Kickstand

A kickstand (or side stand) is a retractable metal support attached to the left side of a motorcycle that folds down to hold the bike upright when parked. When deployed, the motorcycle leans slightly to the left, resting its weight on the stand. Nearly all motorcycles come with a side stand as standard equipment.

Some motorcycles also feature a center stand — a stand mounted under the center of the bike that holds it perfectly upright on both wheels. Center stands are invaluable for maintenance tasks like chain lubrication and adjustment, tire inspection, and oil changes, but they are increasingly rare on sportbikes and naked bikes due to weight and ground clearance concerns. They remain common on touring and adventure motorcycles.

Modern motorcycles include a kickstand safety switch that prevents the engine from running (or at least from engaging a gear) while the side stand is down. This prevents riders from accidentally riding off with the stand deployed, which can cause a crash if the stand catches on the pavement during a left turn. Always make it a habit to retract the kickstand before riding — and to verify the surface is firm and level when parking. A kickstand on hot asphalt or soft ground can sink, causing the bike to topple.

Here's a pro tip many riders learn the hard way: always park with the bike leaning toward the curb or downhill slope if possible. This positions the kickstand at a more stable angle. On level ground, leaving the bike in gear adds a safety backup against rolling. If you regularly park on unpaved surfaces or soft ground, carry a small metal or hard plastic "puck" to place under the kickstand — it distributes the weight and prevents sinking. These cost a few dollars and can save you from returning to find your bike on its side.