Jack for VN900

[BikerEm]

What's the collective wisdom on ways to jack up the VN900? I want to do it for wheel cleaning, tinkering around and checking belt alignment.

The steel and aluminum ATV/Motorcycle jacks that Sears and Harbor Freight sell look the same to me on the Web but I've read some not very positive reviews. The OTC 1545 Motorcycle Lift looks stronger although I believe that I'd need to fabricate a cradle as the engine on the VN900 protrudes below the frame. DSE/CycleLifts offer the SuperJack but that's way too expensive.

What's really caught my attention is the DSE/CycleLifts CenterStand, see:
http://www.cyclelifts.com/CycleLifts...csonlyhome.htm
Simple, easy to store and resonably priced. Does anyone have any experience with this or other comments?

I'd also want to use whatever I buy on a Honda Aero 750 ,which also has part of the engine protruding below the frame, only less so than on the VN900.

[Flboy]

Good post... I need to know the same thing. That DSE Cycle lift looks interesting... almost too simple.

[Thunder Lizard]

I'm with you on that, but I think that because it's simple, it's likely to work well.
Great idea and definitely something I've been wondering about.

[BikerBeagle]

Wow, that center stand thing is just what I've been looking for. I don't have a garage to store a big monstrosity of a bike jack, but that thing looks small and portable ...

[BikerEm]

I'll ask on the Honda Shadow forum if anyone has used the DSE/CycleLifts CenterStand and report back any findings. I found out about it after reading:
Motorcycle Lifts, Motorcycle Stands, Motorcycle Wheel Chocks - webBikeWorld and decided the DSE offering was the most promising (for me) solution.

[stevebtx12]

That DSE centerstand does look really useful. Good find!

[Matt7even]

I got a cheap Torin motorycle stand/lift/dolly at Pep boys for like $50-$60 and it's not purfect but i'ts done a good job so far. It's true that since the engine sits slightly below the frame its not "perfectly level" but uless you are really jerking the bike around it stays pretty sturdy. I use it all the time.

[jdpenn]

I recommend Sherm's Porklift. I've been using it with my 900. Fits in your saddlebag.

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...-cruisers.html

or search these forums for porklift.

[Detroitblues]

I have the Sears Cycle lift. Does anybody know how to modify it to work with my 900? It just barely fit under my 750 Shadow but it doesn't work with the 900 cause it's lower.

[Alf]

Does anyone have the Kawi. one shown in the service manual under special tools????

[BikerEm]

I don't have a service manual but can't find it on the Web. Does anyone have a URL or click path for this?

[PainlessWolf]

Larin Jacks Products Available at MotorcycleJacks.com You can buy the universal adapter separate which should also fit other types of jacks. That'll take care of the motor, single shock mount, etc...hanging down below the frame rails.
Painless Black Wolf
...Here for the Dawn...

[sherm]

To find Porklift info go to stands.html and click on Porklift.

Sherm

[sphill1]

I also have the $50 dollar jack from pep boys. I had to replace(make longer) the bike pads on it with longer ones I made so they would reach from 1 side of the frame to the other. The jack (1 pad) now touch the frame(both sides of frame)on 1 end and jack on the engine with the other pad.

[BikerEm]

I happened to be in my local bike store today and happened to see a DSE/CycleLifts CenterStand. It looked to me be a nicely manufactured product. Using my foot as a rough measure I estimate a height of ~ 8" when erected. I'd had more height in mind so may carry on lying on the floor but might spring for it.

[BikerEm]

sherm said

To find Porklift info go to stands.html and click on Porklift.

That looks a real neat device for traveling

[bamavulcandave]

Originally Posted by Detroitblues

I have the Sears Cycle lift. Does anybody know hoe to modify it to work with my 900? It just barely fit under my 750 Shadow but it doesn't work with the 900 cause it's lower.

I have the Sears brand also and have only used it twice but I get my son to hold the bike straight up and roll it under while I am on the left-side on the garage floor locating the best point to jack.

[vulcan_mojo_man]

Originally Posted by BikerEm

What's the collective wisdom on ways to jack up the VN900? I want to do it for wheel cleaning, tinkering around and checking belt alignment.

The steel and aluminum ATV/Motorcycle jacks that Sears and Harbor Freight sell look the same to me on the Web but I've read some not very positive reviews. The OTC 1545 Motorcycle Lift looks stronger although I believe that I'd need to fabricate a cradle as the engine on the VN900 protrudes below the frame. DSE/CycleLifts offer the SuperJack but that's way too expensive.

What's really caught my attention is the DSE/CycleLifts CenterStand, see:
CenterStand motorcycle lifts and detail stands for Harley-Davidson and Cruisers
Simple, easy to store and resonably priced. Does anyone have any experience with this or other comments?

I'd also want to use whatever I buy on a Honda Aero 750 ,which also has part of the engine protruding below the frame, only less so than on the VN900.

Yes.
I purchased the Cycle Lift in May for both my 900 LT and Harley Softail.
Although it's more expensive than a MC jack, you can have the rear or front wheel off the ground in five seconds with this thing. I use it for wheel cleaning regularly and can recommend it to anyone who wants to get the bike up off the ground for any reason.

[RoyH]

I made a cap for the Sears lift out of 3/8 plywood and 1x4 poplar. The poplar runs parallel with each side of the frame allowing the oil pan to hang in the cavity below. I do have to pull the bike verticle before sliding the lift under it - but I have not had any problem doing it myself. The lift has been very stable for me - easily lifting both tire off the ground.

In fact I changed the front pulley last night to the scootworks overdrive pulley. With the bike up in the air I started the engine and spun the rear tire to double check the belt alignment. Everything was nice and stable. I do strap the VN900 to the lift when I jack it up.

[RDap98]

Originally Posted by RoyH

I made a cap for the Sears lift out of 3/8 plywood and 1x4 poplar. The poplar runs parallel with each side of the frame allowing the oil pan to hang in the cavity below. I do have to pull the bike verticle before sliding the lift under it - but I have not had any problem doing it myself. The lift has been very stable for me - easily lifting both tire off the ground.

In fact I changed the front pulley last night to the scootworks overdrive pulley. With the bike up in the air I started the engine and spun the rear tire to double check the belt alignment. Everything was nice and stable. I do strap the VN900 to the lift when I jack it up.

Hey Roy H,

What about a picture...