Motorcycles tend to already have a support present in the form of a kickstand and as a result you may think you are all set. However, it is still worth considering a motorcycle paddock stand.

Paddock stands and kickstands may both offer a way of holding the motorbike upright but to put it plainly the amount of support provided by each is to completely different standards and there is much more to a paddock stand than the name would suggest.

Someone who is new to the world of motorcycles may not know exactly what a paddock stand is used for, so here is why you should add one to your motorbike’s arsenal:

What Is A Motorcycle Paddock Stand?

A motorcycle paddock stand is exactly what it says on the tin, a stand for motorcycles. They are made to mount a motorbike and keep it upright when parked or even elevate the front or rear wheel.

Why Should I Buy A Motorcycle Paddock Stand?

Designed and tested specifically for each model of motorcycle with the ability to lift either the front or rear wheels of the bike, paddock stands are the perfect accessory for maintaining a motorbike. The elevation makes it a breeze to perform repairs and clean those harder to reach areas.

Paddock stands are also ideal when parking a motorcycle. Not only do they securely hold motorbikes in place, ensuring they can be stored safely without being knocked over, they are also a great space saver. The fact that they hold the bike up straight allows them to claim a place as a better alternative to kickstands which are both less secure and require more room in a garage as they tilt the motorcycle to one side.

While these stands come in handy for general motorbike storage and maintenance, they are actually the perfect companion for track days in particular. The ground clearance brought about by the elevation is ideal for carry out repairs, lubricating the chain or fitting and removing tyre warmers.

What Kind Of Motorcycle Paddock Stand Do I Need?

There a three main types of motorcycle paddock stand to consider with each serving a particular purpose, so here is a bit more information on which stand is best suited to your needs:

Front Paddock Stand:

Fitting to the front wheel, the front paddock stand can be used when cleaning the front wheel or servicing the brakes. It lifts the front wheel off the ground and allows it to be turned completely for full access to each part.

Rear Paddock Stand:

The rear paddock stand attaches to twin swing arms and is the correct choice when performing engine maintenance, cleaning the rear wheel, changing the rear tyre and cleaning or lubricating the chain.

Single Swing Arm Paddock Stand:

Single swing arm stands do the same job as the rear paddock stand, the only differences are they are designed for use where the motorbike only has a single swing arm and they can be fitted directly without the need for flat plates or hooks.

Mountings:

Front and rear motorcycle paddock stands can be mounted using either flat plates or hooks and come with both included.

The flat plates are fully acceptable to use when fitting the paddock stand and while they are less secure, they are also universal. The hooks provide much more stability than the flat plates but they can only be used when aftermarket bobbins have already been fitted.

How To Secure A Paddock Stand

Many motorcycle paddock stands are able to offer sturdy mounting for a wide range of motorcycles and in the case of Puig stands in particular, this is achieved thanks to their steel material while the stands’ own durability is ensured with a black epoxy finish. With that said, how do you actually use a paddock stand?

Before starting it would be ideal but to have someone to give you a hand throughout the mounting process although this is not 100% necessary.

Step 1: Ensure the motorcycle is on a solid and level surface.

Step 2: Pivot the motorcycle upright and roughly position the stand in place. If using hooks, position these to the bobbins and adjust or if using flat plates, find a contact area and adjust.

Step 3: Push downwards on the paddock stand and lift the wheel upwards.