Topic: jacking up the front end

[76 cb550]

only works in basements

1. put bike on center stand
2. screw large hooks into ceiling beams
3. use ratchet style straps to wench up the front end
4. place blocks or jackstand under bike


Be careful not to pull the bike forward by wenching it with the straps...you may pull it off the centerstand.  It will still be attached to the ceiling...It hasn't happened to me yet and I don't want to know if my cieling beams can support all that weight suddenly being put on them.

[Gordon]

only works in basements

Works in garages, too.

[Ricky_Racer]

Pit Bull front end stands!     RR

[hapsh]

I use a jack stand under the right engine case.  It is an older style one with a large rubber covered support.  I put the kickstand down and lean the bike up on the stand to the left until I can slip the jack stand under.  Now the bike is supported on the left and right and the front wheel is off the ground about 1.5".

[KB02]

This worked on my wife's CB400T, and I don't see why it wouldn't work on a SOHC:

I use an regular vehicle (Car) jack. I place the bike on the center stand and a small block of wood under the engine and then crank up the jack slowly lift the front end up. With the SOHC, you just have to be picky about wood block placement to get around the pipes.

I've done the ratchet strap thing (you're right, it does work in a garage, too), but I wasn't as happy with the stability of it. The ultimate would be this and that working together

[UnCrash]

I also use the method that KB02 describes.

I have big highway/crash bars on the front of the bike and I put the jack under that.

[BobbyR]

I have a luggage rack on the back, I just put the heaviest thing I can find on it, tilts the bike back. Quick and dirty but it works.

[Reverend66]

So it is ok to use a jack under the engine if you are using the center stand? My pipes run right under the frame & I don't want to remove them as I have just put in new crush gaskets. I have to replace the fork top bridge (cracked). Where is the best place on the engine to place the jack?

[rbmgf7]

only works in basements

Works in garages, too.

or outside from a sturdy tree. roommate did it

[dpen]

I use a car trolley jack - a small piece of wood under the engine (just in front of the drain plug) clears the exhaust and you're in
  if you use this method keep an eye on the bike - go too high or off centre & it'll fall sideways (always on the side you're on)