I have posted before about the various side stands available for classic Chinese Roadsters in the past. One of the is a "Koba". While many of the Old Chinese sidestands sported brands which were fairly self explanatory such as "FP" (Flying Pigeon) and "Zhongguo" (China), "Koba" remained enigmatic as there appears to be no brand by this name.
Some good research by Ah Chow over at the Singapore based blog Classic 2 Wheelers indicates that Koba is (was?) probably a Japanese brand. In fact right now he has a "deluxe" Koba stand posted on his site.
Funny how thing about timing, as I have just acquired a stainless steel,locally made reproduction of the same deluxe stand! Take a moment and compare this stand to Ah Chow's genuine antique. Old or new, the Koba stand certainly is a nice addition to any roadster.
This stand is suitable for 28" bikes. I know, I have tried it on my 26" but no luck making it fit. Looks like it will have to wait for another project!
Funny how your blog popped up today about Koba Stands. I just this past week corresponded with the owner of the Classic 2 Wheelers blog and have been scouring the web to try and find a source of the reproduction stands. I have an Abley Roadster with 27" wheels and am hoping to find a suitable rear stand like the Koba. Is there a place you know where one can buy one of these replacements?
Rod-braking my way through New England...
Posted by: Larry Fisher | April 12, 2009 at 07:19 AM
Larry, Koba is indeed a 'mystery'...But if you have read my blog on Koba stands, the 1st one I have in possession is very nicely made. Doesn't look like a MIC KO. Solid chrome. Great details and construction. Hope you can find the source for repo stands as I'm also interested to know the history of my KOBAs..cheers.
Posted by: 12inchtoys | April 15, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Larry-
The Koba reproduction is made locally here in Beijing. I am reasonably sure they are made by a local machinist/bike enthusiast in his spare time as I have only seen 1 person sell them...ever...and he is probably the maker.
He also makes similar stands for Raleigh, Humber and Gazelle brands.
I should add that they are not especially cheap, so you really have to want the item.
Posted by: JS | April 15, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Any chance of contacting this fellow in Shanghai? I suppose price is all relative anyway but it would be great to put one of these on my Abley.
Larry
Posted by: Larry Fisher | April 18, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Larry,
Not sure what guy in Shanghai you are referring to. As stated above, I live in Beijing and I think these are made here. I am reasonably sure I can get you one, but it won't be cheap. Think like $50 US once all the shipping via China Post is done.
Posted by: JS | April 18, 2009 at 07:16 PM
My apologies - Beijing is what I meant. I have a Chang Jiang motorcycle and am also hunting down some parts for it from Shanghai. In any event, I think that all up, including shipping, $50 USD is probably reasonable since the stands are virtually impossible to get here in the US.
Posted by: Larry Fisher | April 19, 2009 at 01:56 AM
OK. I will look for one then. As I have stated before, the same man makes many brands of repro stand in a similar style: Raleigh, Humber and Gazelle and of course Koba.
Posted by: JS | April 21, 2009 at 10:38 PM
I am open to any of the marquees on the stand as my bike is an Abley Roadster. Of course if the fellow makes an Abley I would be eternally grateful.
Posted by: Larry Fisher | April 26, 2009 at 04:24 AM
These branded stands are awesome for sure. No-where else have I ever seen them. Would not even be aware of their existence if it were not for your posting these up.
Would love one as well.... be it for my Abley (former roadster) path racer. Don't care what marque is imblazoned in the metalwork.
Wonderful stuff!
Cheers!
Larry "Boneman" Bone
Dingmans Ferry, PA, USA
Posted by: Larry Bone | April 30, 2009 at 11:35 AM