1980 XS1100 Balance Point?

[Craigaboy]

I am building a quick insert for my motorcycle jack that will pick up a couple frame members and allow me to access to everything (oil filer, exhaust, etc.)

Anyone know the balance point on these bikes? I thought I would throw it out there if someone can save me some time...

[fredintoon]

I am building a quick insert for my motorcycle jack that will pick up a couple frame members and allow me to access to everything (oil filer, exhaust, etc.)

Anyone know the balance point on these bikes? I thought I would throw it out there if someone can save me some time...

Hi Craig,
it's gotta be a little ahead of the centerstand pivots.
Exactly where depends on all manner of variables, small things like how full is the gas tank and how worn are the tires to big things like does the bike have a windshield or a fairing or hard bags etc. etc.
The only way to find out is by experiment.

[Craigaboy]

Hi Craig,
it's gotta be a little ahead of the centerstand pivots.
Exactly where depends on all manner of variables, small things like how full is the gas tank and how worn are the tires to big things like does the bike have a windshield or a fairing or hard bags etc. etc.
The only way to find out is by experiment.

10-4 ... It will be easy to build it - lift the bike up - slide it fore/aft to find a good center point - and then drill the location/retainer pins. I will throw up some measurements and photos this afternoon. Thanks!

[natemoen]

10-4 ... It will be easy to build it - lift the bike up - slide it fore/aft to find a good center point - and then drill the location/retainer pins. I will throw up some measurements and photos this afternoon. Thanks!

You want to drill holes in the bike frame?

BAD BAD IDEA!

[Irukandji]

Holes in the Jack mount nate.

[Craigaboy]

Holes in the Jack mount nate.

Yep, almost finished. Will throw some photos up.

[Craigaboy]

Here are a few picts. Will be bolting jack adapter to jack lift and securing the bike with additional methods.

[CatatonicBug]

Nice! Make it foldable, and you might have a marketable tool there!

[Joab]

Hell, foldable or not, Id buy one from you! Beautiful bike btw!

[jwhughes3]

moving target

Remember the point moves as you remove things like wheels, exhaust, etc.

Just be sure not to only rely on the jack but use stands also.

John

[Craigaboy]

Hell, foldable or not, Id buy one from you! Beautiful bike btw!

Thanks man. I love the look of an original machine that has been taken care of so well. The little bumps, nicks, and worn areas add to the character. - I'll throw up a few dimensions when I have it finished in case someone wants to do something similar.

Remember the point moves as you remove things like wheels, exhaust, etc.

Just be sure not to only rely on the jack but use stands also.

John

Will do - I'll be fabricating some additional supports before doing any work on the bike while elevated.

[tantor]

I like that bike caddy. I've already burnt 3 pads off of my jack, due to hot exhaust. Try lining the lift point with an old inner tube, to protect your paint.

[jwhughes3]

leather

i am thinking leather instead of rubber. more heat resistant. tough. easy on paint and plentiful.

john

[Craigaboy]

good thought. either one would work. i have some old welding gloves - i'll cut up the area that runs up your arm and super 77 it to the tubing halves. for now the inside of the tubing is polished and the edges are smooth and round.

[tantor]

I like that bike caddy. I've already burnt 3 pads off of my jack, due to hot exhaust. Try lining the lift point with an old inner tube, to protect your paint.

I only said that because I'm economical, and I know that I keep used inner tubes for purposes just like this!