46 BMW 1983 R80ST Install Crash Bars, Side And Center Stand

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.

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.

Brake Spring Install Hook

Brake Spring Install Hook

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.

Cut-Down 6 mm Allen Fits Between Oil Pan And Center Stand Bracket

Cut-Down 6 mm Allen Fits Between Oil Pan And 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.

Worn Down Center Stand Foot

Worn Down Center Stand Foot

Worn Down Center Stand Foot

Worn Down Center Stand Foot

Install Center Stand Foot Reinforcement

Install Center Stand Foot Reinforcement

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

Powder Coated, Reinforced Center Stand

Powder Coated, Reinforced Center Stand

Powder Coated, Reinforced Center Stand

Powder Coated, Reinforced Center Stand

Install Crash Bars And Sidestand

These are the crash bars and the mounting hardware.

Crash Bars And Sidestand

Crash Bars And Sidestand

Crash Bar Hardware

Crash Bar Hardware

Sidestand And Hardware

Sidestand And 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.

Crash Bar Bracket Orientation: The Bolt On The End HAS TO BE A HEX HEAD BOLT, NOT THE ALLEN BOLT I SHOW

Crash Bar Bracket Orientation: THE BOLT ON THE END HAS TO BE A HEX HEAD BOLT, NOT THE ALLEN BOLT I SHOW

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.

Apply Wheel Bearing Grease To Sidestand Pin

Apply Wheel Bearing Grease To Sidestand Pivot Pin

Snap Ring Secures Side Stand In Crash Bar Bracket

Snap Ring Secures Side Stand In Crash Bar Bracket

Snap Ring Secures Side Stand In Crash Bar Bracket

Snap Ring Secures Side Stand In Crash Bar Bracket

Sidestand Inserted In Crash Bar Bracket

Sidestand Inserted In Crash Bar Bracket

Sidestand Installed In Left Crash Bar

Sidestand Installed In Left Crash Bar

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.

Engine Stud Hardware

Engine Mounting Stud Hardware

Crash Bar Installed On Front Engine Mounting Stud

Crash Bar Installed On Front Engine Mounting Stud

Remove Front Engine Cover For Easier Access To Crash Bar Bolt

Remove Front Engine Cover For Easier Access To Crash Bar Bolt

Upper Bracket Lock Nut And Washer

Upper Bracket Lock Nut And Washer

Upper Crash Bar Bracket Mounted On Frame Tube

Upper Crash Bar Bracket Mounted On Frame Tube

Lower Crash Bar Bracket Mounted On Frame Tube

Lower Crash Bar Bracket Mounted On Frame Tube

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

Left Crash Bar Installed

Left Crash Bar Installed

Right Crash Bar Installed

Right Crash Bar Installed

Torque Front Engine Mounting Stud Bolts To 55 Ft-Lbs

Torque Front Engine Mounting Stud Bolts 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.

Sidestand Spring Plate Fits On Pin Of Crash Bar Bracket

Sidestand Spring Plate Fits On Pin Of Crash Bar Bracket

Using Phillips Screwdriver To Install Sidestand Spring

Using Phillips Screwdriver To Install Sidestand Spring

Sidestand Installed

Sidestand Installed

Install Center Stand

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

Put Bike On Sidestand To Install Center Stand

Put Bike On Sidestand To Install Center Stand

Here is the center stand hardware.

Center Stand & Hardware

Center Stand & Hardware

Center Stand Hardware

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.

Center Stand Top Hat Bushing

Center Stand Top Hat Bushing

Center Stand Bushing Top Hat Brim Goes On Outside Of Center Stand Hole

Center Stand Bushing Top Hat Brim Goes On Outside Of Center Stand Hole

Center Stand Mounting Bracket

Center Stand Mounting Bracket

Center Stand Spring Pin On Inside Of Center Stand Mounting Bracket

Center Stand Spring Pin On Inside Of Center Stand Mounting Bracket

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.

Holding Center Stand Up With Some Wire

Holding Center Stand Up With Some Wire

Long End Of Spring Fits On Pin On Inside Of Center Stand Bracket

Long End Of Spring Fits On Pin On Inside Of Center Stand Bracket

Short End Of Spring Fits Over Loop On Center Stand Brace

Short End Of Spring Fits Over Loop On Center Stand Brace

Using Brake Spring Hook To Install Centerstand Spring

Using Brake Spring Hook To Install Center Sand Spring

Center Stand Installed

Center Stand Installed

All Done

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

All Done

All Done

2 thoughts on “46 BMW 1983 R80ST Install Crash Bars, Side And Center Stand

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.