Mechanic Stands

Get your Wheels off the Ground with a Motorcycle Paddock Stand

Is your motorcycle missing a main stand but you need to get your wheels off the floor? No problem, there’s a motorcycle stand to suit your needs. Read on and find out how to get your wheels off the ground with a motorcycle paddock stand. At one time, most motorcycles came equipped with a side and main stand as standard. The side stand supports your motorcycle every time you park up. While the main stand comes into play when you need to raise the motorcycle off the ground. Today, many manufacturers no longer fit a main stand as standard equipment. Find yourself without a main stand and when fixing a puncture or even lubing a chain, you’re in a world of pain. In these circumstances, you need a motorcycle paddock stand or mechanic stand. The race track was the birthplace of the paddock stand. To maximise ground clearance, race bikes have no stand at all. To change a wheel or fit tyre warmers the paddock stand is the fastest way to raise a motorcycle off the floor. This simple but effective piece of kit uses a lever and pivot principle to raise the motorcycle wheel off the floor with minimum effort. With the bike off the ground, stability is crucial and the correct type of paddock stand is essential.

Different Methods for Lifting a Motorcycle

The type of paddock stand you choose will depend on whether you need to lift the front, rear or both wheels. The motorcycle’s weight also plays a part and depending on the style of bike, you may prefer a scissor lift. There are several variations of motorcycle stands to choose from. The first is the U-shaped frame, made from steel tubing or box section aluminium. The paddock stand locates on either side of the rear wheel and fits under a conventional swing arm. You can also use this type of stand for lifting the front forks, if supplied, with additional brackets to fit under the fork legs. Frame-style stands are also available for single-sided swingarms. To accommodate a paddock stand on this type of swingarm, manufacturers provide a large diameter hole in the centre of the rear wheel. The single-sided paddock stand has an appropriate-sized heavy-duty pin. The pin locates in the hole to enable lifting. Next on the list is the front stand or headlift. This type attaches to the underside of the steering head. Once again, a heavy-duty pin locates in a hole beneath the tripe tree. If it is necessary to raise the entire motorcycle off the ground, use the front and rear motorcycle paddock stands in unison. Alternatively, if the layout of your motorcycle has no exhaust or bodywork below the bottom frame rails, a scissor lift may be the answer. Unlike a paddock stand, a single, correctly positioned scissor lift placed under the lower frame rails can lift the entire motorcycle off the floor. The scissor lift is popular with dirt or adventure bikes with high-level exhausts or V-twin cruisers that run both exhausts along one side of the bike.

Top Tips for Using Motorcycle Paddocks Stands and Scissor Lifts

Whether you are using a paddock stand, headlift or scissor lift, the common denominator is their safe lifting weight. All manufacturers will give this information. You can check your owner’s handbook to find out your motorcycle’s weight. Both headlift and single-side swingarm paddock stands use a heavy-duty pin, so always measure the relevant hole on your bike. You should perform this task even if the stand comes with a selection of pins. When using front and rear paddock stands, always fit the rear stand first, then the front. For lowering, reverse the process (i.e., front lowered first). It is best to avoid using a front paddock stand only, as the risk of the bike falling over is high. Also, never run your motorcycle engine when using a motorcycle paddock stand. If you need to remove your motorcycle’s forks, look for a headlift. If you only need to remove the front wheel, a conventional paddock stand will do the job. Lastly, when using a single scissor lift, position it at the bike’s balance point. Due to the back of the motorcycle being heavier than the front, the balance point may not necessarily be in the centre of the bike. Whether for routine maintenance or repair, if you need to get your wheels off the ground, XLMOTO has a motorcycle paddock stand to meet your needs.