Raising front end

[Further]

OK, so #1, I'm cheap and don't want to pop for a Pit Bull stand needlessly. #2 thanks to a certain pillion who shall remain anonymous, but who's initials are Little Wifey, I've got very little extra space in the garage.

Given that, I'm wondering if it's OK to put a jack and wooden plank under the header pipes for tire changes? Or is that just too much stress? I wouldn't really have considered this before, but saw a photo the other day of John Ryan's cross country record run from Alaska to Key West and noted a photo of his FJR with BOTH wheels off for a tire change, and a cinder block supporting the bike under the pipes. (Must admit I was a little anxious to see he used a cinder block given their potential to crack, but I assume he didn't have much choice at the time)

Anyone have an opinion on this based on something other than just a "feeling" or a "hunch" ??

My other option involves nylon straps to a ceiling support, attached to the handlebars. But a simple jack would be much easier.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Ignacio]

Well covered here.

 

[GunMD]

Under the pipes -- floor jack with a large enough contact area or a floor jack with a block of wood to distribute the load evenly. Not a hunch, not a feeling...experience using this technique. Works like a charm.

 

[WWWobble]

I use an inexpensive two blade motorcycle jack which distributes load on the pipes pretty evenly. If it is going to be up for any length of time I place jack stands under the front forks to take just a little weight. Done this 5 times on my '06 FJR so far without any apparent damage...

WWWobble

 

[Further]

Great! Thanks all for setting my mind at ease.

And Ignacio, sorry I missed the reference on the How To page. I've looked at that page before, and even bookmarked several of the entries, but somehow managed to skip over the "Inexpensive Bike Stand" entry. I think that's definitely the way to go. Simply, cheap, and takes the weight off the pipes themselves, just to be extra safe.

Once again, this forum is The Bomb !

Chris

 

[nofreeride]

OK to put jack under pipes?

My ex father in law was Jack. I'd be glad for you to put him under the pipes. A floor jack and a block of wood works great. But if it slowly leaks hydraulic pressure the bike may be on the floor in the morning!

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

A block of wood and a Mechanical (screw/worm drive) jack (standard on most cars). It won't leak overnight and give you a surprise in the am....