Hi Andy..The stand itself is strong and structural failure very rare. However, limit of movement of the stand is goverened in both the raised and lowered positions by 'stops' on the frame. These stops and the slots they fit into on the stand wear.
When the stand is in the lowered position this allows the stand to move too far forward beyond the vertical position, putting excessive load on the pivot bolts instead of transferring the weight of the bike to the stand legs.
When the stand is in the lowered position and against the frame stops it should only be about 5 degrees past the vertical position. If it is more than this the stops should be built up with weld and filed back to produce the required angle.
When the stand is in the raised position, if the stops are worn, the stand will come up too high and contact the inside edge of the brake operating arm on the rear brake plate. Again, the stops should be built up and refiled until sufficient clearance is obtained if this is happening...Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com
Thanks for the reply.
How does this look? Nothing was badly rusted before I started. I guess when I fit the front tyre it might add another degree or so.
email (option): Adh325@hotmail.com
Hi Andy...The angle of the stand in your photo looks reasonable...However, the angle will depend on whether you have the front of the bike at the right hieght. As you lift the bike it steepens the stand angle. Set the bike up with the lower frame rails parallel to the ground...if the angle is then any more than it is now the stops will need some attention. Bear in mind my comments regarding the raised position of the stand as well..The stand pivot is a weak point in the design of the M20 and prone to rapid wear. I never use mine when kickstarting the bike or when it is heavily loaded with camping gear (unless I have a puncture). I put the bike on the stand when carrying out maintenace tasks, other than that I always use the field stand....Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com