Supporting front of bike...

Message

rick · #1 Post by **rick** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 9:26 pm

I'm now the proud owner of an Abba stand and am mighty impressed... (although less impressed that I didn't buy blenks' one and saved a couple of quid!) but here's a Q for you all...where is the best place to support the front of the bike whilst its on the Abba stand for removal of forks?

The obvious place, when you have a nosey, is underneath the oil tank... but since thats just bolted onto the side of the engine I don't think its the best place to use...

Any advice appreciated!

Willopotomas · #2 Post by **Willopotomas** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 11:04 pm

support via a sling over the rafters if you can.. about the best way of doing it. I wouldn't recommend putting anything under the sump/tank or anywhere that's not supposed to be jacked from. You could also get yourself a head-stock stand.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STFL-COMPLETE-SET ... 483aeabc4a

Can be a little constrictive on space, but they do the job well.

D-Rider · #3 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 11:48 pm

Will's suggestions are best ..... but when you don't have suitable rafters or a headstock stand to hand this is what "someone I know" did.

Supporting the bike near its centre of mass with an Abba or Ulti-Pro stand, the bike was jacked up under the exhaust - this seeming stronger than the oil tank. There is very little weight on the jack - it basically just takes the front wheel off the ground. I certainly wouldn't do this with a paddock stand at the end of the swingarm as it would put too much weight on the jacking point.

I'm aware that this might be a bit "frowned upon" and it's a "do it at your own risk" approach but it did the job.

rick · #4 Post by **rick** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 6:47 am

Ok thanks for tips folks... I think I'll try the trolley jack under the exhaust method... I don't think the rafters in the garage look very strong so I'd better not use that method.

Moose · #5 Post by **Moose** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:01 am

I see you left the only tool you will EVER need in the picture

Samray · #6 Post by **Samray** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:08 am

Samray · #7 Post by **Samray** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:13 am

... and as an afterthought, wouldn't strapping the back of the bike down have the same effect?

Aladinsaneuk · #8 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:45 am

my preferred option is to ratchet strap the back of the bike down....

I have just acquired a nice hydraulic bike lift and that does make life easier - I just need some sheet steel to make it wide enough for the abba stand!

D-Rider · #9 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:53 am

err yes .... but probably few of us have tie-down fixings embedded in our drives - whereas sliding in a trolley jack doesn't really require mich in the way of special facilities ..... it's a practicality thing ....