Lifting the front wheel??

Rocky ST

Rocky ST

Joined
May 4, 2017
Messages
116
Location
Devon UK
Bike
ST1300
Always used paddock stands when I’ve needed to remove the wheels on other bikes,didn’t have my ST1100 long enough to have the need to remove the wheels,but I now intend to remove both wheels at different times on my 1300,now removing the rear wheel seems straight forward,but this’ll be the very first time removing the front,now I’m very dubious of raising the front with a trolley jack which I’ve seen being used in the likes of YouTube.......
Is this the correct way?
Is there any tips or dangers (apart from tipping the bike over) I need to be aware of?
 
I use a bike jack under the oil pan to lift the front wheel, remove it, place a 2 foot length of rebar where the axle used to be and support the ends with two jack stands.
This gives the bike a lot of stability from both tip-over and a forward shift off the center stand. You shouldn't need to elevate the front end much in order to accomplish this.
 
The bike is very nearly balanced on the centre stand - it takes very little effort to lift the front wheel. But if removing the wheel, you need something to stop the front wheel from going down. Axle stands under an inserted axle are ok, but I find them very easy to knock - especially since there is not much weight on them. @Oldbikefixr 's suggestion of an axle stand at each side is better. I found that supporting under the sump was best - but make sure you have something to spread the load so that it is the sidewalls of the crankcase that take the weight - not the sump plate iteself, and what I had available wasn't particuarly stable.

But the best solution for me has been this little device
1604839221931.png
It is a Draper 450Kg Motorcycle Scissor jack, although I assume other companies make them. Only 8.4 cm high when collpased. Its just a tad longer and wider than the sump. It slides under the sump sideways - ie its long side across the width of the sump, which leaves the sump drain bolt clear. The bike is rock steady on the centre stand and supported under the sump with this. You're in the UK - Machine Mart have them. SIgn up on line, if you can wait, then wait until they have a VAT free sale - it makes it a lot cheaper.

I use it on the floor, and on the bike ramp. The ramp can be raised and lowered supported like this - the bike remains rock steady. It enables me to get both wheels off at the same time and was a godsend when I took the front forks off.
 
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A motorcycle specific scissor jack with adapters...

scissor jack.jpg

Bike on main-stand, this item underneath the forward edge of the oil-pan (I let the thick part of the drain-bolt rest on one of the legs shown), rock solid...
I use this assemble on the work-lift/platform all the time; if you're weary about tipping the bike, add tie-downs on each side...

ST1100 in the dry-dock for some overhaul; no wheels:

IMG_20171009_130722.jpg
 
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Only thing I can add to this is a suggestion to tie the center stand to something forward. One of the guys posted a picture of his flat rear tire with a piece of rope tied low on the center stand that led forward to the front wheel. When I questioned this he said it was to prevent the bike from rocking forward and the center stand folding up rearward. I confess I have had some moments when jacking under the oil pan - I have not lifted the bike, but the weight on the CS has gotten light and I hurriedly lowered the jack. I plan to tie the stand when removing either wheel from now on to increase stability.
 
Bike on center stand, use a floor jack with a board and slowly lift at oil pan. Wedge block(s) of wood under lift arm and top of front axle of the floor jack to keep lift arm from settling down.
 
With the bike on the centre stand I use a motorcycle jack under the oil pan to lift the bike high enough to slide a 6x2 under the centre stand, then lower the bike onto the plank leaving the jack in place to support the front, both wheels can then be worked on.
 
Wood blocks under front of motor and frame to hold up front wheel just enough to remove. T
 
You can also put a bag of cement, a bag of dog food, etc. on the rear of the motorcycle. It takes very little weight. I personally prefer to jack it up using a 2x4 under the oil sump
 
I used to use a simple jack under the front of the oil pan. But, then decided to put a couple 40lb dumbells in the trunk to weight down the back end... I do that now w/tracer but just strap to the rear top box bars and the dumbells are just sitting on the ground... glad I finally found a use for those heavy things.
 
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