Shortening the Center Stand?

So yes, we all get older & that's OK, it beats the alternative.
My question has to do with the increasing difficulty of getting the bike on the center stand when loaded.
Not wishing to buy a different center stand, I have heard of the stand being shortened.
Now before I get the hacksaw out and start cutting away, I would like to hear from those who have done such a thing.
The bike is a '92 GS. I'm pulling the stand off just for inspection, maintenance & perhaps replacing the bushing. (has never been done)
So:
Who has made this modification?
Are there previous threads on this? (I searched)
Shorten by how much? ( I've heard 1 inch)

Thanks to all that provide input.

When I first got my K, it was usually impossible for me to put the bike on the centre stand. Local BMW dealership employee suggested I get a gym membership. As it was, I had been working out for a couple of years at the gym and was quite buff. Turns out when the small Honda shop mechanic was doing some maintenance to the bike, he cursed the bike trying to get the bike onto the centre stand. He told me that I needed a new shock and all has been well since. Do consider the state of your shock before shortening the centre stand, as that may solve your problem without having to cut the stand.

Paul_F said:

When I first got my K, it was usually impossible for me to put the bike on the centre stand. Local BMW dealership employee suggested I get a gym membership. As it was, I had been working out for a couple of years at the gym and was quite buff. Turns out when the small Honda shop mechanic was doing some maintenance to the bike, he cursed the bike trying to get the bike onto the centre stand. He told me that I needed a new shock and all has been well since. Do consider the state of your shock before shortening the centre stand, as that may solve your problem without having to cut the stand.

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Thanks for the reply.

Last Summer:
I rebuilt the front forks with new springs & Gold Valve.
I installed a Wilbers rear shock from Ted Porter.

At the moment my suspension is the "****"!

I don't think that's the problem.

edit: Ooops, sorry. Didn't know I couldn't type that word.

Get an aftermarket sidestand (Brown) and don't worry about using the center stand when the bike is loaded. With a shortened center stand you'll have trouble changing tires, etc.

Is there a Brown sidestand for the GS?

photorider said:

Is there a Brown sidestand for the GS?

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There is not. I would cut an inch out and weld it back up. The other option is make a fold out handle so you have more leverage to pull up with.

FWIW, my K75 has a shortened center stand. It is super easy to use. It is rare that I use the fold out handle. I do have to agree about problems removing the rear wheel though.