Center stand alternatives

[Danny Crawdad]

Okay, so this question may seem kind of dumb, but realize I come from a car background . In the absence of a center stand, what are my options for getting my bike off the ground? There are specialized motorcycle jacks, but they are relatively expensive.

Is there an easy, safe, inexpensive way to get both wheels off the ground?

[crazy steve]

Most 4-1 exhausts will allow you to 'temporairily' fit a centerstand for service work, then drop it back off for riding.

[GARTHXS]

+1 that's what I do

[Danny Crawdad]

I didn't know that, that's definitely worth looking into. Then I can just throw a floor jack under the front if I need to get the front wheel off of the ground.

[crazy steve]

Yeah, because of the way the underside of these things is designed, a ATV jack just doesn't fit well. The centerstand is really the best choice....

[CaptonZap]

I didn't know that, that's definitely worth looking into. Then I can just throw a floor jack under the front if I need to get the front wheel off of the ground.

Be Careful. Every floor jack I ever saw had a top plate that would tilt 10 degrees each way. And if you aren't careful, the bike would end up on it's side on the floor.
Do you have an overhead means of support? A 4X4 strung between 4 rafters, and fitted with a hoist and a nylon strap around the handle bars will get the front end off the ground. Or an engine hoist, if it will go high enough.
If you are trying to get the front wheel out, you can put it on the side stand, and use the floor jack under the right side exhaust pipes, with a piece of board to spread the load out.
Don't hurt yourself, or the bike. CZ

[XJkid]

I just built a wooden stand out of 2x4's stacked "crib" style to put under the oil filter housing. This combined with a centerstand will get both wheels off the pavement.

[natemoen]

I like a bottle jack under the front cross brace rather than a floor jack. Or just have someone sit on the back of the seat when it is on the center stand and then slip a jack stand under the front.

[Aches n Pains]

I was working this problem but finally bought a used Kendon folding lift.

These were some of the alternatives I found.

$20 made with pipe and 2x 8 - http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/bikelift.htm. Another site for this approach - http://www.buzzle.com/articles/motor...ycle-lift.html

Plywood stand that tilts - http://www.vn750.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12189

Rolling stand - http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...rk_table01.jpg Picture - http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...r74_left02.jpg

More complex but looks pretty interesting (not sure what happened to the home site on this one). Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYJGQ...ayer_embedded#!

If you can weld - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...cle+lift+plans Another reference on this one - http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...cs/Tank001.jpg

Interesting plywood version that breaks down - http://www.bbcracing.com/old/box/

Also found this turntable interesting - http://www.webenet.net/~leslemke/XS1100/turn/turn.htm


Good luck

[Titans]

I used an emergency jack from a car (not sure which one) right under the front cross bracing (frame) paired with the center stand.

Adjusting the height of the emergency jack will lift/lower the wheel of choice. See below

[Danny Crawdad]

Ha, Titans, that very photo is actually what prompted me to post this . At the time, I didn't notice that you had a 4->1 setup, though!

Aches n Pains, nice homebrew collection! I like the turntable...