Lifting Bike
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 315
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From: Colorado
Lifting Bike
This might be a stupid question, but Ive never had to lift a bike before,
I'm about to do a Cam swap and Ill need the rear wheel off the ground. I do not have access to a motorcycle lift table or a wheel chock.
I do have access to a good scissor jack. Is it safe to just raise rear wheel off ground using scissor jack even with out the wheel chock?
Or do I need to make something to chock front wheel.
I'm about to do a Cam swap and Ill need the rear wheel off the ground. I do not have access to a motorcycle lift table or a wheel chock.
I do have access to a good scissor jack. Is it safe to just raise rear wheel off ground using scissor jack even with out the wheel chock?
Or do I need to make something to chock front wheel.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: KMHT KFMY
There are CHEAP jacks on Amazon that will lift the bike, like 50 dollar jacks like the type that are used on lift tables
They are rock solid because they are wide... they support quite a bit of the bike
I actually have 2 of them.... they keep my bike in Florida off the ground when I am not there.
If I were you, I'd get one, but failing that, I'd use the scissors jack just enough to get the bike supported under the frame in 2 places on some heavy duty lumber.
They are rock solid because they are wide... they support quite a bit of the bike
I actually have 2 of them.... they keep my bike in Florida off the ground when I am not there.
If I were you, I'd get one, but failing that, I'd use the scissors jack just enough to get the bike supported under the frame in 2 places on some heavy duty lumber.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Colorado
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Texas
To answer your question, is it safe? I'd say, there are safer ways (like using two scissor jacks to lift entire bike), however, you are only lifting it 2 inches... As long as you use proper precautions, it will be fine. There's so much weight up front, I wouldn't be concerned. You can always put the front wheel against a wall, clamp the front brake lever with string, put a brick in front of it, etc.
I removed the taillight assembly by using my craftsman motorcycle to lift only the rear (by sliding the jack toward the rear). Lifted the rear so I could remove the wheel to access the bolts. The bike was plenty stable.
Also, since you're only doing cam work, you shouldn't be muscling anything around, but keep in mind not to push or pull too hard and shift the balance (the same could be said even if you're using a proper jack).
I removed the taillight assembly by using my craftsman motorcycle to lift only the rear (by sliding the jack toward the rear). Lifted the rear so I could remove the wheel to access the bolts. The bike was plenty stable.
Also, since you're only doing cam work, you shouldn't be muscling anything around, but keep in mind not to push or pull too hard and shift the balance (the same could be said even if you're using a proper jack).
Last edited by BrandonSmith; Mar 27, 2019 at 11:37 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 342
From: Okanagan, BC
First check the rear axle, if there is a hole through it you're almost there. Get a piece of 3/8 - 1/2 round stock steel rod cut with an extra inch on either side.
Get a universal race bike stand, usually $50 or less used. Slide the steel rod through the hollow axle and lift. Good to go and safe as anything.
Works on the front or rear of the bike, if you need to remove a wheel put some jack stands under the frame and remove the race stand.
Simple, cheap and very safe....cheers!
Get a universal race bike stand, usually $50 or less used. Slide the steel rod through the hollow axle and lift. Good to go and safe as anything.
Works on the front or rear of the bike, if you need to remove a wheel put some jack stands under the frame and remove the race stand.
Simple, cheap and very safe....cheers!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Manitoba
Several DIY video on UTUBE using 2x4.
I'm not recommending them but of course they would work.
A proper m/c jack will pay for itself.
I'm not recommending them but of course they would work.
A proper m/c jack will pay for itself.
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From: Ky
Club Member
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From: Beyond Fucital
Bend your knees and lift with your legs.
But a scissor jack is fine.
If you can tie it off on either side with ratchet straps through
the fork trees to hold it upright would work too.
But a scissor jack is fine.
If you can tie it off on either side with ratchet straps through
the fork trees to hold it upright would work too.