Motorcycle Stands

[luigi]

I recently acquired a pair of front and rear stands, but they didn't come any instructions so I'm not quite sure how to use them properly.

The front (similar to this with spigot type pickup):



The rear (with shaft compatible with Speed Triple):



I read somewhere saying bikes with single side swing arm must use front and rear stands together, is that right?

If so, should I do the front first or the rear first? Also it can't be a 1 person job isn't it (i.e. need someone else to hold bike in place)?

Cheers!

[Power-Tripp]

Personally, I like the PitBull Products, but there are many good stands available today.

As long as the stand has wheels, and you are not built like a 12 y/o girl, you should be able to lever the stands under the bike, at each end, by yourself.

[shane Liberty]

Pit Bull are by far the Best Stands on the market. I have the Pitbull triple tree front stand and the reversible single-sided rear stand and I couldn't be happier. The rearstand even comes with a bearing in the stand so that you can spin the rear wheel to do chain service. Perfect.

[luigi]

Originally Posted by shane Liberty

The rearstand even comes with a bearing in the stand so that you can spin the rear wheel to do chain service.

I thought that's standard across all makes of single side rear stands? Is there one doesn't have integrated bearing?

[thewolf-Oz]

My Anderson Space saver has the bearing too - I'm assuming the non space saver you pictured does too

[luigi]

Originally Posted by thewolf-Oz

My Anderson Space saver has the bearing too - I'm assuming the non space saver you pictured does too

Yes, the 4S has a bearing as well.

When you use your rear stand do you have setup the front?

[thewolf-Oz]

I don't own a front...

I have to say that the grab rail helps a lot when putting it on the stand though

I use the Space Saver to put the speedy across the back of my garage so I can park the car in front. I put the speedy on the stand and push the front wheel into the corner, then I push the back of the bike against the back wall

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by Peter1

.... I read somewhere saying bikes with single side swing arm must use front and rear stands together, is that right?

If so, should I do the front first or the rear first? Also it can't be a 1 person job isn't it (i.e. need someone else to hold bike in place)?

It is always advisable to put the bike on the rear-stand first, regardless of whether bike is single or double side swing arm (which really doesn't enter into the equation anyway)
With bike on the rear stand, the front is simple, since bike is already stable, and unable to tip.

Yes, very much a one-person operation, especially when starting with the rear. Engage the spindle then at rear of the bike, put left hand on the tail, just to stabilize then start to press down on the lever part to bring the wheels down to both on the ground and bike vertical - then press down on the lever to raise the bike up. Note that you want to be pushing at more like a 45 deg angle (perpendicular to the lever) than straight down.
Similarly, when lowering - make sure side stand is already out - lower it slowly until bike wheel touches down - but without going too far, so that the wheels of the stand are both still touching and you are lightly holding the bike vertical using the stand wheels as stabilizers. Again left hand on the tail for stabilizing. Then let up on the stand slightly and start the bike tilting towards the left, to find the kickstand.

Watch this guy - that is a dual swing-arm obviously but technique is identical once you have the spindle installed in the axle in your case.
That is only difference - engage the spindle before raising the bike vertical off the side-stand means less 'balancing' & juggling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRv_c4QIOVk

[luigi]

Thanks guys. I have seek some clarification, apparently you can't use the front stand alone as it requires the rear to be stablised first. In other words, the rear stand can be used by itself.

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by Peter1

.... you can't use the front stand alone as it requires the rear to be stablised first..... the rear stand can be used by itself.

Exactly - this is same for most stands, most bikes.