Ackkk. Bought a used Torin Big Red Motorcycle Lift 1500 lb $50.
but
It's minimum height is 4 &1/4" which is a quarter inch too high to get under the frame of my newly-acquired 99 Heritage Softail while leaned on kickstand.
A helper can slide it under while I hold the bike vertical: I did that today.
But the lift arms clear the horizontal shock absorbers by only half an inch front and back so I or helper must be real careful not to lift on the shocks.

FLSTC needs lift 4" clearance plus between-arms distance 7.5" or more.
Recommendations, anyone?

 

Put a block of wood under the kick stand to install the lift by yourself... use frame protectors if you are worried about lifting on the shocks...I don't worry about it, been lifting mine for over 15 years with no adverse affect on the shocks.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/frame-protectors

 

Make a couple of (three actually,) 12" x 12" x 1/2" squares of plywood and bump the bike up onto them (using one for the kickstand.) Cheaper than a $400 jack!

 

If your bike is the stock height then you should have no trouble with either a Harbor Freight or J&S jack.
I have used both and they slid under just fine till I lowered the *** end just a little.


To use the one you have all you have to do is slide the jack as far under as it will go then grab the right handle bar and pull it up straight.
That will allow you to slide the jack the rest of the way in and after a couple of pumps on the jack the bike will stay.

 

No problem getting a J&S under mine.

 

I believe you about no harm by lifting bike on its shocks but geeze, the weight of the bike pushing sideways against them. . .
Frame protectors by HD, $25. Super idea. Picture looks like thick square tubing with 3 sides, I might have some scrap looks kinda like that, half-wrap a frame member.
Thx

 

Stiggy that is brilliant and soooooo simple! Jack on floor, bike a half inch higher on plywood. Sheesh. [slap self on forehead].