Near Disaster!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,877
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From: Hallsville, Tx.
Near Disaster!
2012 Road King. So, I need new tires and a local Indy will mount and balance tires for 20 bux each. I pull out the Craftsman jack, jack the bike up, level the jack, put a tie down across the bike and start to work. First time dropping the rear wheel on a "newer" framed bike. Get the wheel loose and it drops down with the belt still on the pulley. Well, on my older King the pulley is attached to the wheel so I figured this one is too ( I have the manual but didn't look at it close enough, I guess). So, I lift up on the wheel and it actually tilted the back end up of the bike and slid forward on the jack! Luckily, the front tire wedges itself againt a work bench and there it stops. So, I've got one half of the jack still under the frame and the front tire firmly against the work bench, seemingly solid as hell. Got the wheel free but I'm afraid to move the bike without tipping it over. I'm thinking that I'll get the wheel back on and then drop her down slowly. Only other option may be to slowly lower the jack and then pull the bike back over the jack? Unless someone has a better idea?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
If it is steady then I would get the new tire put on, and remount the wheel. Then lower it. I wouldn't mess around with an unsteady bike in the air unless you have a couple of friends to help.
How did the bike move if you had a strap on it? I always put a cinder block under the opposite wheel that I am taking off just so this cannot happen.
How did the bike move if you had a strap on it? I always put a cinder block under the opposite wheel that I am taking off just so this cannot happen.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 2
From: Hallsville, Tx.
Never had it happen before, tie down must not have been tight enough. Will learn from this experience, I guess!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
exactly , had them slip on me without blocking the opposite wheel with cheaper jacks , never an issue with my J& S regardless if I have the bike perfectly centered over the jack or not
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I have posted more than once the 2 occassions I have helped Pals lift crashed bikes off the floor.
a.) removing parts such as a wheel and changing the balance point
b.) kids chasing dog thru garage and running into bike
lift the bike only as much as required.
for instance when removing a wheel...remove the axle and lift the bike clear of teh wheel...put back the wheel and lower the bike.
OP- call for help.
Get a couple of guys to hold the bike while you lower the jack
I've used a $69 sams club jack for 15 years on dozens of bikes and never a problem- but you gotta be smarter than the machine
a.) removing parts such as a wheel and changing the balance point
b.) kids chasing dog thru garage and running into bike
lift the bike only as much as required.
for instance when removing a wheel...remove the axle and lift the bike clear of teh wheel...put back the wheel and lower the bike.
OP- call for help.
Get a couple of guys to hold the bike while you lower the jack
I've used a $69 sams club jack for 15 years on dozens of bikes and never a problem- but you gotta be smarter than the machine
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 11
From: Ladera Ranch, CA
Yeah, jack brand doesn't matter on that one. My bike lifts up nose first on my jack because of the frame bracing running under the tranny. I have to put the jack pads just in front of that. I learned to put a 4X4 under the front tire when I pull the back off. It all shifts and who knows where the bike will end up. Good luck and hope nothing got damaged.