The side stand, also known as the kickstand, is a support mechanism on a motorcycle that allows it to remain upright when parked. It is typically mounted on the left side of the motorcycle and extends downward to rest on the ground. When deployed, the side stand stabilizes the motorcycle by providing a solid base, preventing it from tipping over. The stand is often equipped with a spring mechanism that automatically retracts it when the motorcycle is in use, and may include a safety switch to prevent engine start if the stand is down.