ok, well ive been working on alot of different vehicles over the years to include the 72 ton M1 tank and i have yet to see a WASHER fail. you're still using the same bolt (where the strength is required) and all the pressure from the bike and stand are pushing on(not pulling from) the washer. i agree welds are stronger than the stand and if you're gonna do it then cut from the bottom but come on you really think finding a welder, cutting the stand, and welding it back together is "quick and easy" compared to stopping at lowes and picking up a couple washers? hey man do what you like but maybe your bike was/is lowered when you got it or even the susp. is just adjusted to the lower end and when you drag a peg and decide to raise it up that 1/2 an inch you cant cut a piece INTO your stand. but you can take off washers!

 

so im not going to disagree that u dont typically see washers fail... but flip side... where would he be adding washers too?

I dont think he would have a prob. adding washers but at the same time ide hate for the bolt to not thread into the lenght it needs to and snap or have him use washers have the bike fall over then blame us... ha perhaps adding some stainless washer and slightly longer stainless bolts would help the equation.... <<<<---- serious strength there

once again im not trying to start a agrument... just trying to feel out where ur coming from on adding washers..... i havent dont it myself so i dont know how it works

 

i'm sorry. we're all inferior because you've worked on a tank. and i've seen washers fail. they bend, they're not that strong. and if you're working on an M1, are you using the same size washers as an F4i??...nice comparison. and Z is right, if you space anything too far with washers, you risk the bolt not fastening correctly. and quick and easy would be buying a new stand!! that's not difficult! it's already made correctly..without washers.

 

lol come on guys lets all get along....

he basically has three options. One he can use stainless bolts and washers. Two cut and weld and three new stang....

there is one other option. Use the nuts and bolts method until the new stand you ordered gets here

all said and done though it's the ops choiice

 

true story Z, true story.

 

I have a kick stand that was on my bike when I bought it. At the time it was lowered so it has already been cut and welded. I used it for a long time and never had a problem. I have since raised my bike to stock so it is just laying around. You're welcome to it if you'd like.

 

Based on that Pic, something's been done to that bike. As someone else said, I WISH mine stayed anywhere near that upright! From the sound of things, there are many options to go with here. Personally, I've yet to see a quality weld break, especially under the weight of an F4i, and when the real weight is not even on the weld. If you want to get technical....all it takes to bend a washer is over-tightening of a nut

 

well i dont know how you had a washer bend if it was on right unless it was the wrong size. ALSO i never called anyone inferior DEFINATELY not because i've worked on a tank. most army mechanics are worthless on a civillian vehicle. i was just pointing out that if washers were that weak we wouldnt put them on a tank. the washers i used on my buddies bike were 1/4" thick on one end and 1/8" on the other. you put one between the frame and stand bracket with the thick side down and one between the bolt head and the stand bracket with the thick side up that way the bolt still tightens flat. you add 3/8" total thickness and put the end of the stand roughly 1" further out and 1/2" higher. and like the post above, if you cut the stand and then decide to raise the bike you have a worthless stand sitting in your garage. and yeah there are plenty of washers on an M1 that are the same size as some on an F4i. what, did you think every bolt on a tank was 2" in diameter or somethin?

 

oh hey guys thanxs for all the inputs and links to the stands,as for the previous owner i juz confirmed that its not the right stand so my question now is are all f4i uses the same stands?id prolly juz gon get another stand.thanxs for all the links again...

 

Yes all 01 - 06 use the same stand...and if you would check my earlier post...I gave you the link to an oem stand being sold on ebay... Good luck!