Center stand help

I recently took my center stand off so I could fit a new set of headers to the bike. I've found several threads here on how to remove the center stand but none on how to reinstall. The problem is that I can't for the life of me get the spring re attached. That thing is strong. I'm pretty strong myself but I can't seem to stretch it down far enough to hook it on the stand. Anyone done this before?

 

Yep, is a royal pain in the neck to install that spring. I used one of those pliers -sorry, don't know what is called- that has a square end and also I used a screwdriver with a hook.
This picture will give you an idea what the pliers look like.
http://all-free-download.com/free-vector/download/pliers_clip_art_10578.html
By the way, I had someone hold the bike for while it was on the center stand. I sat on the floor and used my legs to push myself backwards for more leverage.

 

Bend the spring one way and put a nickel between the coil, then bend the other way and do the same. Go back and forth until the spring is long enough.

 

Just had my center stand powder coated on my 83. Took an hour to get spring on! Hook the top part first, use round screwdriver through bottom hook and end under lower hook and pry down and slide spring over, just keep working at it. A real PIA!!!!!

I tried the coin trick, couldn't bend spring far enough to get them in.

 

Have a look at this video, it might help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTaXQ37z2GQ

 

That is basically what I did, except I din't use vice grips and was underneath, not on the side like the video.

 

Great trick! Back in the day (20th century) we used washers and a ratchet tie down. Probably fewer pesos today using nickels or even quarters. I think they can still be "recycled".

 

I've never had the opportunity to use it but it always sounded like a great way to do it.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. I like the coin idea I'm going to give it a try. It's funny that badbilly mentioned the ratchet strap method. I actually tried to use a ratchet strap but couldn't get the angle right to slip the hook on once the spring was extended. If all else fails I'll try the vice grips w/ big f'n screwdriver combo.

 

Anyone tried a trampoline or similar spring pull?

I've never done this before so just wondering.

 

Just curious why/how did you remove the centerstand before removing the headers?

I recently did an engine swap on my 2001 and removed the headers without removing the centerstand. I installed the headers on the donor engine and finished putting together the bike and today I went to put the center stand from my old engine onto the new engine and found it's not possible to put the right side centerstand bolt without removing the header. kicking myself for not forseeing this and installing the centerstand before the header as it'slike a pita to remove the header again

 

I may very well have missed something but it was the only way I could see pulling the exhaust off the bike. Now bear in mind, I couldn't separate the exhausts component parts due to rust. I pulled the whole thing off as one piece. The nickel trick worked on the spring though.