 How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14 |
I bought a Craftsman motorcycle jack that seems to be pretty good, except I can't figure out how to use it on my America. The kickstand gets in the way. Here's the jack I'm referring to. The arrow points at the bar that hits the kickstand.  I'm trying to jack from the side away from the kickstand but the bar between the black pads hits the kickstand. The jack came with riser bars, but they're TOO tall and prevent the jack from sliding under this bike. So, how do you guys jack up this bike? I've seen people post that they own this jack with this bike, but I can't figure out how they make it work. I'm tempted to try jacking it with the kickstand up, but that seems so dangerous without a second person holding the bike stable. Please help (pictures would be super appreciated). Thanks.
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 Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
I have that jack. Put it on its kickstand. Go from the right side of the bike. Slide the jack under the bike ensuring the oil filter is going to clear the hole. Grab the throttle grip and slowly pull toward you. As you pull the jack can be pushed a little deeper under the bike. Once the bike is about level jack it a few times with your left hand. When it raises up and applies pressure on the frame you can let go and double check you have a good bite. Works fine for me. Just don't slide it way under the bike, it won't hit the stand. The bike is too low to use the riser pads IMHO. Remember there are safety latches. You release them by jacking once and pushing the latch up with your foot. Be gentle, make sure the stand is down. Hold the throttle grip and unscrew slow! That jack deflates really fast. Once down slowly let it down onto its stand. You can do the same thing from the left by pushing the bike up off its stand and sliding the jack under the left frame rail. I don't feel comfortable pushing the bike up, I feel I have more control pulling it to an upright position off of its stand. This guy is berserk but this is the side you do it from. Youtube
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14 |
Quote:
I have that jack. Put it on its kickstand. Go from the right side of the bike. Slide the jack under the bike ensuring the oil filter is going to clear the hole. Grab the throttle grip and slowly pull toward you. As you pull the jack can be pushed a little deeper under the bike. Once the bike is about level jack it a few times with your left hand. When it raises up and applies pressure on the frame you can let go and double check you have a good bite.
Works fine for me. Just don't slide it way under the bike, it won't hit the stand. The bike is too low to use the riser pads IMHO. Remember there are safety latches. You release them by jacking once and pushing the latch up with your foot.
Be gentle, make sure the stand is down. Hold the throttle grip and unscrew slow! That jack deflates really fast. Once down slowly let it down onto its stand.
Thanks for the input. It looks like there must a very narrow area where the jack supports the frame and doesn't hit the kickstand. I went back out to the garage to try it out and it made me really uncomfortable trying to position the jack correctly while holding the bike level off the kickstand. I'm thinking I might be better off with a different jack.
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
You will be fine. I learned to judge just leaving an inch on my side [the right side] and the kickstand side took care of itself.
Look above, I posted a link to a crazy guy using your jack. It works fine, you will get used to it.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14 |
You're right, that guy IS crazy to be handling that jack/bike so aggressively.
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
I have the same jack and do the same as Saxtron. If your bike isn't lowered you can add the risers but you'll have to still pull the bike up by the brake side grip.
Always leave the kickstand down and always strap your bike down.
BTW... That jack has plenty of room on it for our bikes. I've learned how far to push it under and not touch the kickstand and get it almost dead center on that jack... Without using the risers.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I have that jack. Put it on its kickstand. Go from the right side of the bike. Slide the jack under the bike ensuring the oil filter is going to clear the hole. Grab the throttle grip and slowly pull toward you. As you pull the jack can be pushed a little deeper under the bike. Once the bike is about level jack it a few times with your left hand. When it raises up and applies pressure on the frame you can let go and double check you have a good bite.
Works fine for me. Just don't slide it way under the bike, it won't hit the stand. The bike is too low to use the riser pads IMHO. Remember there are safety latches. You release them by jacking once and pushing the latch up with your foot.
Be gentle, make sure the stand is down. Hold the throttle grip and unscrew slow! That jack deflates really fast. Once down slowly let it down onto its stand.
You can do the same thing from the left by pushing the bike up off its stand and sliding the jack under the left frame rail. I don't feel comfortable pushing the bike up, I feel I have more control pulling it to an upright position off of its stand.
This guy is berserk but this is the side you do it from.
Youtube
Soooo, it appears Ron DOES "know jack" after all, EH?!  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
Hippie! 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
You will be fine. I learned to judge just leaving an inch on my side [the right side] and the kickstand side took care of itself.
Look above, I posted a link to a crazy guy using your jack. It works fine, you will get used to it.
Same here
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
yup i have a similar jack, always put it under the bike with the kickstand down, raise the jack a little hold the throttle as you go up the bike will start to lien into the rest of the jack, make sure your good front to back (watch the filter) and up she goes, then strap her to the jack. I always put blocks under my rear tire because it will come up farther then the front (bike is lowered) and i ditch and possible rock back action from happening if i am torquing on something or other.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: How do I jack up this bike?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I can use my Sears jack alone, but if someone is around why do it? 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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