View Full Version : "Suicide" Sidestand
david.hicks
15-Feb-2006, 16:32
Anyone know if there is an easy fix/replacement for the "suicide" sidestand on my 996 SPS? I only got it in January and I wouldn't like to bet on it getting through the year without me dropping it - I really would feel better with a "normal" sidestand that stays put when I put it down.
weeksy2
15-Feb-2006, 16:34
yup LouigiMoto and Cornerspeed will both supply and fit the kit for not a lot of cash.
david.hicks
15-Feb-2006, 16:39
Thanks. Wish I'd thought and asked about it sooner - my bike was up at Louigi Moto for a service just a few weeks ago!
antonye
15-Feb-2006, 17:02
I think it's just a different bolt which you need, but give Louigi a call as he should know.
Wouldnt mind getting this mod for mine really. Although I am used to the flip up side stand now.
When I use my other bike, I remember what its like for a stand to stay down until "I" flick it up.;)
I actually quite like the flip up sidestand, find it quite strange riding a bike without it now... mind you, does make it hard getting off the paddock stand single handed!
All you need is the plate and nut off the later sidestands, the ones with the switch. Change them for the originals and you're sorted. Costs about a fiver and takes 10 minutes to do.
By suicide stand do you mean the modded one that stays down and flips you off the first left hander you come to:(
Seen it twice before including my mate on his 916 a couple of years ago and knackered his hip and does'nt ride any more and a shop that had a virtually new 996sps that someone took for a test ride with the same results....so not something i would do...best way to cope with the standard setup is get off the bike before trying to put it on the stand
david.hicks
15-Feb-2006, 21:20
Originally posted by bolds
By suicide stand do you mean the modded one that stays down and flips you off the first left hander you come to:(
I guess I'd want the engine to be killed automatically if you try to pull away with the sidestand down .... is there a fix for that?
Col996s
15-Feb-2006, 21:53
Yes there is. You can wire it in with the netrual switch. There are kits you can buy to do this. Look on ebay and you should find.
david.hicks
15-Feb-2006, 21:56
best way to cope with the standard setup is get off the bike before trying to put it on the stand
Hmmm - in the meantime I'll try that.
The kits that kill the engine if you go for a gear with the stand down are for the later bikes that won't start ith the stand down.
There is a kit available from Ducati to upgrade the older bikes to this type of operation but they are seriously pricey............
Scooter916
15-Feb-2006, 23:09
Originally posted by bolds
By suicide stand do you mean the modded one that stays down and flips you off the first left hander you come to:(
Seen it twice before including my mate on his 916 a couple of years ago and knackered his hip and does'nt ride any more and a shop that had a virtually new 996sps that someone took for a test ride with the same results....so not something i would do...best way to cope with the standard setup is get off the bike before trying to put it on the stand
Been there done that.... 80mph highside into a very deep lincolnshire dyke........
Leave it flip up cos it hurts if you forget that it no longer flips up.
Glyn
david.hicks
15-Feb-2006, 23:40
Originally posted by nelly
The kits that kill the engine if you go for a gear with the stand down are for the later bikes that won't start ith the stand down.
There is a kit available from Ducati to upgrade the older bikes to this type of operation but they are seriously pricey............
Ah .... anyone know how much?
You'd be better off buying a later bike with the new stand fitted............
I think, from memory, it was £300 +
It's a new stand assembly, relays and wiring loom!!
To be honest, if you don't like the stand flicking up on it's own then get the newer plate and nut. You just have to remember to flick it up manually.
If you don't fancy the risk of forgetting, then practically, you're best off leaving it as is.
I modded my side stand. I dropped the bike in a filling station and that was all I needed to convince myself.
rockhopper
16-Feb-2006, 11:26
I've also heard parked up bikes being blown slight upright by a gust of wind, the side stand flicking up and the bike falling over.
I had the flip up side stand on my 888 modified so that it doesn't flip anymore. That way it's just the same as my ST2 which never had a flip up stand in the first place.
For me, I just don't like the flip up stands because I always find them very awkward, not to mention the risk of the bike hitting the deck.
As for the danger of leaving the stand down when riding off, well that danger is always there but, c'mon guys, does anybody really need an automatic flip up stand to stop that happening? It's easy to prevent. All I do before I set off is to look down at my toes as I put the bike into first gear...Voila, an automatic safety check just like looking over you shoulder before you pull away
dickieducati
16-Feb-2006, 12:22
Originally posted by rockhopper
I've also heard parked up bikes being blown slight upright by a gust of wind, the side stand flicking up and the bike falling over.
must be some wind to blow up 35 stone
weeksy2
16-Feb-2006, 13:15
Originally posted by Jools
I had the flip up side stand on my 888 modified so that it doesn't flip anymore. That way it's just the same as my ST2 which never had a flip up stand in the first place.
For me, I just don't like the flip up stands because I always find them very awkward, not to mention the risk of the bike hitting the deck.
As for the danger of leaving the stand down when riding off, well that danger is always there but, c'mon guys, does anybody really need an automatic flip up stand to stop that happening? It's easy to prevent. All I do before I set off is to look down at my toes as I put the bike into first gear...Voila, an automatic safety check just like looking over you shoulder before you pull away
i'm 100% with you on this one mate... Every other bike Manufacturer doesn't use it, how often do we hear stories of people forgetting ? really, next to none surely.
rockhopper
16-Feb-2006, 13:39
It happend to my CX500 (!!) dickie!
I saw a 916 go over at the side of the road as a truck went by. It happens...
dickieducati
16-Feb-2006, 15:51
doh! apologies then.
maybe stay in on windy day in future :eureka:
sorry i'll get my coat :(
Originally posted by weeksy2
Originally posted by Jools
I had the flip up side stand on my 888 modified so that it doesn't flip anymore. That way it's just the same as my ST2 which never had a flip up stand in the first place.
For me, I just don't like the flip up stands because I always find them very awkward, not to mention the risk of the bike hitting the deck.
As for the danger of leaving the stand down when riding off, well that danger is always there but, c'mon guys, does anybody really need an automatic flip up stand to stop that happening? It's easy to prevent. All I do before I set off is to look down at my toes as I put the bike into first gear...Voila, an automatic safety check just like looking over you shoulder before you pull away
i'm 100% with you on this one mate... Every other bike Manufacturer doesn't use it, how often do we hear stories of people forgetting ? really, next to none surely.
Other manufacturers have a cut out system (as new Ducatis now) that cut the engine when put into gear if the stand is down-with just modding an old bike to stay down you dont have any of these safeguards.
Originally posted by bolds
Originally posted by weeksy2
Originally posted by Jools
I had the flip up side stand on my 888 modified so that it doesn't flip anymore. That way it's just the same as my ST2 which never had a flip up stand in the first place.
For me, I just don't like the flip up stands because I always find them very awkward, not to mention the risk of the bike hitting the deck.
As for the danger of leaving the stand down when riding off, well that danger is always there but, c'mon guys, does anybody really need an automatic flip up stand to stop that happening? It's easy to prevent. All I do before I set off is to look down at my toes as I put the bike into first gear...Voila, an automatic safety check just like looking over you shoulder before you pull away
i'm 100% with you on this one mate... Every other bike Manufacturer doesn't use it, how often do we hear stories of people forgetting ? really, next to none surely.
Other manufacturers have a cut out system (as new Ducatis now) that cut the engine when put into gear if the stand is down-with just modding an old bike to stay down you dont have any of these safeguards.
Yep, my ST2 has one of these cut out switches, but you have to remember that it also relies on the notoriously unreliable neutral switch.
The neutral switch has been replaced once on my ST, but they are still prone to producing a partial contact when the bike is in gear and you see the neutral light glowing softly as you ride along. When this happens the ECU thinks it's in neutral all the time and it doesn't cut the engine when you prod it into gear with the stand down - hence the visual check
david.hicks
16-Feb-2006, 17:02
Originally posted by bolds
Other manufacturers have a cut out system (as new Ducatis now) that cut the engine when put into gear if the stand is down-with just modding an old bike to stay down you dont have any of these safeguards.
£300 to have the equivalent fitted eh? Not cheap but also not a lot in comparison with some of the other costs associated with a owning a ducati (tyres, servicing etc.). The flip-up stand on my 996 SPS makes me so bloody nervous that I reckon it would be worth £300 to remove the problem. The tricky bit is the cheaper option of just removing the "flip-up" tendencies of the sidestand and relying on remembering to kick it up yourself. Can I rely on myself to remember? I dunno, but it is so cheap and easy that I am going to have to try it for a while. If I feel I can't trust myself then I figure I can always swap back and shell-out the £300.
Thing is, as with any bike. You get into a sort of...........set procedure when you take ownership of a bike. Get used to its ways, or little quirks.
Put key in bike, get on. Test for neutral, always pull clutch in and fire the bike up. Sit bike upright and up flips the stand.........................Just sort of becomes habit. ( Not saying my way is correct of course.:D)
I like it but sometimes I would like the stand to stay down, I dunno!!!! I like my stand having nothing to do with the electrical circut. Just keeps it simple, like me. I suppose you just have to pay attention to what you are doing like anything in life.
DC.:burn:
WeeJohnyB
16-Feb-2006, 17:31
I have seen literally dozens of people do this, at least one per trackday and also from doing on-road training, but mostly on track where people just fire up and ride off to a loud chorus of people shouting and waving at them to stop as they career down the pit lane. We've had people go out on a right hand circuit and realised they'll come off at the first left hander and had the marshall flag them to stop.
Also seen a non-biker drooling over the bike and putting his leg over it not realising the stand will go up, then go to step off again to a bunch of onlookers diving under the bike to keep it upright.
I prefer the manual version, then I am in control of it, not the bike or the elements. Throw your leg over the bike, stand flips up or you flip it up, then key etc etc. For me it's a bit like checking you are in first gear at traffic lights or indeed habitually anywhere - how many times do you tap the lever down in the full knowledge that it is already in first gear?
WeeJohnyB
[Edited on 16-2-2006 by WeeJohnyB]
david.hicks
16-Feb-2006, 17:48
Yeah, I know what you mean. I guess I am still in that UJM mindset - this is the first Ducati I have owned. Right now there are two circumstances that give me the willies ....
1. putting the sidestand down and getting off the bike - I am never confident that it is properly down and isn't going to spring back-up
2. getting the bugger on and off the paddock stand
I guess it is a matter of getting used to it. Mind you, I am going to try Bolds' suggestion of getting off the bike before putting the sidestand down.
Originally posted by DC
Thing is, as with any bike. You get into a sort of...........set procedure when you take ownership of a bike. Get used to its ways, or little quirks.
Put key in bike, get on. Test for neutral, always pull clutch in and fire the bike up. Sit bike upright and up flips the stand.........................Just sort of becomes habit. ( Not saying my way is correct of course.:D)
I like it but sometimes I would like the stand to stay down, I dunno!!!! I like my stand having nothing to do with the
electrical circut. Just keeps it simple, like me. I suppose you just have to pay attention to what you are doing like anything in life.
DC.:burn:
I agree that you do get in a routine-my mate had just swapped his 748 with a flip up stand for the 916 with a modded stand the day before he crashed so he was used to the old setup-but then you only need to forget once with the same results
david.hicks
16-Feb-2006, 22:52
Maybe I am being optimistic but I reckon that I would be so paranoid about it that I wouldn't forget - or if I did then I would remember soon after moving off and that would be enough of a scare. It would only need the once to convince me that I'm taking too much of a risk and either swap back to the flip-up or splash-out the £300.
rockhopper
16-Feb-2006, 23:48
I wonder if it would be possible to weld something to the stand which would cover or at least prevent the gear lever moving when the stand is down?
Flanners
19-Feb-2006, 19:33
The other great thing with the ole Duke is the false neutral, green light on everything ok, yep, go to fire her up and bingo she shoots off away from you. Never suffered any damage but nearly took out mine and four other bikes!! Now I sit on her start her and warm her up for a few minutes still on her. Have seen the bike move on the side stand with the V pulses and various road/pavement cambers, brown trouser moments!
raykay748R
19-Feb-2006, 20:05
Flanners,
good working practice on any manual gearboxed engine is to dis-engage the clutch prior to hitting start button/turning key etc. Not only does it avoid the take off in gear scenario but by pulling on the clutch lever/depressing the pedal, you are ensuring that the starter only has to turn over the engine and not the gearbox and associated sub assemblies. Thereby reducing the load on the starter motor, economising on battery drain and subsequent re-charge and makiing a tit of one's self in busy car park.
On a cold morning this method pays big dividends.
Flanners
19-Feb-2006, 20:17
Cheers, yes I usually do both on my bikes and cars but have been known to be lazy, BUT not anymore!
norty mart
20-Feb-2006, 00:30
Don't like the idea of the flip up stands, they're hard enough to get at anyway without the added doubt it'll snap back up when you ain't looking!
My 748's of the kind that won't start with the stand down (shuts it off if you put it down too) - OK cut the engine if I knock it in gear (like my 'busa does) but please, let me run it in neutral with the stand down to warm up while I finish getting ready instead of making me sit there like a lemon for a few minutes!
raykay748R
20-Feb-2006, 14:13
NM,
there is an unofficial mod that does away with the stand cut-out and also doesn't need you to spend £30-odd for a nice little conversion kit from Ducati Performance. It involves shorting the OEM cables at the first junction from the stand cut-out switch to give the bike the impression that the stand is permanently up. Also saves 75 grams or so (very important!!) cos you can bin the switch unit.
Just make sure you remember your stand/in-gear drills though. Good luck.:saint:
t5mission
21-Feb-2006, 11:21
Originally posted by david.hicks
Originally posted by nelly
The kits that kill the engine if you go for a gear with the stand down are for the later bikes that won't start ith the stand down.
There is a kit available from Ducati to upgrade the older bikes to this type of operation but they are seriously pricey............
Ah .... anyone know how much?
About £25 off ebay and worth every penny. Also means you can warm the bike up on the side stand.
david.hicks
21-Feb-2006, 14:45
Let's not confuse the two ....
The kit for the later bikes (those that won't start with the stand down) that allows you to start the engine with the stand down but kills it if you go for a gear = £25 or so off eBay.
The kit to upgrade older bikes (those that will start with the stand down) to this type of operation = £300 or so off your Ducati dealer
raykay748R
21-Feb-2006, 20:08
Kitz, Schmitz- short the wires out and be done with it all!!!!!:devil:
Anyway all well and good, but just wait till the stand snaps like a twig and your bike is on the deck looking a bit second hand.
I fitted the clip and bolt on my old 916 and its never been a problem, the standard stand was just looking a bit flexy, and sure enough it gave way (managed to save it though) and then invested in a cyclecat aftermarket stand which is 1" longer than original, so when the ride height is setup correctly the bike looks perfect on the new 1" longer stand. Always looked a bit too eager to drop on its side with the original stand.
nelly sorted me out with my kit about 15months ago, didnt even cost a tenner with postage i think, well worth it in my opinion
vBulletin v3.5.4, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.