Stands.

[MGI]

My bikes both have handles on the left hand side of the rear mudguard but even with the handle it is almost impossible to get it on the stand safely. I actually purchased another handle and installed on the opposite side which doesn't help at all but at least it is somewhere for anyone else that can be persuaded to assist to pull/lift. The thing is, with the advent of old age it is necessary to get it onto the centre stand in order to be able to kick start it, trying to kick start it whilst similtaneously keeping it vertical is even worse than trying to get it on the stand. At least the 500 now has an electric boot enabling me to start it whilst sitting on the seat - priceless!

[Richard Mills]

I have had the same problem with my 1958 B33. Fitted a new stand for an A7/A10 which has an arm out on the left side and with weight applied to the end of that with the left foot, and pulling up on the lifting handle that I fitted (just to the rear of the top shock absorber mounting), I now find it quite easy to put on the centre stand. The arm does stick out a bit in order to clear the non-existent left hand silencer; unfortunately a new singles style version  was unobtainable.
I use a block of wood under the front wheel technique on another bike when in the garage, but no use when out and about on the BSA with no electric start where I have to use the stand to start it.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

Has anyone tried starting their bike standing on the righthand side with the bike on the side stand?  Left or right leg?
I used to know a chap who had been quite badly affected by polio and this is how he started his Spitfire Mk2 with 10:1 compression using his better leg which was his left one.   This might be doable especially with lower compression engines.

Dave.

[idie]

A guy at the branch starts his A65 using his left leg. He has done this since he had a replacement right knee. I have tried to do it with no joy.

[Rog1]

A guy at the branch starts his A65 using his left leg. He has done this since he had a replacement right knee. I have tried to do it with no joy.

It's pretty awkward kicking over a bike with a left side lever. With MZs I've owned, I would start it from cold standing on the left and using my right foot. Once the engine warmed up, I could start the thing left footed, while astride it.

[B Murphy]

Fitted a new stand for an A7/A10

Richard - do you know if the A7/A10 stand would fit my 1950 B31 Plunger?

Bob

[idie]

I think you will find that the design is very different.

[Rog1]

I have plans to modify my centre stand following the stand design of my other bike, which weighs another cwt over the heft of my BSA. It's still far easier to get on the stand. One issue is that the BSA's stand in use is 20 degrees from vertical; the stand on t'other bike is at 15 degrees, and it's a worn stand...

I'm sure I wrote about this somewhere; this isn't the first time this topic has come up, and it won't be the last. I will try and find it.

(Edited) I found two threads:

https://www.bsaownersclub.co.uk/bsaoc_forum/index.php?topic=7699.msg37217#msg37217

https://www.bsaownersclub.co.uk/bsaoc_forum/index.php?topic=8733.msg45041#msg45041

[Richard Mills]

Bob,
No, I don't think that there was such a stand made that would fit a plunger.

[Richard Mills]

Dave,
I nearly always kick start my motorcycles when they are on the centre stand using my left leg; this is just habit from when I got my first one at 16 years old and there was no-one to show me otherwise!
Only exceptions are that I can do right leg hot starts astride my B33 because it's so well mannered and doesn't often kick-back so I feel fairly confident; however I hardly ever do this. Other exception is with my Morini K2 with the kickstart on the left where I stand on the left and kick with the right leg. However, I tend to use the electric leg instead!

[John FD]

I don't have any problem with the main stand on my plunger M33. This might be because it has an oversize front wheel. I push the stand down, shove a foot behind it and pull the bike up just using the handlebars. When it's on the main stand the rear wheel is only just clear of the ground but that's not normally a problem. Putting the back wheel on a plank to give you a head start often works but only at home in the garage. I had to do this with one of my heavy old Guzzis until I gained the knack which involves putting left foot on the stand, letting go of the bars and lifting up and backwards using both hands. My M33 doesn't have a side stand and I don't like those clamp-on jobs. I've thought about designing something to go at the front of the frame where the engine plates mount but don't want to just come up with something that bends the frame. I've often wondered if those military stands for rigid M series bikes can be made to work on a plunger.

Having said all that, the bike's currently propped up, as usual, on an old wooden tool box which just happens to be the right size to put under the riders footrest. I also have a wooden prop to put under a footrest if I'm likely to have to park on grass at a show or whatever.

As for starting the bike. I usually roll it off the stand while astride it and kick it over still astride. I am lucky being tall and with no dodgy knees yet.

[MGI]

I have perused all the copies of the Star that I have, regrettably it is clear that I don't have the issue with the centre stand crib. I have attempted to regurgitate it via the BSAOC forum but without success - does anyone know which copy of the Star featured this adaption? I have been a member for approaching 4 years and generally fail to keep too many editions, a fact I now regret.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

I will try to have look through mine tomorrow.

Dave.

[TJ]

Hi, If you log into the Members Area of our BSAOC website you will find a 'searchable' Technical Articles list. Once you find the month and year Star it was published in you can go to the Star Magazines page where PDF copies can be downloaded. I find this works well.
Also interesting to read some of the old magazines which go back to 1964. 

[DAVE BRADY]

Good morning,

I have gone back through 4 years of The Star and did not see the article about the stand modification.  Perhaps Chris (Editor) can point you in the right direction re year and month.

Dave.