Who uses their jack without strapping bike down to it?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
RE: Who uses their jack without strappinjg bike down to it?
Never used the straps, if you jack the bike up in the right spot it won't fall off without excessive force. Done all kind of wrenching, shock removal etc, no problems.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: Who uses their jack without strappinjg bike down to it?
Don't be stupid...strap it down. You can be working on an area of the bike, and unknowingly pull on a nut or bolt with a wrench and then you have an ugly situation. Once it starts falling, it's almost impossible to stop it unless you are sitting on it. Nothing worse than looking at a motorcycle laying on it's side.
Thorns
Thorns
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 17
RE: Who uses their jack without strapping bike down to it?
If it is on the jack the straps are used. I too would rather be safe than sorry.
Two minutes of prevention Vs. my bike being in the shop, having repair work done, because I didn't take the time to strap it down
Hmmmmmmmm..........Sounds like an easy answer to me.
Two minutes of prevention Vs. my bike being in the shop, having repair work done, because I didn't take the time to strap it down
Hmmmmmmmm..........Sounds like an easy answer to me.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Who uses their jack without strapping bike down to it?
I thought those straps were for holding my pants up while I'm bent over workin on the bike so the wife doesn't walk out in the garage and see my butt crack..............
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Who uses their jack without strapping bike down to it?
I always strap down mine. Yes its stable without but I have kids who come in and touch things or lean on it while working on it. My mom has done this and my dad when visiting. It happens and they don't mean to. This always seems to happen when your on your knees working low. If the bike falls on itself thats one thing but on you, well it could be the end of your riding for a long time. I've tripped on things next to the bike and its the first thing I grabbed, glad to have the straps on. For the amount of time it takes to put them on its worth it.
For those who don't have straps I'm surprised. I never travel without them in the bags. I got a flat this past summer over 2 hrs from the nearest HD shop. A pickup pulled into the ditch, we loaded up, tied down and gone. Get the straps if not for your lift then at least for your travels.
For those who don't have straps I'm surprised. I never travel without them in the bags. I got a flat this past summer over 2 hrs from the nearest HD shop. A pickup pulled into the ditch, we loaded up, tied down and gone. Get the straps if not for your lift then at least for your travels.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 25,962
Likes: 9,753
From: Montana & Arkansas
RE: Who uses their jack without strappinjg bike down to it?
MURPHY'S LAW: IF ANYTHING BAD CAN HAPPEN, IT WILL FIND A WAY TO.
O'LEARY'S CORROLLARY TO M's law: Murphy was an optomist!!
Strap that sucker... it's not a case of if , but when. Get cam straps, they are almost instant on and off. Ratchet straps are awful.
O'LEARY'S CORROLLARY TO M's law: Murphy was an optomist!!
Strap that sucker... it's not a case of if , but when. Get cam straps, they are almost instant on and off. Ratchet straps are awful.
ORIGINAL: 60mike06FLHX
A few years ago during the winter I put my wifeâs Fatboy up on lift to do some work, I left it up and forgot it for a week, when I went back the jack had lost pressure and the bike was on the floor on its side. Broken tail light, bent fender, dent in tank and MAD WIFE.
I did not have the jack locked in the up position. I have gotten rid of that jack and replaced it with a Sears aluminum (worth the extra $) light weight if you carry it around. It has an auto lock however if I leave it up for any time at all I would use straps.
Lesson learned.... The hard way
A few years ago during the winter I put my wifeâs Fatboy up on lift to do some work, I left it up and forgot it for a week, when I went back the jack had lost pressure and the bike was on the floor on its side. Broken tail light, bent fender, dent in tank and MAD WIFE.
I did not have the jack locked in the up position. I have gotten rid of that jack and replaced it with a Sears aluminum (worth the extra $) light weight if you carry it around. It has an auto lock however if I leave it up for any time at all I would use straps.
Lesson learned.... The hard way
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: New Orleans
RE: Who uses their jack without strappinjg bike down to it?
Don't strap the Sportster. If I am removing wheels or opening the forks I rope the frame to my shed walls on both sides so it cannot fall sideways. However, I am very careful when it's not roped. There have been some scary moments. This is more dangerous than riding it I think.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: Who uses their jack without strappinjg bike down to it?
I strap mine. The jack was made in China and I am not betting my '04 EG's well-being on the quality of the hydraulic lift those Chinamen put together, nor am I willing to test the "stops" that are supposed to prevent the lift from going all the way down. When I lift a car with a hydraulic jack it goes on jack stands and the wheels on the ground are chocked. I like my bike a lot more than the Suburban, so strap away--it takes about two minutes. The guys in the Harley store have the best lifts available and they strap the bikes they work on--but hey, it's your bike.