Lifting a bike off the ground

[harvy]

Now that we have a long weekend here in the UK where im free, im aiming to take off all the plastics and give the bike a good clean + fit a scott oiler and a few other bits.

To do this i want to lift the bike abuot 4-5 feet off the ground (so the wheels are abuot a foot or two off). I have 4 ratchet straps, and a nice strong RSJ to hang from. Question is can anyone recommend me 4 points on the bike where I can attach the ratchet straps?

Will be working on the swing arm so want that clear if poss, also not though the tyres/rims

Assuming pointy here:
Pillion grab handle for the back (it's bolted securely to the rear subframe).

Probably top yoke for the front. That'll take 2 straps.

Take the side panels off, feed one strap through the frame (behind the engine & below the back of the fuel tank) for a little extra stability.

[harvy]

Yea it is a pointy...

Will put the grab handle back on - not had it on as i dnt carry anyone!

The top Yoke - will it really hold? looked at it and thought na... it will never take the weight...

And feed the strap though the frame, that basicly under the riders seat?

would paddock stands not suffice? i personally would feel abit uneasy about suspending a 170kg bike from a pillion grab handle and its top yoke!! if you do it though some pics would be great!

Definately not sure about hanging the bike off of the grab rail.

Yoke would, at a guess, be ok as a lot of force and weight goes through it.

I think working on a bike that was permanently swaying about would at the very least be a nuisance.

[harvy]

Prob drop it down onto a makeshift work bench so its not moving as the wheels will be on the wooden top, but the weight of the bike will mainly off the straps,

Had a good look at the bike again today, and i think i can get a strap at the front under the yoke under the large metal lump that its bolted to- part of the frame around the engine.

At the rear i think i can get away with putting one under the swing arm just under the shock so should be clear of the work area...

Will take off the rear plastics and see if i can get one around the rear frame or two if i can find another suitable place...

I lift the back of my buike using the grab handle, so strapping should be fine*.

*don't quote me on this if it all falls to the floor in a big mess

[harvy]

She's flying!

Well sort of!

Got her hanging on 4 straps at the mo.

Took off the seats and all the plastics around there...

Though to my self well if the grab rail is strong enough to carry it, then the bar that it bolts into is enough... 1st strap went there...

put one through the pillion foot rests on either sides, so the sub-frame at the back is lifted.

Third one i put where the yoke and frame meet... ( hard to describe so ill get a photo up tomorrow)

Forth, went through the front wheel.


not swinging too much forward and back as the front strap holding the front wheel is at an angle so stopping it from moving.

Ive put a pair of concrete blocks under the wheels at the mo as i cant get any work done till tomorrow, so the bike is resting gently on the blocks but the majority of the weight is on the straps!

Pics will follow tomorrow when i start fitting the oiler, and moving the horn.

BTW any tips on placing the horn? Dont want to have to cut and lengthen the wiring if it can be avoided...

[harvy]

As requested by Pete...

here she is hanging!

Strap not on the grab rail but going though what the grab rail is bolted to...


The front end hanging


The back end hanging


Strap under the pillion foot pegs (note the 2 x2 is there to stop the strap pinching on the wireing loom behind it!)


Not all that clear but thats where the strap near the yoke went. Passed through from the top, under the frame where it meets the front suspension and back up again. Did have to remove a plastic cover which sits where the strap is.


Shows the top end of the yoke strap


How high it is off the ground. one and a half concrete blocks high.


Moved the horn and made a quick and dirty mount for the scotoiler


tube delivering oil to the chain


End piece


And with the fairing on.

Looks good, but will the Scottoiler be ok there? It looks awful close to very hot bits - or it just the angle of the piccy? (reason i'm asking is i'm just about to fit mine and havent decided where to fit it yet).