I have been considering a track stand for my 5th gen, so I can remove the center stand. Does anyone have a recommendation or valuable insight on whether a front or rear stand is more useful ? I'm sure having one of each would be best, but in these economic times one would fit my budget better. So if you could only have one, which would it be, Front or Back?
If you can only have one it needs to be a rear stand. You need a rear stand or centerstand to use a frontstand (well, the pin style anyway). Think about it, you're gonna use a rear stand much more often to service the chain anyway.
I've been using a rear "Powerstands" under my Ducati and like it very much. I got the model that has the removable handle, from Kneedraggers. I had the Pit Bull for a short time but returned it after I found Powerstands.
I have a Pit Bull Newfront stand, it's cheaper than the Powerstand version. The Powerstands version comes with adapters to make it a forklift stand as well, it seems to have no adjustability like the Pit Bull does. Can you explain what is better about the Powerstand? Also, when do you use a front forklift stand, and can you use a front forklift stand without a rear stand/centerstand?? (note, I'm not giving you crap I'm curious)
I chose the Powerstands mostly for the removable handle. I have a shop-type motorcycle lift in my garage and a handle sticking out would be in a walking area. Also, for a show bike the chrome stand, in my opinion, looks a little better. My only recommendation on the Powerstands is to remove the rubber covers on the spool area. This will allow a better and more secure spool engagement. You can also adjust the dimensions between the lifting points. I also like the fact that they come with a storage compartment and a selection of handles.
I can tell you that the Pit Bull rear stand is outstanding and simple to use. It cost's a bit but is quality. Front stands are only stable when using a rear stand at the same time. Look on YouTube for a video, there are a few that show both in use. I just ordered a Black Widow front lift (Discountramps.com) so I can remove my forks for a seal change. It came in the mail with no bolts to put it together. Big time drag. Will lose another week of riding waiting for them. The Pit Bull front stands are way too expensive for me. The Black Widow was only $90 with shipping and comes with five different size pins to fit many different bikes. It looks nice and seems like it is good quality, except for the idiot who didn't pack all the parts with it. For the amount of times I will use it I think it will work out. I borrow the rear stand from a fellow VFR nut and now he can borrow the front from me for those times he needs to do front end work. I will let you know how it works.
All of my Pit-Bull stands have outlasted the original bikes I bought them for, and the Front Stand that picks a bike up by the triple is INVALUABLE. Worth every penny to be able to take off the front forks for service. It was a little spendy back in 2003 when I bought it, but it's been through multiple seasons of racing which abuse equipment to no end, as well as maintenance on all my street bikes and most of my buddies as well. No problems EVER...
Here is the pitbull i use, it came with a ducati i no longer have, but i exchanged the pins for a VFR type. very sturdy, but it's best if used on level ground (any stand) otherwise the bike will list over. and it's real easy to get up and down, my only gripe is the diameter of the pin is so close to that of the hole it does take some effort to remove.
Thanks to all of you who have responded. I think I have the picture now. Looks like the Pitbull rear stand is the way to go. and maybe a front later. Thanks Dave
