6mm rear shock spacer and lean angle on stand

[macca]

Hi guys

Just installed a 6mm rear shock spacer and the lean angle on the bike on its stand now seems crazy. Is this safe? Anyone had it fall?

I will upload a couple pics shortly...

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[binny]

Yeah my yellow storm was like that. I was a bit paaranoid about it but it never fell over. Some people go as far as using two side stands to make a longer one. Or you could attach some rubber or something to the bottom. Or keep a little puck in your bag to put under it when you park.

[macca]

Cheers Binny.

I think i'll keep a tiny bit of 12mm ply wood or something for now.

[2wheelsagain]

I think I saw somewhere a Blackbird stand mounts the same but is longer.

[macca]

I took the bike out for a quick spin and on several occasions felt the back end drift or wobble when I was off the throttle or coasting downhill.

On close inspection of the bike this morning I realised that the chain was extremely loose! Presumably when I installed the spacer it changed the geometry of the bike and created slack in the chain?

Could a loose chain explain the rear end drifting? It felt real bad/scarey when it happened...

Aside from that the bike is so, so much easier to turn into corners!

[binny]

I wouldn't think the chain would do that. I would be checking the shock bolts and everything around there are all done up properly.

[2wheelsagain]

I'm agreeing with the above.
The chain will be slacker with the spacer though.

[macca]

Thanks guys,

I double checked everything - the shock is still correctly in place and tightened to the correct torque. I'm wondering if maybe I just happened to be a bit more 'aware' of the road feel now that the riding position is a bit different?

Don't know... I did get everything a solid check over again last night when I tightened the chain and there's really nothing amiss that I can identify. Hmmm!

[madadz]

When was the last time you checked your wheel bearings? Loose chain and a rear angle change may have highlighted shagged wheel bearings.

[macca]

Good point Madadz. I've not checked the wheel bearings (I've only had the bike a couple months and hardly ridden it).

Also, does anyone know where to buy a new drive chain slider? Mine is worn through and I can't find anything on the intertubes...

[madadz]

Not expensive through Honda from memory.
Or get someone like Dotmar to make one for you.

[macca]

Found this (though not in stock): $52
www.powerplantmotorcycles.com.au/find/part/M.215502

So they do exist!

[binny]

Give your nearest Honda dealer a call. It might be cheaper than you think.
The dude who I bought my storm off ordered and fitted one to it in the few days between me test riding the bike and picking it up. He lived near all the gold coast bike shops so would have got it from the local honda dealer.

[1wd]

Apr 8, 2014 16:08:16 GMT 10 macca said:

Found this (though not in stock): $52
www.powerplantmotorcycles.com.au/find/part/M.215502

So they do exist!

How goods that link! Online microfische.
Thanks Macca will keep that in favourites

[carlos8]

I have had the 6mm shock spacer in mine and have not had any trouble with bike wanting to fall over even when loaded with all my gear

[kenmoore]

Back of the rear spring as the spacer loads it up .

I was advised by a guy on another forum to do this and it made a world of difference.

Check the settings on the back shock and reset to standard and then go from there.

I have always liked my suspension on the firm side so was a bit sceptical about backing the spring off, now having done that after fitting the spacer I can recommend this adjustment.

[colinlinz]

The spacer doesn't do anything more than position the rear higher. It won't effect spring rate, or shock stroke. You should always start at the basics. Set the ride sag, then the static sag. If one is ok, but the other not, then you need to consider changing spring rates. Pre load won't change the stiffness of the loaded spring. The 6mm spacer will lift the rear end considerably, and the bike will lean over on the stand quite a bit more. How far will depend on how much preload on the rear spring. I've had a 6mm spacer in my bike for many years, it has never fallen over. That said, there have been times when I've not parked in some places because of the extra lean. Shayne made a longer stand, and the blackbird option sounds ok. I was just too lazy to bother. ?

[2wheelsagain]

After buying a Blackbird kickstand on eBay I discovered these which may even work better with the original kickstand.
The foot shape is very similar. Anyone tried these R & G items on a Storm?

[1wd]

^^^^^ Iron shoe for the iron horse?

[macca]

Ok so I think I figured out what caused the back end to move around:
1. My rear tire pressure was way too low! 26psi... The recommended psi is 42
2. The particular patch or road I experienced the movement on seems to have some funny undulations, and I've since been able to reproduce the feeling going over this same stretch of road (though much less noticeable with the correct psi in my rear tire!)

I have also pondered buying a stand shoe like the one posted above, however they seem to be made only to fit specific bike models. If no one else's bike has tipped over then perhaps I'm worried for nothing! Otherwise I may try and buy a Chinese cheapie on eBay and mod it to fit the storm stand. I have an old Dremel tool that could do the job with the right bit attached.

[Hobastard]

Tyre Pressure will do it for sure.....
I have had the 6mm Spacer, and 90KG Racetec Springs in the Front, which lifted both ends of the bike when parked. It has never fallen and i don't have any concerns that it will, on level ground at least.
I do use a piece of wood under it in the Shed.
The only real issue that I have is when refuelling. The extra lean angle does not allow me to completely fill the already undersized tank where every drop counts. I have been seriously considering welding a spacer on the bottom of the stand for this reason........ one day.

[vtrstormer]

Apr 4, 2014 19:16:26 GMT 10 macca said:

Hi guys

Just installed a 6mm rear shock spacer and the lean angle on the bike on its stand now seems crazy. Is this safe? Anyone had it fall?

I will upload a couple pics shortly...

Cbr1100xx stands fit and are longer and fix the lean angle problem. I got one off eBay for 10 bucks plus postage

[macca]

vtrstormer - can you post a pic please? Does it also connect up so that you can't put the bike in gear with the stand still down (the storm automatically turns the engine off in this circumstance).

[vtrstormer]

macca its a direct swap and can even use the same switch and spring. works as OEM does

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[macca]

Thanks vtrstormer - looks perfect!

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[vtrstormer]

No worries mate...The only thing with these stand is the heel peg is alot shorter so that will take some time to get used to....But the lean angle is alot less

[Deleted]

where did you get that idea from vtrstormer.
the guy must be highly intelligent. and probably good looking to i would imagine ;-)

[vtrstormer]

May 17, 2014 4:55:56 GMT 10 @azzaonafirestorm said:

where did you get that idea from vtrstormer.
the guy must be highly intelligent. and probably good looking to i would imagine ;-)

No not really.....

[1wd]

Is there any one good looking and intelligent enough to tell me what dimensions and material the spacer is. IE: can I go to Bunnings and get a few 2mm thick Galv washers and grind a slot, or is that not a smart idea.

[vtrstormer]

That's pretty much all it is....you cam make these out of alloy plate square to sit nicely in the space or washers as many have used in the past....up to you mate and how detailed you want to go.