Why Dirt Bikes Don’t Have Kickstands – Many things make a dirt bike stand out. Additionally, there are certain things about a dirt bike that may be considered confusing. One of these things is the lack of a kickstand. While older dirt bikes typically feature kickstands, the majority of newer counterparts do not. There are several reasons that a dirt bike doesn’t have a kick stand. The primary reason behind this design choice is the aim to reduce the overall weight of the dirt bike.
The lighter weight also makes it easier for riders to maneuver, change speed, and handle the bike. The absence of kickstands not only aligns with a popular aesthetic but also offers practical benefits for riders. In this article, we will be diving into the common reasons behind the lack of a kickstand in addition to weight convenience.
Why Dirt Bikes Don’t Have Kickstands: The Reasons
Increased Risk of Crashing
Kickstands on bikes can increase the risk of accidents. Their protruding structure poses a potential hazard, especially depending on the terrain and type of riding. There’s a risk that kickstands may unexpectedly open during a ride, either from an impact or accidental contact, leading to a significant danger of accidents.
This concern is especially pronounced for mountain bikers navigating narrow single-track trails, where the possibility of a kickstand getting caught and causing a spill is a significant worry. Consequently, many riders, especially those on off-road trails, are cautious about using kickstands to reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall safety.
Increased Risk of Bike Damage
Using kickstands on bikes increases the risk of frame damage. The connection point of a kickstand can potentially harm the bike’s frame, causing flattened tubing on chainstays and scratches on the finish. Kickstands are less stable than other methods of resting a bike, leading many cyclists to opt for alternatives like leaning the bike against structures or placing it on the ground. In urban areas, bike racks are easily accessible and considered more reliable than kickstands, which may buckle, wobble, or sink into soft ground, posing a risk of the bike tipping over.
Less Aerodynamics
Adding kickstands to bikes can reduce aerodynamic efficiency. Placed on the chainstays, kickstands block airflow, working against the efforts of riders who prioritize aerodynamics. This is especially crucial for high-end bikes meticulously crafted for minimal wind resistance. Kickstands not only contribute to extra weight but also slow down the bike by obstructing airflow. For riders aiming for peak performance and speed, using kickstands is often seen as counterproductive due to their negative impact on the bike’s overall aerodynamics.
Potential Injuries
Kickstands can add to the risk of injuries in bike crashes, as they are within foot range from the pedals, potentially complicating accidents. While not the main cause of injuries, the risk of getting hit in the shin or ankle is a concern. This risk is higher for BMX riders, as the extra point of contact from kickstands increases the likelihood of injuries, especially when performing tricks and maneuvers where additional protrusions can pose a safety hazard.
Lack of Balance
Bikes are meant to be balanced on two wheels, and relying on a single leg, like a kickstand, can be risky. It’s common to see bikes with kickstands tipping over shortly after being parked, potentially causing damage. If your goal is to protect your frame or prevent your clipless pedals from hitting the ground, depending solely on a kickstand may not be entirely dependable. Choosing a gentler way to place your bike, instead of relying on a kickstand that could unexpectedly fail, is often a more secure approach to avoid the risk of your bike falling over.
How to Support a Dirt Bike Without a Kickstand
There are many ways to keep your bike stable when not in use. Getting a workshop stand is a smart move for dirt bike enthusiasts. It’s a handy tool for tasks like changing tires and regular maintenance. It’s a good idea to keep one in your truck. Especially for rides in sandy areas where finding a stable support for leaning your dirt bike can be tricky. Another option for added stability is the triangle stand. Unlike regular dirt bike stands, these provide more support, making them great for places with wind or soft ground. Triangle stands offer a reliable choice for those who want extra stability when parking their dirt bikes.
Overall, there’s a lot to learn about your bike. You can learn things like why it is loud and how to store it for winter. You can also learn tips for different things like dirt bike safety and trail riding. Aside from this, there are also basics to learn such as kickstarting a bike. Generally, there is a lot to learn about dirt bikes.
