I've got a 95 FXD and, of course, it doesn't have a centerstand. So I bought an inexpensive motorcycle lift from Harbor Freight. Problem is...the oilpan sticks down about an inch from the frame. Would it be a bad thing to lift it by the oilpan?
Any suggestions are appreciated....thanks.

 

this is the engine casing, you dont have an oil pan, (unless there is a serious modification i do not know about)

it would be fine to lift it on the engine case.

 

The last time I worked on a friends Softail I filled the gap between the frame and jack with wood. Not a FXD but Softail rear shocks hang down below the frame as well, at least on his bike.

 

or you may be refering to the primary case, again this is okay to lift on too.

 

It may take some trys to get it right, but lift on the frame, blocks of wood, whatever, and multiple attemps to get the balance right, but I would not lift on any part other than the frame. my .02.

 

On a Dyna it is the oil pan. Like 1screwloose says use blocks on the frame. Make them just big enough for the jack to clear the pan. When I made my blocks I grooved them so the frame sits in the groove and they won't move. I used wood. They work well.

 

On my Softail jack, I cut the rubber pads out in the middle, cut them in to two pieces, and glued them on top of the end pieces that were left. That gave me plenty of clearance for the shocks.

 

i lift on the frame. if you want to know if you can lift on anything thats hanging down, well thats up to you, guess youll find out, but i would chance it.