850 CENTER STAND ON AN EARLY FRAME

Hello All- I am sure this topic has been covered, but I have searched and can't seem to find a decent picture. I have a '68 frame, with the center stand mounting plates/tangs/brackets attached to the cross member. Trouble is, the center stand I have is, as far as I can tell, the later 850 type. If I attach it to the '68 tangs, it is WAY too tall and no possibility of getting that bike up onto it. It would appear that the correct height/length would be achieved if I attach the stand to the gearbox mounting bolts on the cradle. Is that where it's supposed to attach? Or on the later cradles is there some additional reinforced or different mounting point? And please, if this is just a no-go and cannot or should not be done, please let me know. Thanks as always- eric

askdoctorday said:

It would appear that the correct height/length would be achieved if I attach the stand to the gearbox mounting bolts on the cradle. Is that where it's supposed to attach?

Click to expand...

The late* stand mounts to the cradle through two additional holes about 1 1/2" to the rear of the lower gearbox mounting holes (there is a third hole for the spring). However I think you would need to check that the cradle type stand did not clash with the original crossmember mounting brackets before it was fully extended?



*There are two types of late stand, the '750' type and stronger '850' type, and the pivot assemblies are not identical.

http://www.nortonmotors.de/ANIL/Norton% ... 13&Part=55

Thanks L.A.B- this picture is exactly what I needed to see. It would appear that I have the 850 stand with the side plates extending all the way down to the crossmember (the later one as you said). It may quite possibly work and not get fouled on the original mounting plates- I'll have to get it up on a lift and see. It would require drilling the mounting holes in the cradle; will also have to see if that's a good idea. Thanks again for the picture and link, extremely helpful. ejd

Hi Eric I have a 70 Roadster which I did a frame up on first thing I did was watch Ebay for a later model 850 engine cradle & swingarm assy that way all the holes are there including oil filter holes look for the swing arm that is factory boxed whole lot less hassle than the diy deal can usually be had reasonable Ziggy

Hi Eric me again if your bike is assembled find some one to send you a tracing from a 850 engine ccadle so you'll know were to drill the holes. It's fine to do this thats what the factory did! The new stand will clear the original frame tabs no problem Ziggy

Hey Ziggy thanks! You are obviously a genius. This was what I hoped to do, I'm greatly relieved that somebody did it before me. So I am correctly understanding that all I need to do is correctly drill the new holes in the proper spots, and the 850 stand is a bolt-on after that with no issues? Thanks again- eric

It is not easy to get to where you need to drill the holes if the bike is together. Still would be a pain but would be more accurate hole placement to remove the engine cradle and do it on a drill press. Maybe you could do it in place with some sort of drill guide or fixture clamped or bolted to the cradle. Still I think you will need to remove the rear iso bolt at least. See Swooshdave's build thread where he drilled out the 750 sized centerstand holes to use 850 bushings.

Get a helper, roll the back wheel onto a piece of 2x4 lumber, then dive under the bike and place the centerstand where it needs to be and mark the hole centers.

They can be drilled in place, but not easily and perhaps not 100% true. it's up to you.

Good info guys, I really appreciate it. I'll get the beast up on my lift and see how accessible it is. I have a good local shop with a couple of clever old racer dudes who might be of some help. The alternative is to simply get the correct early centerstand if this idea seems ill-advised. Of course, that would be the easy way, and what fun is that? Thanks again- ejd

Hi Eric thanks for the compiment my wifes opion differs greatly! The putting the back wheel on some boards is a great Idea! You will be able to see how the stand arks around the engine plate. What you are trying is worth the hassle maybe a 45 % air drill & a short bit . Don't waste your time using the frame mt center stand unless you would enjoy picking you bike of the ground they are a real piece of junk. If you elect to use the sidestand only be prepared for a nice puddle of trans fluid under your bike don't worry it will stop when your tranny is almost empty. Regards Ziggy