Why a manoeuvring aid in the garage almost always makes sense
5.1.2026
Translation: machine translated
Motorbike fans know the situation: over the winter, it's a tight squeeze in the garage and the bike is always in the way. Good thing there are manoeuvring aids.
If the motorbike spends the winter in the garage, it quickly becomes impractical. Space is tight anyway, and the bike cannot simply be moved at right angles to the direction of travel. Every move becomes an exercise in strength.
Re-parking is often not a real option during this time. The battery is often removed or at least not connected, but is hanging on the charger in the home. This is exactly where manoeuvring aids come into play.
Source: Wiltec
A manoeuvring aid makes your motorbike manoeuvrable without the engine having to be running. The principle is simple: either place the main stand on a rollable platform or ride your bike with one wheel on the manoeuvring aid. This makes it much easier to turn it, move it sideways or manoeuvre it into a corner to save space. Other models lift both wheels and even incorporate the side stand of your motorbike, which provides additional support.
Rothewald manoeuvring aid
The manoeuvring aid from Rothewald has space for the main stand or optionally a wheel. Rothewald is a brand of Louis, a large German dealer for motorbike clothing, spare parts and accessories. The manoeuvring aid weighs around 9.5 kilograms, measures 55 × 42.5 centimetres on the outside and 51.5 × 18.5 centimetres on the inside and is said to be able to carry motorbikes weighing up to 250 kilograms.
My personal experience with the product is impeccable. The 235-kilo Kawasaki VN 800 Classic that I had years ago could be easily manoeuvred into the corner of the garage with the rear wheel on the manoeuvring aid.
However, there are Galaxus customers who are not satisfied. They criticise both the specified weight and the handling. One customer writes: «'Not usable with a centre stand from BMW motorbike. No matter how you put the motorbike on it, it doesn't fit even after the twentieth attempt.»
Wiltec motorbike manoeuvring aid
At 60 centimetres, the manoeuvring aid from Wiltec is a little longer than the Rothewald model and also slightly narrower. There is hardly any difference in its basic function: here, too, either a wheel or the main stand is placed on a rollable platform.
A clear plus point from my point of view is the integrated brake. It ensures that the motorbike does not unintentionally start rolling towards the car or workbench while stationary.
Acebikes motorbike manoeuvring aid U-Turn
The U-Turn manoeuvring aid from Dutch manufacturer Acebikes follows a different concept. It folds out into a rail and lifts the wheels of the motorbike instead of the main stand. It adapts to the dimensions of the respective bike without tools.
My tip: This manoeuvring aid is particularly suitable for motorbikes without a main stand, i.e. with only a side stand. A separate device is integrated for this. The U-Turn also comes into its own on motorbikes with a long wheelbase. It is designed for bikes with a wheelbase of up to 1.3 metres and a maximum weight of 275 kilograms.
How do you store your bike during the winter? Let me know in the comments!
Header image: Pexels
When I was a toddler, I already knew my neighbour's car was a VW Golf GTD. And I've never lost my passion for cars, motorcycles and vans. Having worked as an automotive journalist for 15 years, I'm also interested in anything to do with camping, tinkering, gardening and DIY.
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