How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Lift Stand: Here’s a guide with the Key Features, Types and Top Tips

The feeling of exploring the world on a motorcycle is quite exhilarating and surreal for most riding enthusiasts. You get to ride through different geographies and terrains, and see the world through a different lens. But with this sense of exuberance and excitement comes routine maintenance work for the motorcycles, and if it's not handled carefully, one tiny mistake can cause unnecessary damage to your bike if you're not being careful. 
How can you perform routine checks without straining your back? 

The solution is a handy and easy-to-use motorcycle lift stand. 

Imagine returning after a nice, long vacation, riding through the hilly terrains of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On your way back, you sense something feels off with your motorcycle, but you can’t quite put your finger on it and decide to continue the ride. After a certain point, the urge to check catches up with you, and you decide to  pull over on the side of the road, put it on the side stand, and lean in close to inspect it. 

This video is sourced from Youtube@GARVEE

As you are about to start examining, a slight shift in balance sends your motorcycle tipping over — BHAM! The next thing you know, your bike has hit the ground, and you already know what’s coming next. More damage, more stress, and no mechanic available at that hour.

Stories like this aren’t uncommon or unheard of. Many riders have faced similar situations, left feeling regretful and frustrated after a long trip.  But the hard-hitting reality is, this can all be avoided with the right motorcycle lift stand. Taking your bike home or to a mechanic and using the right lift stand to examine the issue can solve most of your bike problems.

So what is a motorcycle lift stand?

A motorcycle lift stand is a device specifically designed to elevate and lift motorcycles to a specific height, allowing riders and mechanics to examine the motorcycle from all angles and giving them the comfort and ease to perform routine maintenance work, regular checks, repairs, and customizations without any trouble. These lift stands are specially designed to ensure you don’t hurt yourself or cause any damage to the vehicle.

To help you get an in-depth understanding of what a motorcycle stand lift is and the key features of it, we have an all-inclusive and thorough guide to help you understand the key features to consider before getting a lift stand, the different types of motorcycle lift stands, the practical tips for choosing, and more. 

Whether you’re  a professional rider with a Kawasaki, or a biking enthusiast with a Yamaha or a Suzuki, or if you are a novice looking to buy your first vehicle, this guide offers you all the essential knowledge and practical tips you need before you embark on your next ride. 

Table of Contents

• Common Issues Without a Motorcycle Lift Stand
• Key Features of Motorcycle Lifts
• Different Types of Motorcycle Lift Stands
• Practical Tips to Consider for the Best Motorcycle Lift
• The Ultimate Motorcycle Buying Checklist

Common Issues Without a Motorcycle Lift Stand

Using the wrong  motorcycle stands can leave long-lasting damage to your vehicle and can lead to deep frustration. There have been real-life instances wherein riders have used the wrong stand to carry out a routine check, and as a result, their motorcycles have been badly damaged. The best way to avoid this is by being prepared with the right lift stand for your motorcycle. As the popular saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and in this case, it is spot on. To give you an idea of some of the issues riders have faced and help you stay cautious, here are some of the most common issues without the right stand:

Ground Instability

The real struggle lies in keeping the bike stable while trying to prop it up. If the surface is soft, wet, or uneven, without the right stand, the vehicle can tip over, sink into the surface, or just slide off, thanks to uneven weight distribution that causes instability. This can also lead to long-term issues such as scratches on the paintwork, hydraulic failures, and damaged parts that can be very expensive to fix. 

Uneven Weight Distribution

Many riders who have relied solely on the side stand, makeshift support, or the motorcycle rear stand have encountered issues where unreliable support can build  uneven pressure on both the tires, suspension, and frame over  a period of time.

Limited Maintenance and Storage

Without the right equipment to lift the motorcycle safely, reaching underneath to scan the parts, the wheels, or changing the chains can be very difficult and can be frustrating. At the same time, leaving the motorcycle on the side stand for a long duration can lead to unnecessary stress and uneven wear. 

The right motorcycle lift stand solves all of these issues, providing stability, safety, and peace of mind. Let’s dive deeper into some of the key features to consider while picking the right lift stand. 

Key Features of Motorcycle Lifts

• Load capacity- The first and foremost feature to consider is the capacity of the lift stand. Can the lift stand withstand the weight of your motorcycle without extra support? Will it be able to hold it in place without any restrictions? These are questions you need to be asking yourself and these are key aspects you need to keep in mind before getting the best lift stand for your motorcycle. Always bear in mind that the lift stand should be stable and strong enough to safely support the full weight of your motorcycle on its own, without the extra support or you having to hold the bike. The ideal load capacity for a lift stand is around 850 to 900 lbs, a combination of  motorcycle rear stand and front stand. This combination gives maximum stability and guaranteed support during maintenance work and for long-term storage.
  
  
• High-Quality Steel, Rust-Resistant Frame- The real essence of a motorcycle lift stand lies in its material. If the quality is not up to the mark or if it's really bad, it can quickly turn into  a nightmare for both you and your motorcycle. That’s why it’s essential to choose the best motorcycle lift that is made of high-quality steel, is rust-resistant and offers long-lasting durability. No matter the weather outside or the temperature of the garage on the inside,  a good stand will stay strong, durable, and reliable, no matter what. It will always be ready whenever you need it.
  
  
• Quick Assembly- Often, riders get frustrated with motorcycle stands that are hard to use, and are seen struggling with complicated parts or confusing instructions. The whole point of a lift stand is to make your motorcycle-related work easier. So whether you’re fixing it yourself or your mechanic is doing it , the lift stand should be simple to set up and easy to use. A reliable, easy-to-assemble lift stand saves you time, letting you focus on working on your bike rather than stressing over what tool or stand to use.  Whether it’s a routine maintenance check with your mechanic, DIY repairs  and cleaning, a good lift stand can be your saviour in disguise because it comes equipped with a quick assembly that makes every whole repair and motorcycle examination process much smoother, safer, and hassle-free.
  
  
• Easy Maintenance and Storage- While a lift stand helps you keep your motorcycle in great shape, it is equally important to choose one that is easy to maintain and convenient to store. So when you are surfing through the internet browsing for the best lift stand that suits your motorcycle’s needs, make sure it is easy to assemble, foldable and can be moved around without any hassle. The best  lift stand is the one that is easy to use, store and it’s a long-term investment that ensures you are always ready and prepared when your bike needs that extra attention.

Now that we have covered some of the key features, let's take a look at the different types of motorcycle lift stands  that are currently available in the market so you can understand the pros and cons of each model and pick the best lift stand for your motorcycle.

Different Types of Motorcycle Lift Stands

These key features and common challenges throw light on why investing in a reliable motorcycle lift  is crucial for your bike’s safety and longevity. While there are many aspects to consider before making your final decision, here are some practical tips to help you pick the best lift stand.

Practical Tips to Consider for the Best Motorcycle Lift

The Ultimate Motorcycle Buying Checklist

A motorcycle lift stand is more than just a mechanical tool; it’s a long-term investment for your motorcycle's maintenance, usage, and longevity. Choosing the right motorcycle lift stand changes everything because with this decision, you can ensure stability, ease of maintenance, and easy storage, while protecting both you and your motorcycle from accidents, unnecessary damage, and injuries. Here’s how you use the motorcycle lift without any hassle or breaking your back.

Set up the Stand: Before you start inspecting your vehicle, make sure to go through the manual guide and set up the motorcycle lift stand as per the instructions mentioned. Depending on your motorcycle’s design and weight (ideally 850–900 lbs ), adjust the lift stand  with the adjustable lift brackets.

Position the Stand: Now, you unfold the stand near the rear wheel of your motorbike. You must make sure that U/L forks or spool adapters are properly arranged with the swingarm spools or axle. 

Secure the Motorcycle:  You have to smoothly lift the back wheel using the handle. It reduces the stress with the stand’s firm grip, which makes lifting safe and effortless. 

Carry out Maintenance: While there are various motorcycle lifts, make sure you pick the right one that allows you to comfortably access all parts of your bike, even the sections that aren’t easily visible . When the rear or the front wheel is lifted to the preferred height, you can go ahead and then proceed with your maintenance tasks, i.e., tire changes, oil change, checking for any leakage, wire cuts, brake inspections, and more. With the right lift stand by your side, you have nothing to worry about. 

Wrap up : When you’re finished checking and making all the necessary changes, you can carefully lower the motorcycle and store the lift stand safely. 

Store for next Use: Be cautious of the storage space’s environment, making sure it's not exposed to sunlight, prone to water leakage, or susceptible to rusting.
 
With these actionable and practical indicators, you can confidently choose the best motorcycle lift stand that makes your vehicle’s  maintenance easier, doesn’t compromise on safety, and keeps your bike in top condition for the long haul. So whether you are travelling for a short distance or packing your bags for a couple of months, your motorcycle deserves the right support. 

Get your hands on the best motorcycle lift before the season ends.

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