Lifts & Stands
About Lifts & Stands
Lifts and stands hold a motorcycle upright and off the ground so you can clean the chain, change a wheel, work on the brakes or store the bike. Riders also come to this group for kickstand parts when a stand spring has weakened or the foot has worn.
The sub-categories sort the job by type of support. Lifts & Jacks raise the whole bike from underneath, and Paddock Stands are the free-standing stands that hold a bike up in the garage or at the track. Wheel Rollers is a very small group, and Other Lifts & Stands holds the rest.
Choose by what the stand touches and how much it carries. Stands hold a bike by the frame, the swingarm or special spools on the swingarm, so check that the one you pick suits your bike. Choose a rating above the weight of the bike with its fluids and accessories, and use any lift or stand on a hard, level surface. Three-wheeled machines need lifts made for them, and the samples include an air lift for the Can-Am Spyder and trikes. Strap the bike down if the maker recommends it.
Brands here include EXCEL, VORTEX, UFO, COLONY and Drag Specialties. Stands are mostly universal, but kickstand springs and mounting kits are model-specific, so pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page for those.
FAQs on motorcycle lifts and stands
What is the difference between a motorcycle lift and a paddock stand?
A lift raises the whole bike by supporting it from beneath the frame, usually in the center. A paddock stand holds the bike up by the swingarm or a similar point, usually one end at a time. Lifts suit work on the wheels, brakes and underside, and stands suit chain care and wheel removal.
How much weight should a motorcycle lift or stand be rated for?
Choose a rating above the weight of your motorcycle with its fluids and accessories, which is in the owner's manual or the maker's specifications. A higher rating gives more margin, but the stand must also fit the bike and its support points. Check the capacity in the listing.
What are swingarm spools and do I need them?
Spools are small round pegs or bolts on a swingarm that a stand can lift by. Some bikes have spool mounts and others do not. If yours does not, use a stand with a different pickup point or fit spools made for it. The spool lifters in this group are for spooled bikes.
Is it safe to work under a bike held on a stand?
A stand or lift is meant for maintenance such as wheel and chain work. Use it on hard, level ground, strap the bike if the maker advises, and make sure it is stable before you let go. Do not work under a bike unless the lift is made for it and is secure.
What does a kickstand spring do?
The kickstand spring pulls the stand up against its stop so it stays folded while you ride. A weak or broken spring can let the stand drop, which is a hazard. Match the spring to your model. The kickstand springs here are listed in chrome and gloss black.
