What's the best way to lift a bike?

Question

I am going to install rear axle nut covers to my '06 H-D Softail Duece and the one important thing I have to do is get the rear tire off the ground. How do I go about jacking up the bike so I can install it?

For all the motorcycle enthusiasts out there fyi, Harleys don't have center stands.

The only jack I have is a heavy duty hydraulic car jack...

Answer 1

I have seen several people build a stand out of wood.
They jack the frame off the gound and put 2 X 4 under the frame. This lifts the whole bike so it needs to balance

Or else go to yr local MC shop and borrow they sport bike Jack stands

Good luck with the Duece.

Answer 2

I bought a motorcycle lift at Costco for $40. It was a hydraulic lift and came with a mechanic seat. It wasn't professional quality but I guilt a whole bike with it. Just make sure you strap it down. And remember, when you take the rear wheel off the bike will be very front heavy. I built a rigid motorcycle and one thing I couldn't do is align that rear wheel. Good luck if you've never done that before.

Answer 3

I don't know the Harley softtail but if it has a swing arm that is the best point to jack it as it is behind the centre of gravity and should be sturdy enough to take the weight. You will also need to support the front to stop the bike falling over. If you have a hoist available removing the seat and running a strop round the frame can be used An engine hoist will be strong enough to lift the back. Another method is to temporarily replace the top mounting bolts with long bolts and lift on those. Your choice as to what is available as to which method you use.

Answer 4

place a jack under the bike on the frame as far to the rear as possible while jacking up the bike someone is holding it up strait ,notice which way it tends to lean to then lower the jack move the bike next to a wall and with the handle bars turned away from the wall and about 3 in away from the wall. then place the jack in the exact same place as before jack it up till the rear wheel is off the ground while someone holds the bike then that person carefully lets the bike lean into the wall and then then your done. if your worried keep your buddy there to make sure the bike doesn't come away from the wall

Answer 5

Floor jack?
Put the side stand down and put the jack under the right frame rail near the swing arm (experiment).
Let the bike pivot on the front wheel, side stand and jack.

I've used this method for engine removals -
Rest the front wheel against a wall or work bench.
Use tie down straps from the handle bars to the bench, to hold the bike upright and in place.
Put the jack under the frame.

Answer 6

There is information on motorcycle jacks at:
http://www.motorcyclegiftshop.com/motorcycle_tools.html

Prices generally range from $50 to $200.

If your going to be doing a lot of the maintenance yourself it'd be a good investment. You might want to pick up some ties downs too to hold the bike more securely when it's off the ground.

Answer 7

Doesn't the bike have a center stand on it? Most bikes do, if not you can get a motorcycle lift for about a hundred dollars, maybe a bit more, I have seen people sit them on milk crates but your bike is probably too heavy to do that, and they don't balance well on there exhaust either. A leather strap a chain and a hoist will lift it too. I am having trouble comprehending the H-D doesn't have a center stand!

Answer 8

Harbor Freight has a motorcycle stand that lifts both wheels off at the same time.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2792

Answer 9

use a bike jack.sold at almost all auto parts stores and wal*mart,kmart,big lots harbor freight.

Answer 10

go to a HARLEY shop and ask them this same question