Front End Stand

[dbvolfan]

So I need to remove my forks to have them rebuilt and was looking at the front end stand written up on fjrtech.com.

It must have been written some time ago because that same iron pipe now costs $60, not $35 at Lowe's.

Is this the preferred way to support the front end during this kind of work? I thought about using two eye bolts and some straps from the garage ceiling to support the weight since it seems like most of the weight is on the stand. Then again, it would be nice to have a stand for holding up the gas tank during TBS, and such.

 

[03HiYoSilver]

db,

I made one a while back with 1" piping and when I am not using it, it serves as a great coat rack.

Or, on the cheap, you can put some heavy type weight on the seat, like blocks, to keep the bike sitting on the rear tire.

 

[madmike2]

I use a piece of 2x4 over my floor jack and raise the bike under the headers. That way I can remove the handle bars if need be and the triple clamps are "free" to rotate for access to the clamping bolts.

I do block the bike rather than trusting the floor jack lest the fluid pressure release and allow the bike to tip forward.

 

[Canadian FJR]

Yep, small floor jack with a 2X4. I also us an old towel between the 2X4 and the header. (The bike must be on the center stand for this method)

Canadian FJR

 

[Mr Bill]

So I need to remove my forks to have them rebuilt and was looking at the front end stand written up on fjrtech.com.It must have been written some time ago because that same iron pipe now costs $60, not $35 at Lowe's.

Is this the preferred way to support the front end during this kind of work? I thought about using two eye bolts and some straps from the garage ceiling to support the weight since it seems like most of the weight is on the stand. Then again, it would be nice to have a stand for holding up the gas tank during TBS, and such.

[SIZE=12pt]I block mine from under too, but I lift it with one of these[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]and then lower it onto the blocks[/SIZE]

 

[nwrider1]

I was going to use my stand, like Mr. Bill's, to remove the front wheel. However, I found that mine interfered with the ABS sensor at the back of the left fork leg. I probably could have used it to just raise the front and have blocked the bike under the headers though. However, I wouldn't have used it by itself to remove the front wheel.

 

[fjrrider]

In my shop the roof joist are exposed, 2x6's, and I use a 1.5 ton puller and a web sling to raise the front end up. Just choke it around the neck and crank er up! Works great when remounting front wheel as you can let the front end down with pretty precise accuracy!

Not the cheapest route for all, but I already had the puller!

 

[RadioHowie]

Screw jack outta the trunk of my Honda Del Sol under the headers. Balance point is so close to the centerstand that there's very little weight to lift so I can turn the adjuster by hand. No chance of hydraulic leakdown, either.

You can pick one up at any junkyard for about $5.

 

[dbvolfan]

OK, cool. I was more worried about the weight being supported by the headers but it doesnt appear to be a huge issue.

I'll just go with my jack and some blocks underneath a towel and wing it. Then it's off to GP Suspension for some work...too bad I missed the group buy.

Thanks again!

 

[Bike Effects]

Another option:

Steel Horse® Front Fork Lift Stand at Bike Effects

Please note discount information link below.

 

[madmike2]

There's one problem with fork leveraged front end stands....

How well do they work when one removes the forks? And...exactly how does one use them when the intent is to raise the bike for the removal of the forks?

 

[mcatrophy]

There's one problem with fork leveraged front end stands....
How well do they work when one removes the forks? And...exactly how does one use them when the intent is to raise the bike for the removal of the forks?

The answer is in Mr Bill's post:

[SIZE=12pt]I block mine from under too, but I lift it with one of these[/SIZE]...

and then lower it onto the blocks

(The last line seemed a bit buried under the picture, I had to read it more than once to pick it up :blind: .)

 

[rbentnail]

I use a general purpose motorcycle/atv jack like this under the header b/c it has a mechanical latch- raise up, the latch falls into place, ease down to rest. No drifting. If you keep your eyes open you can get one really cheap. Mine was $29 new, in the box. Works fine for lawn mower, etc. Plus I get free beer when a cruiser buddy needs to borrow it.

 

[terrebandit]

Plus I get free beer when a cruiser buddy needs to borrow it.

Hence, an advantage over a normal floor jack with a 12" scrap 2X4.

 

[spinblue]

I used the center stand and used jack stands on the frame sliders on my 07.

The bike was very stable while the forks were out for servicing.

Cost... ~$50 - Take the wife out to dinner for putting the stands in place while I pushed down on the Givi rack.