Which stand?
 

I need to get my self a stand for maintenance etc,which is better for ease of use, a paddock stand or an abba superbike stand?

NWS is a similar principal to the Abba, but easier to use and doesn't adapters for most bikes.

It does use adaptors for the K4 though IIRC. They're both great, so don't stress too much, but the NWS is IMO better. (and I've got an ABBA :) ) The NWS is wider, apparently, so can't be used with some bike lifts.

I find it easiest to get my bike up onto my rear paddock stand, it's one that has "cups" that go under the swinging arm, but it's not as secure as the ABBA style stand that I have.

ABBA style stands also take the weight off the suspension, which is a useful thing. I reckon you should have one of each, a rear paddock stand makes lubing your chain as easy as pie. You can pick up a rear paddock stand for sod all.

Front paddock stands on the other hand have been poor in my experience, 3 of my bikes have fallen off a front stand!

True, but the adapter consists of a little spacer to stop the stand jamming the rear brake lever on. If you're carefuly you can put a K4 on an NWS without the adapter.

Oh yeah, the topic! I've got a typical Bike-It rear stand and an Abba. The Abba or similiar's really essential if you do any serious work- removing shocks is impossible with a standard rear stand, and they're far less stable too. Rear stands are still useful for light work, or when you can't be bothered using an ABBA-type stand (much quicker to use) but not essential.

Front stands are rubbish... Very limited in scope. The ones that lift from under the forks are temperamental and not very useful (can't remove forks with 'em) and the ones that lift under the yokes are awkward and still limited- plus, expensive. A good quality pair of front and rear stands costs a good chunk, most of the way to getting an NWS or Abba and a cheap jack.

Plus, with the bike on an ABBA or NWS, you can happily muller things about with the biggest hammer you own and it won't fall off. This is pretty handy sometimes :wink:

So it just depends on what you want to do. If you want to clean the chain, or occasionally remove the wheels, then a front and rear stand are adequate. If you want to do anything more, then an ABBA or similiar is what you want.[/code]

NWS.

It just edges the Abba in use, it's a dab easier to lift the bike, and it's more stable when in place.

Just for adjusting and cleaning the chain, would something like
this

http://i22.ebayimg.com/01/i/05/56/6d/6c_1_b.JPG

Would it work with SV650S (curvy)?

How do you use it? Is it as easy as hooking the black bits under the swing-arm and levering the back wheel into the air? pivoting on the little wheels?

I know next to nothing about owning a bike, so sorry if it's a stupid question

that willdo you fine for adjusting and cleaning the chain, and yes that's exactly how it works. its a bit tricky doing it on your own the first couple of times but you soon get bthe hang of it.

That's the same as the one I've got. It's a bit bendy, but it's always worked OK for me. Some people find the wee hooks easier to use- you put bobbins in the bolt holes on the end of the swingarm and it hooks onto them. I don't like the hooks myself.

They're easy to use... To make it a bit easier you can prop the sidestand on a bit of wood to straighten the bike a little. It's all about balance, not strength- I could do it when i was on crutches and unable to use one leg (and i never tire of tellign people who find it difficult, either...)

Still, if you're considering getting crash bungs, get them first.