Old Britts – Dimensions for a Commando Pit Stand
Download the complete PDF version using the green download button at the top right of this page for an Old Britts workshop article showing the dimensions and construction details for a Norton Commando pit stand. Designed by Fred Eaton, this stand lifts the rear swinging arm to make routine maintenance, cleaning, wheel removal and workshop servicing easier while keeping the motorcycle stable and accessible.
The article explains that the stand was built using 1-inch square tubing with 1/8-inch wall thickness and sized specifically around the rear section of a MK3 Commando swinging arm. It also recommends checking the swingarm dimensions on your own motorcycle before construction to ensure the stand clears cables, hoses and other components correctly.
Further sections describe how the top support was made from sections of 1 5/8-inch exhaust tubing cut lengthwise and welded to the stand frame, with rubber buffers wire-tied into place to protect the swingarm. The article also covers fitting small caster wheels beneath the rear of the stand so the motorcycle can be rolled short distances on a smooth workshop floor.
The final page includes a fully dimensioned workshop drawing showing the overall stand measurements, tubing angles, widths and support locations needed to fabricate the stand.
Contents Include
- Workshop dimensions for a Norton Commando pit stand
- 1-inch square tubing construction details
- Stand sizing for MK3 swinging arms
- Clearance guidance for cables and hoses
- Using split exhaust tubing for swingarm supports
- Rubber buffer installation to protect the swingarm
- Caster wheel mounting and positioning
- Rolling and stabilising the motorcycle on the stand
- Full dimensioned fabrication drawing
- Support rail widths, lengths and angle measurements
