A motocross bike stand provides a stable platform that will keep your bike from falling over when you’re storing or working on it. Motocross bike stands are typically made of aluminum or steel. They prop the bike up from the chassis so that it stays balanced despite the front being heavier than the back.
You can lift both wheels off the ground using the stand, which makes it easier to work on or clean your bike. Plus, keeping the wheels raised, wards off suspension and tyre problems that arise when you don’t use the bike for long periods of time. It is recommended that you don’t go for a stand that leaves the front or back wheel on the ground. If one of the wheels stays resting on the ground, most of the benefits of the stand will be reduced.
Can I Use a Kickstand?
Most motocross bikes don’t have built-in kickstands. And while you can install a kickstand, it’s not recommended. Why? It’s too easy for the rider to accidentally trigger it when riding. If the kickstand were to extend unexpectedly, it could pose a serious hazard. Plus, even though kickstands are lightweight, they still add a few ounces to your bike, and cutting down on weight is one of the biggest factors in maximising your acceleration rate and top speed.When to Use a Motocross Bike Stand
You will use your motocross bike stand whenever you’re not riding. That means you’ll use the stand when you’re doing the following:Cleaning Your Motocross Bike
Hopefully, you’re cleaning your motocross bike after every ride. If not, then it is recommended that you do. (You can learn more about how to wash a motocross bike in our guide on the subject). Keeping your bike clean means it can perform at its best. A stand makes it much easier to reach every part of the bike to get the mud and dirt off.
When Making Repairs or Performing Maintenance
It takes a lot of concentration to carry out repairs or maintenance on your motocross bike, but it’s hard to focus if you’re trying to keep the bike upright. A stand is especially helpful when you’re changing the oil or tyres, but it’s useful no matter what you’re doing to your bike.For Storage Purposes
Even if you just got back from the track and you’ll be heading there again later in the week, you should use the bike stand for storage when your bike’s at home. Dirt bikes can weigh more than 250 pounds, which is a lot of weight bearing down on the bike’s suspension and tires. Lifting it with a stand will cut down on suspension wear and tear and prevent flat spots on your tires. Plus, if you lean your bike against a wall in your garage, you risk it falling over, which can lead to a whole host of other problems.How Do You Lift a Bike Onto a Stand?
The way you lift a motocross bike onto a stand depends on the type of stand you have. We’ll go over how to work with a fixed stand and how to use a lift stand.Using a Fixed Stand
With a fixed stand, you have to do all the heavy lifting yourself, literally. The stand will be at a standard height, and you’ll need to manually get your bike onto it.
The best way is to use the side-panel lift manoeuvre. Lean the bike on its side, grip the base of the bike and lift it onto the stand.
Another option is to park the bike next to the stand and hold the bike by its back tyre, placing the weight on the front tyre as you move it into position.
Using a Lift Stand
A lift stand is height-adjustable, usually ranging from 10 to 18 inches. You’ll roll your bike over the stand and into position – the stand should be in the middle of the bike, under where the engine is. Use the lift device to raise your bike off the ground to the height you want. Some lift stands will have a pedal that you can stand on, while others will have you turn a crank, similar to jacking up a car. When you’re done working on the bike, you can release the stand’s pressure, which will lower it back to the ground.Common Mistakes When Putting a Bike On a Stand
Avoid these common mistakes when putting your motocross bike on its stand.Setting Up on Uneven Ground
With a fixed stand, the ground needs to be as flat as possible. If you bring this type of stand to the track, you have to pay attention to where you’re placing it so it can safely hold your bike.Having the Bike the Wrong Distance From the Stand
You have to have the bike close enough to the stand that you can get it up on it, but you don’t want it so close that you knock the stand over when you try to put it up. Place the stand in front of the foot peg, about 3 to 4 inches away from the bike.Grabbing the Bike Wrong
It’s common to reach around the exhaust pipe to lift the bike, but if it’s hot, you’ll burn your hand. Instead, grip under the fender to lift it.
