Front stand dilemma - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

uefb · 10-24-2007, 05:28 PM

I am looking to purchase a front stand but I am confused as there seems to be 3 options and I do not know what would be the best for working on the bike and storing it all winter. Will also be using it for potential track days.

* Pin for lifting on lower triple tree. (Full access to wheel removal)
* 2-pins (rubber coated) each side for lifting on the lower fork assembly
* 1 pin each side to fit in the holes in the front axle

Anybody have any comments/experience with the different types?

bluemoco · 10-24-2007, 06:27 PM

I have a CycleCat UCS1 rear stand that's been very nice, and I'm tempted to pick up a matching front stand:

http://www.mcstands.com/catalog.asp?product=1106

My CC UCS1 rear stand is an excellent product, but it's very heavy and would probably be a pain to take to the track. I like my CycleCat stand, though -- it's well designed, sturdy, and easy to use when solo.

Ultimately, it depends on how you plan to use the stand, eh?

fasterblkduc · 10-25-2007, 10:33 AM

I know you are planning trackdays so I would recommend the type that lifts the steering head. It's sturdier than lifting by the bottom of the fork legs. That way works for wheel removal but is not as sturdy. Lifting by the fork legs is fine for storage but is a little scary for wheel removal because they do fall off sometimes. Another advantage of lifting by the steering head is that you get more room for tirewarmers which you may want for your trackbike.

http://www.pit-bull.com/catalog/prod...64c9fc85672a29

Pitbull has the best quality stands and the one that I linked to above is what I recommend. Ducatis need an adapter pin when using this style so keep that in mind when ordering.
There are a lot of brands of stands, but by far the most popular and widely used by racers are the Pitbull stands. Check the link I sent you before to the WERA forum. There are used Pitbulls for sale on there a lot.

R+B · 10-25-2007, 06:01 PM

I like my rear stand made by Pit Bull. Easy to operate alone, and the bike feels very sturdy. This design has three "fingers" on each side that cradles the frame.

Gmoney · 10-26-2007, 01:03 AM

I had a front stand that went in the holds in the bottom of the fork tubes. I liked it for storage, it worked well enough if I just let the bike sit. I would NEVER do work with it on that type of stand. It was harder to get off the ground than any other type of stand I've used. It seemed much more stable than the type that just cradles the tubes, but much less stable than the triple stands. I'd highly recommend one of those if you want to do any work on the front end.

But if you're trying to save the cash, go for the type that goes in the holes in the tube before the kind that cradles the tube (my opinion). It's harder to get off the ground, but I felt like it was slightly more stable. Otherwise, get the one that supports it by the triple.

gme620 · 10-26-2007, 02:17 PM

I'm with gabe on this. Pit bulls are great stands. I have the one that lifts from the bottem of the fork and has the converter to lift from the bottom of the triple with a pin. It works great on every bike i've ever used it on. Furthermore I have the new "jac stand" that they make it holds the bike up by the frame sliders, rearsets, and pretty much any other way that you no want. This may also be a good buy if you ever want to remove the rear shock, swing arm, or forks. I've used mine to do this and it worked great. I got mine direct from pit bulls web site the shipping was reasonable and quick. Big ups to pit bull a fine product. [thumbsup]

Sgt_H · 10-26-2007, 07:38 PM

The other posters know better than I do, but based on http://www.ducatimonster.org/smf/ind...?topic=95416.0 this thread I bought the T-Rex stands. Front and rear with triple tree adapter. I just put them together and got the bike up on them. They seem very substantial and well built. The tube is pretty heavy duty, it has four solid looking wheels per stand. I'll let you know later on if they bend/warp/crack and drop the bike, but on initial inspection they seem to be the real deal. $150 shipped for both stands and adapter.

uefb · 10-31-2007, 01:10 PM

Thanks for all the comments.
Based on everyones input I purchased a pair of used Vortex Front and Rear Stands on eBay (turned out to be from a local Aprilia Mille rider). $118 for both was reasonable. Front stand lifts from steering stem. Heavy duty with 4 PU wheels, almost as nice as Pit Bull.
The front stand works great but it takes a lot of muscle to raise the front. I wish the stand arm was longer or my arm stronger ;D
Rear stand only has spool adapters so either I have to modify stand or add spools to the swingarm.
I read the thread on this board on drilling and adding Rivet Nuts to hold spools, but I don't trust the wall on my swingarm to not buckle if mounted like this.
Has anyone tried to weld spool holders under the swingarm like Aprilia and Jap bikes?
Anyone here experienced at Alum welding?

fasterblkduc · 10-31-2007, 03:10 PM

I welded mounts to mine...works great! But mine is steel. I can't weld aluminum for you but get the mounts, then go to a local fab shop and have them welded on for real cheap. There is a guy in Bloomington (I think) that does a lot of bike stuff. He has a good reputation. PM me if you want his info.