[Jeff in Kentucky]

The 3 types of bike stands that most people use, you only need one of the front 2 with a centerstand for the back tire, unless you get someone to sit on the passenger seat with the center stand down to hold the front wheel up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcAcksusoXk&feature=related

To save money, I use this type of car trolley jack below- the wheels on it make it easy to position under the front of the frame away from the kickstand to lift the front tire, or under the side of the swingarm away from the kickstand to lift the back tire since I have no center stand. I leave the kickstand down to support the bike- some heavier bikes may need a piece of wood to raise the kickstand higher, so the bike does not lean as much. I only lift the tire off the ground a half inch for chain and back rim maintenance, or to spin the front wheel for rim cleaning and rotor resurfacing. I raise the back tire maybe 2 inches off the ground for more room to change the engine oil, and after 8 oil changes have never had the bike start to fall. I taped a piece of wood to the lift point, so it does not damage the finish on the bike:

http://www.trolleyjack.us/node-15690151-B000H4I5VK-Powerbuilt_640181_Garage_2_Ton_Trolley_Jack.html