Is this the locating spring on an early Commando center stand that comes off the frame, not the cradle? If so, where does it go? I got it with my center stand from RGM.



Dave

Dave, I dont think so, the one on my bike is a much larger diameter coil than this and has a long straight end with bend in it and the other has a semicircular bend which fits between two small welded raised sections in the middle of the lower cross tube, the semicurcular bend is the same diameter as the cross tube and hooks under it between the welded tangs. The other end goes into a hole on one of the brackets that the pivots mount to. I will try to move stuff around sufficiently to get in and take a photo within the next couple of days. There is a pair of springs currently on e-bay USA under the title 'Norton 750 Commando fastback stand spring' which shows the exact spring and it's side stand brother.

Dave,
Thanks, yes, I have the larger spring too. Here's a picture of the stand and spring and I think the hole it goes into on the top, loosely in place. Need to figure out how to get it over the bottom of the stand, and I think it looks like it will go on the left side of that square lug that is welded to the bottom right (I tried to lighten it a bit). Not sure if the spring will clear the bolt head as it moves through its arc. The parts book lists the centre stand 06.1116, the centre stand spring 06.1039 and also a centre stand locating spring 06.1295. I wonder if it goes over the pin that sticks out of the bottom left side so as to "locate" the stand with your foot?

There also seems to be a notch in that upper hole that extends straight towards the rear?



Dave

Dave, that is the correct spring and you have it orientated correctly. It does go to the outside of the tang, my bolt heads are 5/16 deep and have sufficient clearance even with a large washer on the inside to avoid fouling, I seem to remember putting the spring in position on the stand with the pivot bolts and nuts out and then pulling whilst lying on the ground and supporting the frame with my feet, I can't remember if i used my teeth or my helpful neighbour to put the bolts in position, but i think it is easier with three hands.
Regards

Dave

DogT wrote:Is this the locating spring on an early Commando center stand that comes off the frame, not the cradle? If so, where does it go? I got it with my center stand from RGM.



Dave

The tapered spring you have pictured goes on the protrusion on the side of the stand so when it is retracted you can deploy it with your foot. The one on my 69 Fastback broke long ago and I have been searching for one.

I kind of thought that is what it was for. "Locating" means finding the stand I guess. I got my centre stand from RGM with all the parts. They probably have the spring, but shipping may kill you. How does it go on, just keep pressing? It seems awfully tight on that pointed sprig and it looks like it needs cleaning and painting.

Dave
69S

Dave, my suspicion is that if you turn it against the direction of the spring winding, the coils will open slightly and be easier to fit than by simply pushing it on. It is splendid to find out about all of these details that I was completely ignorant about.

What daveM said is exactly right, just rotate it on against the direction of the coil windings...it won't vibrate off. It not only makes it easier to bring down the stand but having the spring to put your foot on also allows you a good stance while pulling the bike up onto the stand.....otherwise you are trying to hold the stand with your foot under the bike and that always throws me off balance.
I expect you are in the deep freeze like everyone else in the country right now. In Arkansas I am used to riding through most of the year. It is 6 degrees this morning, I guess I better get out the Stabil!!

Ok, you can see how lucky I was trying to get this thing on from the paint that is scraped off. I was lucky to get one of the loops on the pin before I couldn't go any further, even with the pliers. What size of gorilla do you need to do this?



Dave

Hey DogT,

There are several possibilities here:

1. If the stand came powder coated the pin will be too large in diameter and you will need to remove some of the coating.
2. If it isn't then proceed like you are but combine a little taping on the end of the spring with the twisting
(if you use some vice grips properly adjusted you won't have to worry with keeping pressure on the pliers)
3. If you find a piece of tubing with a slightly larger inside dia than the spring, you can put it over the spring to keep it from going sideways on you while you tap on it. Sometimes this alone will get you on.
3. The leading end of the coil may be digging into the pin and you will need to smooth it with a dremel or hand file
4. When all else fails add a little heat to relax the spring some.
5. And above all have some fun!!
Tim