for the extension.


Preparing to weld, leaving a small gap so all three pieces get welded. This allows it to be ground down and still be strong.


Welded and cleaned up.


Painted and back on the bike.


Much better, and no more center stand. I am keeping the center stand tabs on the frame, in case I need to stick it back on for any maintenance.

As for the rest of the bike, it is almost done. I need to find an upholsterer, and thinking about paint.