Hi (insert appropriate designation),
  
I have an '85 k-100rs. I am starting the dismantle for cleaning and re-building where necessary (pics as soon as I figure out how to up-load).
I have removed all extraneous parts so now I have a 2 wheels, a frame, engine and transmission. Wheels still on so I can push it around the garage.
This gives me a much better understanding of the bikes design and function that reading a book or video (like that Chris Harris guy, who is great but still doesn't show all the angles).
I like almost all that I see but one thing I noticed when I test drove the bike was that the side-stand would bind. I put the bike up on my home made stand and found a lot of "slop" in it. I intend to replace the bushings and strengthen any suspect parts.
What I don't understand is the concept of the "side-stand auto-retract". Why? 
I'm old school...sit on bike... straighten up bike.. kick up stand...drive away... stop put feet down.. push down stand....done.
I would accept an idiot light to tell me the stand is down but why would I willingly give up control of the retraction to the clutch lever actuation? I just see potential problems for a minor convenience.
My question is....
 Do any of you just eliminate the stand-to-clutch pivot linkage or would this cause something unforseen?
Thanks,
Rob

p.s. I also plan to increase the side-stand footprint and height by fastening a hockey puck to the base (Used pucks are free, The Touratec model cost $90.00 CAD)

I don't think you will find many here who haven't got rid of that "thing" that is supposed to retract the side stand.
There are no good things about it that I know of, I think it was one of BMWs well intentioned gadgets that don't work.

got rid of mine rob

the hockey puck idea is a good one ...been done by a few here ...but sometimes interferes with the exhaust stuff and centre stand ....

removing  just a little off the height of the arm bush has sorted mine out big time ...now nill slop and it no longer rattles on the muffler in the up position ...I have a nice rusty patch where it used to ....(paint is coming to this soon )

agree with you there Charlie , I added a block to my base plate , to reduce the lean when parked up.
 but it now reduces the available lean on left handers, when in motion. and interferes with the undercarriage.
if only someone could devise a retractrable ratchet extension to the sidestand to allow for those not so kind leans.

Strange, I like the mechanical side stand retractor; always works and never given any trouble.

Far better than having anything electrical down there.

Although I hated the self-retracting spring loaded retractors on my 70's and 80's boxers, always cut off the pin so they stayed in place.

Paul.

My LT has the clutch lever/sidestand link and its excellent.

The RT had the self retracting spring loaded retractor and when I took the RT for a test ride I could not get the side stand to stay down so I couldnt get off it no matter how I tried. Anyway went back with it and got him to hold it and then went investigating. Discovered that cutting the pin to below the retractor spring would eliminate the problem so hack saw sorted it.

I like mine and try to keep it working, only setback is don't let the bike alone on the side stand, if a curious hand tries to play the clutch it can end braking the wire, let the bike  on the center stand with the side stand retracted.
Best regards
JAP

After 3 years of having a very stiff clutch I finally figured out that the rod that is attached to the sidestand
retractor was slightly bent and rubbing on the exhaust pipe. I have dismantled mine and zip tied the loose arm to something that doesn't get hot. Much happier.

RT wrote:zip tied the loose arm to something

You didn't use white ones, did you   .

Great advise.
 The auto fall-over device will go and I will re-think the hockey puck idea.
Thanks

sidecar paul wrote:Strange, I like the mechanical side stand retractor; always works and never given any trouble.

I'm with you on this one, Paul.  I prefer the mechanical linkage over the electrical switch.  My MG has an electrical override on the sidestand and it can fail due to the severe beating it gets being near the pavement.

Unlike the Jap bikes with their fancy bit of rubber on the end of the stand that would push the side stand up if you didn't, BMW passed on the simple and went with unique.  Good part of the self retractor, you can't forget to put up the stand.  Bad part, when some snot plays with your clutch lever when parked and your bike goes down.

I've gotten used to mine and it works quite well. 

As for lean angle, Replaced the bushing and made a custom bend in the stand to decrease the angle.