The original equipment stands are also spring loaded to automatically retract when weight is taken off of them. Probably because some idiot forgot to raise the stand, rode off and promptly fell on his ass on the first attempt to make a left hand turn.
Sometimes people just bump the bike and that's enough to cause the stand to retract. When they fall the result is broken fairings, mirrors, and it usually ugly bruises to the valve covers. If your not there to quickly right the bike, gas leaks from the tank and that eats the paint.
Parking on a hill is bad as the stand holds the bike too upright. When on the stand if the bike rolls forward three inches it falls over.
To avoid lawsuits BMW did the spring loaded thing. The result was parked BMWs have been known to fall over in a stiff breeze.
Not pretty but effective, the cure was a after-market stand made by Brown. The stand sits further back where it can be seen, lacks the spring loaded retraction feature, and is strong. You just need to remember to put it up each time you ride.
Another part that was not very easy to find, but I now have one for my bike. I'll think about how to maybe make it pretty.
Pivot pins for the front brake and clutch levers were made of soft alloy aluminum. Grooves would wear into them and occasionally they would weaken and break. I have eliminated that problem with installation of stainless pins.
I have yet another set of handlebars coming for this project.. I'll have several to try to find the best set for the comfort I want.
Still thinking hard on the paint for the bike. I am kinda leaning in the direction of just assemble it and ride it without paint.. make sure everything is as it should be, then disassemble it for painting over next winter.
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