GB2512396A

GB2512396A - Support for a motorcycle

Info

Publication number: GB2512396A
Application number: GB201305816A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Stefan Gradziuk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-28
Filing date: 2013-03-28
Publication date: 2014-10-01
Also published as: GB201305816D0

Abstract

A support 100 for a motorcycle 200 comprises a first restraining means 102 to engage with a first wheel of a motorcycle 200, a lifting means 104 to engage with the motorcycle 100 and a first support means 106 to engage with a pivot point of the motorcycle rear suspension, the lifting means being arranged to lift the motorcycle 200 such that the first support means 106 can engage the pivot point and support, in use, the motorcycle 200. The first restraining means 102 may engage with the rear wheel of the motorcycle 200 and may comprise a channel portion 108, a wheel engagement member 110 in the form of a hinged plate and a clamping member 114 in the form of a strap. The clamping member 114 may engage the rear wheel, the seat or the sidearm of the motorcycle 200. The lifting means 104 may be a lever operated platform and may lift the front wheel of the motorcycle 200. The support 100 may be used to hold one wheel of a motorcycle 200 unloaded to allow inspection of wheel bearings, steering and suspension components.

Description

I

SUPPORT FOR A MOTORCYCLE

This invention relates to a support for a motorcycle. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to a support that can hold the motorcycle such that one of the front or rear wheels is elevated (i.e. one of the wheels is not weight bearing).

The detailed, in-depth inspection and maintenance of motorcycles is paramount to ensuring safe use of such vehicles. This is particularly relevant to high performance motorcycles which can reach high top speeds resulting in large amounts of stress and possible wear to critical components. When inspecting and servicing a motorcycle is it a legislative rcquircmcnt that wheel bcarings, steering and suspension components arc checked with the wheel unloaded (i.e. suspended off the ground).

Many modern motorcycles do not have centre stands fitted that would enable the motorcycle to be supported with one of the wheels off the ground. Furthermore, many sports motorcycles have plastic fairings which restrict access to lifting and jack points, and can be damaged if the motorcycle is incorrectly lifted.

At present it is common for inspection to take place with a motorcycle balanced on its side-stand, being physically held in place by a technician, whilst a second technician performs the service. This situation is not only unsafe for the technicians involved, as the weight of a falling motorcycle can cause considerable physical damage, but it also requires two technicians to perform the service. This method can also lead to damage to the motorcycle through incorrect use of the side stand and faulty parts going unfound due to hurrying the service.

An aspect of the invention provides a support for a motorcycle, with a first and a second wheel, which typically comprises a first restraining means arranged to engage with a first whe& of the motorcycle; may coniprise a lifting means arranged to engage with the motorcycle; and may further comprise a first support means arranged to engage with a pivot point of the motorcycle rear suspension, whereby the lifting means is typically arranged to lift the motorcycle such that the first support means can engage the pivot point and support, in use, the motorcycle.

Embodiments provide a motorcycle support which can be used by a single technician to safely and accurately perform inspection and maintenance of the motorcycle. When in use the present invention allows the motorcycle to be supported with one of the wheels off the ground so that it is unloaded. In this position the weight of the motorcycle is supported via the pivot point of the suspension and one of the wheels.

The pivot point provides a strong and secure point at which to secure the motorcycle and is common to all models and designs of motorcycle. When secured in this position, thc components of thc unloadcd wheel asscmbly can be convcnicntly accessed for testing and maintenance.

Conveniently, the first wheel of the motorcycle is thc rear wheel such that the first restraining means is arranged to engage with the rear wheel. Such embodiments are convenient because securing the rear wheel can provide a reaction which allows the bike to be securely lifted by the lifting means.

The first restraining means may comprise a channel portion arranged to receive the first wheel of the motorcycle. The channel portion may be a groove or V' shaped slot arranged to receivc the first wheel of thc motorcycle. The first restraining means may have a channel shaped portion so that a wheel of the motorcycle can be held in place to support the weight of the motorcycle.

The firs! restraining means may further comprisc a wheel engagement member moveable between a first position iii which the first wheel can enter the channel portion and a second position where the first wheel is secured in the channel portion.

This helps to further hold the first wheel in the first restraining means, thus supporting the motorcycle. The wheel engagement member is used in a first position as a ramp to allow the motorcycle to be wheeled onto the support, and is then moved to a second position where it holds the first wheel in place.

The first restraining means may comprise a lever operable to move the wheel engagement member from the first position to the second position. This allows the wheel engagement means to be easily moved by the user. The lever may be arranged to be foot operated so it can be easily operated by the user whilst holing the motorcycle.

The wheel engagement member may comprise a hinged plate arranged to abut the first wheel when the wheel engagement nieniber is in the second position. This provides a friction fit with the first wheel and secures it in position to support the motorcycle.

The hinged plate may coniprise a spring clip or catch arranged to secure it in the second position.

The first restraining means may comprise a clamping member arranged to secure the first wheel of the motorcycle. This additionally secures the first wheel to support the motorcycle and may provide a force to push the first wheel against the engagement member.

The clamping member may comprise a strap arranged to wrap around at least part of the first wheel, which may be around the circumference of the first wheel. This secures the first wheel in place to support the motorcycle. The strap may be arranged to fit between the channel portion and the engagement means and may be tightened to pull the wheel into the channel portion and the hinged plate such that the wheel is secured in place.

The clamping member may be arranged to secure the motorcycle by engaging with any one or more of a sidearm and a seat of the motorcycle. This secures the motorcycle in place on the support.

The clamping member may comprise a strap arranged to wrap around the seat or sidearm. The clamping member may comprise a bar or frame arranged to fit around the seat of side arm of the motorcycle. This secures the motorcycle to the support by pulling the wheel into the channel portion to secure it in position.

The first restraining means may be lower than the lifting means. The first restraining means may be arranged such that the motorcycle will roll into the channel portion under the action of gravity. This means that the motorcycle will naturally rest in the first restraining means thus making it easier for the user to attach the motorcycle to the support.

The lifting means may be arranged to engage with any one or more of the first wheel, the second wheel or the pivot point. This allows the motorcycle to be raised such that the pivot point is elevated.

The lifting means may comprise a platform arranged to support at least one of the first, second or both whccls of thc motorcycle. This allows the motorcycle to be lifted using a platform supporting the wheels. It is advantageous to lift the motorcycle via the front wheel whilst the rear wheel is held securely in place.

The platform may provide a friction pad to retain at least one of the wheels. This helps to grip the wheel resting on the platform and prevent it from sliding from the platform.

The lifting means may be movable between a first position where the first and second wheels are at substantially the same level, and a second position where the first wheel is elevated relative to the second wheel, or the fist wheel is elevated relative to the second wheel. This elevates the motorcycle so that the first support means can be secured to the pivot point. With the pivot point elevated and secured the motorcycle is supportcd such that the wheels are unloaded and may be serviced.

The lifting means may comprise a lever operable to move the platform from the first position to the second position. This allows the user to easily lift the weight of the motorcycle.

Conveniently, the lifting means is arranged to lift the front wheel of the motorcycle.

The first support means may comprise a pair of opposing fixing members arranged to engage with the pivot point of the motorcycle suspension. This allows the suppor to engage with the pivot point to support the motorcycle. The pivot point is typically the strongest point of the motorcycle chassis and provides a secure and convenient place from which to support the motorcycle.

The fixing members may be adjustable in height relative to the motorcycle. This allows the fixing members to be positioned at the correct height to engage with the pivot point of a variety of motorcycles as the pivot point may not always be in the same position.

The fixing members may be adjustable in position in a direction parallel to an axis between the first and second wheel centres. This allows the position of the fixing members to be altered to engage with the pivot point of the motorcycle. This allows the support to be used in conjunction with a variety of motorcycles where the pivot point may not always be in the same position.

The fixing members may be adjustable in position in a direction perpendicular to the axis between the firs! and second wheel centres. This allows the position of the fixing members to be altered to engage with the pivot point of the motorcycle. This allows the support to be used in conjunction with a variety of motorcycles where the pivot point may not always be in the same position.

The fixing members may have three degrees of freedom so that they can be positioned to engage with the pivot point.

The fixing members may comprise one of a pin and a cup arranged to engage with the pivot point of the motorcycle suspension. This allows the fixing members to engage with a variety of different pivot points available on different models of motorcycle.

The support may further comprise a base plate to which the first and first support means are fixed. This provides a rigid structure to which the first and first support means are attached to support the motorcycle.

The base plate may comprise a guide means arranged to locate the first support means on the base plate. The first support means may be secured onto the base plate by a fixing member such as a bolt, screw or clip. The guide means helps the user indentify the correct position in which to attach the first support.

The first support means may be removably attached to the base plate such that the fixing members are locked together. As such, the first support means may be removed from the base plate so that it does not impede the user whilst the motorcycle is moved into position on the support and secured to the first restraining means.

An aspect of the present invention further provides a method of supporting a motorcycle comprising the steps ot restraining a first wheel of the motorcycle with a first restraining means; elevating the pivot point of the motorcycle using a lifting means; and securing the motorcycle with a first suppor means arranged to engage with the pivot point of the motorcycle.

Once secured by thc restraining means the motorcycle is supported such that one of the first and second wheels can be unloaded and is thus secured conveniently and safely for service and maintenance.

The method of supporting a motorcycle may further comprise the step of securing the first wheel in a channel portion of the first restraining means. The first restraining means may comprise a channel portion arranged to engage with the first wheel and secure it in position.

The method of supporting a motorcycle may further comprise the step of securing the first wheel using a whcel engagement member moveable between a firs! position in which the first wheel can enter the channel portion and a second position where the first wheel is secured in the channel portion. Once the first wheel is positioned in the channel portion the engagement nieniber may be moved into a position where it secures the first wheel and the motorcycle is supported.

The method of supporting a motorcycle may further comprise the step of securing the first wheel with a clamping member arranged to secure the first wheel of the motorcycle. In such embodiments the clamping member may be thought of as a wheel clamping member. This additionally secures the first wheel in position so that the motorcycle is supported. The clamping member may be arranged such that it forces the first wheel into the channel portion of the first restraining means thus holding it in place.

The motorcycle may be elevated using a platform arranged to support at least one of the first, second or both wheels of the motorcycle. Lifting the motorcycle allows the pivot point to be elevated before the first support means is engaged.

The method of supporting a motorcycle may further comprise the step of disengaging the lifting means so that the second wheel of the motorcycle is suspended. Once the first support means is engaged the motorcycle is supported such that the lifting platform can be lowered. One of the wheel of the motorcycle is then suspended so that it is no longer weight bearing and is safely and conveniently secured for service and maintcnance.

The mcthod of supporting a motorcycle may furthcr comprise thc step of discngaging the first restraining means so that the motorcycle is supported only by the first support means. Once the first support means is engaged with the pivot point the motorcycle may bc secured without!hc need of the firs! restraining means. The first restraining means can therefore be released so that the first wheel is accessible for servicing.

An aspect of the invention further provides a kit of parts comprising the support for a motorcyclc dcscribcd above and a sct of adaptors suitablc to adapt thc first support means to engage with the pivot pout.

An cmbodiment of the invenlion will now bc described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I shows a support for a motorcycle according to an embodiment; Figure 2 shows the support for a motorcycle according to an embodiment in use; Figure 3 shows the support for a motorcycle according to an embodiment in use; Figure 4 shows the support for a motorcycle according to an embodiment in use; Figure 5 shows the support for a motorcycle according to an embodiment in use; Figure 6 shows the support for a motorcycle according to an embodiment in use; Figure 7 shows the support for a motorcycle according to an embodiment in use; Figure 8 shows the support for a motorcycle according to an embodiment in use; and Figure 9 shows a method of supporting a motorcycle.

Figure 1, shows a support for a motorcycle 100 comprising a first restraining means 102, a lifting means 104 and a first support means 106.

The first restraining means 102 comprises a channel portion 108 arranged to receive a first wheel of the motorcycle. In the embodiment of Figure 1 the channel por ion is arranged to receive the rear wheel of the motorcycle, but it is to be understood that the channel portion could receive either the front or rear of wheel of the motorcycle.

Embodiments which receive the rear wheel are believed advantageous because the rear wheel is more securely mounted on the motorcycle and as such the motorcycle is more securely held.

The first restraining means 102 further comprises a wheel engagement member 110 arranged to secure the first wheel into the first restraining means 102. The wheel cngagemcnt member is moveable from a first position, as shown in Figure 1, to a second position when the stand is in use, as shown later in Figure 3.

The wheel engagement member 110 comprises a hinged plate arranged to abut the first wheel when the engagement member is in the second position. In this embodiment the wheel engagement comprises a channel portion shaped to receive part of the circumference of the first wheel to secure it in place.

In the first position the wheel engagement member provides a ramp allowing the motorcycle to be wheeled into position on the first restraining means. The first restraining means 102 further comprises a lever 112 arranged to move the wheel engagement member between the first and second position.

The lever is positioned so that it can be foot operated by a technician using the support 100 whilst holding the motorcycle upright. In some embodiments the wheel engagement means may comprise a resiliently biased, such as a spring loaded, catch to secure it in place in the second position, thus securing the motorcycle on the support 100. In some embodiments the wheel engagement member may be moved between the first and second position by hydraulic, pneumatic, electric actuators or the like.

The first restraining means 102 further comprises a clamping member 114 arranged to secure the first wheel of the motorcycle. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the clamping mcmber comprises a strap arranged to wrap around at least part of the circumference of the first wheel. In other embodiments, the clamping member is arranged to engage with the seat or the side arm of the motorcycle. In some embodiments the clamping member comprises a strap, bar or frame arranged to fit over or around the seat or sidearm thus securing the motorcycle.

The clamping nmmber is attached to an end of the channel portion 108 and comprises a clip that can be removably attached to an end of the wheel engagement nieniber 110.

The clamping member 114 may further comprise a ratchet arranged to tighten the strap in order to secure the first wheel between the channel portion 108 and the wheel engagement member 110 when it is in the second position. In other embodiments the clamping member 114 may be a rope, chain, strop, clamp or any other clamping member arranged to push the first wheel against the channel portion 108 and the wheel engagement member 110.

The support 100 further comprises a base plate 116 to which the first retraining nieans 102 and lifting means 104 are attached. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the base plate 116 is rectangular in shape and sized such that it may cover the wheelbase of a typical motorcycle. The base plate 116 may be manufactured from sheet steel to provide a strong and securc platform onto which the motorcycle can be secured. In other embodiments the base plate may be made from other sheet metal, plastic or any other suitable material. In some embodiments the base plate 116 may be adjustable in length in order to accommodate motorcycles with wheelbases of different lengths.

Adjusting the length of the base plate allows the distance between the first restraining means and the lifting means to be altered so that the support can be used with a variety of models of motorcycle which may have different distanccs between the front and rear wheels.

The first retaining means 102 is positioned on the base plate 116 such that it is at the lowest point. The first restraining means is arranged such that the motorcycle will roll into the channel portion under the action of gravity. This means that when the motorcycle is wheeled onto the base plate 116 it will roll naturally into the first retaining mean 102.

The support for a motor cycle 100 further comprises a lifting means 104. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the lifting means 104 is arranged to engage with the front wheel of the motor cycle. In other embodiments the lifting means 104 may be arranged to engage with the rear wheel of the motorcycle or the pivot point.

Embodiments which engage the front wheel with the lifting means 104 are felt advantageous because the motorcycle is more conveniently lifted from the front wheel whilst thc rear wheel is restrained. If the motorcycle is lifted from the rear wheel the weight of the motorcycle would need to be supported by the front wheel, which must be restricted from moving. Restricting the movement of the front wheel is more difficult because of the articulation of the steering head. It is therefore advantageous to restrain the rear wheel of the motorcyclc and lift the motorcycle via the front wheel.

The lifting means 104 comprises a platform 118 arranged to support the front wheel of the motorcycle. In other embodiments the platform may support the rear wheel or both wheels simultaneously. In some embodiments the platform 118 comprises a friction pad 120 arranged to grip the second wheel of the motorcycle so that it does not slide off the platform as it is lifted.

The lifting means 104 is movable from a first position where the motorcycle is not lifted (i.e. the platform 118 is resting on the base plate) to a second position where the second wheel (the front wheel) is elevated relative to the base plate. In some embodiments the platform may be arranged to elevate the rear wheel of the motor cycle.

The lifting means 104 further comprises a lever 122 operable to move the platform from the first position to the second position. The lever 122 may comprise a removable handle or extension 124 in the form of a tubular member that is arranged to engage with the lever 122. The extension 124 provides greater leverage to allow the user to apply adequate force to lift the motorcycle. In some embodiments the platform may be moved between the first and second positions using a screw gear, electronic actuator, hydraulic pistons, pneumatic pistons or the like.

The support for a motorcycle 100 further comprises a first support means 1 06. The first support means is arranged to engage with the pivot point of the rear suspension (i.e. the rear sideann, or sidearms) of the motorcycle. The pivot point of the suspension is commonly the strongest part of the motorcycle chassis and is therefore a suitable place from which to support the weigh! of the motorcycle. Furthermore, the pivot point is a common feature available on many, if not all, models and designs of motorcycle so that the support 100 can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of motorcycles. The pivot point is typically easy to access even in the case of motorcycles with large plastic fairings that surround the internal components.

The first support means 106 comprises a removable trolley 126 that is arranged to fit over the base plate 116. In some enibodiments the trolley 126 is shaped to receive the profile of the base plate 116 so that it can be securely mounted to the base plate 116.

The trolley can be positioned after the motorcycle is secured using the first restraining means. The trolley comprises a set of wheels and a handle so that it can easily to moved around and into position by the user.

In some embodiments the base plate 116 comprises a guide means arranged to locate the removable trolley 126 on the base plate. The guide means may comprise a groove, slot or marking to indicate the correct position of the base plate 116. In some embodiments the trolley 126 is secured to the base plate using a fixing means such as a bolt, screw of clip such that it is securely held in place. This is advantageous because the motorcycle is more securely supported if the trolley 126 is secured to the base plate 116.

The first support means 104 comprises a pair of opposing fixing members I 28a, 12% arranged to engage with the pivot point of the motorcycle suspension. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fixing members are pins arranged to engage with cups provided at the pivot point. In other embodiments the fixing members may be cups arranged to engage with pins or bolt heads at the pivot point. In yet other embodiments the fixing members may be screws, hex sockets, hex bolts or the like. In some embodiments adaptors may be provided to allow the fixing members to attach to various pivot point designs so that the support 100 is suitable for use with a variety of motorcycles.

The fixing members I 28a, 1285 are adjustable iii height relative to the motorcycle so that they can be correctly positioned to engage with the pivot point on a variety of motorcycles. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fixing members I 28a, 1 28b each comprise a telescopic member such that the height may be adjusted. A locking screw is provided to fix the tclescopic member to the correct height.

The fixing members 128a, 128b are removably attached to the trolley 126 via a recess that allows the fixing members I 28a and 1285 slide in a direction perpendicular to the motorcycle longitudinal axis (i.e. the axis running between the centre of the wheels of the motorcycle) when the trollcy 126 is positioned on the base plate 116.

This allows the distance between the fixing members to be adjusted so that they can engage with the pivot point and secure the motorcycle. The fixing members I 28a, 128b are locked in place on the trolley by fixing screws.

The fixing members 1 28a, I 28b are further movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fixing members 128a, 128b therefore have three degrees of freedom: they are adjustable in height relative to the motorcycle and in dircctions parallel and perpendicular to the axis joining the wheels. The fixing members 128a and 128b can therefore be adjusted to engage with a pivot point in a variety of different positions so that the stand can be used in conjunction with a variety of makes and models of motorcycle.

Once the first support means is engaged with the pivot point the motorcycle is secured to the support 100. The platform can be returned to the first position and the first restraining means releascd so that either wheel of the motorcycle can be unloaded for servicing.

Use of the support for a motorcycle 100 is now described with reference to Figures 2 to 8. Components common to Figure 1 are labelled accordingly. The method 900 for securing the motorcycle to the support is shown in Figure 9.

In Figure 2 the step of restraining (902 in Figure 9) a first wheel of the motorcycle with a first restraining means is shown. A motorcycle 200 is wheeled into position onto the base plate 116. In this embodiment the rear wheel of the motorcycle engages with the first restraining means 102. In other embodiments the first restraining means may engage with the front wheel. The rear wheel is positioned into the channel portion 108 to hold the wheel in place (step 904 in Figure 9) before the wheel engagement member 110 is moved into the second position to secure the wheel. Figure 1 shows the wheel engagement member 110 half way between the first position in which the motorcycle can be rolled onto the support and the second position where it abuts the first wheel. The engagement member 110 acts as a ramp in the first position so that the motorcycle can easily be wheeled onto channel portion.

Figure 3 shows the step of securing (906 in Figure 9) the first wheel using a wheel cngagemcnt member moveable between a first position in which the first wheel can enter the channel portion and a second position where the first wheel is secured in the channel portion The wheel engagement member 110 is then nioved from the first position to the second position.. In the second position the channel porion of the wheel engagement member abuts the rear wheel to secure it in place. The wheel is then trapped between the wheel engagement member and the channel portion, and is thus secured in place. Once in this position the weight of the motorcycle is fully supported and the motorcycle can be released by the operator. As can be seem in Figure 2 the motorcycle is in an inclined position with the rear wheel lower than the front. This helps the motorcycle to roll under gravity into the channel portion so that it is niore securely supported. In other embodiments the motorcycle may be substantially level at this stage, with both wheels at the same height.

In Figure 4, the clamping member 114 is wrapped around part of the circumference of the rear wheel (step 908 in Figure 9). In this embodiment the clamping member 114 is a strap with a ratchet to pull it tight around the wheel. This provides a force pulling the wheel downwards into the channel portion 108 to secure the motorcycle to the support 100. In other embodiments the clamping member 114 is a strap or bar arranged to engage with the seat or sidearm of the motorcycle.

The next step is to elevate the motorcycle using the lifting platform (step 910 in Figure 9). Figure 5 shows the lifting platforni 118 when it has been moved from the first position (as shown in Figures 2 to 4) to the second position. In this embodiment the lifting platform 118 engages with the front wheel of the motorcycle and acts to raise the front wheel up from the level of the base plate. In other embodiments the lifting platform may engage with the rear wheel of the motorcycle. The lifting platform is operated by action of lever 122 and using the lever extension 124 to provide additional leverage.

The next stage is to secure the motorcycle using the first support means (step 912 in Figure 9). Figurcs ôa and ôb show the first support means 106 in position to support the motorcycle at the pivot point. The trolley 126 is positioned over the base plate 116, so that thc fixing means 128a and 128b are adjacent thc pivot point. The fixings means are pushed towards the pivot point so that the pins engage with the cups of the pivot point. The fixing means are locked in place with the locking screws to provide a rigid structure to support thc motorcycle. Figure 6b shows a view from the rear of the motorcycle showing the fixing means 128a and 128b engaged with the pivot point. In sonic embodiments there niay be only one fixing member arranged to engage with the pivot point from one side of the motorcycle.

With the first support means now in place the motorcycle is secured. The lifting platform 118 can be lowered to the first position as shown in Figure 7 (step 914 in Figure 9). As the rear wheel of the motorcycle is restrained by the first restraining means the front wheel will remain elevated and all of the motorcycle's weight will be supported by the first and first support means. In this position the front wheel is unloaded and the moving components such as the wheel and steering bearings and suspension can be inspected and serviced. The motorcycle is safely secured in position by the stand 100 so a single technician can perform the service without risk of the motorcycle falling over.

In order to service the rear wheel of the motorcycle the first restraining means 102 can also be released, as shown in Figure 8 (step 916 in Figure 9) The wheel engagement member 110 can be retuned to the first position and the clamping member 114 released so the rear wheel is free to move and is not longer supported. The motorcycle is supported by the first support means 106 so that the first restraining means 102 is no longer required. As the centre of mass of the motorcycle is between the front wheel and the pivot point, the front wheel will fall back down from its elevated position. The front wheel can be lowered on the lifting platform 108 to control the movement of the motorcycle when the first restraining mean is released. Figure 8 shows the motorcycle supported only by the first support means 106, and with the rear wheel elevated above the channel portion. In this position the moving parts of the rear wheel such as the bearing and chain can be inspected and serviced.

To remove the motorcycle from the support 100 the reverse of the process described above is performed.

Claims

Claims 1. A support for a motorcycle, with a first and a second wheel, comprising: a first restraining means arranged to engage with a first wheel of a motorcycle; a lifting means arranged to engage with the motorcycle; and a first support means arranged to engage with a pivot point of the motorcycle rear suspension, whereby the lifting means is arranged to lift the motorcycle such that the first support means can engage the pivot point and support, in use, the motorcycle.
2. A support according to claim I in which the first restraining means is arranged to engage with the rear wheel of a motorcycle.
3. A support according to claim I or 2 in which the lifting means is arranged to lift the front wheel of the motorcycle.
4. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the first restraining means comprises a channel portion arranged to receive the first wheel of the motorcycle.
5. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the first restraining means further comprises a wheel engagement member moveable between a first position in which the first wheel can enter the channel portion and a second position where the first wheel is secured in the channel portion.
6. A support according to claim 5 wherein the first restraining means comprises a lever operabk to move the wheel engagement member from the first position to the second position.
7. A support according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the wheel engagement member comprises a hinged plate arranged to abut the first wheel when the wheel engagement member is in the second position.
8. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the first restraining means comprises a clamping member arranged to secure the first wheel of the motorcycle.
9. A support according to claim 8 wherein the clamping member comprises a strap arranged to wrap around at least part of the circumference of the first wheel.
10. A support according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first restraining means compriscs a clamping mcmbcr arranged to sccurc the motorcycle by cngaging with any one or more of a sidearm and a seat of the motorcycle.
11. A support according to claim 10 whcrcin the clamping mcmbcr compriscs a strap arranged to wrap around the seat or sidearm.
12. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the first restraining means is lowcr than thc lifting means.
13. A support according to any preceding clam wherein the lifting means is arrangcd to cngagc with any onc or more of thc first wheel, the sccond whecl and thc pivot point.
14. A support according to any preceding claini wherein the lifting nieans comprises a platform arrangcd to support at least one of thc first, second or both wheels of the motorcycle.
15. A suppor according to claim 14 wherein the platform providcs a friction pad to retain at lcast one of the wheels.
16. A suppor according to claim 14 or claim IS wherein the lifting means is movable between a first position whcre the first and second wheels are at the same level, and a second position where the first wheel is elevated relative to the second wheel, or the fist wheel is elevated relative to the second wheel.
17. A suppor for a motorcycle according to claim 15 wherein the lifting means comprises a lever operable to move the platform from the firs! position to the second position.
18. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the first support means comprises a pair of opposing fixing members arranged to engage with the pivot point of the motorcycle suspension.
19. A support according to claim 17 wherein the fixing members arc adjustable in height relative to the motorcycle.
20. A support according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the fixing members are adjustable in position in a direction parallel to an axis between the first and second wheel centres.

21 A support according to any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the fixing members are adjustable in position in a direction perpendicular to the axis between the first and second wheel centres 22. A support of a motorcycle according to claim 18 or claim 21 wherein the fixing members comprise one of a pin and a cup arranged to engage with the pivot point of the motorcycle suspension.23. A support according to any preceding claim further comprising a base plate to which the first and first support means are fixed.24. A support according to claim 19 wherein the second retaining means is removably attached to the base plate such that the fixing members are locked together.25. A support according to claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the base plate comprises a guide means arranged to locate the first support means on the base plate.26. A support for a motorcycle substantially as hercin described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.27. A method of supporting a motorcycle comprising the steps of: restraining the motorcycle using a restraining means arranged to engage a first wheel of the motorcycle elevating the pivot point of the motorcycle rear suspension using a lifting means; and securing the motorcycle with a first support means arranged to engage with the pivot point of thc motorcycle.28. A method of supporting a motorcycle according to claim 27 further comprising the stcp of securing the first wheel in a channel portion of the first restraining means.29. A method of supporting a niotorcycle according to claim 28 further coniprising the step of securing the first wheel using a wheel engagement member moveable bctwccn a first position in which thc first whccl can cntcr thc channcl portion and a second position where the first wheel is secured in the channel portion.30. A method of supporting a motorcycle according to ally of claims 27 to 29 further comprising the step of securing the first wheel with a clamping member arrangcd to sccurc the first whccl of the motorcyclc.31. A mcthod of supporting a motorcyclc according to any of claims 27 to 30 wherein the motorcycle is elevated using a platform arranged to support at least one of the first, second or both wheels of the motorcycle.32. A method of supporting a motorcyclc according to any of claims 27 to 31 further comprising the step of disengaging the lifting means so that the second wheel of the motorcycle is suspended.33. A method of supporting a motorcycle according to any of claims 27 to 32 further comprising disengaging the first rcstraining means so that thc motorcycle is supported only by the first support nieans.34. A kit of parts comprising the support for a motorcycle according to any of claims 1 to 26 and a set of adaptors suitable to adapt the first support means to engage with the pivot point.