Frame jack point mod?

[Motojoe2492]

I currently have the engine out of my '83 GS850G and like the fact that I can lift it with my motorcycle jack, and thought about what a bummer it is that I can't use it with my exhaust installed.

Then I thought about the possibility of some sort of add-on jack points that I can install to make that possible. Has anyone ever tried this?

I understand it could be more work than it's worth, and that it may be completely unnecessary (especially with the center stand) but just want to know if i'm the only one to be curious.

 

[posplayr]

Used 2x4 blocks across the bottom of the oil pan.

 

[Motojoe2492]

Used 2x4 blocks across the bottom of the oil pan.

Are the 2x4's vertcal between 1+2 / 2+4?

 

[posplayr]

Are the 2x4's vertcal between 1+2 / 2+4?

Whatever it takes. I had a 4:2:1 exhaust so I could put a couple of 2x4 on end in between the pipes (about 2 foot long). With a stock pipe and crossover. you will need to fit something between.
Try to get as large of a footprint on the oil pan as possible. No point loads. Realize this is somewhat of a balancing act so it is not as stable as being on the width of the frame.

Straps would help make it more secure.

You may need to use some 2x6's to bridge(spread) across your motorcycle jack and then a couple of short 2x4 blocks to get onto the pan. Screw them into the bridge with long deck screws.

 

[Motojoe2492]

Whatever it takes. I had a 4:2:1 exhaust so I could put a couple of 2x4 on end in between the pipes (about 2 foot long). With a stock pipe and crossover. you will need to fit something between.
Try to get as large of a footprint on the oil pan as possible. No point loads. Realize this is somewhat of a balancing act so it is not as stable as being on the width of the frame.

Straps would help make it more secure.

You may need to use some 2x6's to bridge(spread) across your motorcycle jack and then a couple of short 2x4 blocks to get onto the pan. Screw them into the bridge with long deck screws.

Good thinking, I will have to give that a shot if I ever get this hunk together again lol

 

[posplayr]

Good thinking, I will have to give that a shot if I ever get this hunk together again lol

IIRC, I left my bike this way for quite some time just to get the front wheel off the ground to do work. The rear was probably in a wheel stand (off the swing arm).

 

[Burque73]

Maybe something like this? I just finished making this jack for the KLR based on a similar one I saw online somewhere. It doesn't have a center stand and an ATV jack is awkward due to the bottom shock mount and weight distribution so trying to lift the rear wheel was difficult. I've had the steel laying around outside for years. It had some chain links cut in half that I welded on for tie down points. I just left those, maybe they'll be useful...scratch that, they will be useful as I can stabilize the bike too.



Just slide it under the swingarm and lower it to the floor. Easy peasy!




The lift is 48" long and doesn't seem to want to pop up but I may put some weight on it while working on the bike.



Please don't judge my welds. I have a cheap Craftsman 110 wire feed and use flux core wire. It sticks but it won't pass inspections...

 

[posplayr]

Is you had angled the vertical so the axle was over the leaver it would have no tendency to lift. You would have to aid it do it is much more stable .

 

[Motojoe2492]

That's a great setup! I was just wanting to adapt to my jack though, just so I can get both wheels up if I need to, the center stand does well enough for small stuff though, so who knows lol. I know how it feels to be stuck with a basic welder lol

Maybe something like this? I just finished making this jack for the KLR based on a similar one I saw online somewhere. It doesn't have a center stand and an ATV jack is awkward due to the bottom shock mount and weight distribution so trying to lift the rear wheel was difficult. I've had the steel laying around outside for years. It had some chain links cut in half that I welded on for tie down points. I just left those, maybe they'll be useful...scratch that, they will be useful as I can stabilize the bike too.



Just slide it under the swingarm and lower it to the floor. Easy peasy!




The lift is 48" long and doesn't seem to want to pop up but I may put some weight on it while working on the bike.



Please don't judge my welds. I have a cheap Craftsman 110 wire feed and use flux core wire. It sticks but it won't pass inspections...

 

[Gorminrider]

I guess you're talking about the so-common,red "bike-jacks"? They sure could use some re-thinking and everyso often I play with mine. Best thing for me seems to be making blocks to suit each bike...ie: my 650 has gouges to take fit the centre stand protrubances becuase this is the place to lift the bike as balanced...and to avoid the crossover pipe etc etc. You really have to tie the bike onto it and really,it's still a little floppy to trust for my taste. BUT thesejacks are super-available from other people that don't like em either . I got one cheap and another just tossed in with a bike...

 

[Burque73]

That's a great setup! I was just wanting to adapt to my jack though, just so I can get both wheels up if I need to, the center stand does well enough for small stuff though, so who knows lol. I know how it feels to be stuck with a basic welder lol

When I change my tires or whatever on the 850, I use a regular auto jack stand under the front of the engine near the oil filter. That combined with the center stand lets me get both wheels off at once.

That little welder has been worth it's weight in gold. As much as I complain about it I have gotten more out of it than I ever thought possible. The wire feeds at an inconsistent rate and wiggles around coming out of the front making it hard to flow the puddle where you want it. Sometimes it pulses and makes for a crappy weld too. Maybe someday I'll spring for a nice setup.

 

[Motojoe2492]

That's how I got mine off and changed last year after I got the engine out before I got my jack lol. I would be happy with any welder at this point, but we'll see what I come across. I have an old 220 Marquette stick welder I can't wait to try out. (Not many 220 plugs in my apartment)

When I change my tires or whatever on the 850, I use a regular auto jack stand under the front of the engine near the oil filter. That combined with the center stand lets me get both wheels off at once.

That little welder has been worth it's weight in gold. As much as I complain about it I have gotten more out of it than I ever thought possible. The wire feeds at an inconsistent rate and wiggles around coming out of the front making it hard to flow the puddle where you want it. Sometimes it pulses and makes for a crappy weld too. Maybe someday I'll spring for a nice setup.

My question is.... If thats a 650, where are your #2 and #3 pipes??? Those are the two that get in my way lol
I also got mine for free from a friend who helped me blast the head a bit lol

........ I got one cheap and another just tossed in with a bike...

View attachment 55635

 

[Gorminrider]

hah! right- Thats a 400 above... But I'm not making this up! don't have an "underneath" shot but the placement will inform you whereabouts you have to fiddle. I wouldn't worry too much about the pipes crushing or anything. unless it's the crossover pipe which you are going to want to stay either side of with the pads. The downpipes are only taking a portion of the weight-never more than 1/4...but really, On this bike the centerstand is where the tricky bit is. the "right spot" is where some lugs stick off from the centre stand'sso gouges required in the blocks.