Side stand spring is weak or the stand is loose

The side stand does not snap up firmly, hangs partly down, or wobbles at its pivot. The parked bike may lean further than normal and fall over. A stand that drops while riding can catch the road in a left turn and throw the bike down. If the bike has a side stand switch, a loose stand can also make the engine cut out.

Is it safe to ride?

With care only if the stand stays fully up. If it drops or hangs down while riding, do not ride until it is fixed; tie it up as a short-term measure only to reach a repair point.

Quick checks first

• Hold the bike upright and flick the stand up and down: does it snap up and stay?
• Look at the spring: stretched (gaps between coils at rest), rusted, broken, or one of two missing?
• Wiggle the stand foot: play at the pivot?
• Does the bike lean more than before when parked?

Diagnose it step by step

1Does the stand snap fully up and stay against its stop?

• No: go to step 2.
• Yes: go to step 3.

2Is the spring stretched, broken, or missing?

• Yes: fit a new spring (both, if two are fitted) (Check the side stand).
• No: the pivot is dry or tight. Clean and grease it, and check the stand is not bent so it rubs the frame.

3Is there play at the pivot?

• Yes: tighten the pivot bolt and nut (K-Light 125 side stand bolt: 45 to 50 N·m). If play remains, the bolt or the bore is worn; replace the bolt or have the bracket bushed.
• No: go to step 4.

4Does the bike lean too far when parked?

• Yes: the foot is worn or the stand is bent. Replace the stand. Check the bracket on the frame for cracks (Crack in the frame or a bracket).
• No: go to step 5.

5Does the engine cut out when you ride over bumps, or will it not start in gear?

• Yes: the side stand switch may be loose or faulty. Test the side stand, clutch and neutral switches, see Engine dies when the side stand moves.
• No: done.

Causes, most likely first

Reference values (K-Light 125)