Solo use of a workshop stand

Most recent motorcycles only have a side stand and no center stand. You may therefore wish to invest in a workshop stand to simplify certain operations on your motorcycle, such as greasing the chain.

The workshop stand has other advantages too, as it saves space in your garage. The motorcycle takes up less floor space when upright on its workshop stand, rather than slumped over on its side.

That's all very well, but how do you use a workshop stand... alone?!

Indeed, using a workshop stand can seem confusing at first; you might be afraid of dropping your bike while handling the stand.

Here's a tutorial put together by theIxtem Moto team, to make your life easier. Please note that the techniques described here are the tricks of amateur enthusiasts. We cannot be held responsible if you cause an accident.

1. Skates or forks?

Almost all crutches can use either skids or forks.

Forks: these are more practical, as they make it easier to position the stand and hold the swingarm in place. However, you need to be able to install specific diabolos on the swingarm beforehand (possible on sports bikes, but also on certain roadsters, etc.).

Skids : these have the advantage of allowing the use of the kickstand on virtually all motorcycles with a swingarm with chain or belt final drive.

NB: Single-arm motorcycles require a specific workshop stand.

For our tutorial, we've used a Bike-Lift rear stand, supplied with rubber pads. Our tutorial can also help you if you use forks.

We used a 2011 Honda Hornet as a guinea pig.

2. Adjusting brake pad spacing.

With the bike on its side, place the workshop stand at the rear of the swingarm as shown in the photo. Adjust the pads so that the gap corresponds approximately to that of the swingarm. It's best to "glue" the skid on the side stand to the swingarm...

...then adjust the other skid, LEAVING A LITTLE MARGIN (gap between skids slightly greater than swingarm width).

3. Other preliminaries

- When using the bike for the first time, it's best to have a biker friend who can hold the bike upright for you while you raise/lower the bike from the stand.
NB: to motivate him, explain that his help will be rewarded with a cold beer (this usually works).

- Put the bike in first gear to limit the risk of it moving if it's mishandled (risk of a fall).

- Set up on a smooth, straight surface (no slopes), in an open area with no children/animals around (risk of accident).

4. Go for it!

Motorcycle with straight steering (optional). Present the workshop stand and place the skid on the side.

Right the motorcycle with your left hand, using the passenger handle*. Don't be afraid, if you use smooth, relaxed movements, your bike will remain calmly on its balance point (like the slow course on your driving test... remember?).

Use your right hand to place the stand correctly, as it will no longer be in line when you straighten the bike. If necessary, use your left foot to move the stand (see photo above).

While holding the motorcycle by the passenger handle, PRESS FIRMLY on the top of the stand until your motorcycle is "mounted".

If you can't read on, you're stuck under the bike. For the rest of you, congratulations!

*No passenger handle: it's possible to handle the bike, but you'll have to be much more careful. Practice with a friend (bring a pack of beers).

5. Descent

The descent may seem tricky, but it's actually easier. BE SURE TO LEAVE THE SIDE STAND EXTENDED. Your left hand on the passenger handle, your right hand holding the end of the workshop stand. Straighten the stand, and your motorcycle simply descends. All you have to do is accompany it to the end of its travel, so that it lands on its side... and not on the wrong side.

6. Conclusion

Over time, you'll see that this will become an obvious and natural gesture. But keep your wits about you, as mistakes can happen. For advice, if your machine can be fitted with diabolo stands, and if you don't change bikes every 6 months, prefer a stand fitted with "forks".