I seem to remember reading about others modifying the side stand, presumably cutting a piece from the middle and rewelding. Beyond my capabilities but something I would now consider. I wonder if there is an optimum length?My puncture was a screw in the middle and was repaired with no issues. FE's advice was wise - heard a story where one got a flat, went over and played dominos with bikes next to it. I am wondering about getting a half inch or so taken off the side stand and re-welded. My Kawa, although lightweight, is the opposite and leans at a most alarming angle but is totally stable. Another thing to consider when parking on a camber. Or on a ferry..... And yes to protect the bike I let it go over on me once rather than damage it and was stuck under it on the drive at 6 in the morning..... The turning circle can be a nuisance when manoeuvring round cars on the drive but never been a big issue for me.
I'm in the Midlands and the weather is mixed this week but looks to be picking up next weekend. Give yourself a second birthday and new bike ride re-run?
I have now noticed that the lean on my bonneville scrambler is considerably more, even though the stand is much longer - but it has a higher pivot point. With the stand on the 961 being already quite short, is it possible that shorthening more might mean a better lean angle but actually lead to even more instability? (could this be why the problem has never been addressed by the factory). It would be better if the same stand was mounted higher but I can see that is not possible.
I've noticed that the correct lean angle on my Guzzi has been achieved by a bend in the stand, so if it were possible (presumably not) I think that might have been a much better solution for the 961.
Regarding a re-run I'm now unfortunately at the mercy of the (very busy) dealer as to when they will pick up and return the bike. I'm actually very appreciative that they are getting involved at all with something which is not really down to them.