Jack point??...

[ddragon63]

So I bought a used Motorcycle jack off Craigslist today.... couldn't pass it up for $40

Is it safe to jack this big pig up by the exhaust?

I'm only using the jack to put it in the air then I'm supporting it with jack stands.

So its not like its gonna be sitting around on the pipes. I dont wanna squish nothing

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Stock pipes

Stock exaust dent real easy, the down tubes are a little stronger to resisting dents, but I wouldn't lift the bike by any exaust part, they will bend and dent under the weight easly

[ddragon63]

that was my feeling... I'd hate to mess up beautiful 33 year old pipes because I was too lazy to find some wood to locate the engine with... or pull the pipes

[DGXSER]

For what t cost to replace those stock systems (if you can find one) I would spend as much time as necessary to make sure you do not hurt them.

And no, I would not trust those pipes to lift the bike. I've seen a couple bikes or maybe the same one twice on video where thy lowered the bike so far they were just leaning it on the pipes instead of using a side stand. For my money, I would not even do that to those rare stock pipes.

[ddragon63]

maybe some wood under the oil pain and filter housing? would think about drilling a hole into the wood large enough to accommodate the filter housing bolt so theres no unwanted stress on the bolt itself...

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

2X4's

I would take a couple of 2X4's and cut two peices the lenth of the jack lifting face, then screw them to two 2X4' cut to hold them togather at 90deg.. That way you dont need to remove the oil filter and you will only lift againest the frame and case, both can handel it Good score on the jack by the way

[ddragon63]

Ya I couldnt pass it up.... this guy bought it a year ago to R&R a motor out of a VW bus... Said he was tired of tripping over it. The T bracket 2x4s is a good idea. Just cut the top ones just long enought to fit between the pipes...

This Jack has a safety bar but not sure I trust it. Will still use jack stands for support

[crazy steve]

Those jacks aren't always all that useful for motorcycles... remember most were sold as 'ATV' jacks...

With that said, I have one and use it regularly, but for my Sportsters (which lack a centerstand) only. And I had to build 'adaptors' for it to fit due to the same type interference with the exhaust. I've looked at building something for the XSs, but with the exhaust in place, anything that would fit the frame is too tall to attach to the jack and still get it under the bike unless you use the centerstand.

I find the stock centerstand is pretty good; that will get the rear tire off the ground, and careful setting of a jackstand under the front center crossmember will do the same for the front. It's as stable as my Harley is on the jack, just not quite as high.

[ddragon63]

I'm sure I can invent something to adapt it... welder, scrap steel, and beer I can make anything better/worse in no time

I'm gonna yard the belly plastic off my R1 and see if this jack can be helpful with it. could probably pick it up by the big exhaust Servo on the bottom of the motor.

[ddragon63]

Those jacks aren't always all that useful for motorcycles... remember most were sold as 'ATV' jacks...

With that said, I have one and use it regularly, but for my Sportsters (which lack a centerstand) only. And I had to build 'adaptors' for it to fit due to the same type interference with the exhaust. I've looked at building something for the XSs, but with the exhaust in place, anything that would fit the frame is too tall to attach to the jack and still get it under the bike unless you use the centerstand.

I find the stock centerstand is pretty good; that will get the rear tire off the ground, and careful setting of a jackstand under the front center crossmember will do the same for the front. It's as stable as my Harley is on the jack, just not quite as high.

What I'm trying to do Steve is get both ends of the ground... for wheel removal, and well my personal satisfaction that I did it

[DGXSER]

If you put the bike on the centerstand, then have a friend, SWMBO, Daughter, or Son lean on the back of the seat or grab bar, they can easily put the rear tire on the ground and raise the front of the bike. Then put a jackstand under that front frame crossmember Steve mentioned and let them ease off the back of the bike. When finished, both wheels are off the ground, not by alot in the back, but off it is.

Here is a pic of my bike with the jackstand in place.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Box

the reason i thought 2x4 wood box is it is easy to work with, wont hurt anything on the motor case, gives you room to clear the oil filter and you can easly cut out notches to clear things like the center stand and anything else in the way of lifting it, good luck with you new jack

I'm sure I can invent something to adapt it... welder, scrap steel, and beer I can make anything better/worse in no time

I'm gonna yard the belly plastic off my R1 and see if this jack can be helpful with it. could probably pick it up by the big exhaust Servo on the bottom of the motor.

[ddragon63]

the reason i thought 2x4 wood box is it is easy to work with, wont hurt anything on the motor case, gives you room to clear the oil filter and you can easly cut out notches to clear things like the center stand and anything else in the way of lifting it, good luck with you new jack

Ya I got a 2x4 to sacrifice... we'll see what i can come up with

[Pat Kelly]

I bought one of those lifts and found it to be useless without modification. I did use it as a transmission jack when removing the engine from my pick-up.

I think it could be used as the lifting mechanism for a motorcycle table lift.

[scoot]

I use that Harbor freight jack on bikes. Never thought to use wood or modify it, just slide it under the pipes, get under the forward- side clamps and kick it up. Got the original exhaust, has not crushed or anything. Not worried about it either, guess I have a raised risk tolerance. I do strap the bike to the jack, though. YMMV.

scoot