So I sold my bike about a year ago. I thought getting a cool car would fill the void left by leaving the track but it turns out, it didn't.

So I will be getting another bike solely for track use. Haven't decided on what to get yet. I was aiming for an SV650S so I could experience at least some straight line speed. But I left the track not even close to mastering anything on my 250 so I am starting to lean towards another 250, 300, r3, rc390 etc.

To the point, my concern right now is how to live with a bike with no side stand but assuming I will be going to and from the track alone. Mainly just getting on and off in the paddock. How can one deal with this without having to hassle someone else near you for help to put it on a rear stand?

I would really like any of those mentioned bikes but with clip ons, stiffer fork springs, and rear sets. And most of those come on race bikes with no side stand.

It can be awkward at first but you’ll get it down quickly. The biggest thing is just trusting the bike at its balance point. It doesn’t take much pressure at all to keep there. If you’re not using tire warmers you could use a wheel chock stand instead of a swing arm stand.

Hi and welcome back!!! :wave:

no problems with getting bike on rearstand by yourself. Here's what I do:

1. while bike still on trailer/truck, put stand where you want to park bike

2. roll bike off and towards and past stand so stand is behind rear-tyre

3. hold bike's rear seat with one hand, keep it balanced vertically (might want to practice this lots in garage)

4. reach over with other hand grab stand and position under rear spools. Lift slightly so bike is evenly supported

5. remove hand from back seat while keep pressure on stand.

6. use both hands to push down on stand.


Practice #2-4 with placing stand on right of bike or on left of bike. Along with using left or right hand to hold bike while reaching for stand with right or left hand. Certain combos will be more comfortable and easier for you. Have fun! :)

BTW - Ninja 400 is faster than SV650 on track.

I have a front wheel chock that I find very quick and easy to use for maintenance, and once in the chock putting the bike up on the rear stand is a snap by yourself.

I have a Trackside Roll On Wheel Chock from Cycle Gear (https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-roll-on-wheel-chock). I think it was $79 on sale, and it's made pretty well. There are less expensive ones out there also.

I rarely do any work on the cycle without it.

One other thing, make sure the handlebars are straight ahead. If the theyre turned the bike will want to fall towards that side. Honestly just practice balancing the bike with one hand if you’re worried about it.

Are you racing or just doing track days?

If not racing, you don't need to take the side stand off. I BOUGHT one for my R6.

Pretty much every bike I see at track days has a side stand.

The issue with the 250 side stand mount limiting lean angle is long gone.

Add the Ninja 400 to your list. It's in the sweet spot of power vs. economy.

Thanks for the replies. Did some reading and I think the wheel chock would be the safest bet.

And ideally I would find a small bike with upgraded clip ons, rear sets, and suspension with a side stand. But most small bikes with those upgrades remove the side stand for racing. I will not be doing any racing. Maybe I can just cut some of the race body work and put the side stand back on if I get a bike without one.

Used track bikes are best deal ever! They typically will have upgrades you want for track anyway: clip-ons, rear-sets, fork-springs, emulators, rear-shock, etc.

With Ninja 400 gaining popularity, used 250/300 track bikes are falling out of sky at rock-bottom price! :) Luckily you might find one with just side-stand removed. Mine had the side-stand and its mounting-bracket chopped off (saves another 2-lbs). I've actually saw bike with bicycle kickstand attached. :D

Get a dirt bike stand and stuff it in the footpeg, works great on my Ninja 300. It is basically a removable side stand. It takes 2 seconds, and is much easier than having to balance the bike when using a rear stand.

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-triangle-stand

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WWtB6dgoeeBUO_TbHnqu1pJAEw1xVf12TURYgFtrjn1Oog6gRHT0FqbSYswFBPoTtRTwnc9on3mPK_Bl VnH-ATEu-x9RCXGP-DpOEnDQai5P15im_HXp69knahcfSQn9QO0qXWVVLE1qjGF7Q0uHNyhOyou4HkUuFmzC9-Bz7lP1Elg4ZvmHWnmnK1vBDe0xSx5Psj47NEQrEJnva6ju3hYbxapF1a8QBXAEZ5Jj6Cmf0TwP42o-l1dZaZZWk93sJH4TP_VW-Ue3KA4__1Aae8hLj64aVvcw9oJV50AA4Cbo143dip3pjBDxVMcBtUJ_QSqDj_MgPPGFwDzPqptAJpKTP chONhQ1DBmYKH0y0b3m46Dl9DuEIb-82SYqBOAjqg94pteKwJH25GuY-Gxp6EqDrbfjsKxdAKwEwpNbLlJUrg4G_6TBfY9NRko6jlNGJXHrqzNcURQ8216YUPnAK59gUkxL0KfXj Q2F8YTvK3fGVv9SqgWu4Qbfp--0dNxiODxKiv6Rcl6qNHKLvxLIINiJ0s4tf-B8T8jWp1AXSjIBokObTKAVssZRmOlRRUxJgc3-w9EmERXdMSyaUu0swdwT_MDU6fD8Bpnz_jq3xUqToKbgEAKjshZXsV0ig1TQDRVuDQ9TpZ8AplrmzrBc NrD0GyTT6A=w1227-h920-no

Did some reading and I think the wheel chock would be the safest bet.

Yes...wheel chock

But honestly, it's absolutely no big deal to put the rear stand on solo. This is where a quality rear stand will outshine a cheap stand.

Think big picture too. Do you have an open trailer without a restraint system? How about in the garage? A wheel chock could help in the paddock AND other areas.

Food for thought....

Good luck with your bike search!

Are you racing or just doing track days?

If not racing, you don't need to take the side stand off. I BOUGHT one for my R6.

Pretty much every bike I see at track days has a side stand.

The issue with the 250 side stand mount limiting lean angle is long gone.

Add the Ninja 400 to your list. It's in the sweet spot of power vs. economy.

You do NOT want a sidestand if you get another 250 Ninja. In fact you'll want to cut off the sidestand bracket because it can easily drag and out you on your head.