Topic: Raising Front End

[zalion0]

Hi All, time for another question. The next stage of my project is to remove the front wheel and forks but I need a safe and suitable way of lifting the front end. Unfortunately, I am working in a shed so there is no possibility of hanging the bike from a rafter or similar. I've seen the small bike jacks but my understanding is these lift the bike up either by placing pressure on the oil pan or exhaust which I'd rather avoid doing, plus I have no means of securing the bike further when it is hoisted up in the air.

As you can see from the image in my avatar, the bike does indeed have a set of crash bars so I am wondering if possibly the bike could be angled/support upwards slightly using these. i.e keeping the bike on the centre stand, angled 2 or 3 inches up towards the front. Enough just to remove the front wheel and forks

As always, appreciate your assistance.

[BomberMann650]

A motorcycle scissor jack and some wood blocks will clear the pipes and avoid rhe pan.

The exhaust pipes are stronger than many give them credit too.

[zalion0]

I think you're right BomberMann650, i've been reading the exhaust pipes are a lot stronger then people realise, I can also weigh the back of the bike down just enough to give the front some clearance off the floor and gets the wheel and shocks loose. Enough to place some blocks under the crash bars as well for support.

[ekpent]

 Did you say you had the factory center stand ? If so your good to go as long add some additional support so it does not accidentally tip forward. I've used a small jack and block of wood under the front of the engine/oil cooler and I've also braced with a piece of would off the frame to floor around the steering neck area.

[zalion0]

Yep, still have the factory centre and side stand It makes sense as a majority of the weight will be on the center stand, i'll add a brace at the back to stop it rolling backwards and something for the front as well.

Time to get those wheels and forks out 

[Bankerdanny]

Use the center stand. Once the wheel is off the natural weight distribution will shift to the back.

I don't like to put pressure on the pipes and prefer to support the pike with a piece of 2x4 under the pan (or frame using 2x4 with 1x2 at each end to contact the frame. As you remove the wheel and fork the weight naturally shifts onto the back wheel and with the weight spread along the piece of wood the pan is in no danger of damage unless you decided to lift the whole bike with a strap and drop it onto the wood.

[BomberMann650]

With the fjr there is no alternative than lifting from the pipes.
On the cb's - the frame rails are exposed enough to get a lift block under there.
That said, I have had bikes hoisted in all manners throughout the past.
Jack stands, hydraulic jacks, hovering on the center stand. 
Even rigging from an aluminum step ladder.  Once - and never again

Tipping the bike backwards is not so much an issue.  Its when they try to fall sideways that becomes a problem.

[zalion0]

Even rigging from an aluminum step ladder.  Once - and never again

Now that sounds like a fun story haha!

[slikwilli420]

No easier and more secure way than a paddock stand. Easy to get to the forks and everything else up front. I'm spoiled as a racer being able to get both wheels off the ground at the same time by myself.

[Don R]

 A 2x4 with some shim blocking attached to the top side works well to miss the pipes and engine case. Then a scissor jack under the 2x4. Once made, you will always have it for future work.
 I recently did one for under the chain area for a bike with no center stand.

[BomberMann650]

Paddock Stands are sweet.  Though not suited for tasks removing/adjusting the triple tree and steering bearings

Nor are all paddock stands created equal.  Some are kinda sketch 

[BenelliSEI]

Did you say you had the factory center stand ? If so your good to go as long add some additional support so it does not accidentally tip forward. I've used a small jack and block of wood under the front of the engine/oil cooler and I've also braced with a piece of would off the frame to floor around the steering neck area.

Excellent advice here. The only thing I add in is a very short ratchet strap from the side lever on the centre stand (when the bike is UP), to somewhere near the front of the engine (maybe your engine guard). This ensures there is no way the bike can get bumped ahead and flip up the centre stand!

[HondaMan]

Excellent advice here. The only thing I add in is a very short ratchet strap from the side lever on the centre stand (when the bike is UP), to somewhere near the front of the engine (maybe your engine guard). This ensures there is no way the bike can get bumped ahead and flip up the centre stand!

Yeah...like with the 750 F0/1 frames!

[zalion0]

Figured I’d share the end result. I’ll be adding some straps as well, but it’s fairly sturdy!

[ekpent]

 How did you mount that bike on a wall or is just a side way pic ?     Let the fun begin.

[zalion0]

How did you mount that bike on a wall or is just a side way pic ?     Let the fun begin.

Haha, a bit of super glue on the centre stand and voila, it will stick to a shed wall

[BenelliSEI]

Figured I’d share the end result. I’ll be adding some straps as well, but it’s fairly sturdy!

Nice. Mine’s sitting the same way, sideways too!  Add the safety strap.

[Kelly E]

I have two scissor jacks from the wrecking yard. I like them because they are small, hold a lot of weight, infinitely adjustable and don't sink. Kia Sedona minivan jacks work well.

[zalion0]

I was thinking about the scissor lift too! The only ones I have available are in our cars which we use everyday. Don’t think the missus would be too pleased if she broke down and the scissor lift was missing 

[70CB750]

For the front wheel work I park it under the barn and use trucker's ratchet strap - found it on the road long time ago - to lift the front end.


But i like the idea of two stands and a bar better, thanks.