Featherbed sidestand

Previously wrote:

Does anyone know of a sidestand for a slimline featherbed. I've tried the clamp-on type a while ago but it used to slip, which was not good.

well I fitted a Kawasaki ZZR600 Chrome Side Stand To my Norton Slimline and Made a plate to it up the back of the engine picking up the engine studs and then making a clamp for the from with this fitted the the back of the engine plate as well it dose not move, the in two nuts and bolts for the stand part to bolt on . it fit very nicely too and look the part , you would not know it came from a ZZR 600 . cost was £30 pounds all in , that alot better then £120 for a repro Norton one ,and works just as well ,

A fix I have seen on several bikes is to tack weld the clamp to the frame tube to stop it slipping.

Not sure if it's the same on a slimline, but I've just fitted the RGM sidestand to my Wideline Model 50 single. It clamps on the bottom frame rail.

Quite a major job taking the whole primary chaincase off to start with, and then lots of "fitting" to do to make it fit correctly. To be fair, RGM have got a sturdy, well made product here,the excellent instructions do sayit is designed such that removal of some metal is required to get it to fit correctly, dependent on your tyre/wheel size, suspension length and other variables. There is a big flat on the back of the clamp to butt up against the engine plate to stop it moving. And then it needs painting.....

Gordon,

Correct fitting is essential, the flat of the side stand bracket must go up against the engine plate, it is impossible to fit correctly with the primary inner case in place and even when removed can be difficult to get in the correct place.

I have a side stand on my 650SS and it does not slip.

Hope this helps

Tony

One hint (bodge) for a slipping clamp-on sidestand is to put a piece of emery paper between the clamp and the frame rail (carborundum side towards the frame rail). It's quite effective. And no, it wasn't my idea. All credit to the late Eddie Tasker, well-known Norton dealer of Edinburgh. Gordon.

I fitted one recently to my Dommi, it was purchased from the NOC spares scheme.

All I did was remove the exhaust and the primary chaincase and then jiggle the new clamping bracket in from a rearward position and then slide it forwards until it starts to touch the engine plates.

About an hour's fettling with a file and it was done, no moving of the engine or plates necessary.

I don't know how you did it, Bob - I failed dismally to find a way of fitting mine and it stayed on the shelf for some years before I finally took the engine out for new bearings and (thankfully) remembered to fit the stand when I had the chance. No filing or otherwise fettling though.

I must say I don't use it as often as I expected to. I'm sure it's safe but it doesn't inspire me with confidence, especially if the bike slants sideways a lot on ground that isn't perfectly level - or even a bit uphill.

Thank you both. I will attempt to do it with by removing the chaincase (the inner one!) and see if I manage.

Quoting: "then jiggle the new clamping bracket in from a rearward position and then slide it forwards until it starts to touch the engine plates"

From the instructions provided with the sidestand, for safety reasons the design of the bracket is such as to ensure that it does not slip/twist around the frame. Hence the flat inner section, to fit against the engine plate. Also it is meant to go ahead of the extra welding bit on the frame. So, it sits between the crankshaft case and where the centre stand is attached to the frame.

Just saying this because I didn't understand how you could jiggle the bracket from a rearward position. Anyway, hands on deck, and will try to take some snaps!

A fix I have seen on several bikes is to tack weld the clamp to the frame tube to stop it slipping.

I can confirm Duncan's comments above as I bought a new sidestand, complete with leg and bracket from RGM a few years ago. The standard of fabrication was excellent and the instructions very good. It was supplied unpainted so that it could be adjusted to suit your machine. I simply fitted it when I took the engine out, and no modifications were required. It works well on my Mercury and is good value for money.

Philip

Hello! A few weeks later than desired I finally got to install the side-stand on my 1967 Dominator, not without some fiddling and wrestling with the primary case and the stand.

To put it clearly out there, I had to:

Hope it helps!

When Norton originally made their bike they obviously started with the bare frame, then fitted the sidestand! A bit like an old car my wife once had (Austin Ambassador)where they started with the finished bodyshell, then fitted the heater matrix into the engine bay bulkhead - then the engine and exhaust etc. !

Previously lionel_yexley wrote:

When Norton originally made their bike they obviously started with the bare frame, then fitted the sidestand! A bit like an old car my wife once had (Austin Ambassador)where they started with the finished bodyshell, then fitted the heater matrix into the engine bay bulkhead - then the engine and exhaust etc. !

Hello Lionel that Austin Ambassador must be worth a mint by now, lovelycars anyway how are these days yours anna j