Lifts

[PickerMOOT]

I originally posted this on the listserv, but this has a larger forum.  
I got a question about something that might be common knowledge to ya'll.  What kind of lifts do you use for your 3Gen Magna?  I've been using B.J. Fazio's wood block method (I actually got to meet B.J. this week when he visited Rockwall) to work with the chain, but I might need to do more and there doesn't seem to be too many reasonably priced options.  Sears has one, Pep Boys, and of course I could use my floor jack with an adapter of some sort.  I just don't want to screw up anything underneath or turn the whole dang thing over!

thanks,
Cary
#313 (Newbie)
1999 3G VF750C
Rowlett, Tx

[Curtis_Valk]

Cary, howdy from this side of Rowlett!  I use the MC/ATV jack that is commonly available at Pep Boys, Harbor Freight, Sears, etc.....  I bought mine at Northern Tool down on I-30 and Belt Line.  I paid $99 but if you are patient and wait for a sale they can be had for $69.

I use a plain wood block (2x4 on edge) between one jack runner and the crossmember.  The frame rails sit neatly on the other runner and I don't even strap the bike to the jack.  I have broken the axle nuts loose with the bike up on the jack with this setup and had no problems with stability.  It is also balanced enough to remove either the front or rear tire/wheel without fear of a nose dive.

For my Valkyrie, I made an adapter out of wood as well, but it is a bit more involved than the simple block I use with the Magna.  It is great to get the bike up 18 inches or so because I can then work on the bike while sitting on a backless roll-around office chair.

The only concern that I have is with counterfeit hardware on any cheap piece of equipment.  Inspect pivot points and bolts EVERY time you use the jack.  If I have to leave the bike up there for a day or so, I wedge a 2x4 in there to insure the hydraulics don't leak down (I don't trust the built in safeties).  The jack has a 1000 or 1200 lb (can't remember) limit and has no trouble with my 800 lb. valk I/S so the Maggie should be just fine up there.

I think that's all.  Good luck with your quest.

Curtis

[PickerMOOT]

Thanks Curtis.  I will have to keep my eyes open for the best deal.  Pep Boys has had theirs with a $10 rebate, but I'm not really into rebates.  They are about a 50-50 chance of getting one back in my opinion.

It also sounds like an adapter on the top of the lift is important.  Several people have described theirs.  If I plan on changing the fork oil or springs in the future, stability will be important.  

I am near Rowlett Road and Chaha Road.  Which area are you in?

Cary
#313
Rowlett, Tx

[Curtis_Valk]

Cary,
I agree with you on the rebates, but with me the chance is about 0% since I forget to send them in before the deadline.  I've been bitten a few times at Fry's Electronics and now I just avoid rebates or consider the price not counting them.

Here is a link to some adapter info on the Magna Riders Forum on Delphi: http://forums.delphiforums.com/MagnaRider/messages?msg=8290.1 One message has a drawing that you could give to a fab shop if you don't do that sort of thing.  If you have the tools to cut the pieces and just get the shop to do the welding, that would save some $$.  There is a great place to buy all sorts of metal by the pound (pretty cheap too) in Garland on the north side of Forest Ln.  I can't remember the name but I'm in that area a lot and can find out if need be.

I'm at Dalrock and 66 (SE quadrant) so that may be why we have not run across each other.  I'm mostly seen going out either end of 66 or down Dalrock to 30.  Occasionally I'll use Miller for a change of pace if I'm not in a hurry.  Since 190 dumps its load on Rowlett road, it is getting pretty torn up, not to mention crowded during certain hours.  Hope to see you sometime, are you able to go to Greg's wrench session next saturday?  Maybe we can meet up and ride over to Seagoville together.

Curtis

[PickerMOOT]

Thanks for the info Curtis.  Yes, I would reall like to go to the wrench session next week.  My social secretary (wife of 38 years :) hasn't told me what's on the calendar, so it looks like I might make it.  I would like to ride along if possible.  Let me get back to you later in the week.  You're maybe 10 minutes from my house.  

We will talk later.  Thanks for the help.

Cary
#313
Rowlett, Tx

[Greg Cothern]

Cary hope to meet you this upcoming Saturday if you can make it.  I as I metioned earlier have the Larin and the BJ poor mans setup, LoL.  Both work great, but with everything use a little caution.
On the tips and tricks page on the MOOT site you will find the wood adapter that can be made to fit the Magna, it is easy to build but as Curtis mentioned a 2X4 works great.

[Charles S Otwell]

I was in Harbor Frieght yesterday and noticed they had three different motorcycle jacks on sale starting at $59.99. thought I'd pass this along in case someone was still looking for a jack. have a nice weekend and everyone have a safe ride.


Charles
#279

[PickerMOOT]

Wow! Thanks Charles.  I guess I'll just have to motor down there and to "Manny, Moe and Jacks" in my PTGT and take a look after the wrench session Saturday.

Curtis, you still up for meeting somewhere to ride over to Greg's place Saturday?  How about in Front of Sammy Walker's BBQ near Dalrock and 66 (across the street from the Valvoline oil change place) at about 0900?  If you have a different idea, I'm totally open to it.  


Gracias,
Cary

[Curtis_Valk]

0900 at Sammy Walkers it is!  You are very accomodating as I only have to go about 3 blocks to get there, lol!

Speaking of Sammy Walkers, do you ever go to "cruise night" on thursdays?

Curtis

[PickerMOOT]

No, I haven't made it to Cruise nights because up until recently all I had to "cruise" was my PT Cruiser GT.   I guess I will have to make an effort to get there sometime soon.

Thanks,
Cary

[Curtis_Valk]

Actually, it is custom cars not motorcycles but I sometimes ride over there to look at all the neat cars.

Curtis

PS TO ALL:  Disregard the post above where the meeting was arranged at Sammy Walkers.  It looks like I'll be meeting Cary at his house (if someone still wants to meet at SW BBQ let me know and I can swing by there on the way to Cary's).

[RichP]

[/url]http://www.afabonline.com/table_lift_plans.htm[url]

I built one these as well as the smaller under bike lift.  This table lift is awesome.  Just finished working on my V45 on it.  A pleasure to be able to walk around the bike at any heighth.  Not only supports bike but gives you a work surface as well.  

Nearest thing I can compare it to is if you've ever had the pleasure of the use of a car/truck lift you'll never want to lie on your back under a vehicle again.

[Curtis_Valk]

Cool.........one of these days I've got to get a welder!

Also, welcome to the forum!

Curtis