In message , NealUK writes
Can anyone tell me where i can purchase a 10mm steel rod about a metre in
length (not threaded)?

I am proposing to construct a temporary motorbike centre stand (through the
12mm gap in the swingarm), for use in the garage, so that the front wheel
can be easily taken off.

In the past i have had to suspend the bike from garage rafters using ropes
(after driving the front wheel up a car ramp, lash the ropes around the
steering head and rafters, then slowly let the bike roll backwards, and the
rope take the strain. Move the ramp out the way, and one suspended bike.)

Obviously the rope/rafter thing is not ideal, so i am looking at supporting
it through the hollow swing arm bolt, hence the need for 10mm steel rod.

If anyone has any ideas, i would love to hear them.

You could try http://www.cromwell.co.uk/

or ask in uk.rec.motorcycles

How about a couple of pieces of Dexion ?

--
geoff