Paddock stand buyer's guide: bobbins, forks and single-siders

A good paddock stand makes chain cleaning, wheel work and storage safer. A bad one scrapes swingarms, tips the bike or sits unused in the corner. This guide covers bobbins, forks/cups, front stands and single-sided swingarms so you can buy once.

Rear stands: bobbin vs fork / cup

Bobbin (spool) stands use L- or V-pins that locate into cotton-reel bobbins bolted into the swingarm. They are quick, stable and ideal if your bike has (or can take) bobbins.

Fork / cup stands cradle the swingarm directly. Use them when you have no bobbins, or for bikes where spool mounts are not available. Pads must match the swingarm profile — square cups on a rounded arm will slip.

• Confirm bobbin thread size (often M6, M8 or M10) and length for your swingarm.
• Never lift on fragile plastic panels or exhaust heat shields.
• Work on level ground; chock the front wheel before you raise the rear.

Front stands and wheel chocks

Front headstock / under-fork stands take weight under the yokes or forks so you can remove the front wheel. Wheel chocks lock the front tyre for storage or van loading without lifting the whole front end.

Rule of thumb: rear stand for drivetrain jobs, front stand for wheel/brake jobs, chock for tidy parking and transport.

Single-sided swingarms

Single-siders need a stand designed for that pivot or a manufacturer-specific adapter. A generic twin-arm spool stand will not locate safely. Check the product fitment list before you buy.

Load rating and build quality

1. Choose a rated capacity above your wet bike weight — leave margin, do not run at the limit.
2. Prefer wide bases and decent welds over ultra-light “travel” frames for workshop use.
3. Footprints with rubber feet protect garage floors and reduce slip.

Quick fit checklist

• Bike weight and swingarm type (twin / single / no bobbins)
• Bobbin size if using spools
• Front lift method (headstock, fork, or chock only)
• Storage space — folding frames help in tight garages

If you are unsure, start with a quality rear bobbin stand plus the correct adapters for your bike, then add a front solution when you need wheel access. Browse our workshop range for stands, chocks and bobbins.