Lifting the front end

[Oodoom]

Hi all

Im planning a full overhaul of the front wheel in the next month or so - new bearings, new discs and pads, caliper clean-up, etc - so I will need to remove the front wheel.

I'm lucky enough to have an engine hoist on the ceiling of my workshop, so am thinking I might use that rather than a jack under the exhaust manifold. Im wondering if anyone has done this, and if so, which bit of the bike did you hang the front end from? I dont have crash bars or crash bungs fitted, but theres not much else to choose from. Most of the bikes weight will be on the centre stand I guess, so would the bars cope with holding the weight of the front end if I ran lifting straps from grips to hoist? All advice gratefully received!

TIA

Adam

[Coconut]

Personally I wouldn't use the handlebars as they are rubber mounted,
even though, as you say, most of the weight is on the center stand,
there's no point risking damage unecessarily !

Some Members use a Jack underneath the Exhaust -
but I wouldn't recommend that either - have you seen how much they cost !      

As an alternative to supporting the front, consider adding weight to the rear,
like maybe a sack of potatoes or something else suitably heavy
on top of the Rear Seat or Rear Rack / Sliding Carriage.

Cheers 

[trophied]

If mine is any indication it would take a REALLY BIG sack of potatoes.  Even with the luggage loaded and the top case on it I have to add everything I can find that will fit in the case and on the seat to get the front wheel off the ground.  I only keep the top case for the rare occasions I need the front wheel off the ground, I never ride anywhere with it in place. 

[Coconut]

Fair point.....

.... or if you have one of those Security Ground anchors,
you could strap the rear end down to the ground ?

[GarminDave]

I use a Paddock Stand for peace of mind.  They were about £30 I think

[Oodoom]

Originally Posted by GarminDave

I use a Paddock Stand for peace of mind.  They were about £30 I think

Hi Dave

Do you lift the bike with the paddock stand using the headtube? If so, how do you get access to the bottom of the headtube?

Thanks

Adam

[GarminDave]

No it pushes up against the suspension.

[HACKLE]

  I appreciate Coconut's comment re the lifting the front via the exhaust method, and cost of replacing said exhaust. But every time my bike gets washed or has the front wheel removed for tyre replacement or work done in a workshop, that is how the Trophy is lifted. Hasn't caused any problems so far. That being said, Murphy's Law will probably rear it's ugly head now and bite me on the bum.