Middle drive install before engine back in frame?

[parrot820]

I'm almost ready to attach the engine back to the frame so I can finally start making progress towards getting this bike back together.

I read somewhere, though I don't remember where, that I need to have the middle drive installed before I put the engine back in the frame.
Is that true? Or can I get away with installing the middle drive again after the engine is back on?

I can't imagine that it's necessary to remove the engine in order to service/remove the middle drive, which is what this would imply.

However, I've been wrong before, so wanted to check first before I spend a whole bunch of effort getting the engine back just to find I can fit the middle drive without removing the engine again. That would make me sad.

In case you're wondering, I want to leave it off to give me more clearance over on that side. I had a horrible time getting the engine _out_ because of parts I didn't take off first, so would rather make this an easier, more pleasant, experience putting it back together.

Thanks much!

[randy]

Both times I had my engine out i removed the middle dive before and reinstalled the middle after putting the engine back. Seemed easier and the engine was 10 lbs lighter.every ounce you can strip from these monsters helps, especially if you do it alone.

[blue giant]

Install it after you get the engine in the frame! You'll be glad you did!

[bikerphil]

+3 on putting the MD in afterwards, it's a snap.

[trbig]

Odd man out here.. a few more pounds is no big deal, and that tail shaft on the middle drive is really the only good hand-hold to move the bemouth around. BUT.. that being said, no.. it's not necessary.


Tod

[79XS11F]

I like to put the engine in as a fully assembled unit as well. I however do not ever lift the engine. I use a motorcycle jack and slide the engine into place without ever lifting its weight. Without a jack and a plan, the engine is typically a 2 man job so having the middle gear pre-installed is not a big deal. If your installing the engine alone without a jack and a plan (not recommended), and intend to heave it into place so to speak, then make the engine as light as you can.
Rob

[parrot820]

Thanks for all of the input.
I was hoping to get this done earlier in the week, but have been fighting a nasty cold, so haven't been too thrilled with the idea of hanging out in a cold garage.

I'm also out this weekend, but hope to get back to this next week.
I'll take pictures as I go.

For those of you who use an engine jack to help:
I can't quite picture how that works.
The engine sits on the jack and you're trying to place it into the frame, but the two lower frame tubes would get in the way of the jack, right? You can't "slide" the frame onto the engine from above, but rather left to right so it would seem the frame itself is always in the way.

I have transmission jack that I tried to use to get the engine out, but ended up ditching it because of this reason. I had the engine jacked up a bit and couldn't figure out how to remove it from the frame while it was on the jack.

Anyone have any pictures of how this works?

[79XS11F]

Thanks for all of the input.
I was hoping to get this done earlier in the week, but have been fighting a nasty cold, so haven't been too thrilled with the idea of hanging out in a cold garage.

I'm also out this weekend, but hope to get back to this next week.
I'll take pictures as I go.

For those of you who use an engine jack to help:
I can't quite picture how that works.
The engine sits on the jack and you're trying to place it into the frame, but the two lower frame tubes would get in the way of the jack, right? You can't "slide" the frame onto the engine from above, but rather left to right so it would seem the frame itself is always in the way.

I have transmission jack that I tried to use to get the engine out, but ended up ditching it because of this reason. I had the engine jacked up a bit and couldn't figure out how to remove it from the frame while it was on the jack.

Anyone have any pictures of how this works?

Check out the bottom of page 3 of this thread.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21077&page=3

Rob

[parrot820]

Check out the bottom of page 3 of this thread.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21077&page=3

Rob

Very nice! Thanks.
That makes a lot more sense now.
I might give that a try.

I was planning on doing the wiring after the engine is back in.
Is there a reason why you did the electrics first?

Patrick

[79XS11F]

I prefer to install the wiring harness all grommets, and frame mounted electrical components before the engine is installed. I find it's easier to do the harness without the engine in the way.
Rob