How to buy a bike stand

Make your cleaning, fixing and servicing chores that bit easier…

PADDOCK STAND

Quick and easy to use. Simply push down on the handle and the stand levers up the rear wheel via small platforms that sit under the swingarm, or by using V-shaped fork attachments which engage with small aluminium or plastic spools called bobbins attached to the swingarm. The bike needs to be level, not resting on its sidestand when levering and you should check and re-check that the platforms are seated under the swingarm, or that the bobbins are seated in the forks. Ride a machine with a single sided swingarm? The main manufacturers make left and right-sided paddock stands that lock a pin into the rear axle. Paddock stands can cope with the heaviest bikes.

SINGLE STAND

If your budget is suitably stout a single stand is the best way to go. There are a number of variations that either mount through the swinging arm pivot point or require a specific bracket that bolts to a central point on the bike frame. Single stands usually have a long lever/arm that allows the user to lift the bike in a single motion such as the £343 1Jac, or pump it hydraulically such as the £437 Abba Sky Lift. The position of the stand creates a balance point that allows the whole bike to be raised and will give good access to front and rear wheels. Castors allow the bike to be freely pushed or spun around, a boon if manoeuvring in a tight garage is your challenge. However, there are two potential downsides: these stands are expensive and you need a smooth, level floor to let the castors travel.

The 1Jac attaches through the swingarm pivot while your motorcycle’s still on its