For those that need to remove the sidestand on their roadgoing SV650 quickly, I found an easy way. As usual, necessity is the mother of invention and someone misplaced the Bargy supplied kit that I purchased last year (it's just a miniature hose clamp and a tiny stip of metal). I was told repeatedly it was me but it ain't my bike and that's what she always says.

All you need for this is a zip tie and a small strip of duct tape.

First, for those new to trackdays (or having to remove the sidestand for a trackday), you'll have to get down low and locate the switch. Fortunately, the SV is just made to be modified and it's very easy to get to. You can see it here the lower portion of the switch that the sidestand is pressing against.


After removing the two 10mm allen head bolts that hold the sidestand on, the sidestand and mount comes off in one piece. That leaves the sidestand switch in the open position and won't allow the bike to continue to run once in gear.


The two 10mm bolts just above the switch on the frame are then removed and the switch comes right out.


Now, while pressing the switch's plunger in, place a zip tie around the switch and pull it as tight as you can. I don't have a pic of how I did this since I couldn't hold the plunger in, pull the zip tie and take the picture at the same time. I did do it by myself by placing the zip tie over the plunger, holding it in with my left thumb and wrapping and pulling the zip tie over the top with my other hand. Here's what you'll end up with at this point:


At this point, the switch is in the closed position and the bike will start and run even while in gear. However, due to vibration (which the SV does very well), it's necessary to wrap some duct tape around the switch to keep the zip tie from sliding off the plunger.


Front and back view of the completed switch:


Now, all you do is put the switch back in position, replace the two 10mm bolts that hold it in position and it's complete.


Now, if you lose this kit, like I lost the last one, it's easily replaced. In fact, when you take it off, it's probably best to just throw it away. Instead of having to find a hardware store you can easily beg, borrow, steal or take a trip to any convenience store and still be able to pass tech.

I haven't checked to see if this will work for '02 or earlier models yet but I don't think that portion of the frame changed that much between '02 and later.