Simple paddock stand solution

[BanannaMan]

After reading the another thread recently I thought I'd share a tip thats works and is in anyones price range.

Can't afford a paddock stand???
Or looking for a easier way to do chain cleaning/lubing on trips and rideouts.....

All you need is a scrap stick of wood and possibly a nut and bolt.
If you already have swingarm savers (crashbungs) or spools for a paddock stand then you're half way there already.

If not...
Locate on your bike's swingarm a threaded bolt hole.
See pic below where my swingarm saver is located. (circled)




You'll need to obtain a bolt that's approx. 1 1/2 to 2 inches long and a nut.
Hmmm....I believe the size is 8mm x 1.25
(someone correct me if I'm wrong)
Put nut on bolt about halfway up.
Make sure you turn the bolt in a fair ways into the swingarm and then tighten the nut , but not overly tight, against the swingarm.
There's really no danger of the bolt coming out if it's in far enough, it just protects the threads in the swingarm should something ..heaven forbid.. happen to the bolt.



Next we'll need a small bit of lumber like this 2 x 4 I use (see pics).
You will have to work out the length on your own as there are lots of variables as to the height.
With your bike on the sidestand measure distance from bolt, crash bungs, etc. to ground.
You want your board height to be about 1/4" longer than your measurement...but you may want to start at 1/2" longer till you get the right height.
Remember you only have to get the wheel off the ground far enough to turn.


Now that you have your board and mount on bike....
The absolute first thing to do every time is...
MAKE SURE YOUR SIDESTAND IS FULLY DEPLOYED!!!
If it's not... you're about to turn your bike over.

Place board under swingarm mount of your choice at an angle.
(see pic)




Using your hand (or hands) take weight off this side by pushing the bike over on or towards the sidestand.
At the same time give the board a kick or two at the bottom until it is as vertical as possible and now you'll be able to roate that rear wheel!!
(see next 2 pics)






Amazingly sturdy...
Now you can get on the other side and clean and lube that chain....and perhaps clean the wheel with much more ease and no fear of the bike tipping over.



Actually the chain looks OK ...need to work on those hands!!

To remove... just pull out with one hand at bottom of board and using the other hand to take weight of the bike. (pushing towards sidestand)



There you have it... cheap as dirt and works a treat!!!
BanannaMan's simple paddock stand solution.

Similar to a lift stick. I've used one in an emergency and it works, but you have to be more careful than if it was on a paddock stand.

To be honest, I would rather pay £15/£20 for a paddock stand unless I was doing this by the side of the road.

Dan

[BanannaMan]

I have a paddock stand at home as well.
This was my solution for 1800 mile trips where the chain will need cleaning and lubing along the way.


Of course I guess I could just go ahead and get that Scottoiler and be done with it.
But I'd probably still take it with me even then...just so I could clean the rear wheel.
But I tend to be a bit OCD that way. My bike gets cleaned up every night while on a trip. (usually in the hotel carpark)
Even if it's going to rain again the next day.

well fair enough I guess.. never had thought about this myself..

If your travellling alone it's quite useful, but who wants to carry a piece of 3x2 in their tank bag?

If you put the bike on the sidestand and get somebody else to push the bike over by the grabrail while you spin the wheel and lube the chain. Usually any other biker you find at a petrol station, or side of the road cafe will help you, especially if you give him a squirt of lube and help do his afterwards. If you don't speak the lingo push the grabrail yourself while waving a can of lube and pointing, they'll get the message .

[Sid Squid]

It's a good idea, I made something similar for a chap I know a while ago. A piece of rod with a fork on one end and a 4x1" 'foot' welded on the other. It fits on his bike without taking up any under seat space too.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by BanannaMan

My bike gets cleaned up every night while on a trip. (usually in the hotel carpark)

That seems a right pain in the rse.. All I want to do on a trip at night is sup 10 pints and fall over my tent. Bike will get clean when it rains...

[BanannaMan]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

That seems a right pain in the rse.. All I want to do on a trip at night is sup 10 pints and fall over my tent. Bike will get clean when it rains...

Your bike clean???
Pics please!

[yorkie_chris]

Lol, well I say clean... It hammered it down the other day and washed all the dead stuff off the headlight.

silly question but is it possible to mount 2 of these on the side of your bike to use as an emergency paddock at the side of the road?

Perhaps use the swingarm threads and bolt them in and cable tie along swing arm or make up some clips?