Kickstands

[Gear_Jammer]

I need some info on kickstands/bike stands for my mini. My mini doesn't have a kickstand, so I've been using a 5" piece of PVC pipe that I cut that goes right under one of the footpegs. It works, but if someone bumps the bike too hard, I'm pretty sure it will fall over.

All of the kickstands I've found are to be welded on and since I'm not a welder, I can't do that. I'm curious whether there's a bolt-on kickstand that won't fall off/loosen from the vibration of the engine.

I would love to have one of the Taco bike stands, but I don't want to pay $75 from Taco and I haven't been able to find one anywhere else. I found a generic stand on eBay that's only about $45 with shipping, but it's 13 1/2" tall and I think that may be too tall. Does anyone have any suggestions of other stands.

Lastly, I'm going to have to store my mini for several months towards the end of the year because I'm have hand surgery and will be in a cast for 3 months. Is it better to store a mini using a kickstand or a bike stand?

Thanks?

 

[spacecoast]

If your looking for a quick fix on your kick stand dilemma, you can purchase a universal mount bike kick stand and cut it down to make it work. As far as storing your mini, I would be more concerned with draining the gas from the tank and carb bowl, as opposed to whether it was standing straight up or on a kick stand. Take your plug out and spray some silicone or wd in the cylinder as well.

 

[Mac]

I've seen several different Barstools that if you'd chop off the legs would make a decent minibike stand, and for pennies on the dollar.

 

[spacecoast]

That is a slick idea Mac. Seen many .50 - 1.00 bar stools at garage sales that would fit the bill.

 

[GTO]

A welded stand would be best and you could have someone tack it on for you.

You could use a bike stand and make a bracket so it bolts to the engine mount or round clamps to the frame but they can come loose.

If you want something like a Taco stand, just use a plastic tool box which you can find for used $2 and it won't scratch the bike. (these are still a pain and a kick stand is better. )

I wouldn't spray WD-40 down my engine or on anything else! Check out "tune up blaster" for the carb and engine. :thumbsup: Also change your oil.

 

[spacecoast]

I've never had a problem lubing my cylinders with wd or silicone for storage. What problems did you run into GTO? In the marine world, it is common practice to "pickle" or "winterize" your motor for storage. Besides flushing the cooling system, you spray the cylinders down to prevent flash rust from forming. Your warning is a new one for me GTO, I'm curious.

 

[delray]

i found using wd-40 on engine blocks and heads for storage is not to good. after a month or so, it just drys up and starts to rust again. i also use some spray oil base protects and they works better,for example chain oil spray for metal parts. never used it for cylinders?

IF ALL FAILS WITH WD-40 YOU COULD USE IT TO LUBE YOUR EXHAUST:biggrin::lol:HA ..HA...

 

[Mikes Bikes]

Marine engine fogger is the best way to prep for storage.

 

[Gear_Jammer]

Thanks for the suggestions...I like the barstool & tool box ideas. Those are 2 things I wouldn't have ever thought of trying. There's just something way cool about the Taco stand, but it ain't $75 worth of cool...

I'm planning on getting the engine all ready to be stored - I guess you Yankees call it "winterizing" it. Down here it's riding weather about 325 days out of the year, so I'm not used to having to do anything other than regular maintanence.

Right now I'm in the process of getting everything perfect on it (new wheels, tires, chain, clutch, throttle & cable and a new coat of paint) so that once my hand heals it'll be in tip-top shape! I'm hoping to be able to ride it again by early/mid spring if everything goes well with my hand surgery...it'll probably seem like an eternity, but with my hand the way it is, it hurts like hell if I ride for more than about 30 minutes, so it'll be worth it...:thumbsup:

 

[xdomhnallx]

Take a look at mine. Just has 2 flatted ends with 2 90 degree bends. Bolts up right next to my rear axle. Super simple, though it does scratch the rear fender a bit. I plan on putting some kind of plastic guide directly on my fender to save the paint. There is a little retainer bracket on the rear fender that holds it in the upright position. Maybe this could work on yours???