TEN THINGS ABOUT DIRT BIKE STANDS

(1) Bike stands. Even the simplest motorcycle accessories need a special formula to make them work right. A stand with a platform that is too big will look sloppy, and one that is too small will be harder to put your bike onto and easier for your bike to fall off of. Bike stands aren’t the most important accessory in the pits, but you might be surprised by how many variations there are. 

(2) Wedges. Most bikes don’t sit perfectly level when on a stand, especially KTMs, Yamahas and Hondas. The bottom frame rails pitch the bike forward or backward. A wedge, used in the correct spot, will raise both wheels off the ground so you can easily spin them when tightening spokes and sprocket bolts, lubing the chain, washing the bike,or filling up the tires. Works Connection’s stand retails for $159.95, and, for an additional $24.95, you can buy a wedge that bolts onto the stand. The Factory Effex V1 stand costs $89.95, and there is a bolt-on wedge that retails for $14.95.

(3) Open top. You might have noticed the Red Bull KTM team uses stands that don’t have a platform on top; instead, they have two rails for balancing the bike. Factory KTM doesn’t sell these stands, but Moose Racing makes an M-1 stand that you can buy for $99.95. Instead of using a wedge to level out your bike, you simply move it forward or backward to position your bike on the two rails in a way that raises both wheels off the ground. 

(4) Adjustable. Risk Racing’s A.T.S. Magnetic stand is one of the most advanced stands on the market. It has two CNC aluminum turnbuckles built into the frame that allow you to angle the platform and level out your bike. Additionally, the magnetic aspect of this stand means that you can stick your loose nuts, bolts and tools to the side of the stand to keep them organized. The Polisport foldable stand. 

(5) Foldable. In transit, bike stands take up valuable space in the truck or van. Polisport came out with the first foldable bike stand made entirely out of plastic, retailing for $80.00. It folds up and takes up a fraction of the space in your truck. One con with plastic, though, is that it can break if abused. Enduro Engineering came out with a foldable aluminum stand that lasts much longer, but it currently has a price tag of $249.95. 

(6) Push-up. Step-on-up stands are very popular for riders who are too small to lift their bike on the stand and for Vet riders who are riddled with injuries and prefer to save their energy and strength to actually ride their bikes instead of taking them on and off the stand. These stands aren’t the friendliest for transporting and take care to watch your fingers when loading and unloading out of the truck. The Matrix LS1 Lift Stand is very stable and lifts the bike with ease.

(7) Electric. Electric bike stands were made for the most experienced riders who’ve coined the slogan, “Work smarter, not harder.” Like step-on stands, they are bulky and not ideal for transport, but they are essential for many riders who would rather risk an injury on the track than in the pits. Even though they’ve been out of stock for a while,  Matrix Concepts has taken over production and marketing of the Matrix Power Lift stand and they are available now.

(8) Ride on. Risk Racing makes a stand that you can roll your bike onto and lift the stand into place with a foot lever. At $169.99, it isn’t as easy to use as an electric stand, and it requires a little bit of technique, but once you figure it out, it will save you, especially if you deal with back or shoulder pain. Simply roll your bike onto the stand, and as the front wheel rolls onto the front lip, it will propel the stand upward. Then, step on the foot lever to lift the bike off the ground. This stand is too big and bulky to carry to and from the track, but the MXA wrecking crew always keeps two of these in the wash bay by Jody’s barn.

The Tusk Scissor Lift stand is sold by Rocky Mountain ATV/MC.  

(9) Scissor lift. The scissor-lift stand is best for mechanics who are constantly working on bikes. These stands are heavy, bulky, and not meant to transport to and from the track. But, they’ll save your back when your bike needs some TLC. 

(10) Marketing. Most stands have a logo panel on the side that allows riders to install stickers or graphics. For $99.95, the Acerbis 711 bike stand is the king of marketing, as it features number plates on two sides of the stand, allowing riders to promote their name, number and/or sponsors in the pits. The Acerbis stands also come with a small, built-in, removable wedge to level out your bike. One squawk with the Acerbis stands is that the top platform is slippery.