Bike Lift for Sportster

[admin]

I have just purchased an Americana hydraulic bike lift to use on a 2005 Sportster. Can't lift from exhaust side as exhaust bracket is lower than bike frame. Can't lift from other side because the kickstand is in the way. Any suggestions ?

Posted by: MartinA on Feb 11, 06 12:49:19 pm

[47knuck]

Try a block of wood under the frame but make sure it's wide enough to give even balance to the bike on the frame. Good luck.

I use a CycleLift (from cyclelift.com) after a bad experience with a conventional jack (dropped bike). For a quick lift, easy cleaning, and routine serive, I recommend the CycleLift over a jack.

I have the Sears motorcycle lift. It works well for all my bikes, although the exhaust does interfere some on the Sportster. As 47 Knuck said a block of wood under the frame should help, but with that narrow frame keep it balanced carefully until you have it strapped down securely and even then be very careful. Voice of experience- the old Sporty fell off the lift once while I was trying to remove the rear wheel. Fortunately didn't damage anything and one of my sons helped me set it back up.

I use the "CENTERSTAND" motorcycle lift. It too is just a rectangle made of pipe with a handle. It is very easy to use and works on my Sportster great. Push it back a little and the back tire is off the ground then let the bike down and move the device forward a little and the front tire is then off the ground. The bike has one tire on the surface at all times, which seems safer.

[fxst-rider]

The CenterStand and the CycleLift are the same lift. (why two names, I don't know). But I believe it (they) offers a safe, efficient lift of your Sportster.

Originally Posted by admin

I have just purchased an Americana hydraulic bike lift to use on a 2005 Sportster. Can't lift from exhaust side as exhaust bracket is lower than bike frame. Can't lift from other side because the kickstand is in the way. Any suggestions ?

Posted by: MartinA on Feb 11, 06 12:49:19 pm

Go to this web site and play the video. What you see is what you'll get. I ride an 04 Low Rider and as many of you know, the Dynas are a bear to lift due to the way they're made. This lift requires no special treatment for Dynas and I believe it should work flawlessly to lift any motorcycle, certainly any Harley-Davidson bike. I love this lift and highly recommend it.

http://www.jsjacks.com/videos.htm

JB

[dlallen]

Originally Posted by admin

I have just purchased an Americana hydraulic bike lift to use on a 2005 Sportster. Can't lift from exhaust side as exhaust bracket is lower than bike frame. Can't lift from other side because the kickstand is in the way. Any suggestions ?

Posted by: MartinA on Feb 11, 06 12:49:19 pm

I drilled two holes in each of two lengths of 2X4 cut to the width of the lifts lifting rails. Then I placed them on the lift and drilled thru the metal. Counter sink for the bolt head and drop bolts thru the wood into the rails. This holds them in place from slipping. Line the lift up so the wood catches the frame on the muffler side but doesn't stick out enough to hit the mufflers.

This keeps everything in balance because the wood is under all four frame contact points.

Tie bike down with ratchet straps and it is very stable.

[lowrider01]

Just got a jack in from J & S Jacks.Best jack i have ever used.Did alot of research,this one is a really good tool.go to their website and check them out.no special adapters needed,i too have a 2001 Dyna Lowrider,even with the harley jack ,you have to have an adapter,not with this one,when your don,just put the kickstand down,ease off the jack and she's back down on the kickstand...

Wood blocks are the way to go. Dynas and some FXR's like my FXR4 need to be blocked up some. Harley used to sell these special wood spacer blocks for this situation and they have deep grooves to lock into your frame tubes. I think they were about $16 or so if they still have them.