My newly purchased K100 has had the sidestand removed, supposedly because the bike was too heavy for the ground to support the weight.
There is a rocker behind the gearbox with what looks like a bike spoke attached that is just flopping around.
Looking at a workshop manual, it appears to be a "sidestand retracting mechanism link rod and nut"
I have two questions
1. What the hell is a sidestand retracting mechanism?
2. Does the rocker thing do anything that means a new sidestand should be attached, or some type of remedial action be taken if it left loose?
Cheers
Ian

Here's a link to www.realoem.com/bmw which shows what you'll need to make it happen (on an early k100). Mine has none with no worries.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0503&mospid=51751&btnr=46_0116&hg=46&fg=15

PS, in order for other members to be able to expedite an answer to your query, it's best to include the exact year and model info (and VIN too) of your motorbike in your signature.
Cheers.

Thanks Guest I.T.H.
That seem like an elaborate setup where a lot of bikes just have a couple of springs. Does the rocker part do anything else, like lock a rear brake or something, or is it just a matter of transferring the spring pulling power rearwards?
Cheers

It's a simple pull-the-clutch-lever-in-and-up-goes-the-sidestand safety mechanism. Removing it all allows for your own thought processes to take over in a natural way and become personally responsible for retracting the stand manually, the old fashioned way. I forget on occasion and that low scraping sound followed immediately by a quick jolt to the right as I get underway is an excellent reminder...

Good to know it's not really required. Those BMW techs are pretty clued up. I haven't found the fridge under the seat yet, they must have missed that one.
Cheers

ianburgess wrote:Good to know it's not really required. Those BMW techs are pretty clued up. I haven't found the fridge under the seat yet, they must have missed that one. Cheers

Which allows me to segue to my favourite statement regarding our machines....The K bike is as reliable as a fridge, but (for some) not nearly as cool!