Handy Industry stands?

[Monte]

Anyone out there using Handy stands? A friend ordered a set and seems pretty happy with them, but I haven't had a chance to check them out in person yet. You can get both the front and rear for just 99 bucks. From the pics, they don't look super beefy, but if they do the trick...:-?

http://www.handyindustries.com/urws.asp
http://www.handyindustries.com/ufws.asp

I'm sure Pit Bull stands are nice and all, but $120+ each just seems a little steep.

[tlwannab]

I have them and they work great just be sure to get the bobbin support kind.The only real problem with them is the paint peels off as soon as you look at it.

[PasCaTT]

Just got my Handy stands on Thursday and the bobbins yesterday. Put the bike up for the first time today and all is great.

I know everyone raves about the PitBull stand, but for $99 you get the front and rear Handy stand and it works just fine. Definitely a good value imo.

[linp]

Ya.. $99 for both is a great deal! I'm sure they work fine too. I bought my PitBull rear spool-type stand for $80 used (it was used once or twice, brand new practically). Oh well...

One of these days I'd like to get a front stand that holds the bike up from the triples, rather than the bottom of the forks, so it's easier to do fork work.

[Kurt'sSV]

Okay, I just ordered the front and rear stands from these guys. I hope they're good!

[Britt]

What are bobbin supports vs. the rubber supports? I don't have a stand yet, so I don't know what they mean or which one is best. Can someone fill me in??:confused:

[Golden_Eternity]

For one type of stand, you need to get 'spools' that bolt on to your swingarm. The stand has a little J shaped hook that you use to lift the bike with the spools as the mount point...

The other type of stand is a little rubber support that will rotate... You just stick these under the swingarm and lift it up...

I ordered the bobbin type and discovered I needed spools, so I'm guessing that's the first type... Or maybe I got the wrong stand... I dunno, works for me though. Put my bike up on my rear handystand this morning to lube the chain... very cool.. Sat on it and didn't feel like it was going anywhere.

Still have to figure out where the front stand hooks on... I haven't taken it out to the bike to figure that part out yet.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Britt
What are bobbin supports vs. the rubber supports? I don't have a stand yet, so I don't know what they mean or which one is best. Can someone fill me in??:confused:

Britt, you'll want the bobbin support type, they just work better. You will have to spend another 20 bucks on the bobbins though (at least that's how much they cost from Handy Industries, they're probably cheaper at a place like Cycle Gear).

The front stand lifts the bike from underneath the bottom of the forks. I haven't gotten mine yet, but that's how every other front stand I've seen works.

[No_Brakes23]

You can get bobbins/spools that are also swingarm sliders, (ya know like framesliders,) I got mine from Lee's, but I think you can get them anywhere. Mine are Intuitive if I remember correctly.

[Kurt'sSV]

I got my stands yesterday. Punk and I put the bike up on the front stand and that worked fine. Don't have the spools though to put up the rear. At first I thought Handy screwed up and didn't send me the spools but two bobbin support sets instead, but then I looked at my receipt and realized that I screwed up (yes the unthinkable has happened) and I ordered a second set up bobbin supports thinking they meant the spools that screw onto your bike. Oops:( . I hope they let me return that second set so I can get my 20 bucks back.

[Golden_Eternity]

Spools are like $14 at cycle gear.

[Rocko]

Hmm...
Always wanted a set of stands but didn't wanna pay 2something for the set of pit bulls, but 100 bucks I can do. How much does it come to with shipping and tax and all that stuff?

R

[stough]

Please don't use the front stand alone! Without the rear stand to provide satbility, the front stand alone can be _very_ unstable. A number of people have reported drops due to not using the rear with the front. If you use the front alone, the stand can flex and the forks twist allowing the whole thing to over balance.

I love my Handy Stands, but I'd never use the front alone.

Just a public service announcement.

Later,
Tim.

[SIC]

I just placed my order for the Handy stands. The only shipping method available was UPS Ground (probably 3-5 days transit). Mr. Kurt, how long did it take to get yours?

[GMAN]

The Handy stands are awesome. The paint does peel off especially the front where it contacts the forks, but oh well.

They held up my heavy TLR quite well.

[bling_thing]

So if you bought front and rear stands, can you use them in a truck bed?

[SIC]

I wouldn't. Not without tie downs.

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by Broughbeater
So if you bought front and rear stands, can you use them in a truck bed?

I don't think you could... The stands extend even beyond the wheels, and so you might not even fit...

But as SIC says, you really don't need to... Put the bike in, and use your tiedowns to compress the suspension enough that it's not going anywhere...

[GMAN]

I definitely wouldn't recommend it. Just put the bike in the truck, have a buddy make sure the front wheel is straight and then compress the suspension while you tighten down each side.

Do not overtighten. If you're gonna lug the bike long distances, stop every 100 miles or so to check on the straps. If you're really paranoid, you can also secure the back tire with rope or attach more tie-downs to the swingarm, but it's usually not necessary.

[kc1717]

Originally posted by stough
Please don't use the front stand alone! Without the rear stand to provide satbility, the front stand alone can be _very_ unstable. A number of people have reported drops due to not using the rear with the front. If you use the front alone, the stand can flex and the forks twist allowing the whole thing to over balance.

I love my Handy Stands, but I'd never use the front alone.

Just a public service announcement.

Later,
Tim.

well for that matter,...


you never use a front stand without a rear stand


if you do/ have/ are, you are doing it wrong and could mess your bike up

[bling_thing]

Sounds simple enough. I have a friend with a Yamaha, who just moved to San Louis Obispo and my girlfriend doesn't like to ride, so a truck would solve everything!

I'm thinking of renting a pick-up for a weekend to try it out in the next couple of months.

Anyone done that?

[GMAN]

Originally posted by Broughbeater
I'm thinking of renting a pick-up for a weekend to try it out in the next couple of months.

Anyone done that?

You mean renting a truck to lug the bike, or just lugging the bike in the back of a truck?

If it's the latter, then yes, I've done it many times. Now, about the straps, some folks prefer the pull down ones, and others prefer the ratchet straps. The pull downs are quicker to tighten, but I've heard they tend to work themselves loose. I used 'em before and had no problems. I currently use ratchet straps and they're fine as well. Then there's the various ways of actually strapping the bike down. Some connect one end to the truck and the other to the forks. Others attach it to the triple clamp and others attach it to the clip-ons.

Personally, I hook one end to the truck go around the forks and then come right back down to the truck again. Sometimes, I hook one end to the truck, go around the forks and then hook the other end around the strap. Personal preference I guess.

Damn this is a long post. Sorry. :D

[GMAN]

Hey Broughbeater, I tried to send you a PM...but your INBOX is full.

I then tried to send you an email, but umm, the system won't allow me. Those crazy preferences. :D

Lemme know when it's safe to send you a message.

[bling_thing]

I emptied the mail box.

Try again.

[GMAN]

Whoops. Already sent you an email.

[MadPete]

Hey all,

I ordered a set of Handy Stands last Monday and still haven't recieved them. How long did it take for you guys to recieve yours?

[rb643]

Mine took about a week. Did you get a tracking number? If not, maybe you could call them up and ask for one.

[MadPete]

Thanks man, I'll email them and see if I can get that number and see what's up.

[Knightshade]

mine took about a week and a half if I remember correctly. if anybody needs a vote of confidence on these things, my bike has been sitting on them for the past 3+ months and I've sat on my bike quite a bit:

1. Wishing I was riding
2. Wishing I was riding
3. Watching TV when my son and wife are hogging the tv in the living room.

and they're holding up GREAT!!

[SV650canuk]

I use Hindle stands: they're stainless and very stable, require bobbins. $90-95 each.

http://www.helmetharbor.com/estore/accessories.cfm?seriesid=Hindle+Race+Stands

[Sentinel]

Mine took 8 days.

Here it is holding up the SVS...

[harbiho]

I just got my front and rear stands today. Seems to be constructed pretty well. Got them from Handy Industries for $100 for both. Good price but the lead time was at least 2 weeks.

It's a good thing I really wasn't in a hurry. Now chain lubing will be such an easy task!!

[slowmike]

I saw sentinel's album, both stands for $100 is a great deal. Anybody know where he got those? Anybody have experience with what to look for in a good stand and what stands don't work with the SV? I assume the single swingarm stands won't work but that is a given. heh

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by slowmike
I saw sentinel's album, both stands for $100 is a great deal. Anybody know where he got those? Anybody have experience with what to look for in a good stand and what stands don't work with the SV? I assume the single swingarm stands won't work but that is a given. heh

Here is the link to the Handy Industries site for those stands. I have them too and they've paid for themselves a long time ago.

http://www.handyindustries.com/standpackages.asp

Get the Bobbin support rear stand and then get some bobbins (spools) at any motorcycle shop.

[svsmatt]

Check out these guys for stands. MUCH more stable than Handy stands, and they both ride SV's, so I think it's great to support them. I got mine for $124.99 off ebay. Not much more than Handy stands, plus higher quality/rock solid construction, plus supporting two fellow sv riders. They are located near me in Dayton, Ohio. Great guys.


www.heindlengineering.com

[ThatTimGuy7]

So over the long term, how have the Handy stands held up for everyone? Any horror stories??

[Kurt'sSV]

Mine have held up just fine for the past 2+ years. Since my bike doesn't have a kick stand, it lives on the rear stand.

[DOC]

Yeah, my Handy stands have worked just fine, no problems.
DOC

[stingray]

So over the long term, how have the Handy stands held up for everyone? Any horror stories??

the front fork stand is bunk. almost tipped off the "nipple" when someone bumped into it. pitbull front the best. secure, doesn't flex in the wind.

rear stand is okay but needs more muscle to get the bike onto it than "better" stands.

i sold mine and got pitbulls. haven't regretted it 1 bit. in fact, i bought another set of pitbulls last yr. those'll last till the apocalypse and then some.

[Jarasco]

Yeah, the front stand is really useless... And I did have my front fall off it once... I don't use it anymore.

The rear is just fine, it does what it needs to, that's all I can ask from it.

[ThatTimGuy7]

thanks for all the replys. I finally broke down and decided to buy stands instead of just being "creative." It sounds like the Handy stands are still a great deal for the $$$, so i placed the order... now just comes the terrible wait for shipping 8-}

[harbiho]

It actually take quite a while for them to ship these. I suspect that they make them as the orders are placed.

My set took something like 7 weeks or so before I received them.

[Aeteocles]

Go to handy industries and buy the front fork stem stand. It lifts from under the front triple, super stable, and allows you to do front fork work.

The pitbull's only just recently came out with a similar designed called the "new front" stand. Lame.

[Jarasco]

Originally posted by harbiho
It actually take quite a while for them to ship these. I suspect that they make them as the orders are placed.

My set took something like 7 weeks or so before I received them.

Mine came quick... but the rear didn't have the parts that the spools sit on... so, I had to wait for them to ship them out...

[stingray]

The pitbull's only just recently came out with a similar designed called the "new front" stand. Lame.

just recently? been at least a couple yrs in my book and i've been lookin' @ pitbulls a while.

[Aeteocles]

Originally posted by stingray
just recently? been at least a couple yrs in my book and i've been lookin' @ pitbulls a while.

Hrm. Ya know, I think you might be right. LOL. Sorry.

[slopoke-sv]

The only problem with the front Handy stand is that it's not a Pitbull (not priced like it either). It's great for tire changes and occasional maintenance. Don't count on it to hold the bike upright through a hurricane or while you're bouncing on the bike like a hobby horse and you should be fine. The biggest drawbacks is that unlike a stem-style PitBull, you can't use it to support the frame while you take the forklegs out of the triples (I use a floorjack and some stands under the engine case for that).

[Aeteocles]

No, look at the Handy Industry FRONT FORK STEM lift. It lifts from under the triple to allow for fork leg removal. Just like the Pitbull.

It's solid, about as solid as any bent piece of metal can get.

http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/product_image.asp?idImage=50


how is that any different than this?

http://www.pit-bull.com/catalog/images/F0031-000.jpg

Oh, that's right. The price.

The Handy stand retails for $118. The Pitbull for $148.

However, the Handy stand includes FIVE different pins to fit different bikes, where'as you have to buy the pins SEPERATELY FROM PITBULL for $7-10 dollars each. That's anywhere from another $35 to $50 dollars to get the same functionality out of the pitbull.

[slopoke-sv]

Originally posted by Aeteocles
No, look at the Handy Industry FRONT FORK STEM lift. It lifts from under the triple to allow for fork leg removal. Just like the Pitbull.

I thought we were talking about the kind you get in a front/rear set for $100 + Shipping.

Yes. In fact, we were.

Yes, there are better front stands out there made by both Pitbull and others: Point given. My point: The regular Handy stand works fine for most casual purposes.

[SVSmiles]

The Handy front stand you'd want to get/use is called the "Front Headstock Stand" and it along with the rear stand are SOLID...

The only recommendation I have for use of them over a Pitbull is that you use them on a flat (most likely concret) surface only if you can. Otherwise, be sure to buy some plumbers pipe insolating foam (black stuff) at a local hardware store for all of a buck or two for 6ft worth and then cut to length wrap the painted surface/sides that will make contact with the ground so as to protect their red paint/coating from chipping. Hell, do that anyway... Apparently those who have chipped their stands via small rocks/gravel, etc. have exposed the metal the stands are made of then cry foul when continuing to use them in wet locations without fixing the chipped area because, SURPRISE, exposed metal will rust. The lack of rain here and always using my stands in doors/garages has made the Handy stands a FAR better bang for my buck, but I can see why those who use stands outdoors (trackdays, etc.) in wet climate locations might want another brand.

Back when I was pricing stands I found for both the Handy Rear and Headstock stands I only spent slightly more than just the one Pitbull Rear alone cost. So, really depends on your needs (planned location use AND care of) vs. best cost bang for your buck...

Hope that helps others...

[acer66]

is something like this jack http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00950190000
less use full than a front and rear stand ?
not sure how safe those things are regarding tipping over, does anyone uses a jack like this ?

[cameltoehunt]

Or you can get these for 124.99 at your door.... www.checkeredflagmotorsports.net

[cameltoehunt]

Front...

[ThatTimGuy7]

Good news!!! I received the stands on Monday, 6/20. It only took them 9 days from when I placed the order to receiving the stands. Whoever said it took them 6 weeks to get theirs musta had some bad luck. They seem great, very very sturdy. They even look thicker than the pictures, maybe they improved them. They mailed me an invoice sepretely from the stands saying they shipped the stands on the 16th and the letter arrived the same day as the stands, only a few hours sooner.

[harbiho]

That was me.

Maybe I caught them right as they were replenishing their inventory.

[BTLines]

I just got a set of the Handy Stands 3 weeks ago, was just over a week from the time I ordered them to the time I received them. No missing parts, either. I echo what some of the other guys posted about them: Rear stand's great, front stand is OK, but I would only leave the bike up on the front stand long enough to work on it and get it back down ASAP.

Can't beat the package deal for the price, IMHO!

[SVSmiles]

Originally posted by BTLines
I just got a set of the Handy Stands 3 weeks ago, was just over a week from the time I ordered them to the time I received them. No missing parts, either. I echo what some of the other guys posted about them: Rear stand's great, front stand is OK, but I would only leave the bike up on the front stand long enough to work on it and get it back down ASAP.

Can't beat the package deal for the price, IMHO!
All of this is exactly right...

Though as noted before, I think it's important to for future buyers/users to distinguish the difference between Handy's "Universal Front Stand" (the small one that can be ordered as part of the $99 bundled package) and their "Front Headstock Stand" (the large one that mounts under the triples. They are NOTHING a like and because most order the cheaper front stand (via the bundled package) noting Handy's Front Stand in the BBS/forums without noting which one could be confusing to someone researching the stands.

Lets note this much for clarification:

"Universal Rear Stand" = ROCK SOLID

"Universal Front Stand" = Often ordered via the $99 bundle...

Questionable stability for long term front end project use and advised to NOT mount the moto while in use.

"Front Headstock Stand" = ROCK SOLID

When I say ROCK SOLID I mean I've stood on the pegs while the moto was in the air supported on these stands and it was SOLID... The moto can be left on these stands for as long as you want/need... Also, you can remove your forks while on this stand.

Re-Note: For each of these stands you might want to wrap the ends/sides that make contact with the ground with some pipe foam/tubing to prevent chipping of the red painted surface/metal protective coating... 6ft lengths of the foam can be found for $1-2 at local hardware store...
-------------------
Again, use of "Front Stand" alone in the boards when we're talking about the Handy brand does not apply because the differences between the "Front Headstock Stand" and the "Universal Front Stand" are night and day...

Regardless, IMO, Handy stands in general are the best bag for your buck; unless maybe you use your stands outside (like at wet/rainy track day locations, etc.) and/or are too lazy to protect the paint from chipping or fixing it ASAP, IF one happens...

[acer66]

what about this fancy one for $150
http://www.cyclecat.com/UCS01-01.htm