The kickstand is probably one of the most important, yet overlooked components on any motorcycle. Serving only one very important purpose, to keep your bike securely standing upright when not in use, the kickstand is one of those things that most people overlook when it comes to customizing their bikes.
However, a stock, bulky-looking unit on a custom can ruin the entire look of the bike.
Matt Hotch is known in the motorcycling community for building some of the coolest bikes around. He is equally well known for his very stylish aftermarket parts, and has a way of turning the most overlooked parts into clean, custom components that help accentuate a bike.
Hotch noticed there was a niche to be filled offering custom kickstands, so he came out with two designs: weld-on and bolt-on. Both applications can be used to replace the stock kickstand on a custom.
We took a trip over to his shop, HotMatch Custom Cycles in Fullerton, California, to see how both kickstands are mounted.
For weld-on applications,...
For weld-on applications, HotMatch makes three different-sized brackets to accommodate various frame-tubing diameters. The sizes are: 1-1/8, 1-1/4, and 1-1/2 inch. Hotch said the brackets can be ground down or opened up to fit other sizes.
After determining which bracket...
After determining which bracket was the best fit for the frame he was working with, Hotch found a mounting location where there weren't any existing welds, and where the kickstand would clear the motor and primary. He then checked to see how far the bike would lean over with the kickstand in place, and marked the bracket and frame where he wanted to weld it.
The bracket and kickstand...
The bracket and kickstand come with a show-quality chrome finish. Therefore, before tacking the bracket in place, the edges had to be ground down to raw metal to ensure a nice, strong weld. Also, for a clean and custom look, he measured back about 1/4 to 3/8 inch from the top front edge of the bracket and ground off the chrome finish. This way, when it comes time for paint, it will adhere to the top of the bracket.
Next, using one of his Miller...
Next, using one of his Miller welders, Hotch tacked the bracket in place.
With the mounting bracket...
With the mounting bracket in place, the kickstand was next to go on. A very easy-to-understand diagram outlining the kickstand assembly comes with each kit.
Hotch started assembling the...
Hotch started assembling the kickstand by dabbing some anti-seize on the spring and sliding it into the leg.
Additional anti-seize was...
Additional anti-seize was also added to the ball to help keep it in place in the mounting bracket. Then, with the pivot hole on the leg facing down, Hotch attached it to the bracket.
With some high-strength thread...
With some high-strength thread locker on the pivot pin, the spring was placed against the ball. Then, Hotch applied pressure on the leg until the spring collapsed enough so he could install the pivot pin.
Now that he had the kickstand...
Now that he had the kickstand temporarily in place, Hotch made a final check of the lean angle before applying the final welds. When checking the lean angle, it's important the bike doesn't lean too far over, yet doesn't stand straight up, either. Hotch also made sure to check the lean angle with the handlebars turned to the left, right, and straight ahead.
Satisfied with the position...
Satisfied with the position of the kickstand, Hotch did the final welds.
This is one of HotMatch's...
This is one of HotMatch's bolt-on applications. In order to make it easier to access the kickstand without having to reach under the primary, the bolt-on unit mounts to the frame's side plate.
Once he had the proper lean...
Once he had the proper lean angle, Hotch used the supplied template so he would know where to drill.
Using a punch and hammer,...
Using a punch and hammer, Hotch set his marks and drilled two holes using a 5/16 bit. Then he used a 3/8x16 tap to tap the holes. And then...
...Secured the kickstand...
...Secured the kickstand to the frame.
Now this bike has a cool-looking...
Now this bike has a cool-looking custom kickstand that's easy to get to and will keep the bike where it's supposed to be: standing upright.