R1200S bikes with different sidestand lean angle?

Mark R 1200 S · 03-21-2020, 04:54 PM

On R1200S, has anyone else noticed the differing sidestand lean angles, observed from bike to bike while parked?
Some used units lean way-over while parked on sidestand, while other used units are quite upright.
I'm thinking many owners have damaged the sidestand mount welded to the frame. Only intended as a prop, I think this may be the result of sitting on the parked bike with deployed stand. Or even mounting the parked bike while not first uprighting the bike off the stand.
I've passed on purchasing a number of used units, due to what I see as an incorrect parked lean angle.

Anyone recollect new unit variability, back in the day? (Mine came factory, quite upright.)

Note: I'm now seeing similar on RNineT used units.

sgoodwin · sgoodwin's Garage

Must be a lot of fat fucs!

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

Sidestands are not really made to support anything other than the motorcycle. Especially with the newer, lighter bikes...

I wouldn't do that on my RnineT or my old R1200S, it is obvious they are somewhat flimsy. Plrobably won't break off, but yes they will bend some.

BikerMiker · BikerMiker's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark R 1200 S

On R1200S, has anyone else noticed the differing sidestand lean angles, observed from bike to bike while parked?
Some used units lean way-over while parked on sidestand, while other used units are quite upright.
I'm thinking many owners have damaged the sidestand mount welded to the frame. Only intended as a prop, I think this may be the result of sitting on the parked bike with deployed stand. Or even mounting the parked bike while not first uprighting the bike off the stand.
I've passed on purchasing a number of used units, due to what I see as an incorrect parked lean angle.

Anyone recollect new unit variability, back in the day? (Mine came factory, quite upright.)

Note: I'm now seeing similar on RNineT used units.

I'd be interested in something more upright if is exists.

Exaggerated side stand angle is a common complaint and not necessarily caused by FFs

.
A 55 rear makes the lean worse and judging by what was going on with my bike when
I bought it, some folks have some horrible sag or ride height adjustments done.

I use a 1.5" thick piece of wood in the garage.

Some here have heated and bent the side stand straighter.

Mark R 1200 S · 03-22-2020, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerMiker

Some here have heated and bent the side stand straighter.

Mike, nine years ago a middle aged woman in a beater 7-series backed into my bike while parallel parking, striking my R1200S with such force it bent the sidestand mount. I removed the stand, put it in a vice, heated and bent the stand to effect less of a lean angle. Not quite how it was from the factory but clse enough so that when I gazed at the bike during lunch stops, it didn't bother me anymore.

It's also not good to have your bike's motor parked for extended periods at that lean angle.

Have to say, out of the last dozen or so R1200S used bikes I've observed over the past 6 months, at least 9 have had bent mounts. Sad. Reminds me of the days where similar observed for Harley Big Twins and Norton Commandos.

Droptarotter · Droptarotter's Garage

I don't think it's bent mounts that you are seeing.
A lot of us have used 55 tires instead of the stock 50's. We have also lengthened the torque arm and raised the rear shocks ride height, all of which will raise the bike.
I have the RT A-arm and that raises the bike even more.

I think I lengthened my side stand by 2" to compensate.

If a bike looks good, a possible stand problem would not deter me.

Cheers

BikerMiker · BikerMiker's Garage

Here is a pic of mine without the block underneath in the garage. The lean angle sucks but for periods less than weeks I don't see much harm. I don't see anything bent or out of sorts underneath.

Guess I should really get the bug guts off her...

Mark R 1200 S · 03-22-2020, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

I don't think it's bent mounts that you are seeing.

I think I lengthened my side stand by 2" to compensate.

If a bike looks good, a possible stand problem would not deter me.

Cheers

The bikes I've observed were stock in those regards. Interested in seeing your lengthened stand.

I admit, I'm an Adrian Monk over the stand issue.

Mark R 1200 S · 03-22-2020, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerMiker

Here is a pic of mine without the block underneath in the garage. The lean angle sucks but for periods less than weeks I don't see much harm. I don't see anything bent or out of sorts underneath.

Guess I should really get the bug guts off her...

Yes, a block appears required. Have seen same recently, to a RNineT Racer with less tan 200 miles on it.

BMW should affix WARNING stickers on these when delivered new, so owners are made aware.

Droptarotter · Droptarotter's Garage

There you go!!

Cheers

Mark R 1200 S · 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

There you go!!

Cheers

Impressive. You didn't take it off the bike to photo, did you? That retaining clip can be a ***** to put back on, for the sidestand safety switch.

Who welded it?

Thanks for taking the time to pic, upload.

Droptarotter · Droptarotter's Garage

Yes, off the bike.......i bought a spare to do the mod.
I had one of my welders do it for me.....he is a perfectionist and was not really happy how the hex shape turned out, but I was.

Cheers

Mark R 1200 S · 03-25-2020, 08:28 AM

For reference:
Excessive lean while parked on stand: This is the best view to determine damaged sidestand tab (welded to frame).
Note the repair, reshaped sidestand.

Most unfortunate, majority of used R1200S bikes I've encountered that are being offered for sale show excessive lean, requiring modified stands.