Why is my center stand dragging?

The center stand on my '94 was hanging a little low, but not dangerously low, so I procrastinated. Then it fell to the pavement while going 20mph. I tied it up to the frame and rode home.

NOw I can't see anything broken so I don't know what to fix or replace. When these things give-out what is the usual culprit? Thanks for any help.

 

There should be a 2 stage spring that goes from a little post on the center stand to a point on the engine case. That is the spring that keeps it from hanging.

 

+1 with Drewl.

 

Yes, two springs. That way if one breaks, it will hang down a little to warn you of the emminent danger that lurks ahead. Just like it did for you.

I'm sure the evil gremlins could have made this turn out much worse, but someone was looking out for you. Procrastination and bike maintenance can be a very dangerous combination. When something doesn't look or feel right, check it out. Half way through a wicked curve, is not the place you want to be when it comes back to bite you in the a$$.

Not everybody gets a second chance, use it wisely.

:crazy:

 

Thanks, points well taken. The problem is that the spring is still attached and seemed tight, although obviously it's not working, so I don't know what to fix. I can't find any thread about repair and nothing in the repair manual.

 

Are both springs attached? It should be a heavy spring on the outside and a much lighter one inside that.
On the 5th gen there is a attachment point on the cross bar of the center stand and a pivoting bracket that hangs from the engine case.
I am not at home so I cannot take a pic at the moment.

 

Is that you, BobCat? I assume it must be. Its me, Mark.

When I looked at this particular centerstand, BOTH of the springs appeared and felt tight and connected at both ends. But the end that attaches to the frame seemed to be encased in a round plastic tube (?), so I couldnt get a super close eyeball on it. Plus I was in leathers and couldnt bend down far enough. Being that he had it safety wired up into position, I also couldnt swing it down to feel what the tension was like.

So yeah, this one seemed weird if it was actually dragging.