GSX1400 Owners .org

Just fitted a pair of new discs and calliper refurb and it became very apparent that there should be a more convenient way of lifting the front end with a single trolly jack and a lot less brain power.
While the wheel was out and my back to the sun I looked carefully where the bike could be jacked using a single point while avoiding the exhaust down pipes and I have thought that something like this could work in mild steel.

My big unknown is some advice on the thickness of the jacking plate which I have nominally drawn at 5mm and considering using 'U' section channelling instead of the 'V' section shown.

Any thoughts welcome.

Thanks
Noddy

I just usually use a short length of flat timber approx 6" wide x 1" thick & about 24" long across the bottom of the headers and a small trolley jack, it works fine & the bike is quite stable, although your idea could well be a better option

I shove it to the side & kick an axle stand under each frame tube. Have a demo from a visiting (slower) black 14.

Mind you as you've still got the centre stand, just let two breezeblocks ride pillion & you can strip the front end off easily.

I use this for years: very simple. Easily catches frame tubes while clearing exhaust pipes, near the front to work on front end, or more towards the rear to work on the swingarm/shocks for instance. And can be reliably stay several days safely as opposed to hydraulic jacks that should be secured :-)

20mm ply and scissor jack. Was like that for three days👍

It's a challenge without a centre stand for sure.

I like  @SpongeBob 's solution. Never seen one of those for sale anywhere though.

Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 09 November  2021, 09:42 AM
It's a challenge without a centre stand for sure.

I like  @SpongeBob 's solution. Never seen one of those for sale anywhere though.

Try this one, same idea, different brand.  I'm tempted to get one myself.  https://www.repco.com.au/en/tools-equipment/garage-tools-equipment/jacks/tradequip-500kg-motorcycle-lifter-support-stand-2104t/p/A5489189?rgfeed=true&cid=google-shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&region_id=100472&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsqOMBhDFARIsAFBTN3eV_lZCxyPbso3nCZEN_X2J4xq9amNgS_4_rFiqD77oAVgwB5WVL5MaAmTJEALw_wcB

I just ordered Repco stand. $130 with car club discount. Only 2 left in Oz, both in WA.

Quote from: SpongeBob on Monday, 08 November  2021, 08:33 PM
I use this for years: very simple. Easily catches frame tubes while clearing exhaust pipes, near the front to work on front end, or more towards the rear to work on the swingarm/shocks for instance. And can be reliably stay several days safely as opposed to hydraulic jacks that should be secured :-)

That's what I use, works really well.

mjgt, tradequip i ordered looks exact similar. Should make easier than jack n centrestand, not thats ever been a problem. Upgrade is good🤞🏻

Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 09 November  2021, 01:09 PM
I just ordered Repco stand. $130 with car club discount. Only 2 left in Oz, both in WA.

+$10 delivery? How did you know only 2 left?

Repco person saw stock on computer, it arrived today.

So lift looks a very strong well built unit. For me will be just to get front up. You blokes with no centrestand will work for both ends. 👍

Ordered mine today from my local repco here in WA, click and collect, $132 now I can lift the front a bit safer rather than my bit of shaped hardwood under the sump and a trolley jack.

Will work perfectly Eric, i screwed them down to $127. Originaly over $300. Did you ever get helmet lock tab?Looking back, thinking, this will only lift front or rear, maybe i shouldve got a whole bike lift. Will next time. Would like whole bike a metre off ground.

grog - example of whole bike lift you mean?

The 'close to affordable' ones I've seen don't allow wheels to be removed which kind of defeats half the purpose.

Quote from: grog on Wednesday, 10 November  2021, 07:21 PM
Will work perfectly Eric, i screwed them down to $127. Originaly over $300. Did you ever get helmet lock tab?Looking back, thinking, this will only lift front or rear, maybe i shouldve got a whole bike lift. Will next time. Would like whole bike a metre off ground.

Yes, thanks mate, got the tab, forgot all about that.  Looking forward to getting this lift.  Good thing is you can also bolt these to a full bike lift so you can work at normal height and still raise the front wheel off the deck.

Picked up the lift yesterday.  Match made in heaven.  Note the ratchet and socket is mine, M22 is the size

Great to see it in action. Now were all wiser thanks to the world like minded members. :computer_type:

A couple of questions when you have time..How close are the screw 'frame lifters' to the end of their thread and the clearance between exhausts and platform?

Thanks
Noddy

Quote from: Noddy on Sunday, 14 November  2021, 12:30 AM
Great to see it in action. Now were all wiser thanks to the world like minded members. :computer_type:

A couple of questions when you have time..How close are the screw 'frame lifters' to the end of their thread and the clearance between exhausts and platform?

Thanks
Noddy

Hey Noddy, I checked today, I have 4 threads left in the verticals, and around 20mm clear to the exhaust.  So this can be lowered a bit more.

. Note:  mine's a 4 into 1 akra with the springs holding the 2 into 1 collectors sitting underneath.

Im going to fit two locknuts M22 coarse pitch on the uprights but even without them the bike was super stable.  Haven't tried it without the rearstand but I think that would work well too.

Cheers buddy
A great help so I'll be saving up for one of these now although I have fitted the new discs and pads. Thanks also to EBC and ProBolt.

Noddy

1st try with lift. All very easy, will fine tune next couple of uses.

try a 2 by 4 under the centre stand as well, plenty of clearance then  :onya:

I have to because of my lifter kit.  :doh:

Totally agree Chris, never had a problem with this method assuming bike has centre stand. Mine hasn`t, so I use a combination of a bottle jack & two axle stands, ensuring that all three have rubber blocks fitted to act as dampers. There is a small area beneath the sump for the Jack. Pump up. Slide in the axle stands either side beneath the main frame members, drop the jack. Job done, safe as houses. To be on the safe side, its a two-man job to keep the bike balanced while the jack takes the initial weight prior to lowering onto the axle stands.