Homemade Motorcycle Stand

A homemade motorcycle stand can be completed with pipe-bending tools and a welder. It will allow you to store your bike properly and safely, without relying on the kickstand to keep it upright. The stand can also be used to keep the bike steady while you make a few minor adjustments to it.
Materials
The best material is 2-inch, heavy gauge steel pipe. This is sturdy enough for most bikes and easy to bend. Other options include 2-inch channel bar, which is square steel pipe used to build shelves and gates. This is a little trickier to bend and requires more heat. For ultra-sturdy stands, thicker pipes or iron can be used, but they will be harder to bend. Stands can also be made of 2-by-6 wood boards. These motorcycle stand are used as jacks for repairs.
Design
Several types of designs are used. One, which can lift almost a ton, features a 3-foot-long rod handle bent at a 45-degree angle in the center. This is attached to a crossbar with short legs that will fit at a slight angle under your bike. The crossbar is set under the bike with the handle situated at a parallel orientation to the floor, then the handle is lifted up. The crossbar slides forward, lifting the bike up. Another design looks like V set onto a plate with a pivot bar. The bike is rolled up onto the V and when pushed forward the V locks into an upright position.
Fabrication
You’ll need access to metal bending tools. Pipe benders will work best with cylindrical pipe and can also be used with channel bar. Most people will mark the center of the bend on the outside of the pipe, then set the pipe into the bender so the mark is centered. The pipe is heated with a blow torch or heat gun and bent. More heat most be applied to the channel bar because of its shape. The metal on the corners can easily bunch together, causing weakness in the steel and eventual breakage. Pipes can be welded using a MIG or TIG welder. This requires practice and is an important part of the fabrication. Learn welding before attempting to build a steel motorcycle stand yourself.
Optional Enhancements
Motorcycle stands will take a lot of wear. So rubber caps on the handle of the motorcycle stand and the legs are a great idea. Also paint raw steel pipe with both a primer and an automotive paint. This prevents rust that can rub off on your chrome and stain your bike.