i'm looking to purchase stands, but can't figure out if i need a universal or modified front fork stand. my bike is a 2004 R6. I saw somewhere that 2002 and older require the modified, but from 2003 up use universal. any help or info on type you use for 2004. thanks.

Don't go for the universal.
Spend a couple more bucks on a nice sturdy stand. Like a PITBULL. and get the kind that goes into the steering head, not the kind that just picks up the fork legs.
If you get the universal for the bottoms of the forks you'll be limited to only changing tires and brakes. You'll never be able to take off the forks. If you spend a few more dollars and get the kind that lifts at the steering head you'll never be held up, plus they are way more sturdy.