1st time using Craftsman motorcycle jack
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2006
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1st time using Craftsman motorcycle jack
Does anyone have any do's and don'ts about using a hydraulic motorcycle jack with their Sporty? I just bought a Craftsman jack because I need to lift my '05 1200R up and undo the rear shocks to put in saddlebag supports. Is this a one-person job, or do I need someone else to help steady the bike as it goes up off its jiffy stand and then back down again once the job is finished? It looks like this should be a fairly simple operation, but I've been fooled before ...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: 1st time using Craftsman motorcycle jack
If you strap it down there should be no problems.I lifted my wifes 02 with our craftman motorcycle lift and it was sturdy.I have the professional model if that helps any.I don't know allthe differences between the pro and standard but I know mine is light because of being aluminum.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 327
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From: Upstate NY
RE: 1st time using Craftsman motorcycle jack
I have the same jack as you. I have no problems doing it by myself. Just take your time. But if you wouldwant to have someone else around when you jack the bike up the first time.Then go for it. just my 2 cents.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: 1st time using Craftsman motorcycle jack
I never have any problems doing it on my own. If you have stock mufflers on a rubbermount, make sure the jack is lifting the frame, not the front muffler. But then again, why would anyone keep the stock boat anchor mufflers?
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
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RE: 1st time using Craftsman motorcycle jack
I have a '05 custom and I had to use wood shimms with my stock pipes because the crossover tube is lower than the frame. I uses a couple pieces of 1/2" plywood on the pads, just be sure they are under the frame and not the exhaust tube. lift it up and strap her down and thats it. i have also seen some other slick tips on here but just do a search and you can probably find them.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
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RE: 1st time using Craftsman motorcycle jack
I did the same type job last week to put my rigid sissy bar brackets on. This included taking my saddlebags off, then taking the shocks off then resting the swingarm on axle stands then jacking the bike up a little more to get the gap to open between the tire and the fender. I needed to do this because the bolts to hold the bags on come from inside the fender out, then have a nut inside the bag. Its impossible to get the bolt out with the tire being in the way like that. When I had it on the motorcycle jack, I think from "Active Products" purchased at Canadian Tire, and axle stands under it the bike was quite stable. I was able to work on it and leave it sit there without too much worry. I did it by myself because I wanted to get it done and the only help around was asleep. Having a second person just to stand around and make sure nothing bad happens is never a bad idea either. Good luckand enjoy your bags 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Papillion Ne 68133
RE: 1st time using Craftsman motorcycle jack
Today I attempted to lift the Sporty for the first time, with my red Craftsman jack but as posted earlier the exhaust pipe crossover is in the way.
So I changed the following , first I removed the rubber pads from the jack, I cut down a 1 X4 to rest on and be attached to the jack where the rubber pads were, the front piece of wood was cut to the width of the rubber pad and 9 1/2 inches long.
The rear wood suport 1 3/4 in. wide 8 1/2 in.long attached both pieces with sheet metal screws.
I put a piece of 3/4 in plywood down to position the front tire on, and a 2X 6 for the jiffy stand to rest on, put the bike in gear.
Slide the jack in from the exhaust side, the rear wood suport needs to be positioned as close to the rear frame crossmember as close as possible, the front has plenty of room.
I glued on some rubber material I had to the wood suports.
From there I had help lifting the first time but it when up with out a problem. Removed the seat to tie it down, I ran a strap over the front cylinder head for the front tie down being carefull not to run the strap where it would interfer with shift linkage and so on.
I used the safety on the jack in case it drifted down, the bike seemed very stable. Should be able to do this by myself the next time, by keeping the handle bars locked, and grabing them from the right side, pulling the bike off the jiffy and pumping the jack with my foot.
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack001.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack005.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack006.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack007.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack011.jpg
_____________________________
2007 Sportster 1200 XLC, Vivid Black,Screaming Eagle slip on's, HD Smart Security System. Stage 1 taxes paided,
Omaha Ne [align=right] [/align] Post #: 1
So I changed the following , first I removed the rubber pads from the jack, I cut down a 1 X4 to rest on and be attached to the jack where the rubber pads were, the front piece of wood was cut to the width of the rubber pad and 9 1/2 inches long.
The rear wood suport 1 3/4 in. wide 8 1/2 in.long attached both pieces with sheet metal screws.
I put a piece of 3/4 in plywood down to position the front tire on, and a 2X 6 for the jiffy stand to rest on, put the bike in gear.
Slide the jack in from the exhaust side, the rear wood suport needs to be positioned as close to the rear frame crossmember as close as possible, the front has plenty of room.
I glued on some rubber material I had to the wood suports.
From there I had help lifting the first time but it when up with out a problem. Removed the seat to tie it down, I ran a strap over the front cylinder head for the front tie down being carefull not to run the strap where it would interfer with shift linkage and so on.
I used the safety on the jack in case it drifted down, the bike seemed very stable. Should be able to do this by myself the next time, by keeping the handle bars locked, and grabing them from the right side, pulling the bike off the jiffy and pumping the jack with my foot.
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack001.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack005.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack006.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack007.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/TomF/CraftsmanJack011.jpg
_____________________________
2007 Sportster 1200 XLC, Vivid Black,Screaming Eagle slip on's, HD Smart Security System. Stage 1 taxes paided,
Omaha Ne [align=right] [/align] Post #: 1
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