Best Motorcycle Stand (Front and Rear Options)

Published:

If you’re anything like me, what started as the love of riding has quickly become the love of the machine itself. Along with that, you’ve probably developed a desire to use your own hands to perform maintenance and keep the bike you love in tip-top shape. 

To do that, you need a stand. From what I’ve found, these are the best motorcycle stands, both front and rear options, that are available today.

Best Rear Motorcycle Stand
Trackside Rear Paddock Stand Trackside Rear Paddock Stand
Easy to use and affordable, the Trackside Rear Paddock Stand is the most accessible option if you want to start working on your motorcycle and doing your own maintenance.
Best Front and Rear Combo
Oxford Zero-G Rear Dolly Stand Oxford Zero-G Rear Dolly Stand
With a high maximum load of 550 pounds and lockable casters, the Oxford Zero-G stands provide excellent support for even large motorcycles.
Best Front and Rear Combo
Oxford Zero-G Front Dolly Stand Oxford Zero-G Front Dolly Stand
With a high maximum load of 550 pounds and lockable casters, the Oxford Zero-G stands provide excellent support for even large motorcycles.

Reviews of the Best Motorcycle Stands


Trackside Rear Paddock Stand

The Trackside Rear Paddock Stand is probably the best stand-alone model you’ll find on the market, especially for the money. At an affordable price, it’s durable, made of 38 mm steel-tube construction, and resistant to the elements thanks to a powder-coat finish.

Check Prices on Revzilla

It’s also an especially stable stand, so it’s great for regular maintenance and learning your way around the bike. It even has dual wheel casters and a retractable handle for mobility combined with stability.

Pros:

  • Durable steel construction
  • Stable support
  • Dual wheel casters
  • Retractable handle
  • Multi-fit arms

Cons:

  • Minimal ground clearance
  • No bumper

Corresponding Front Stand: Trackside Front Paddock Stand

If you want to use a front stand as well, it’s a good idea to use Trackside’s corresponding model.

The Front Paddock Stand is ideal because it has the same durable construction and stability combined with a self-aligning rubber support lift that makes the lifting process much easier. The main downside is it decreases the ground clearance from the rear stand even further.


Oxford Zero-G Rear Dolly Stand

The Oxford Zero-G stand is a bit pricier, but it’s a higher-quality model, especially if you’re planning to use a rear and front stand in tandem.

The casters are heavy duty and lockable, which allows for loading motorcycles up to 550 pounds. This is in addition to torsional supports that can hold the bike as you perform maintenance.

Check Prices on Revzilla

Another thing I really like is the full lift height of 13.2 inches. That clearance makes maintenance easier, and it’s just nice if you’re a tall guy like me.

Pros:

  • Advanced and durable construction
  • Lockable casters
  • Max load of 550 pounds
  • Torsional supports
  • Oval tubing
  • 13.2 inches lift height

Cons:

  • Higher price range

Corresponding Front Stand: Oxford Zero-G Front Dolly Stand

The Oxford Zero-G Front Dolly Stand is one of the best front stand models and, combined with the Oxford rear stand, makes for the best front–rear stand combo on the market.

I love the combined 13 inches of lift height and the heavy-duty fasteners that keep your bike stable, along with the lockable casters.


Vortex Rear Stand

The Vortex Rear Stand is a simple and straightforward stand that’s good for lightweight sport bikes, though it can be hard to load heavy cruisers onto it. One stand-out feature is the adjustable width, making it a good choice if you have a non-standard wheel or tire size.

Check Prices on Revzilla

In addition to the simple design, the Vortex stand is lightweight and collapsible too. This makes it ideal for those who need a stand they can transport, whether for racing and competition purposes or just moving and long trips.

Pros:

  • Adjustable width
  • Lightweight
  • Breaks down
  • Durable steel design

Cons:

  • Difficult loading

Corresponding Front Stand: Vortex Fork Lift Front Stand

If you like the Vortex Rear Stand’s focus on mobility and light weight, consider getting the front stand version as well. It also breaks down and is easy to transport. Plus, it has rubber-coated steel pins that help prevent damage.


Woodcraft Spooled Rear Stand

The Woodcraft Spooled Rear Stand has several advanced features that aren’t included on other stands, such as the adjustable lift height. This makes the required loading and lifting effort a lot less. Also included are 10-second removable uprights that make storage and transportation a breeze.

Check Prices on Revzilla

In my opinion, though, the coolest feature is the integrated axle and hardware holders. Built into the stand itself, you can use these to keep all the bolts close by so they don’t roll off right when you need them.

Pros:

  • Adjustable lift height
  • 10-second removable uprights
  • Axle and hardware holders
  • Large wheels

Cons:

  • Narrow width

Corresponding Front Stand: Woodcraft Adjustable Forklift Stand – Pin Style

To get the same adjustable lift and removable uprights with your front stand, Woodcraft has a corresponding model. You’ll need the pin-style version if you have ABS, but the general forklift version will work otherwise.


LighTech Rear Stand

What I like most about the LighTech stand is its versatility. You can choose from three different versions: GP lifters, padded lifters, and spool lifters.

This way, you can choose the right stand for your type of motorcycle, the padded lifters being the default option for most casual riders and those who work on numerous different types of bikes.

Check Prices on Revzilla

The LightTech stand is also another model that’s adjustable by width, again making it ideal if you work with a lot of different models. Plus, it has an all-steel construction and powder-coated finish, so it can stand up to frequent loading and unloading.

Pros:

  • Three lift options
  • Fits different types of motorcycles
  • Adjustable width
  • Durable construction

Cons:

  • Locking system loosens over time

Corresponding Front Stand: LighTech Front Fork Pin Stand

The LightTech Front Fork Pin Stand is a good front stand choice to match the LighTech rear stand because it allows you to get in and perform maintenance on the axle and front brake. It is a bit on the narrow side, though, so if you have wider wheels, consider one of the other LighTech front stand options.


Buyer’s Guide

Considerations and cost


Rear Stands vs Front Stands

A rear stand is a stand-alone device that lifts a motorcycle by its swingarm or spools. This creates a stable and secure support and allows you to access the rear wheel, chain, and other components for maintenance or storage.

You can use a rear stand by itself, even for long periods, and the motorcycle should remain stable and balanced.

A front stand, however, cannot be used by itself. Because it lifts the motorcycle by the forks or steering stern, it does not support the bike with stability or balance. If you don’t also use a rear stand, the bike’s center of gravity may shift, and it could fall over.

Used in tandem with a rear stand, a front stand can be useful, though. It allows you to perform maintenance on front components and is great for storing the bike completely off the ground.

Types of Lifters

There are three main types of lifters you’ll find on stands, and it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your motorcycle and purposes.

Padded Lifters

Also called flat or rubberized lifters, these work with motorcycles that don’t have any specific mounting points…which is most of them. These lifters simply feature flat, padded surfaces that support the motorcycle’s swingarm without damaging it or letting it slip. 

Since they work with such a wide range of bikes, they’re the go-to for home mechanics and hobbyists who work on many different motorcycles, as well as those with cruisers or commuting bikes that don’t have specific lift components.

GP Lifters

Short for Grand Prix, GP Lifters are designed for sport bikes and racing motorcycles that have specific GP mounting points. The lifters themselves involve hooks that engage with the points. If you don’t have GP mounting points, you definitely don’t want this kind of lifter.

Spool Lifters

Spool lifters are more specific than padded lifters but less so than GP lifters. They work with a range of small cylindrical attachments called spools that some motorcycles have pre-installed on their swing arms. Like GP mounting points, spools are more common on sport bikes.

Things to Check For

Although the type of lifter is arguably the most important thing to check for when buying a motorcycle stand, there are several other features and components to keep in mind:

  • Compatibility: Make sure the stand will work with your motorcycle, not just the lifters but the dimensions as well. It should be wide enough to fit your tire.
  • Construction: High-quality stands are made of durable materials, such as steel or aluminum.
  • Adjustability: I prefer stands that are adjustable in width and height, though you should make sure that the adjustability doesn’t compromise the stability and support of the stand.  
  • Weight capacity: While it’s not a common problem if you have an especially heavy cruiser or touring motorcycle, you’ll want to check that the stand can support its weight.
  • Protective features: In the case of padded lifters, make sure the lifters are well-padded and won’t damage your motorcycle or its paint job when applied.

Final Thoughts

A motorcycle stand is a necessary device if you want to perform at-home maintenance or learn the mechanics of your motorcycle.

It’s also great for off-season storage. My top recommendation for a rear stand is the Trackside Rear Paddock Stand, but if you’re looking for a rear and front stand combo, I suggest the Oxford Zero-G Dolly Stands, rear and front