Bike Stands
A bike stand is the first tool most riders buy after a torque wrench, and the right one depends on where the bike's weight needs to go. Dirt bikes and dual-sports use a lift stand under the frame rails so both wheels hang free for chain, wheel and suspension work; sport and street bikes use paddock-style stands that lift from the swingarm spools or the front triple tree, because there is no flat frame to sit on. Pick by lift height first (the stand must clear the bike's ground clearance at the frame), then by lift method: a lever-actuated lift like the Motorsport Products P-12, Econo and Mx4 stands raises the bike with foot pressure, while fixed triangle and lay-over stands from Motorsport Products and Woodys are lighter and easier to carry to the track.
For street bikes, look at the Motorsport Products rear and front sportbike stands and the triple-tree lift with its adapter kit; the K&L Supply MC40 universal front-wheel stand holds the bike upright by the front tire for parking, cleaning and chain lubing without lifting the rear. Ducati-style single-sided swingarms need the matching K&L left- or right-hand wheel pin. Motocross riders who want a stand that matches the bike will find the Factory Effex V.1 stands in Honda, KTM, Suzuki and plain white/black finishes, plus the bolt-on wedge that keeps the bike from rolling off. Polisport offers a replacement track stand as well.
Check the stand's rated capacity against your bike's wet weight, and for ATVs see the CMP lift wheel kit here or the Other Stands subcategory. Most stands ship free on orders over $50 to the lower 48.
