VF500F Side Stand

I've been having an issue with the side stand on the 500 being in the way of the shift lever. It's very hard to get my foot under the shift lever because the side stand is there. What gives? Other than removing it completely, is there a solution? Do I possibly have the wrong side stand on there?

 

Don't have a solution for you, but mine is the same way. I just figured the side stand was bent or something.

 

Mine is also in the way. I think mine has bent out a little over time so this summer I plan on bending it back into shape. I also have big feet so that doesn't help.

 

I have the same exact problem too!

I think it's just a crappy job by whoever designed the side stand

 

Well, that sucks. Looks like I'll be removing the side stand...

 

I would try bending it just a little bit. not so much to let the bike fall over when it is standing on it but just enough to get it out of the way. Mine only has the side stand. I've got a center stand on my parts bike but I don't really need it. I think it would be a pain with just a center stand. just my .02

 

yeah i definitely wouldn't want to go without a sidestand!

 

I've owned 4 of these bikes and everyone of them did the same thing. Obviously, with time, the more the bike is on the sidestand, the worse it will get. You could try to bend it back and minimize the use of it, or you could take it off and just use the center stand. The center stand is all you need.

 

maybe there is an aftermarket sidestand? i dount it though.

It doesn't always bother me, it depends which shoes/boots I have on

 

Same problem with mine. Fixed by drilling a small hole into the sidestand, tapping it and inserting a buttonhead screw in a position that acts as a hardstop.

 

There is two parts to the fix for this. The first part concerns the pivot mounting bolt. These are usually loose which allows the return spring to kick it out from where it should be. Tighten this bolt up as much as you can before the movement binds. The second part is to remove that stupid rubber part. I also cut off the mounting bracket on the end of the kickstand as well. Your foot is actually hitting that rubber thing, so removing it provides more clearance.

After doing these two things it's still not perfect but a lot better. I can't stand stuff like this!

 

What is the little rubber thing and the bracket that holds it on for? I am have the same problem and I am about to cut the bracket off but I thought I would ask what it was first.

Thanks

 

I believe it is so it doesn't sink in to soft surfaces so much.

 

The part in question looks like a black rubber eraser. It is on there in case you start moving with the stand down and is supposed to catch the ground and flip the stand up to prevent a hard jolt which could cause you to lose control. I'm not sure if this actually works or not. I think it looks ugly and totally gets in the way, that's enough reason for me to give it the boot.

FYI - Newer bikes get away without this part because they have an ignition cutoff that kills the engine if the stand is down and it's put into gear.

 

Your so smart!

 

I don't recommend you cut-off the rubber thingy. Just had a rider on another list crank his bike over at 45mph with the sidestand down and got thrown off. Broken femur and ankle plus other injuries.

I've had the sidestand bump up at a gentle lean at low speeds. At high speeds, it probably is not going to help.

The issue I've had with my VF700F is the shifter hitting the return spring hook on the sidestand on downshifts. I've had the stand bent and the side of the shifter still sometimes catches on the hook and I have to use my foot to pop it back up. I've ground away some of the frame-stop so the sidestand can come "back" further, but now I'm probably going to have to have it cut-off and re-welded in a different spot.

 

Zombie thread alert.

I love this site. Every issue I have with my VF500 has been discussed to death already. I spose that's the advantage of owning a 26 yo bike.

 

You are definitely in good company here. There are still many 500 owners on this forum. I'm glad this 5 year old thread helped you!