Using a lift on a sofetail

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Mar 6, 2007 | 08:33 PM

#11

Grey Biker

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 185

Likes: 1

From:

RE: Using a lift on a sofetail

I bought a Craftsman lift $59.95, works perfect on my 06 Heritage.

Mar 6, 2007 | 09:39 PM

#12

Soft06

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 2,179

Likes: 1

From: Southern California

RE: Using a lift on a sofetail

Sears Jack works good for my needs..

Mar 6, 2007 | 09:44 PM

#13

bturner484

2nd Gear

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

RE: Using a lift on a sofetail

I have the yellow Craftman jack as well and really never paid too close attention if the shocks were being stressed by the jack arms. I always placed the jack for the best balance.

I've just taken the bike off the lift and out of storage. I've only ridden a few miles, but it seems the same as before I put it up. But after reading these posts I'm really concerned.

Mar 7, 2007 | 12:17 AM

#14

Jim Dawson

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 7,498

Likes: 19

From: East Alton, IL

RE: Using a lift on a sofetail

What does it hurt by lifting it with the jack on the shocks?

Jim

Mar 7, 2007 | 12:33 AM

#15

mcpastor

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 442

Likes: 3

From: Warren, Ohio

RE: Using a lift on a sofetail

Quote:

ORIGINAL: j2dawson

What does it hurt by lifting it with the jack on the shocks?

Jim

Not absolutely sure if it hurts anything. Since the shocks are lower than the frame, I would guess the weight of the bike resting on the shocks could at least bend the outer can, possibly doing more than cosmetic damage. Is there an outside chance of bending the shock out of alignment as well? Let's hope not for the sake of some of the forum. If lifting on the shocks is a mistake, it would be an easy mistake to make. I'd be interested in seeing a mechanic's viewpoint.

Mar 7, 2007 | 09:51 AM

#16

Kong

Advanced

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 97

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From:

RE: Using a lift on a sofetail

If you look at that picture of the yellow jack I'll tell you where the red one is better. See the single yellow lifting arms that come from the bottom of the jack to the rails that the frame rests on? There is one on each side of the yellow jack but the red jack has two on each side that are parallel. Having two rather than one give the jack much more rigidity - the red ones don't flex as much. The other thing that makes the red jacks much more stable than the yellow ones is that the red ones have large bolts on each side that act as 'stabs' which can be lowered to the floor which greatly increases stability by acting as a second set of fixed legs adjusted precisely to your floor, not resting on the jack's caster wheels. This is a very important feature. The next thing is that handel sticking up. The red one has a detachable handle that generally isn't needed, so you leave it off and its not in the way. Also notice that on the yellow one you have to used the handel to raise and lower the bike. With the red jack there are two foot pedals, one to raise it and one to lower it. So with the red one you can actually jack the bike up while you are sitting on it. There is this too; before I bought mine I did a search and found and read many opnions about motorcycle lifts. Frequently owners of the yellow Sears lift complained about the jack dropping the bike far far too fast, sometimes almost uncontrollably. That is not the case with the red one. The red ones drops the bike slowly and evenly. Both jacks are rated for 1500 pounds. I know the red jack comes with tie-down ratchet straps, I'm not sure about the yellow one. The yellow jack sells for around $160 and goes on sale now and then for around $150; the red one cost me about $85 as I recall.

Mar 7, 2007 | 11:52 AM

#17

Crusher

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 784

Likes: 2

From: Seattle, WA

RE: Using a lift on a sofetail

The red jack is on sale at Sears for $69 according to their website......Going to get one today......

Mar 7, 2007 | 05:55 PM

#18

jbt

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 399

Likes: 0

From:

RE: Using a lift on a sofetail

I also have the red Sears jack. I've had both wheels off mine at the same time, and have never tied the bike to the jack. It's stable enough for anything I've done, so far. I also noticed the rear shocks, so I just place the jack ahead of them, and it's well balanced. I've even cleaned the rear wheel by running the engine in gear on it, with no "Oh, cr*p!" moments!