Shortening a center stand and the side stand.

[Hottech]

Lowered my 2004 R1150R and now the side stand is too long making the bike stand straight up and the center stand is impossible to use. I bought a used side stand and center stand and plan on cutting and welding to take off an inch or more. Any one have any suggestions on where to make the cuts. Above the foot pad or the middle of the shaft for the side stand. And how about where to cut the center stand? Any suggestion would be appreciated.

[riceburner]

I've not done it, and tbh never really thought about it - but my first though would be "don't cut the MIDDLE of a shaft/pipe/tube", cut the end off.
So - for the stands - I'd cut off the foot plates (this is for both stands), cut the tubing at the bottom end to the desired length, then weld the footplate (or a replacement) on.

If you cut and weld the tube in half then you're messing with the structural rigidity of the assembly, and introducing a weakpoint in the tubing.

[Hottech]

Thanks, will try it and let you know if it works.

[trickytree]

Well, I've just done the opposite actually....lengthened them! I cut mine so as I didn't have to alter the length of the springs and also kept the bump stop for the centre stand in the right place.
I would think your best bet would be to make new feet out of some 3mm plate and chop the ends off....might be a bit close to the centre stands bump stop but otherwise pretty straight foward. Also, make the side stand foot bigger while your at it.
You can cut the tube in the middle no problem but you must use a slug inside (radius the ends to prevent stress points). Tack together with rose bud welds then weld the cut. Don't just butt join the tubes together and weld.

[Keppelj]

I had a '96 GS that was a leaner, for some reason leaned too far over on the side stand. Can't remember how much I added, but I removed the stand, cut the tubing above the foot, matched the tubing diameter and wall thickness with a short piece of steel tubing, bevelled all four joint ends and TIG welded it. Properly done there will be no strength problems. Primer and good black paint.

[sjbmw]

I had Hyper-Pro (fantastic shocks btw) shocks installed on my 04 R several years ago, and had the bike lowered 3/4 an inch. I do have to park on left leaning gradients though, as I never dealt with the kickstand. Parking this way is a habit now, but I would like to get the stand lowered just the same.

Please share pics of the post surgery! thx