We all know PitBull makes the highest quality stands, and I wouldn't ever contest that, but how does that quality translate into a real-world difference? I've spent a day or two googling around, and I can't find any instances of a cheap stand being the cause of a bike dropped. I just found a lot of people who bought PitBulls saying how you shouldn't skimp on something that holds up your bike, and occasionally mentioning that they're easier to use and feel better. These are both things I think we could attribute to confirmation bias or people needing to justify an expense which otherwise could be called unnecessary. I've got my eye out for a used set to come along, and I'll probably buy them just for the ease of mind, but I'm curious if anyone has ever seen a cheaper stand fall apart, or drop a bike, or has any first hand negative experience, rather than feelings.
I like the fact that the aluminum Harbor Freight rear stand is so light. Pit Bulls are strong for sure but I dont like how heavy they are. Been using the Harbor Freight for years on all my bikes and it never let me down.
To answer your question yes.... But it was promoted due to someone not paying attention where they were walking... Do a couple tests.... Put a bike on a Pit Bull.... Kick the handle Put a bike on any other stand.... Kick the Handle... A rigid stand is the best... Any cheapo flexo will fail when supporting 350Plus...
I am comfortable with the Harbor Freight stand as well. There is another type of stand that sells as "venom" on Amazon as well as being sold under a bunch of other brands. These do not feel as sturdy and if you sit on the bike or bump it while on the stands they flex a lot.
I have used Lockhart Phillips for years. They're middle of the road, not as pricey as Pit Bull but not as cheap as Harbor Freight.
Yes what Marc said i have kicked my pit bull stand numerous times and the bike did not budge. There are some others that i have seen that you must get it exactly right when lifting the bike or it falls, some wobble and dont leave you with that secure feeling. I even push my bike around in the garage while on the stand and it goes nowhere. That only works on smooth concrete not rough. Try craigslist i got both my stands in almost new condition for 150 also you can refresh the stand if need be pit bull sells the stickers, rubber covers for the handles and bolts if needed. i am getting the pit bull tire assist next. This is not to say the cheaper ones dont work i used a LP for years then came across the pit bull stands for a great price.
I had some el'Cheapo "Suzuki" stands back in the day and I happen to stumble across a cheap pit-bull used... Night and day difference when it came to stability. I'm a pit-bull fan purely on the over do it aspect. I can see my pit-bulls out lasting numerous bikes.
I have a 10 year old PitBull that I used all the time. Not a single thing has failed nor worn out. YMMV but during that time I sat on the bike on them and since I have no kick stands left the bike on it for a LOT of time. I realize that everyone has a budget but a rear Pitbull is not that much more given the huge jump in quality/support/reputation. Drink a couple less starbucks and get the good stand.
This is exactly the feedback I was looking for. I know I've kicked a pitbull stand due to absent-mindedness and the bike in question was totally fine, I think everyone is right about stability. I've got a Buell 1125R (no stock holes for a spool, swing arm too steep for a pad version), and I'm looking for a dedicated track R6, so I'll probably continue holding off on a stand in general, but I'll go for the PitBull eventually, just so I never knock my bike off into a pit-mate's bike. Thanks everyone!
I use T-Rex Racing stands. When I got them, they were about half the price of the Pitbull ones and work just fine. Sturdy enough to hold the bike with my fat ass on it. Still baffles me why the Pitbulls are so expensive. If you have a welder and some basic tool, you can buy some steel tubing and make a stand for like $30 and it can be as sturdy as you want to make it.
I use the SpeedMetal aluminum stands from Cycle Gear and like them because they're light and I've not had any problems with stability. I also like that there's no handle to accidentally kick!
I did know they made one, and if EBR was staying around, I might look into spending the money on my 1125. But with so little aftermarket support, and zero factory support, it's just not worth trying to go down the track bike rabbit hole with a Buell. I'll keep it for weekend fun cause it's just a great bike, but I'm not gonna dump track money into it.
I find myself wishing Pitbull would come out with a lightweight aluminum stand, but built with typical pitbul sturdyness. Moto_D has an aluminum front and rear set that I'm interested in. Does anyone use those? Would like a report on rigidity.
Kind of a cool new race stand - my niece's husband is trying to start up with kick start....All comments welcome They are looking at different castors for track side... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihgqJlMP3p0
Brilliant!! Why can't I come up with cool shit like this? My kickstarter idea acquired $10 in like 3 weeks....clearly wasn't going to be a money maker.