centre stand

[pastypirate]

hi
has anyone encountered problems with the centre stand on their xj600n ,my bikes only done 4,500 miles and the bike is very unsafe on the stand it actually got a remark on mot last time (although it was not mine then) everthing looks ok but the stand is loose in the frame have not had it off ,is it possible that the bolts are worn or the frame holes enlarged if so how can i rectify the frame problem ,thanks

[bobh]

I'm surprised that it's noticeably worn at that mileage.

The bolts are quite large diameter shoulder bolts. It's most likely to be the holes in the stand that are worn, though the shoulders on the bolts may also show some wear. The holes in the frame should be OK as the bolts don't normally rotate in those. Any rectification would depend on what's worn and by how much, but fitting oversize bolts, or standard bolts inside an oversize spacer, would be a real pain as you'd have to ream out the frame holes.

Diversions are noted for the centre stands being less than solid - the 900 is worst, but it also applies to the 600. The pivot points are not far enough apart, so any play at all allows the bike to move from side to side.

My own personal view is to look at the centre stand as purely an aid to maintenance, and use the sidestand at all other times. If you've ever had a sports or trail bike you'll be familiar with this approach as they don't normally have centre stands anyway. If you're worried about the MoT, just take the stand off and put it on temporarily (minus the spring) when you want to lube the chain etc. (or use a paddock stand). Alternatively take it to the MoT place that M40man and I use - I'm sure they never even check the centre stand there.

[polecat]

Mine is the same and I checked it underneath and there was no visible wear.
So I assumed it was just the way they are,quiet scary at first when I was polishing the bike and it started wobbling