Building an MX Bike Stand for the WR out of 2x4s

Ok I am planning to build a dirt bike stand for my WR out of two-by-fours. I am just not sure about what the optimal height would be. I don't want it to be too high because it would be hard to get that heavy bike on there. A tire clearance of about 2 inch from the ground would be good.

Can anyone tell me what the optimum height of the stand would be? I can't take the measurements right now because the bike is in storage.

I was going to use this stand size as a reference:

I'd go with 15 inches if you have 21" and 18" wheels on the bike.

My WR-250X with the stock 17" wheels is good with 13-and-a-half inches.

I'd use some kind of thick, rubbery top to help grip the frame rails.

Ok thanks. What dimension would you make the platform, and how big of an access hole for oil changes should I make?
10x10 and 3.5x3.5 like the one pictured?

I have some sorta rubber mat that I am going to put on top.

I think the 10" X 10" would be good.

As for a drain hole, I'd probably do some kind of mock-up experiment to determine the precise spot for it.
Myself, I always drain the oil with the bike on the ground, so I'm probably not the best-qualified to answer that one. ;)

WRXR wrote:

Ok thanks. What dimension would you make the platform, and how big of an access hole for oil changes should I make?
10x10 and 3.5x3.5 like the one pictured?

I have some sorta rubber mat that I am going to put on top.

My cheap little lift stand has the wheel's clear at 13.5" in height off the floor. I do have the Yamalink installed, but that's all. Without Yamalink, 15" should be safe.

I know scrap 2x4 is cheap, but the price and convenience of the inexpensive little lift stands available everywhere kind of makes me wonder. The people at DiscountRamps where you grabbed the photo will sell you one for $40, for example. Just not having to lift the bike on the stand or do the kickstand trick to get it up on the stand is enough for me.

As for the oil change plans, I always do mine on the kickstand, where I can tip the bike back and forth to get as much oil out as possible easy access to drain bolt, etc. Your mileage may vary on that, of course.

I bought one of those cheap little lift stands and the thing was so bent in less then a year it was unusable. not all are the same obviously but after having that happen I would spend a little more money and get a well built one that costs a little more. I just lift mine onto my wifes motocross stand now since I haven't bought a replacement.

The 2x4 idea is a good one. Right now I use an army surplus 20mm ammo can ($20) that I had in the garage. Throw a 4x4 under the kickstand and rock the bike up, then slide the ammo can under. Works and is very stable. I think it is 15 inches tall and slightly too short with no lowering. You could make it 15 inches tall and then add pads to the corners if you need more height. Remember, the bike will be taller with knobbie tires on there.

Well the ammo can is a spare that I got when I bought them to make side cases for my KLR. They had em 3 for $45 or $20 each. So it really only cost me $5. They make very tough side cases, but a bit heavy. Ok for an all pavement ride or when I commute and need to lock things up.

I'm going to make the stand 16" high and try how high the bike sits. Then I can still cut it down with the skilsaw if needed.
I have some 2x4s leftover from a recent renovation, so the stand would be free for me.
If anybody cares for pics I'll post some up once I'm done with it.

I went with 15" height, works great, gives me about 2" clearance under the wheels.

Nice job.

Sweet job. How do you set the bike on top of that exactly?

Very nice job on that, lol but yeah, I'd like to see a video of you getting it up on the stand! Please

Getting it on the stand was pretty easy.

I stand on the left side of the bike, one hand on the handlebar, the other on the left side frame behind the seat/by the pipe. Lift the back and wiggle it on the stand. As easy as that.

Maybe it helps that I am tall.