How NOT to fit an Abba SuperBike Stand

[@paulhartwell8460]

Credit to you for showing your near calamity; not everyone would have posted their hiccups. I just wish more bikes would come with centre stands as standard! Keep on enjoying the monster best reagrds Paul.

[@Back2TheBike]

Hi Paul, yes, warts and all. Keeps me humble and shares the highs and lows!

[@miller98lsc]

Ugh I did this same thing and the ABBA punctured my valve cover gasket. One in a million shot

[@mikeb984]

I appreciate your willingness to share your mistake so that others can learn from it. I have one of these stands en route to me here in the United States as we speak to use with my 2019 Honda CB1000R, so I am preparing for its arrival by gathering all the tips and tricks I can. Your video definitely added to my knowledge base. Again, thanks!

[@Back2TheBike]

Hi Mike and greetings from across the Pond. There's a definite knack to it but it works well once you understand it. Fail often, fail better.

[@SBKPete]

I’ve used my ABBA stand for donkeys years, on various bikes. I also use their front wheel lift in conjunction with the rear wheel lift, which makes it easy to work on the front. I stopped tightening that black wheel up years ago, as it has almost gone through the metal. There’s no issue with not tightening it. I think your issue, was that the first stopper that you inserted into the frame had popped out, which can happen sometimes, when you put the second piece of framework on over the first piece. Always check that it’s in the frame hole correctly before attempting to lift the bike. Great bit of kit, that has served me well over the years.

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks for the tip Pete. I still feel like a newbie 60 years in!

[@malexder0082]

I watched this video before I bought an Abba and when I used it the first time, I told myself not to do what this guy did. Thanks, you probably saved me from an expensive mistake!

[@Back2TheBike]

Ha! Glad it helped you 😄

[@finlaystewart4641]

Maybe a bit late but for anybody looking in later. Here is what I do. First fit the left side of the ABBA stand into the swingarm. Then go to the other side, slide the right hand part onto the box section and into the right side of the swingarm. This is the critical bit; lean over the bike and make sure both ABBA swingarm adaptors are pushed all the way in. There should be no slack! It is quite easy for the left side of the ABBA stand to get pushed back out a little when you fit the right side and you do not notice. If this happens you don’t then get it all properly tight. So always ensure you lean over and push both side in before tightening the the clamp screw on the box section and then putting a few turns on the swingarm screw. Do it this way and it is rock solid.

[@Back2TheBike]

There's definitely a knack to it and getting it wrong is expensive, painful and embarrassing!

[@rochmel1409]

Wow! Lucky you caught the bike. I hope you didn't scratch it. I've had an one of these stands since 1994. I'm watching your video because I've not used it for about 10 years and wanted to remind myself how it worked. I have memories of some 'failures' when back in the day it so you're not alone! Thanks for sharing.

[@Back2TheBike]

Haha, yes, I missed the bullet that day. Monster now traded for a Multistrada with centre stand.

[@rochmel1409]

@@Back2TheBike Good call! BTW It still took me about 20 mins faffing about before I eventually very gingerly pulled back on the handle😂. I have to say that once fitted it was rock solid.

[@grahambrown5874]

You was lucky to catch the bike. My experience resulted in the bike going down twice. I just bought an Abba stand so after seeing this I will be carefully not to over tighten.

[@Steve-qz4vt]

Very good of you to show this mishap. I was also guilty of overtightening but had difficulty lifting the bike and stopped before the point of no return. I then noticed that overtightening did what you described. Tried again the proper way and success. Perhaps the instructions should highlight this issue if overtightened.

[@Back2TheBike]

Agreed. Frankly, I've been amazed how many views this got so presumably many share this concern. I only posted it to give my subscribers a laugh at my expense 😀

[@smokinclays777]

great video....just purchased the stand and this has definitely helped me from potentially doing the same ;)

[@Back2TheBike]

Easy mistake to make I think, but I suspect the instructions could be clearer, although my fault :-0

[@wellwonky]

Thanks for sharing so others could learn instead of deleting it! Lovely Monster BTW 👍

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks Gavin. Easy mistake to make and I'm glad I got away with it!

[@steveandscottmusic]

First time I used the stand yesterday on a brand new bike....made a similar mistake to you but didn't tighten the screw into the swing arm enough....consequently, the bike slipped off and has scratched the frame 🤬. Thankfully the scratch isn't too bad but I will need to get it 'blown' over to cover the scratch....It's made me nervous about using the stand. I did manage to sort the stand out in the end but it hasn't inspired me with confidence☹. Wish I had seen @Finlaystewart4641 comment and check that both adaptors were in position securely😩.

[@Back2TheBike]

Ooh! I know just how you feel. Once you've got the knack it's like riding a bike, if you'll forgive the analogy. Problem is there's always a first time to do it and you only have to get it wrong once. I'm always amazed this is one of the most popular videos month by month on the channel. I only posted it to have a laugh at my own ineptitude, but it seems many share the experience.

[@steveh100]

Thanks for sharing, about to get one of these for my bike, your video shows that not everything is straight forward, a lesson learned. Thank you

[@Back2TheBike]

I'm sure the Abba people hate me for this, but hopefully it shows everyone how NOT to do it!

[@steveh100]

@@Back2TheBike they won't hate you mate, any publicity is good publicity as they say

[@mw8653]

Just ordered one of these stands thx for highlighting this potential hazard lovely bike you have.

[@Back2TheBike]

Haha! Easy mistake to make, but I suspect most bikers are smarter than me so wont mess it up ;-)

[@stewartdouglass7436]

Glad I watched the vid, I'm awaiting delivery of a stand. I will certainly be a bit wary the first time I use it.

[@Back2TheBike]

Haha, yes, take care. I'm not the first to nearly drop my bike.

[@petery3523]

Heart in mouth stuff; difficult to watch! So pleased you caught her, you obviously fielded in slips in your playing days Neil, well done 👍

[@Back2TheBike]

Never could do the slips as my eyes focus at different lengths Peter. Mid off or covers was my favourite. I'm still waiting by the phone for an England call up...

[@Busaguy]

Great save! I actually installed a center stand on my Haysbusa, but I'm 63 and it's getting harder to get it up on there. Thanks for the video. Cheers

[@Back2TheBike]

Sensible!

[@Glasshousebc]

Superb catch matey... thanks for sharing.

[@Back2TheBike]

Didn't have much choice in the matter ;-) Glad I didn't drop it though, very embarrassing

[@1234567marks]

Good to see someone prepared to show their mistakes for the good of others 👍

[@Back2TheBike]

Plenty of those to be sure!

[@Plasmo20]

Nice save and good simple explanation.

[@frankswitser1159]

Actually I think the mistake was something different, and I noticed it when you were unboxing. Now I know I am 3 years late with this reply, but I thought I would share it with you. When you unboxed you screwed the adjuster all the way in into the stand. You should not do that. Just screw it in just far enough to fit the sleeve that goes over the screw. Then put the stand under the bike, slide the 2 parts of the stand as close as possible together, and tighten the bottom safety bolt. Then give the big screw on top 1 full turn, and check if both parts of the fittingkit are securely in place. If so, then tighten the big screw a few more turns. If you have this big screw out to far (like you did in the unboxing), then the forces on the stand will be bigger, and any free play will also increase. When you showed us what you thought you did wrong you saw the footprint of the first attempt where the bolt connected to the underneath-part of the stand. It was about 2 Inches more out then in the second attempt. And that is how you know for sure what happened. How do I know? I am the Dutch importer for ABBA, and I also use them in my own motorcyclegarage.....

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks for the comprehensive explanation Frank and greetings to you from the UK. Good advice. I believe that Abba's advice could be clearer to be honest on this issue, as well as what 'not' to do! The Monster is now gone, replaced by a Multistrada V2S with center stand!

[@davapod]

Brilliant bit of kit. I also bought the front lift add on.👍👍

[@Back2TheBike]

Mine's redundant now after I got my Multistrada with centre stand.

[@davapod]

@@Back2TheBike I'd keep it anyway, your next bike may not have a centre stand. Also with the the Swingarm Removal Kit you are sorted for those super difficult jobs.👍

[@a68war]

Good tip for you, use insulating tape to keep the adaptors in place as they can fall out very easily. I had a Abba stand when I owned a Hayabusa, I now have a Ninja 1000sx 2021 and bought the Skylift, best bit of kit I have bought. Watch the vids on Abba Skylift. For your Monster it would be great too! They are tricky at first but you get the hang of it. Make sure the screw section is fully screwed into the adaptor but no threads seen between it and the stand, the push the two together as tight as you can and lock it with the hand screw. Now it doesn't matter how tight you lock it, basically very hand tight without giving yourself a heart attack, ha!

[@Back2TheBike]

Great tip, thanks Andrew. I'm not the most accomplished mechanic and get really stressed when picking up a spanner 🦧

[@a68war]

Skylift is great for standing up and cleaning chain. I use WD40 on a rag to clean and a paint brush to lightly brush on scottoiler oil. Every tank full of petrol or two I clean down and brush on.

[@markwilliams8655]

Well done to you for showing us. Also, bloody nice bike sir!!!

[@Back2TheBike]

Thank you kindly

[@thelastcoyote1423]

Well done for saving her. Good reactions. Lovely bike and thanks for the upload. Similarly I’ve sold my RT for a triumph speed triple.

[@Back2TheBike]

Losing that 85kg feels wonderful doesnt it?!

[@thelastcoyote1423]

@@Back2TheBike Sure does!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I had a single sided swing arm paddock stand for the Diavel, seemed much easier. I've said it before and I'll say it again... That bike's lovely!

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks. Yes, still lovely thankfully without any dinges on the side! Had it been heavier I'd have been squished :-0

[@galja6889]

Great Tip! Thanks! Speedy recovery !

[@Back2TheBike]

There's a knack to it ;-)

[@xHitman95x]

Good video don’t know how your so calm about the situation I would of been in a bad mood for ages lol wish I could be as calm as you

[@Back2TheBike]

If I'd dropped it, so would I ;-)

[@iancharlton5530]

I’ve just purchased a monster and today I fitted the Abba stand. Not much room with 2 bikes in the garage so thankfully no mishaps. Well saved by the way.

[@Back2TheBike]

Very nice of you to say so Ian ;-) I did think it was a good catch. Congrats on the Monster BTW

[@thesmithsteron2wheels362]

Wowcha !! close call, pleased you saved the bike from going over Neil, heart in mouth moment

[@Back2TheBike]

Indeed. Would have made great video though if it had crashed on top of me :-0

[@averagebiker]

Nice save! Lovely bike too 👌

[@rogerwilliams2902]

Lovely bike, brave of you to broadcast your error !.

[@Back2TheBike]

Haha! I don't broadcast them all though...

[@maxsmart5466]

bit late to the party but what if you drilled a hole in the lower part of the L frame where the locking knob leaves a mark on the paint and screw the knob into that hole, impossible to slide out that way. Very controllable way to lift the bike onto the stand instead of steadying the bike from the back and not be there if the bike starts to lean over if the balancing fails. Thanks for posting this video, saved many mishaps i think. Was so impressed with this system i made my own copy and works very well, cheers.

[@Back2TheBike]

Hi Max, very impressive 👏

[@ianmills35]

Well held that man. Had me sweating for a moment there Neil. 👍🏍

[@Back2TheBike]

All the years I put in as a cricket coach came in useful there. Note the feet position and cupped hands, eyes on the bike ...

[@motorcyclewild5873]

Cheers for sharing this and stopping me from making the same mistake

[@Back2TheBike]

Brill!

[@_moto_marc3854]

Just bought a bike without a centre stand. Toying between the abba stand or a paddock stand. Not sure I feel confident in either 🤷🏼‍♂️. Nice video though thanks for sharing. Great save 💪

[@Back2TheBike]

The Abba is fine once you've got the knack, very easy to use and quick to set.

[@gordon4221]

Yep the RT would have gone down for sure - maybe with you underneath requiring Mrs B2TB to come to the rescue. Chain maintenance is a pest especially on a longer trip. Shaft drive may add a bit of weight and sap some torque but saves all the cleaning and oiling nonsense.

[@Back2TheBike]

Yes another skill I've got to master, spraying oil without getting it all over me or the bike! Hope all's well up north Gordon

[@jodywaltham2678]

Mine arrived today. Set it up then went to pull bike up and whole thing collapsed. Now im too nervous to try again lol im tiny and weigh 8stone wet. Tired struggling with standard stands so got this. Sure once I've done it few times it will be easy

[@Back2TheBike]

Could be: 1. Stand is back to front 2. Over or under tightened screws, they just have to be firm

[@grumpynighthawk9323]

Close call on it going down, would of brought a year to the eye if it had been damaged . The Ducati front and rear stands are honestly better , but personal choice, also stock Ducati chains aren't brilliant I did get mine changed under warranty, but you may decide to change or upgrade it like I did🤪 keep the videos coming it's great seeing my own like for like bike on the screen

[@Back2TheBike]

I only bought it because SeaFlyFisher said I had to. Oh, and it was the cheapest way to oil my chain!

[@ilooklikeyourmum1431]

2:09 I was sick into my mouth, not even my bike...good recovery....did you scratch it?

[@Back2TheBike]

Got away with it. Probably my fault but I think the instructions could be a clearer about the danger of over-tightening the clamp!

[@ilooklikeyourmum1431]

looking at buying one of those stands. I don't have anything right now, so debating on rear paddock stand or an Abba....what's your thoughts?

[@kevinmobile]

"One of the reasons for selling the RT and buying the Ducatti...I was able to hold the Monster". On the other hand the splendid RT has a centre stand built-in, is easy to use, doesn't cost a penny und so weiter as the Bavarians might say!

[@Back2TheBike]

You're a very funny man Kevin ;-)

[@kevinmobile]

@@Back2TheBike Your obedient servant. Hang on, that sounds wrong!

[@rickwheeler6811]

What purpose does the stand do. You have a center stand that does same thing

[@Back2TheBike]

Side stand only on the R

[@seaflyfisher]

Nicely caught mate - you don't want to be dropping that - excellent piece of kit aren't they - I've got the base bars that let you get the front off the floor which is good for cleaning and tyre changing and some people do winter storage with both wheels off the ground on them - I hang on to the lever side to keep it in place when I fit the offside part, tighten the star nut on the base bar and don't usually have to adjust the top fittings bolt at all - if I do, it's about one turn :-)

[@Back2TheBike]

And now you tell me ! Useful bit of kit isn't it? Was hoping to get out today but roads are grungy and the Abba stand seems to be scraping on the floor?

[@Marwahaks]

Awe! heart skipped a beat there!!

[@Back2TheBike]

Mine missed several but my cardio defib kicked in 😄

[@mikeroberts]

What no main stand?! Persnally, I think heated grips and a main stand should be standard on all bikes, before any bells and whistles. Glad you caught it and didn't damage it or yourself. Your bike is looking very clean. If you've seen my latest video you'll know mine looks like I've been scrambling. Look forward to some more on bike footage from you and interesting place visits.

[@Back2TheBike]

I suspect a centre stand would spoil the looks of the R, and add weight. It only takes a minute to attach the ABBA stand. I know what you mean about the roads though Mike, filthy up here. The R is easier to clean than the RT, theres less of it and it's easier to get to.

[@brendanmchugh6440]

Nice save , nothing wrong with your reaction time 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Back2TheBike]

Not bad for an old bloke eh?

[@rickdelmonte1682]

I have had the same problem with the Abba stand for my 790 Duke. It has fallen out three times on the way down, but I’ve caught it each time. I am tightening the screws down pretty tight. Is that the problem? Do I need to tighten them a little less?

[@Back2TheBike]

My mistake was to try to pull the bike backwards off the stand Rick. As long as the screw is finger tight it should be fine🙂

[@fumcAbel]

Nice catch 👍👍

[@michaelcohen6272]

I panicked then asif it was my own ducati 😂 have taken note haha

[@Back2TheBike]

Certainly made my heart beat a bit faster, although my implanted cardio defibrillator didn't kick in :-O

[@Eastsussexbiker]

Lovely looking bike Neil What does Dale think ?

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks Grant. He approves. In fact, he decided this was my next bike ;-)

[@HippoDrones]

Well done for not dropping it mate, nice save!

[@Back2TheBike]

Very kind of you to say so ;-)

[@HippoDrones]

@@Back2TheBike You must have had quite the 5p/50p moment? :D

[@stephengodsmark4353]

Great stand, great band.

[@Back2TheBike]

Agreed, although the stand nearly gave me Napoleon's Waterloo moment ;-)

[@Colin-sm9ls]

I thought you had dropped it then, the points where the stand goes into the bike are very shallow on a Ducati so it’s very easy for the stand to come out, I done it on mine. A paddock stand for a single sided swing arm is very easy to use, I use one on my Ducati. If you only need the back wheel off the ground it’s perfect, it’s the easiest paddock stand to use by a long way.

[@Back2TheBike]

Haha yes, nearly! Ive got the hang of it now. There is a knack to it.

[@juliansmith1608]

It takes constant improvement to get it safely onto the centre stand. A Natural safe.

[@robgerety]

you did well to keep it from hitting the floor

[@oldblokeonaducati.8365]

You are not the only one to do that Lambchop Rides dropped his brand new Ninja H1off his with severe results. I use the single side rear paddock stand and standard front stand on my M796 Just means popping out the rear crash bungs first. Great choice of bike though and I get around 160 miles per tankfull from mine, my only complaint is finding the Kick stand and have dropped the bike because not getting it right out but did prove I am able to pick it back up at the age of 75.

[@Back2TheBike]

I'm glad I'm not the only one to make a mess of it. I did think the instructions could have warned against this risk a bit more strongly though.

[@chrisdan2]

Good catch kevin I could just see that going over 'phew'

[@fallenwout]

That was pure your adrenaline holding the bike.

[@Back2TheBike]

And my dodgy knees ;-)

[@FranciscoSchwartz9]

It happens Friend... an ABBA stand is a must have ☺️

[@Back2TheBike]

Feels like I dodged a bullet!

[@FranciscoSchwartz9]

Back2TheBike 😂😊

[@jjnewman65]

Blimey. I’m considering one of these for my 1200xe. It’s just put the fear of god into me. I may buy a H&B centre stand and get it fitted.

[@Back2TheBike]

They're fine once youve got the knack Jamie. The key is to survive that first engagement!

[@MADTASS]

Had one for Years, basically, prior to Lifting the Bike, make sure everything is Tight and in place, the Swing Arm Fittings and especially the Bottom Screw, have never had one Slip, tightening the Top again when it has the Bike Lifted.

[@richardd9976]

Good catch, Sir!

[@Back2TheBike]

Ha thanks!

[@blowduke]

Lovely bike .

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks. I wouldn't swap it for any other bike on the road. Perfect in every way. A classic.

[@cpuuk]

Thanks for sharing.

[@chris_ackroyd]

‘Jack & Diane’ opening theme?

[@Back2TheBike]

Never heard of them 🤔

[@HepcatHarley]

Bleddy eck, good save that man, it's funny how the brain says no not the bike! must save it :) I reckon if that was the RT you'd be looking at at least a £500 repair bill.

[@Back2TheBike]

Ha! See Kevin's comment below. I was surprised how light it was to be honest, noticable in the handling too. Does make me wonder if we really need 200KG+ machines. Hope her Ladyship's steed is coming on nicely?

[@HepcatHarley]

@@Back2TheBike Bring it over and I'll weld it on, that way you have a permanent main stand...well until the weld breaks :D

[@Back2TheBike]

@@HepcatHarley I didn't realise I had to take it off? Wondered about that clanking noise when I'm cornering ...

[@RideSafeNSmart]

Probably some pretty bad damage to yourself as well! Good save that man! Thanks for sharing! Lovely bike BTW! 👍😎💙

[@GBMatthew07]

Nice bike.

[@markbarrowcliffe6485]

Did exactly the same, scratched frame.

[@Back2TheBike]

Glad there's at least two of us Mark, but sorry to hear about your bike ...

[@Motor-1000]

Thank you 🤝

[@rickp9946]

I bet lots of people have caused damage getting to grips with Abba stands - great once you are familiar but dangerous beforehand! Nice bike and good save.

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks Rick. I think the warning re overtightening in the instructions could have been clearer!

[@wynn62]

Good catch Neil😉

[@Back2TheBike]

Either that or get flattened ...

[@wynn62]

@@Back2TheBike hey I forgot to add Neil that thanks to the inspiration from yourself, Dale and others......... facebook.com/397629820356422/posts/2572789962840386/

[@ericchang1429]

Gosh glad you didn't drop your bike!

[@Back2TheBike]

Me too!

[@r13gbs]

I used a Con stand paddock rear an M and P front for my Diavel, worked out cheaper than the Abba and better on uneven surface,Oh and i didnt have to sing Fernado!,

[@Back2TheBike]

Mamma Mia, I nearly had to send out an SOS there ...

[@r13gbs]

@@Back2TheBike You have to Take a Chance before you part with your Money,Money Money,,,,,,Christ this is getting sad lol

[@victorgonza4528]

You got lucky man

[@Back2TheBike]

Ha! I dont believe in luck. Prayer helps though 😁

[@gabrielbsalvatori]

and that's why I hate those knobs, very unsafe. thank you very much for sharing.

[@Back2TheBike]

I only posted this for a laugh and it's proved one of most watched on the channel. Hopefully saved a few folks repeating my error

[@gabrielbsalvatori]

@@Back2TheBike I got it my friend. What I meant was, speaking as engineer, I hate those knobs, they never secure anything properly just rellying on the friction force made by the knob and the nut. If you may let me make a suggestion, i'd tell you to take the second part of the stand, drill a hole into the welded nut where the knob goes, someting like 6 or 8mm, and mark a hole position into the first part near where it sits nice on your bike, and drill the same hole. then when you want to assembly it, just line up the holes and pass thrugh an allen key or some pin. I guaranty you that will never happen again.

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

My bike has a centre stand

[@banditbeggers533]

Well saved tho mate

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks, and didn't my knees know it ...

[@223Sako]

Doh!

[@dermotkelly5549]

Copied my brothers one, and made my own about 20yrs ago.

[@bikerboi1983]

its not due to over tightening, its because you need to have the stand lifted up as you slide the two halves together, so you know both pins stay engaged whilst you're tightening it up. its very easy for the lhs to move out as you fit the rhs part otherwise. Great bit of kit once you've got it sussed and check its all good before lifting it up

[@Back2TheBike]

Think I've sussed it now 😁

[@Nomad-Drifter]

What a save gramps 😅

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks, bonehead.

[@SickPrid3]

that looks flimsy as hell I wouldn't trust it to hold 200kg of steel while I work near by

[@Back2TheBike]

Works fine once you've got the knack. The problem is getting the knack.