Maximise Your Bike’s Longevity with the Right Stand
Using a motorcycle stand is quite important for several reasons, whether you're performing maintenance, storing your bike, or simply looking to keep it stable. Here’s why:
- Stability: A motorcycle stand helps keep your bike upright and stable, which is crucial when performing maintenance or repairs. Without a stand, a motorcycle can easily tip over, which can cause damage or injury.
- Maintenance: It’s much easier to perform maintenance tasks such as changing the oil, inspecting the tires, or cleaning the chain when the bike is securely elevated. For example, a rear stand allows you to spin the rear wheel freely, making it easier to check or adjust the chain.
- Storage: Using a stand while storing your motorcycle can prevent flat spots on the tires and keep them from becoming misshapen. It also keeps the bike off the ground, which can be beneficial for protecting the tires and the bike's underside from potential moisture damage.
- Safety: A stand helps ensure that the bike is not prone to tipping over, which can be particularly useful if you’re working in a crowded garage or if you need to leave the bike unattended for a while.
- Convenience: For tasks like cleaning or detailing, a stand allows you to easily access different parts of the bike without having to move it around constantly. This makes the job quicker and more efficient.
Overall, using a motorcycle stand can make your maintenance tasks safer, easier, and more effective, and it helps preserve the condition of your bike.
Types of stands
Here’s an overview of the main types of motorcycle stands and their benefits:
1. Front Stands
Description: These stands lift the front of the motorcycle by engaging with the forks.Benefits:Allows for easy front wheel removal and maintenance.Great for cleaning or storing the bike upright.Stabilizes the front end during repairs.
2. Rear Stands
Description: These stands support the rear of the motorcycle by engaging with the swingarm.Benefits:Facilitates rear wheel removal, tire changes, and chain maintenance.Provides stability when working on the rear suspension.Ideal for cleaning and maintenance tasks.
3. Universal Stands
Description: These can be adjusted to fit various models and styles of motorcycles.Benefits:Versatile and can be used for different types of bikes.Space-saving as they can accommodate multiple models.Typically offers both front and rear support.
4. Center Stands
Description: These are built into the motorcycle, allowing it to be stood upright.Benefits:Provides a stable parking solution without additional equipment.Easy access for maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire checks.Convenient for cleaning and storing the motorcycle.
5. Paddock Stands
Description: Specialized stands for racing and sport bikes, often used in pairs (one for the front, one for the rear).Benefits:Ideal for track use, providing excellent stability and safety.Allows for quick wheel changes and tire warm-up.Designed for heavy-duty use with robust construction.
6. Wheel Chocks
Description: Designed to hold a motorcycle upright, typically used for transport or storage.Benefits:Keeps the bike secure during transport in a trailer or truck.Easy to use and can be moved around easily.Minimal space requirement when not in use.
7. Lift Stands
Description: Hydraulic or mechanical lifts that raise the entire motorcycle.Benefits:Provides full access to the underside of the motorcycle.Great for more extensive repairs and modifications.Can support the weight of heavier touring bikes.
Summary
Using the right type of motorcycle stand can enhance your maintenance experience, making it easier and safer to work on your bike. Consider your specific needs, bike type, and storage space when choosing a stand.