Diabolos

The motorcycle diabolo is a small accessory mounted directly on the swingarm. It allows you to lift the bike easily with a rear paddock stand. The result: simplified chain maintenance, more precise cleaning, safer mechanical work and a perfectly stable bike while you are handling it. On the road as well as on the track, fitting your machine with a motorcycle diabolo has become second nature for all riders who want more comfort and efficiency in the garage.

What are motorcycle diabolos used for?

Motorcycle diabolos have two main roles. The first is to make it easy to lift the bike with a rear paddock stand, by engaging directly in the diabolos mounted on the swingarm. This makes chain maintenance, cleaning, tyre changes, etc. easier. The second role is protection in the event of a fall or low to medium speed slide: the diabolos take part of the impact and can limit damage to the swingarm and engine cases, depending on the bike’s configuration. You can’t consider them as miracle protection, but they are clearly part of the “package” of useful accessories to protect a bike that is used regularly.

Compatibility of motorcycle diabolos with swingarm and thread size

Before buying diabolos, you need to check two things: the presence of mounting points on the swingarm and the thread diameter. Most modern motorcycles have threaded inserts on the swingarm as standard, but this is not always the case, especially on some entry-level or older models. If inserts are present, you simply check the bolt size (often M6, M8 or M10 depending on the brand).

You then just need to choose motorcycle diabolos compatible with this diameter. If the swingarm does not have an insert, you cannot fit standard diabolos and will have to look at another type of stand support or specific solutions.

What diameter / which bolt to choose for your motorcycle diabolos?

The choice of diabolo diameter depends on the thread already on the bike, not the other way around. You don’t decide “I want M8”; you adapt to what the manufacturer has provided. In general, this is indicated in the owner’s manual or in the description of the diabolos compatible with the model. Once the bolt diameter has been determined (M6, M8, M10), you choose compatible diabolos. The outside diameter of the “roller” part is more a matter of comfort and stability on the paddock stand: the wider it is, the easier and more stable the support, but you also have to make sure it does not interfere with the chain, swingarm or other components.

How to fit motorcycle diabolos without damaging the swingarm?

Fitting motorcycle diabolos should be simple and clean. Start by cleaning the area around the thread to prevent dust or dirt from getting trapped between the diabolo and the swingarm. Then use the bolt supplied with the kit, start it by hand without forcing to avoid cross-threading, and tighten gradually with the appropriate tool. Ideally, use a tightening torque in line with the recommendations of the bike manufacturer or the diabolo manufacturer so as not to crush the thread or leave the assembly too loose.

Avoid unsuitable tools or violent blows with the spanner. On some painted or varnished swingarms, it may be useful to check that the base of the diabolo is not rubbing directly on a sharp edge to reduce the risk of marking over the long term.

Aluminium, steel, nylon diabolos: what are the differences?

Aluminium diabolos are light, attractive and available in many colours. They are perfectly suitable for both road and track use, with a good compromise between strength and looks. Steel diabolos are heavier but often more robust when faced with repeated impacts or mechanical stress; they are an interesting option if strength is the priority. Nylon diabolos (or similar materials such as POM) are mainly chosen for their ability to slide and absorb part of the energy in the event of a fall, a bit like a crash pad.

In practice, many riders choose a mix: an aluminium body with a plastic ring or insert to combine rigidity and sliding properties.

Do diabolos really protect in the event of a slide?

Motorcycle diabolos can help limit damage, but you have to remain realistic about their role. In the event of a small fall at a standstill or at very low speed, they can prevent the swingarm or certain parts from touching the ground directly.

During a more serious slide, diabolos can help to keep part of the bike away from the tarmac, especially when combined with other protection (crash pads, frame sliders, engine case protectors, etc.). However, in a big crash or a violent impact, they are obviously not enough on their own to “save” the bike. They should therefore be seen as an additional protection element: useful, discreet, not very expensive, but to be integrated into an overall protection strategy.

You can find diabolos sold individually in different sizes, or sold in a pack with a set of protection parts specific to your bike.