Lift adapters?

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Sep 7, 2009 | 04:19 PM

Taddeoeg

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 1,260

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From: Batesville Ga

Lift adapters?

Hi all,

I've got a bike lift I use on my Shovel FXR and my 09 FLHTC. S/O recently got a 2000 Lowrider so I've been wandering around here to learn about them. I keep seeing references to the need to use H-D Lift Adapters - I'm assuming #98965-99 for about $25?

Can someone explain what these look like and just what they do? Can I substitute some 2x4s or something or should I really spend the (admittedly pretty little) money on the adapters?

Thanks

Sep 7, 2009 | 04:31 PM

ackman1968

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Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 3,863

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From: Kennewick, WA

Basically the adapters are used to keep the bike flat. Under the transmission on the right side you have some flat stock used to protect wiring that runs along the frame. They just act to extend the fame the same amount. A lot of guys just use 2X4s. There have also been complaints about the adapters coming apart as well.

Sep 7, 2009 | 09:02 PM

Thornhammer

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Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 265

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From: Central Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by ackman1968

There have also been complaints about the adapters coming apart as well.

Yeah, I think they're just taped together.

Sep 7, 2009 | 09:18 PM

lnrider

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 123

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From: florida

I use the lift adapters and they work, but they're a pain in the butt for the most part, even if they are necessary to keep the bike level when using a dual rail type floor jack/lift. Ackman1968 is right in how they do that.
There's 3 rubber adapters that snap onto the frame and the one plastic sleeve that fits over the flat stock that ackman also mentions. Once all that is positined properly, I find it best to set the bike upright for clearance in order to roll the jack under and then line it up under the whole mess, then lift away.
Personally, I'm thinking about getting a "Fat Jack" (check with V-Twin Cycle, aka "Taiwan Teddy's") and using that unless I have to have both wheels off the ground at the same time.

Last edited by lnrider; Sep 7, 2009 at 09:22 PM. Reason: spell check, syntax

Sep 7, 2009 | 09:32 PM

Yasky1997

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Joined: May 2007

Posts: 280

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From: Chicago Area

I have the adapters for my 07 SB. They are kind of a PIA to line up with the jack. But they do work good. Just remember ro remove the when you done.

Sep 7, 2009 | 10:02 PM

dogcop727

Road Master

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 793

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From: Illinois

I have the adapters but went to 2x4 instead. much easier to use. i put velco on the jack and the 2x4 so I can remove when needed but when in use it stops them from moving.

Sep 8, 2009 | 08:41 AM

SC-Longhair

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 11,483

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From: Passaic County, NJ

I have them and the first set I had...one of them seperated while the bike was on the lift and I almost dropped it. In hindsight I would just buy a jack that does not require the adapters....either Pitbull or J&S. The cost for those jacks far outway the possible cost of repairing any sheetmetal damage that could have occured had the adapter failed.