Motorcycle stands advice?

[snodpete]

I'm keen to get into doing my own maintenance on the Spada (matter of necessity here in the 'Port...) and the lack of a centre stand makes that tricky.

Are these: (TradeMe link) OK?

Any thoughts/advice on quality, use, better alternatives would be appreciated.

Cheers.

[The Lone Rider]

Well those are pretty much what they say they are, just a stand.

Generally bike shops use those large ramps that clamp the front wheel down. You can then raise and lower it as needed, making access to all parts easy.

If I had the money the big ramp is what I'd go for.

I've generally only seen these used to hold up a bike on bad surfaces ie.. at a rally where it's muddy. And at race tracks.

Best to ask someone who actually uses one like it though.

I can't afford the kind of ramp I want, so at the moment what I've done is had my bike held upright, then measured the distance to the ground from the right side swing arm and from the bottom of the side stand when extended

Then I cut two pieces of wood each length. Put the long one next to your bike by the right side swing arm. Then carefully grasp the bars and upright your bike - it should lift a little at the rear seeing as you are transferring the weight to that block, then slide the other block under your side stand.

Holds my bike upright and straight.

Just be carefully trying to do this.

[sinfull]

Are these: (TradeMe link) OK?


Cheers.

I'm just about to head up to levin and have a look at these stands, hoping he's got one for the triples single sided swing arm says he has but its whether he has the right fitting !
Will let ya know what they like ! at this stage all i'll say is they're cheap so they prolly are just that !

[FROSTY:Me]

For a lil bike like your that stand will be just fine.
Itll be perfect for chan lube etc.

[snodpete]

Cheers for your input ppl - be keen to hear what you think of them, sinfull. KB is great!

[JimO]

my mate used one all the time on his 900 monster

[Blossom]

We have both the rear and front paddock stands from that guy off trade me..
The rear stand is great on the rf900. Nice and stable. Good for chain work etc. Wont fit on the vl250 cause of the exaust being in the way.
The front stand is no where near as stable as the rear one and personally I would not use it on its own for fear of it tipping over if you bumped the bike. But we do use it on the front of the rf900 in conjunction with the rear stand.

If in your travels you happen upon a stand that would lift my cruiser please let me know.. I am still on the hunt.

[boman]

If you can fit bobbins to your swingarm then get a stand with C hooks. Much more secure than the rubber pads. I have used these stands for all my maintenance on my 250 bandit. They are fantastic. Currently using a similar type on my SV now, although I bought a big black front stand off trade me for the front. Wish I had bought one sooner they are nice and stable and easy to use too.

[sharky]

Yep, I've got one from that joker too. All good and good price too.

[Owl]

The front stand is no where near as stable as the rear one and personally I would not use it on its own for fear of it tipping over if you bumped the bike. But we do use it on the front of the rf900 in conjunction with the rear stand.

If the front stand is what I'm thinking of (fits under forks), then it's not supposed to be used on its own Blossom!

[Blossom]

If the front stand is what I'm thinking of (fits under forks), then it's not supposed to be used on its own Blossom!

ah..touche.. but when the rear stand cannot be fitted to the bike, the resourceful blossom has to try every option before admitting defeat.

mutter mutter... bike stands are stupid anyway

[sinfull]

I'm keen to get into doing my own maintenance on the Spada (matter of necessity here in the 'Port...) and the lack of a centre stand makes that tricky.

Are these: (TradeMe link) OK?

Any thoughts/advice on quality, use, better alternatives would be appreciated.

Cheers.

Sorry i aint got back yet mate (i procastinate) went up to see if the guy selling them was who i thought, but it weren't ! Got his number now so will have a go at getting in touch ! Mine will be different as i have single side swing arm and will be alot more stable (if he has em) as it will be slotted into wheel axle !
If any Speed 3 owners who know of some good stands read this, would appreciate hearing about any contacts !

[boomer]

i have front and rear for sale if you want 'em

[snodpete]

Mine arrived today - works as advertised, seems quite strong and solid, can slot the Spada onto it single handed in the narrow confines of space left in my garage... Will definitely do the trick and would recommend these - for smaller bikes anyway. Thanks again for all your info, advice and stories!

[Owl]

If any Speed 3 owners who know of some good stands read this, would appreciate hearing about any contacts !

Mine is a "Bike Lift" stand and it's awesome Bill! Solid roller bearings and 4 wheels, but not cheap at about $250.

http://www.bikelift.net/en/product.asp?Id=257