I know this has been a thread before but im having a hard time finding it..

anyone use this jack with a softtail (specifically a fatboy)? Im sure it would be OK but it lines up with all the weight being on the rear shocks to be able to lift the bike evenly... if you place it anywhere else the weight distribution is uneven???

other than that love the jack but dont want to hurt my shocks

 

I purchased the aluminum model, which is very similar to the cheaper steel model. The aluminum model came with a raised platform that can be removed and a pair of straps to secure the bike to the lift. The lift will just fit under my FLSTCI with the raised platforms installed. Lifting just forward of the shocks balances the bike pretty well. The jack features a ratcheting type locking mechanism that takes the bikes weight off the hydraulic cylinder reducing the risk of the bike dropping while on the lift.
I purchased the aluminum lift because, if you look at the difference in weight, after shipping cost, the aluminim lift was the same price. It is also light enough to lift and store out of the way.

 

appreciate the response...

that makes sense with the shipping, i got mine at the store so i went with the cheaper one..

but how tall are the extension things? i have a hard time seeing anything extra fitting between the bike and the jack, maybe my fatboy sits a little lower. do the extensions go across the jack arms or with them? i mean that if my jack had the bracers going perpendicular to the jack (with the frame direction) i wouldnt have this problem

 

I have the aluminum model and do not use the provided raised rails on my Fatboy. I place the jack under the bike with the rear crossplate on the jack about 1mm in front of the shocks. Picks the bike up 98% level. Always worked for me.

 

I have a Heritage Classic and it is a little heavier in the front than some models so my balance point is more forward than a FX model. I made a small 'ramp' using 2 pieces of 1x8 boards. one is 18" long the other is 12". I tapered the ends of each board and fastened the together lining up the flat ends. I also made a kick stand prop using 2 pieces of 1x8x10" and 2 small blocks of wood about 1/2" thick and about 2x4 inches wide and long. I put the 'ramp' at the rear wheel and roll up on in then put the kick stand prop under the stand. After positioning the jack I place the 2 small spacer blocks on the rear arm of the jack at the left and right frame rail. This is just enough to clear the shocks.

 

taildragger...

sound good, i didnt get too precise with it, i was actually wanting to remove the shocks and hoping for more space but do you strap it down everytime with your 98%? if not does it stay stable?
i would usually but sometimes just want to lift it a little for cleaning or something and dont want to strap it everytime

 

No, the tie down straps are still in the bag. Very stable if you ask me.......

I don't wheel it around the garage once on the stand or anything but I certainly bang the handlebars back and forth and can spin the front and rear tires to clean them without worrying about the bike falling. The straps are a good idea but I think they are not really necessary, at least for what I am doing with it. If I was removing a wheel or something I would then use the straps. The included cross plates go the same way as the jack so they are of no use. What would be nice would be to have a set of cross plates going the correct way (front to back) that were made out of a piece of tubing and cut in half, lengthwise. Then you could have a small saddle for each frame tube.....
Lastly, if you have to fiddle with it too much you won't use it.

 

I have the metal Craftsman version of the lift. I have to put the front wheel of my Heritage on a 2"x8" then the jack will slide under cleanly when I hold the bike upright. As far as placement, just in front of the shock cans and it balances just fine. I always use at least one strap. I can push it around the garage with no problems. That jack is a life saver for maintenance and cleaning.