The left side crash bar on the R80ST includes a bracket for the side stand. So I start by installing the crash bars, then the side stand. Then I put the bike on the side stand and install the center stand.

Here is how I removed all those parts.

• 46 BMW 1983 R80ST Remove Center Stand, Crash Bars and Side Stand

Tools

On the earlier model center stands, I was able to install the center stand return springs with vice grips, and/or a large flat blade screw driver. These days I use a brake return spring hook I bought at my local auto parts store. It works like a champ.

To install the center stand pivot bolts, I use a shortened 6 mm Allen wrench that will fit between the oil pan and the center stand bracket.

Parts

I was able to salvage almost all the parts and clean them up. I replace the rubber plugs that cap of the tubes in the center stand and the bumper stop on the side stand. I also replace the center stand bushings as the original ones where worn.

Part #	Description	Qty
46 52 1 236 522	CAP, Center Stand & Sidestand Plugs	5
46 52 2 301 704	BUSH – 13,5MM; Center Stand	2

Video

Here is a summary video of how I do this work.

VIDEO: 1983 BMW R80ST Install Crash Bars, Side And Center Stands

Repair Center Stand

The center stand was in bad shape and I had it repaired and a brace added.

My son is a welder and did the work for me. This is the result after powder coating.

Install Crash Bars And Sidestand

These are the crash bars and the mounting hardware.

I bought a stainless steel hardware kit to replace the original hardware. The kit included the bolts that secure the top of the crash bar brackets to the crash bar, but they are Allen head bolts (upper right in the picture above). There is no way I can get an Allen wrench on the bolts on the bottom brackets, so I use hex head bolts as was originally used to mount the crash bars.

Before installing the crash bars, I install the sidestand into the bracket on the left crash bar. I put some wheel bearing grease on the pivot pin. The side stand has pins on the leg for the retraction springs and the bracket also has a pin. I install the side stand to the pins on the leg are on the same side as the pin on the bracket. I install one of  the snap rings on the end of the pin, insert it into the bracket and through the side stand and then install the other snap ring on the pivot pin.

The crash bar bracket has a bracket on the bottom that fits over the front engine mount stud. I install the crash bar on the engine mount stud leaving the nut loose and then swing it up against the frame and install the brackets around the frame tube. I’ll torque the engine mounting stud nut later. I found it was easier to install the top hex bolts if I removed the front engine cover. Before removing the front engine cover, I disconnect the battery ground so I don’t short out the diode board as I remove and install the engine cover. I install the hex bolt on the end of the crash bar and the locking nut on the crash bar stud to secure it to the frame.

After installing both the left and right crash bars, I torque the front engine mounting stud nuts to 55 Ft-Lbs.

Install Sidestand Return Springs

Now I install the sidestand spring plate and the side stand return springs. The spring plate fits on a pin on the sidestand bracket. One end of the return springs fit onto the two holes of the spring plate. The other end of the springs fit onto the two pins on the side leg of the sidestand. I use a long Phillips screwdriver to install the springs on the sidestand pins. I catch the hook on the end of the spring around the shaft of the screwdriver and lever it against the pin to stretch the spring. Then I slide the spring down the screwdriver shaft and catch the spring hook over the pin.

Install Center Stand

I put the bike on the sidestand so I can install the center stand.

Here is the center stand hardware.

There is a top hat bushing that fits into the hole on the side stand and against the bracket on the frame. The brim of the top hat goes on the outside of the the center stand hole. The bolt fits through the bushing and is secured with a lock nut. The two return springs are the same length and one end fits over a pin on the inside of the center stand bracket next to the engine block and the other end fits over the loop on the center stand brace.

I use some wire to hold the center stand up as the spring length is shortest when the center stand is retracted. The long end of the center stand spring fits over the pin on the inside of the center stand bracket and the short end fits onto the loop on the center stand brace. I use the brake return spring tool to stretch the center stand spring so I can hook it onto the loop on the center stand brace.

All Done

Here is the R80ST standing up for the first time in over a year. 🙂