Motorcycle Stand

Most car owners have a jack to lift their car (in fact new cars often include a jack) even if they have little plans to work on the car themselves. Therefore, think of the motorcycle stand as a jack which offers an easy and rather simple means of lifting a motorcycle off the ground even though you don't need to get "under the hood" of your ride.

And like a car jack that lifts one side of the car, the most popular stand for motorcycles lifts just the rear. You can also use a front stand but never without the rear stand. Either way, you have a pretty solid selection of rear stands that use different lifting techniques but most stands require the correct axle or swingarm spools for the make and model of your motorcycle which act as the mount point.

Install the rear stand: The first step is to install the rear stand. It supports the bike through the use of a swingarm. If your bike has spools on both sides of the swingarm, simply place the rear stand below these spools to support it. If not, place the rear stand under the swing arm directly.

To secure the stand, hold the bike vertically, supporting it so it doesn’t fall over. Place the stand on the bike so the spools or bottom of the swingarm are on the stand.

Once positioned properly, press the handle on the rear stand to lift up your bike. For support, make sure the handle is pressed to the ground. Now you can remove the wheel or perform motorcycle maintenance or work without worrying about the bike falling.

To use a front stand, after securing the rear, lift your bike using the head or the underside of the forks.

Be careful trying to move your bike when it’s on the stands. Instead, remove the stands, move your bike, and then resecure the stands.

When you are finished working on your bike, lift up the handle from the ground and support your motorcycle as you remove the stand.

The Design Of The Motorcycle Stands
To create an efficient and sturdy motorcycle stands, you need to carefully plan the design to ensure stability and usability. Here’s how you can organize the design process:

Identifying Stand Requirements
Before you start sketching the design, consider the key requirements for your motorcycle stands. Factors to consider include the weight capacity of the stand, adjustability based on the engine size, stability to prevent accidents, and mobility for easy maneuvering in your workshop.

Sketching the Initial Design
Begin by sketching a rough diagram of the stand based on your identified requirements. Consider the dimensions, materials to be used, and the overall structure of the stand. Ensure that the design allows easy access to different parts of the engine for maintenance purposes.

Selecting Materials and Tools
Once you have a rough sketch of the design, select the appropriate materials and tools for the construction. Common materials for building a sturdy engine stand include steel tubes, angle irons, and casters for mobility. Make sure you have all the necessary tools such as a welder, grinder, measuring tape, and safety equipment.

Finalizing the Detailed Design
Refine your initial sketch to create a detailed design that includes precise measurements, angles, and connection points. Consider any additional features you may want to incorporate, such as adjustable arms or supports for different engine types. Ensure that the design is practical and meets all safety standards.

While you are getting the hang of using paddock stands, I think it is easier to use the methods described below, especially if you are working on your own. Trying to balance a motorcycle with one hand whilst fitting a paddock stand in position with the other isn’t as fun as it sounds! Especially if you have a heavy bike. It is also very beneficial to have someone on hand to help you out. They can hold the handlebars to ensure the bike isn’t going to go sideways when you are trying to get it onto your stands.

L-type/Cup Rear Stand
With your bike on the side stand, align the left hand cup with the left hand side of the swingarm. Before putting the bike on the stand, it pays to see if the right hand side is aligned and spaced correctly. The cup should sit up against the swingarm when in use. If there is a gap, adjust the adapter to be close to your swingarm. As you push down on the stand, the bike will begin to stand up and the right hand adapter will meet the other side of the swingarm. It is helpful to hold the tail unit of your bike with your free hand or have an assistant to keep an eye on it as you engage the stand. Once both L-adapters are holding both sides of the swingarm, you can push the handle fully to the floor. Your bike is now on the stand!

V/Hook-type Rear Stand
This is similar to the L-type stand, except that you are aligning the left hand hook with the bobbin on that side of the swingarm. You will also need to have bobbins fitted to your motorcycle first! It is worthwhile to adjust the hooks to be in line with the bobbins ahead of putting the bike on the stand – you can eyeball this by lining the stand up with the rear of your bike and adjusting the position of the hooks.

Once you hook the left hand bobbin and push down, the right hand hook should align with the bobbin on that side and slot into place. If anything is out of alignment, return the bike to the side stand and adjust the hooks until they are aligned correctly. With the hooks in the correct position, push the handle fully to the floor. Your bike is now on the paddock stand!

Single Sided Paddock Stand
Once you have the correct sized pin and the stand is assembled, align the pin with the hole in your hub and insert it fully.