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2 June 2023 Motorcycle paddock stand: Buying guide, types, and buying advice
Your motorcycle is probably equipped with a side stand, so you might not need a motorcycle paddock stand. However, it is very useful if you sometimes carry out maintenance on your motorcycle or if you park your bike in a garage that is a bit too small. Let's look at all the advantages and the different types of paddock stands so you can make an informed decision.
What is a paddock stand?
A motorbike or paddock stand acts as a stand for your motorcycle, preventing your motorcycle from tipping over. It has one big difference compared to a usual standard. When using this type of stand, either the rear or the front wheel lifts completely off the ground.
Because the wheel lifts off the ground, you can perform maintenance with much less hassle than otherwise. You can easily access the wheel, chain or parts of the motorcycle brake system. In addition, it is also ideal for when you need to clean or lubricate your chain, for example, because you can turn the wheel and, therefore, the chain.
Another advantage of this type of stand is that it offers more space. It ensures that your motorcycle stays upright, unlike your side stand, where your motorcycle is placed at an angle and therefore takes up more space. A paddock stand in a small garage or workshop can provide the necessary extra space to move around.
How to use a paddock stands for motorcycles?
A paddock stand should always be attached to the front or rear wheel. There are various mounting options, so there is always an option for your motorcycle. After setting up the stand, you can use it easily. You simply press the paddock stand, creating a leverage effect, your engine rises and the weight rests completely on the stand, making it stable. Now you are completely ready to perform maintenance or store the motorcycle safely.
How to use a paddock stand without bobbins
When using a paddock stand without bobbins, ensure that it has rubberised arms designed to grip the swingarm securely. Position the stand under the swingarm, centring the arms evenly on both sides for balanced support. Gently slide it forward until the arms are snug against the swingarm, avoiding any obstructions. Slowly push down on the handle to lift the motorcycle in a controlled manner, ensuring that it remains stable. Once lifted, check that the motorcycle is upright and secure on the stand. This method will support the motorcycle safely without the need for bobbins.
Paddock stand hooks
Paddock stand hooks are designed to securely attach to the swingarm of a motorcycle, allowing the stand to provide a stable and secure base for maintenance, repairs and other lifting operations. These hooks ensure that the motorcycle remains firmly in place, preventing unwanted movement or tipping while the bike is raised. By engaging with specific points on the swingarm, usually via bobbins or sliders, they provide a secure hold, making it easier and safer to carry out tasks such as wheel changes, chain adjustments, and general inspections.
Are there different types of motorcycle paddock stands for front and rear wheels?
Yes, there are three different types: front-wheel stands, rear-wheel stands, and paddock stands that can be used for both. Before you buy one, you should think about how you plan to use it. In addition, you should also pay attention to the weight capacity. It would be really annoying if you're in the middle of a job and the frame breaks down.
How to use a rear paddock stand
A rear-wheel stand is ideal for performing engine maintenance. It ensures that the motorcycle stands firmly on the ground while you can, for example, clean and lubricate your chain or change your front or rear motorcycle tyre.
A paddock stand for the rear wheel is often attached with bobbins. Bobbins are sturdy supports that the paddock stand can use to lift your motorcycle. New bikes usually have an option to rotate bobbins in the swingarm. Before purchasing, check whether your bike has this option. It is also essential to see what size bobbins you need. These come in sizes m6, m8, and m10. The screw thread on the bobbins makes it easy to screw them into the swingarm.
If your bike doesn't have the option to use bobbins, you can use universal adapters. These adapters allow you to set the width of the stand yourself. You must look at your swing arm's width and adjust the adapters accordingly. It may go without saying, but a universal paddock stand should be attached to both sides of the swingarm. If you have a single swingarm, you won't be able to use them.
How to use a front paddock stand
You can use a stand for the front wheel when cleaning the front rim or servicing the brakes. Because the front wheel lifts off the ground, you can turn the wheel completely and have easy access to everything. The stand for the front wheel can be attached to the underside of the front fork or the headset. An adapter set is often connected to the bottom of the front fork. As with the rear wheel, the adapter set is adjustable, and you can fully adapt it to the width of your front fork.
In addition to using an adapter set, you can also attach the paddock to the headset. The advantage of this is that the front suspension hangs completely slumped. This makes it easy to tinker with or replace the suspension. Are you going to fit your stand in this way? Make sure you have the correct size filler adapters. There are different sizes so that the paddock fits nicely on the headset.
Best stand for motorcycles
The ideal motorcycle stand is a rear paddock stand with adjustable arms and robust construction, offering versatility and maximum stability for different motorcycle sizes and types.
High-quality materials, such as heavy-duty steel, provide the strength needed to securely lift and hold the motorcycle in place, reducing the risk of tipping or wobbling during maintenance or storage. This makes a rear stand not only perfect for routine tasks such as chain maintenance, tyre changes and cleaning but also an important tool for safely storing your bike when not in use.
Can't choose – why not get a motorcycle centre stand?
A paddock stand suitable for the front and rear wheels offers the best of both worlds and is a great space saver. These paddocks come with a range of adapters so you can fully customise the paddock for different applications. For example, if you want to attach it to the rear, you can do this by using bobbins or an adapter set. If you're going to flip the front of the bike up, you can attach the paddock to the bottom of your front fork.
Motorcycle centre stands are crucial for a chain-driven motorcycle that weighs more than a 400cc bike.
Here are some centre stand benefits:
- You can securely park on muddy ground;
- You can easily clean and oil the chain;
- You can fit your bike in a narrow space;
- Stability – you can sit on your bike when it's on a centre stand!
Mobile paddock stands
In addition to the paddock stands mentioned above, you can also opt for a mobile stand – the ultimate paddock stand convenience. It is actually a combination of a paddock stand and a motor mover, making it very easy to manoeuvre the motorcycle. For example, with a mobile type, you can, in principle, drive your bike through the garage or shed with one hand. That saves a lot of sweating, clumsy fumbling, and back problems.
Front and rear stands are generally considered the most straightforward way to get both wheels off the floor. Whether you're a home mechanic or a professional racer, paddock stands are essential equipment.
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