Avoid shocks when jacking up a Softail?
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Avoid shocks when jacking up a Softail?
Since the shocks are a bit below the frame, it seemed like common sense to put the jack in front or behind the shocks to keep them from bearing any weight when I jack the bike. Then this past week I messed up and the right shock took some unintended weight. It didn't seem to hurt anything. Am I being unnecessarily cautious to avoid these shocks with the jack?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Make blocks to go on the frame or by the frame protectors that HD makes so you can properly position the jack without bending the shocks
Frame Protectors
Use these Frame Protectors to protect the underside of your motorcycle when using any lift. A must for SoftailŽ models to provide the clearance necessary to keep lift pressure on the frame and not the shock absorbers. Universal and customizable to fit any V-Twin Harley-DavidsonŽ motorcycle.
94675-99
Fits all 1-1/4" frame tubes. (pair)
MSRP US $15.95
Frame Protectors
Use these Frame Protectors to protect the underside of your motorcycle when using any lift. A must for SoftailŽ models to provide the clearance necessary to keep lift pressure on the frame and not the shock absorbers. Universal and customizable to fit any V-Twin Harley-DavidsonŽ motorcycle.
94675-99
Fits all 1-1/4" frame tubes. (pair)
MSRP US $15.95
Last edited by XARAN; Apr 12, 2009 at 10:20 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
When I bought my J&S jack they told me there was no danger to the shocks by jacking the bike up w/o using the 1/2" rubber adapters under the left frame rail. I don't doubt them, I just feel better using them.
Any sort of pad would work. Even a 2"x4" piece of plywood.
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2008 Heritage Classic: His
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Any sort of pad would work. Even a 2"x4" piece of plywood.
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2008 Heritage Classic: His
2008 Deluxe: Hers
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
Been lifting the wifes softail for 3 years with the J&S jack. Never once worried about the shocks. Heck, I even stored the bike on the jack for two winters. No problems at all. You are lifting, not beating it to death. You aren't gonna hurt the shock.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
Contrary to what Trailfndr said, get the protectors.
Putting a 700# side loading on the shocks is not very good for them and will sonner or later damage the piston and rod seals or could even bend the rods.
Just don't forget to take them off before you go for a ride. The bright orange color makes them look a little silly under the bike.
PS, when they are cold they can get very stiff making hard to put on or remove and any dirt on them will scratch the powdercoating. A little liquid soap spread along the top edge with your finger will make it a lot easier.
Putting a 700# side loading on the shocks is not very good for them and will sonner or later damage the piston and rod seals or could even bend the rods.
Just don't forget to take them off before you go for a ride. The bright orange color makes them look a little silly under the bike.
PS, when they are cold they can get very stiff making hard to put on or remove and any dirt on them will scratch the powdercoating. A little liquid soap spread along the top edge with your finger will make it a lot easier.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
I just use two strips of 1/4" wood and lay them down on the jack so that they line up with the frame. Provides enough clearance as to not put weight on the shocks and allows the jack to slide underneath the frame. Anything taller than those 1/4" strips would not allow the jack to maneuver under the bike very well.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
I, too, did not like the idea of supporting the weight of the bike on the shock bodies. Bought the HD frame protectors.
I roll the rear wheel up onto a block of wood to regain the clearance I need to get my J&S jack under, and still have to right her off the jiffy stand to position the jack where I want it. Was a little tricky at first, but easy enough now that I'm used to it.
I roll the rear wheel up onto a block of wood to regain the clearance I need to get my J&S jack under, and still have to right her off the jiffy stand to position the jack where I want it. Was a little tricky at first, but easy enough now that I'm used to it.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
take it from me my wallet can tell you not to jack your bike on shocks, cost 2 bent rods on 08 softtail with 6,000 miles, right after i did when i got on bike my rear shocks were making a squeaking noise took both shocks off and both rods were bent, my bike was on jack for 30 minutes tops
