Any tricks to getting the centerstand spring off

[WSL91]

I'm working my way around the bike cleaning and painting parts, the centerstand is the next ugliest part. I just came in from arguing with the centerstand spring and needless to say it won, I settled for cleaning and painting the sidestand for tonight. I did however manage to destroy the muffler rubber bumper thinking that with it removed the center stand would go up higher taking more stress off the spring, well not so.

If anyone has a trick for removing the spring and leaving it in a way to reassemble that would be cool. I know how to remove it easily but it would be in 2 pieces

[trbig]

With the center stand down, get a handfull of nails and drive them into the coils. It will extend it enough to get it off, or take the bike off the center stand and the nails will hold it extended, though you may lose a couple nails that way. When you're done, pull 'em out.

[hamjam]

or pennies

[BA80]

or pennies

Canadian pennies?

[jayel]

remove the bolts first, then unhook the spring, assemble in reverse order

[hamjam]

Canadian pennies?

not for much longer

[WSL91]

thanks guys, should have thought about the nails, pennys, screwdirver, anything etc to stretch the spring. On a side note the centerstand rubber bumper is still available and not too expensive.

[Rasputin]

I simply use a brake spring removal tool for cars. Rotate the spring off and slip it back on as easy as can be. About 5 bucks anywhere.