I picked up my new (to me - it's actually a '92) K100RS yesterday, and the guy who loaded it on the trailer insisted that the most secure way to load it and strap it down was to put the kickstand down and then strap the front forks at the sides. I added a strap wrapped around the bottom of the rear wheel to each side of the trailer to keep the bike from shifting from side to side. As I was driving home in the rain, the kickstand slowly bent until it broke, and the bike gently laid on its side as I quickly pulled of off the highway. I was able to set the bike upright, and place it on the center stand.

I re-strapped the bike in place on the center stand, and I didn't have any issues for the rest of the trip (about 120 miles). A quick look around the bike didn't show any damage, but it was late at night. I'll check it better after work.

The bottom line is that I should have done a better job ensuring it was strapped down correctly.

marleydog

Not a good start Marleydog but hopefully no damage and that's a simple lesson. Side stands aren't too hard to come by but when fitting a new one it might be a good opportunity to replace the bolt/pin and bushing as well so you don't get the famous K bike lean. (assuming the base mounting is ok! it's pretty strong)

Welcome to the forum.

88KE

I did notice that the bike seemed to lean a little low. I'll check out the bushing when I take the stand off. I plan to weld the broken piece back on. It looks like it broke at the factory weld, where the hollow stand is welded to the forged arm.

I enjoy working on bikes and do most of my work. I have a small metal lathe and a milling machine, which come in handy for making small parts that are too expensive or hard to find.

I just hadn't planned to need to work on this bike so soon.

marleydog

When I had mine driven home (twice), we put it on the center stand and pulled the rear wheel until it touched the rear of the trailer. Then we strapped it down diagonally from stem to loops in the front, and a loop around the rear wheel to loops on the rear of the trailer.
For added security, we also put two straps from the frame to both sides, drove a couple of kms, and retightened.

Took what was left of the kickstand off, cleaned it up and welded the broken leg back onto the stub. After it cooled, I sprayed it with some flat black paint and when it was dry reassembled everything. It seems to work well, but the bushing is worn (I understand that's a common problem), and the bike does lean noticeably. I'll probably turn a new bushing on the lathe this winter when it gets too bad to ride.

Took the bike out for a 30 miles trip, everything seems to operate as it should. It's been a few years since I've ridden, so I'm still a little rusty, but it was a blast to get back on a bike. I'll post some pictures in a new thread.

marleydog

good one marley ...cheers !

marleydog wrote:....
Took the bike out for a 30 miles trip, everything seems to operate as it should. It's been a few years since I've ridden, so I'm still a little rusty, but it was a blast to get back on a bike. ...
marleydog

Look at Charlie's signature Marleydog, kinda describes that "back on a bike feeling" doesn't it?

Good work!
88

That sums it rather nicely!

Good thing I had a full face helmet, otherwise I would have eaten a ton of bugs, 'cause I was grinning from ear to ear the whole ride!

I have been trailering bikes for years and my opinion is to never use the side or center stands. You want the suspension to compress so that there is always tension on the tie-downs. I strap the front down using soft tie extensions and then if there is a spot to connect on the rear I like to have a total of 4 points tied down. If there is not a point on the rear I loop a tie-down around the rear tire so it can not bounce and move side to side. If you use the stands you can not keep constant tension on the tie downs and it can shift and move. I have never lost a bike.

I love the name that Charlie gave his bike. I drive trucks for a living and have always named my big trucks as well as my personal vehicles. Haven't named my bike, still getting a feel for it.