A few quick questions for the bikers - how do paddock stands work? Do they hold the bike at the axle or do I need to fit additional 'bobbins'?

 

And is it best to use both front and rear or is one usually enough in which case is front/rear better than the other?

 

Last question - are the specific to the bike or are they generally a one size fits all?

 

I've been riding my new bike every few days but just thinking about the periods of time when I might not take it out as often I wasn't sure if leaving it on the side stand was good for it. It's permanently covered but is living outside so thought about getting some paddock stands.

 

Cheers!

Most paddock stands have sprung carriers that once slide under the rear swing arm, slide up towards the main axle and will stop at the bolt holes for the bobbins. I've only ever used my rear one for holding it but be sure to keep the side stand down also. This way if it goes to fall you've an additional aid if it goes to the side. If you lock the steering which no doubt you do, it will normally fall inwards to the stand (should it come off). Its never happened to me but its not impossible.

 

The paddock stands are universal but buy a good one. Cheapies don't like windy conditions.

Most paddock stands have sprung carriers that once slide under the rear swing arm, slide up towards the main axle and will stop at the bolt holes for the bobbins. I've only ever used my rear one for holding it but be sure to keep the side stand down also. This way if it goes to fall you've an additional aid if it goes to the side. If you lock the steering which no doubt you do, it will normally fall inwards to the stand (should it come off). Its never happened to me but its not impossible.

 

The paddock stands are universal but buy a good one. Cheapies don't like windy conditions.

 

Ebay suggests cheapies go for as little as £10 and expensive ones are coming in closer to £50-60 so I assume £25-30 should land me a decent one?

 

Thanks for the reply though - exactly what I was looking for!

Most paddock stands have sprung carriers that once slide under the rear swing arm, slide up towards the main axle and will stop at the bolt holes for the bobbins. I've only ever used my rear one for holding it but be sure to keep the side stand down also. This way if it goes to fall you've an additional aid if it goes to the side. If you lock the steering which no doubt you do, it will normally fall inwards to the stand (should it come off). Its never happened to me but its not impossible.

 

The paddock stands are universal but buy a good one. Cheapies don't like windy conditions.

 

As above but you can buy attachments which like mine will fit under crash bobbins. I also use a front stand if it's standing for a while but the problem here is you can't use the steering lock. If you do decide to use both front and rear make sure you attach rear first and remove the front first and if you're not sure why try it but get a video as it'll be funny.

 

I've got a front and rear which I don't need any more :( I can take a few pix when i get home at the weekend if you're interested I'll let em go cheap :)

As above but you can buy attachments which like mine will fit under crash bobbins. I also use a front stand if it's standing for a while but the problem here is you can't use the steering lock. If you do decide to use both front and rear make sure you attach rear first and remove the front first and if you're not sure why try it but get a video as it'll be funny.

 

I've got a front and rear which I don't need any more :( I can take a few pix when i get home at the weekend if you're interested I'll let em go cheap :)

 

I may be interested but mine doesn't have crash bobbins fitted (and I don't plan on fitting any). Would they still be ok to use?

The only other thing is the first time you go to put the bike up, have someone to help you as it is simple once you get the knack of it. Otherwise you could drop your bike.

 

Its all about getting it in the right place, hold the pillion bar and as quick as you can, get it pulled back ( as in the paddock stand) and to rest on the ground. I also use a thick rubber band {old tube} to hold the front brake on when its up. just another precaution worth doing, but if you do this take the band of the brake before you let it down as the bikes needs to go forward.

 

Yes you don't need the bobbins for a paddock as they will automatically slide up tight to the swing arm.

Similar to putting on the centre stand I assume?

 

Good tip on the front brake but I would also think for prolonged periods, this would start warping the brake disc?

 

That's good about not needing the bobbins though - I'd be interested to see some pics. Tadley isn't a million miles away from me either but will take collection into consideration before I decide as I'm a little short on time over the next few weeks.

I haven't had any issues with mine as I put it away for the winter with the brake on and its fine. Saying that, mine is garaged as well but I still have the brake on in case it decides to slip, and my bike is 6 year old.

It's not something I know as fact. Just something that I heard can happen so have always made sure not to park with the brake applied.

 

Coincidentally the bike broke down on me last night and left me at the side of the road for 90mins. No idea what's wrong with it - developed a grumbling engine note that was reminiscent of a misfire. Started stalling at low revs before finally giving up the ghost and refusing to even start up anymore. Electrics looked good and no leaks or anything else obvious.

 

It's heading to the bike shop tomorrow - hopefully it's nothing major. Not a great start...only had it for 3weeks!

That's unfortunate. I don't touch them at all as my mate since school eats breathes and races them as well as a bike mechanic, so he gets mine once a year to look after. Hopefully nothing major.

That's unfortunate. I don't touch them at all as my mate since school eats breathes and races them as well as a bike mechanic, so he gets mine once a year to look after. Hopefully nothing major.

 

I think I may need to find some friends like that! :devil:

If it's on a proper paddock stand it's almost impossible to roll off. I wouldn't personally leave the brake on not for any particular reason though :-) sorry to hear about the bike hope it's an easy fix.

Cheers buddy. It went to the garage today so waiting to hear back from them...