Paddock stand buyer's guide: bobbins, forks and single-siders
We load-tested our own range so you know exactly which stand suits your bike and budget.
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
- Choose a rated capacity above your wet bike weight — leave margin, do not run at the limit.
- Prefer wide bases and decent welds over ultra-light “travel” frames for workshop use.
- 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 paddock stands, including front and rear universal stand sets and rear rigid stands.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need bobbins for a paddock stand?
Bobbin stands need cotton-reel bobbins fitted to the swingarm (or supplied with the stand kit). Fork or cup stands cradle the swingarm directly when you have no bobbins — match the cup profile to your bike.
Can I use a paddock stand on grass or gravel?
Only on firm, level hardstanding. Grass, gravel and sloped driveways can let the stand shift. Chock the front wheel and work on flat concrete when possible.
Should I buy a front stand or rear stand first?
Most riders start with a rear stand for chain, wheel and storage jobs. Add a front headstock or fork stand when you need front-wheel removal for brakes or tyre work.
What weight rating should a paddock stand have?
Choose a stand rated above your bike's wet weight with margin — do not run at the stated limit. Heavy tourers and adventure bikes need higher capacity than lightweight roadsters.
Shop paddock stands Rear, front and universal paddock stands for UK garages — free mainland delivery.
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