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Buell Forum » Old School Buell » S2 Thunderbolt » Any tips for jacking the bike up to work on it? « Previous Next »

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Jerm2121
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 12:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I’m finally digging into the S2 I picked up a little while ago. On the “to-do” list is new tires, fix a broken speedo cable, install a new front isolator, oil change, etc.

Are there any tips for jacking up the front or rear of the bike to remove the wheels? I have a motorcycle wheel chock, a motorcycle jack, and a regular floor jack. I figured that before I start Macgyvering thinks i’d ask some that have been down this road. Thanks!
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 02:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What kind of motorcycle jack? the ones with the two parallel spots that normally go under a frame? There's a handful of options, it doesn't sound like the ones you mentioned will really help you get the wheels off the ground to change them. Do you have a sturdy garage ceiling you'd be able to use to lift the bike with some ratchet straps? You can just pick the whole thing up off of the ground that way.

http://www.jt-architecture.com/bidding/photos/lift -c.jpg

Otherwise some front/rear paddock stands. You can get a decent set from cyclegear for about $120, or craigslist. You can put the front wheel in the chock, then use the normal jack to lift the rear of the bike right under where the swingarm mounting block bolts to the engine, but I'm not sure about a good way to get the front wheel off with the stuff you listed.

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-re ar-paddock-stand

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-fr ont-paddock-stand

As far as the front isolator, the best thing I used for that was one of those small flat motorcycle scissor lifts. I was able to put it under the front of the engine, and lift the motor up and down exactly where I needed it to like up all of the holes so I could slide the bolt straight through without wrestling it. That's one of the better things I've bought for working on bikes and use it way more than I thought I would. You can spend a bit on good ones, but you can also get them on ebay for $40 that work perfectly fine if you're not trying to push them near their weight limits.

https://www.jpcycles.com/product/832-120/bikemaste r-heavy-duty-steel-center-jack

Sorry for the links... I didn't have the energy to save all the pictures, resize them, and upload them again... but then again, you didn't have the energy to use the search function, so we're in the same boat
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Ebutch
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 02:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Use kickstand in 1 st gear and very carefull in neutrail !!!

(Message edited by ebutch on June 28, 2018)
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Ebutch
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 03:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

And can also hang from rafters also and a tree too.

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Ebutch
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 03:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I use comalongs and nylon straps or rope useling bolts washers and nuts for slings.
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Ebutch
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 03:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

S2 hanging from rafters
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Jerm2121
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 09:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. I also appreciate seeing so many Buells hanging from ceiling!

I picked up a swing arm lift/paddock stand from harbor freight - $27 after the 20% coupon, gotta love it!

Works like a charm and will let me get started on the rear. I also grabbed a scissor jack and think that might allow me to get the front up. If not I’ll opt for the rafter lift approach. I have a tow strap that is more than beefy enough to hang the bike.

Thanks again!
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2018 - 08:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The rear stand will make things a lot easier on you, I used to have the same one. With the rear on the stand you can put a jack under the front shock mount just like in the first picture Butch posted above and get both wheels off of the ground. Just keep a hand on it because the shock mount isn't centered on the bike, so as you lift it off the ground you'll notice the right side of your swingarm slightly hovering off of the stand. I only had to lift mine like that for a few seconds so I kept my hand on the right grip. If you're doing it long term, I'd say wedge some 2x4s(or another small jack) under the sidestand on the left side of the bike, that'll help keep it from leaning to the left.
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Tigermann
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2018 - 09:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The Ladder Trick...


S2T
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4speeder
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2018 - 10:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

front and rear paddock stands solves the problem and it sure makes cleaning the wheels easier too.



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Newmans3
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2018 - 01:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

4speeder, anymore detail on how you modified the tailsection around the seat?
Been trying different things on my S3, but none look as good as yours.
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4speeder
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2018 - 02:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No details that would be any help. The bike was a rolling basket case when I got it and the tail was sorta attached to the rear subframe and the subframe had been cut about 3 inches shorter than stock. I'm guessing the entire tail section is some type of aftermarket piece maybe made for something else, but I'm stumped as to how the original S2 seat bolts up to it perfectly.
Wish I knew more. Sorry.



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4speeder
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2018 - 02:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If anyone is wondering about the set of Paddock stands, they are low cost Asian stands I bought for under a hundred bucks delivered to my house.
The rear stand came with “hooks” so you can slide a piece of rebar through the hollow rear axle and then slide the hooks under the rebar sticking out on each side of the axle and lift the rear that way, or it has 90 degree rubber padded steel pads that you can use to lift the bike with the pads under the swingarm so you can remove the rear wheel if you need to. The front stand works perfectly as it came with the pin going up inside the hollow triple tree stem. I store the bike through the winter on both the stands to keep the tires off the floor and I only use the rear stand through the season when I park it after riding.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2018 - 06:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

To prevent sliding off a stand, I have a piece of allthread, run through a piece of electrical conduit pipe that fits through the axle center. I have the conduit cut long enough that the pit stand will lift the conduit, but the allthread is a little longer. Big nut and big washer on each end of the allthread, holding the conduit tight, and presto - two collars that keep the pipe from sliding off the stand. One nut is loctited on permanently, the other I slip on and off so I can slide the assembly through an axle.
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Jerm2121
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2018 - 09:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

... and so it begins!

Thanks again the the help. I’m sure I’ll have more questions as I get her back on the road.

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Ebutch
Posted on Sunday, July 01, 2018 - 11:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)



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Ebutch
Posted on Sunday, July 01, 2018 - 11:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)



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Upthemaiden
Posted on Monday, July 02, 2018 - 08:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Butch: Is that a crutch sticking through the frame?? Some people are very trusting haha.

Swingarm stands are great. I've also lifted a plenty of bikes with a steel bar through the axle, which makes the stand a lot easier to use and the bike a lot more sturdy when it's lifted. Only problem is you can't get the wheel off that way. Best of both options is to put some spools on your swingarm, I've done it to both a steel and aluminum swingarm and both worked great. Looks like you have a steel swingarm, all you need to do is drill a hole in each side of the swingarm and squeeze in a 6/8/10mm rivnut and screw in the spools and you're done for less than $15.
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/794144.html?1528817710
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Ebutch
Posted on Monday, July 02, 2018 - 11:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yes and still use it. They are very hard wood and clear strong wood no knots.
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Monday, July 02, 2018 - 03:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

DUUUDE! that's my picture up there!

That's from the day my friend gave me a ride home his truck due to a broken belt.
We got all the way home but found no ramps.
We did however find a maple tree.

That's why it was up so high.
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Ebutch
Posted on Monday, July 02, 2018 - 07:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

200,000 + miles on 3 Buells no belt broken knock on wood. PS good story on the hanging tree!
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Doninrenogmailcom
Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2019 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I use an engine hoist and some motorcycle tiedowns--works real good and you can get the balance right while holding it up to do whatever it is you need to do such as removing front or rear wheels without the bike trying to fall over.
Suspended from an ENGINE HOIST
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89rs1200
Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2019 - 06:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I vote engine hoist. Have used one for years to lift the front or back of all my Buell models.
One advantage of the engine hoist is the Buell can be moved around the shop, with care that is.
what helps when lifting very high, such as placing the engine back into the frame, is to tie the handlebars to the rafters for stability. Otherwise the frame wants to lay to one side or the other.
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89rs1200
Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2019 - 06:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

AH! Concerning hoisting. Make several straps about 1.5 ft to 2 ft long with loops at each end. use two on each side, for safety. Loop them around the frame with the loops through the hook of the engine hoist.
Works great on either side of the steering head to raise the front, or around the frame above the saddlebag mounts to raise the rear.
S3 maintenance manual shows the lifting points.
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