What kind of stand are we talking?
We’re not talking about parking your bike up for a few minutes. This is not about routine parking, I mean, we all have a working stand for that, because it’s something we use all the time. We’re talking here, about a centre-stand, not designed for routine parking, but for maintenance work. You normally pull the bike back while guiding the stand gently with your foot, and then suspend the bike on either one or both wheels. This is one of those motorbike accessories that is often overlooked, until that time you want to repair something. Maybe you want to change the wheel, wash the bike, or when waxing. I want to be sure that my stand is working if I’m going to be waxing my bike and pushing against it.
Who do you trust to hold up your bike?
We all tend to go a little overboard when it comes to motorbike accessories. We like to have the best lights as they are so important at night. We want the best tyres as they are so important on the road. We categorize our bike into a set of upgrades. What works well now, what could be upgraded, what’s trending, and what’s best for all aspects of our bike. We care about each and every one of those accessories and their respective use. But think of it this way. The stand is your friend who lifts your bike when you need to see underneath. He’s the guy that holds it there, completed still while you wash your bike. The only way you’re getting that is with the right stand for your bike.
What does my stand need to do?
Obviously, you want the stand that fits your bike best. There is not much point in having the best stand if it’s a little too big. We want a good fitting stand. I want to know that it’s made from the best materials, it needs to be strong enough to hold up the weight of my bike. I need my stand to be Hercules, this stand bears the weight of my bike, and still hold up if something else pushes on it. I want a reliable stand, I want a sturdy stand, I want and need a stand that holds up in all weather. I need my stand to get used to the bumps and scratches I put my bike through. Every time when going over a speed bump that’s just a little too high, and the stand just tips it. I want my stand to always be up to the task.
How to find the best stand?
You need to plan a bit first. Think about what motorbike accessories you would choose your bike. Think about your budget and try to get a frame that suits your bike. Do you need a wheel chock, a paddock stand, maybe a roller wheel stand, or maybe something that just simply suits the job you need it to do? You should always try to get the best you can for your bike, the stand included, shop more.
