Jacking up Ultra--any tips?
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Southern IL
Jacking up Ultra--any tips?
Hey guys, just picked up a Craftsman Professional series motorcycle jack to jack up my '08 Ultra for cleaning and primary change. After trying it out this afternoon, it seems that, even with the jack as far back as possible (right in front of the rear crossmember) that the bike is still unbalanced-heavy in the rear. Can't move the jack back any further because of the crossmember, and then right behind the crossmember the frame curves upward.
Where are you guys putting the jack for the best balance? Or are you just putting a strap over the front half to keep from tipping back?
Any tips would be appreciated
Where are you guys putting the jack for the best balance? Or are you just putting a strap over the front half to keep from tipping back?
Any tips would be appreciated
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 2
From: Mesa AZ
I bought the Craftsman jack, tried it on my bike and promptly returned it. I went with the J&S and it works great. Well worth the money. My bike is always steady and I have no worries when it's in the air.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 6
From: Las Vegas, NV
And as Jim said.....I called J&S, explained the situation and they assured me their jack fits into the crossmember on the Ultra.
But........after much contemplation I went with this.......
Last edited by ashmarc; Apr 3, 2010 at 11:14 PM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Southern IL
Wow--thanks guys. Thought I researched this enough before I bought--guess not.
So, is anyone using the Sears jack with good results?
I did spend a little more and got the Professional series because I read lots of bad reviews on the cheaper Sears version. I just assumed that it would fit OK.
So, is anyone using the Sears jack with good results?
I did spend a little more and got the Professional series because I read lots of bad reviews on the cheaper Sears version. I just assumed that it would fit OK.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 414
From: Ellensburg, WA
I don't have any problems with my sears yellow aluminum jack with my '03 Ultra. I followed the instructions and ran a strap over the seat.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 6
From: Las Vegas, NV
Others here have given great suggestions.....
Unless that crossmember fits inside the jack, it will never balance properly...(my experience).......so return the Sears Yellow & buy one of the jacks the other fellas suggested.
Just my opinion.
Unless that crossmember fits inside the jack, it will never balance properly...(my experience).......so return the Sears Yellow & buy one of the jacks the other fellas suggested.
Just my opinion.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
So what the heck do you guys mean by "in the crossmember". All I do is roll my jack under the bike so it is as far back on the frame as possible and then jack it up and never give a 2nd thought about the crossmember.
