xeris

I had no idea that such a stand existed! I really like the whole concept and function. Looks like it would be almost impossible to drop the bike with this stand. Pricey, but if you add up the cost of a rear and a front stand it's about a wash. I think this is the one for me.
Thanks for the link!

Tweety

Well, you can probably forget to unfold the stand going down, but that's about it...

And yeah, they sell add-on's for hoisting the front wheel as well, but a wood block and a jack under the sump along with te abba works just fine, that's how I do it...

xeris

Hmm... I was thinking the same thing. Good to know that method will work.

xeris

Thought I'd continue to use this thread for an update on my search for a stand.
The Abba stand looked like the one that would do what I needed. After searching for info on the Abba stand I came to the conclusion that it would not accomplish what I needed as the primary purpose for the stand. That is the ability to remove the swing arm with the bike on the stand. I found this thread www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Home made ABBA type paddock stand dimensions and pics



The first time I looked at this thread it had some other photos in it, but they seem to be gone now. I saved the page as I originally found it.
Seemed like this stand would do what I wanted, so went about building myself a copy. Already had the welder, but like most of my project there was pre-project work to be done which was wiring the 50AMP receptacle first.
Made a few changes, mostly to compensate for my very poor welding skills and the lack of choices in raw materials.
The 2" tube was thinner than I wanted to use, about 1/16", so I added a bushing (1"X3/4"X2") where the threaded rod and the socket rod (I used a piece of tubing instead of rod stock) go through the vertical legs. Also added a diagonal brace to the legs to prevent excess spreading and cracked welds.
My skill improved a bit as I got more time in. Really had a learning curve with being able to see what I was doing which I think was directly related the other, bigger learning issue which was getting the welder set for the material I was working with. Anyway here is the result. I still need to make a handle. As I said sourcing the right raw material has really been the hardest part of this project.
Going to test lift the bike this morning and if I don't drop the bike I will post a photo on the stand.
The best part (for me) is that I can now install the Fox TC shock that has been waiting for about 5 months.

Rican219

Pit bull is awesome (I have used them in the past) but there are other good stands for a fraction of the price. Trackside stands for 50 bucks each. Picking these up today heard nothing but good about them.

http://www.cyclegear.com/lp/stands

xeris

Except for adding a handle and paint the stand is done. Works well, lifts easily, and is very stable once up.
I may make another one (someday) with the screw side leg adjustable like the real Abba stand.
Will most likely still get a regular paddock stand for quick chain maintenance as this stand is a bit fussy to use.

CrankenFine

Nice job on the stand. I like your mirrors too.

E.Marquez

I've made several Abba stand copies in the last few years. Like yours, they are sized to fit one bike, so not adjustable in width much. I use a long "screw" so that when backed out there is lots of room to fit it to the bike.. then tighten the screw and the machined fittings snug up well against the frame.

I don't mind having one stand per bike that only fits that platform, as normally I would have at least two bikes up on a stand at once anyway.

I use the Abby copy stand on my lifts as well.. to quickly lift a wheel for removel...as only one lift has a full sized drop out..

On the lift, to get to the front wheel... I just use two tie down to hold pivot the back of the bike down, and hold it in place.