I bought a sportster 883 c and am trying to setup a way to lift it for maintenance. I bought a wide topped hydraulic jack but it is too high... about 1 or 2 inches. I welded a chock up and tried it out for the first time. Started the bike, put it in gear and climbed on a inch and a half plywood for rear and into the front wheel chock. It held it no problem. Put the jack under the bike and looked under it and saw that it was on the kickstand spring. I lowered the jack and it fell over on its left side against my wooden work table taking the wheel chock with it. Looks like I will have to fasten the chock to the floor. I couldn't get to the left side to pick it up and had no idea how to lift it from the right side. I took my hoist and had no idea what to fasten it to and lift it up without doing damage to the bike. I wound up just barely getting the strap on the very end of the back left shock bolt head and lifted it. Didn't know if it would slip off or not, and started the hoist slowly. I got it up but am wondering now what would be a better way... more secure way of lifting it, rather than just barely on the head of a bolt, without tearing something up just in case there is a repeat some day. Any suggestions. Also like to know where to lift the bike with the hydraulic jack where it's balanced and not on the kickstand or its spring and in the way of the oil drain etc. ? Any help is appreciated.

 

What's wrong with one of these?

 

I've had my bike 27 years and have had no need to ever lift it for "maintenance." What are you trying to accomplish?

John

 

Never had to get a wheel off the ground to pull it or do suspension work of any kind? Not to mention it's a little easier to work on when it's lifted and level.

 

I was thinking the same thing.

Only time I had to "hoist" it is when I got drunk and dumped it. Wouldn't run so the dude at the impound fork lifted it onto the trailer to take home. We grabbed it with two straps, one from the triples and one from the fender struts. Grab it by that if you absolutely need to.

 

only way to go and safe.

 

This. Comes in handy also

 

I used one of these jacks for my Sportster and it was very useful for a lot of things. You'll need to have the Good Lord in your life for good measure.

 

that's amazing... how do you get the tires off and service your frontend? (troll'n)

@OP a harbor freight 1500lb lift and some ratcheting straps will set you back about $80 with a hft coupon. Don't skip the straps... we don't like bouncing bikes. **** happens


easy peasy on a sportster... nightmare on bigger bikes.


floor jacks are there because i just dont like my bike hanging out like that over long periods of time

 

use straps on the table lift on the floor jack never a problem leave on it for extended periods balance Great winter leave up off floor entire time Alls good. Ride Safe. Wild Bill