Jacking against oil pan?

Since it's about raising the chassis, I posted here

The spiffy new lift I got has two rubber-covered arms that are intended to slide under the bike from the side, and lift it by the lower frame rails. Sounds great, but on the 79 twin, the oil pan is lower than the frame rails.

Am I screwed, or is it safe to lift this puppy pushing on the bottom of the engine like that?

The problem is that the twin will fall over when you try jacking it up on the pan.
I stick a 2x4 under the lower frame rail and jack on that.

I have yet to find a good use for one of those motorcycle jacks

When jacking it up use a racheting strap under the seat on top of the frame.That will keep it from falling over.

We must have bought the same bike jack... mine was on sale from Canadian Tire. I had to make a plywood adapter to fit the irregular contours of the bottom of my bike (especially the oil plug) to get it to do its job. Oh, and you'd be wise to consider that strap. Don't ask me how I found out.

Best of success.

Bill - I got mine from a friend, for fairly cheap - looks like this:

Jack thread

I already took the pipes off, since I need to clean them up & perhaps paint them. Found it was blowing by around the exhaust gasket! The strap(s) is/are a definite! I really don't want to be wrenching & banging on 500lbs of bike that is just perched on anything!!

Need to acquire a 2x4.....

Hey Steve,

I figured out how to make one of those jacks pay off.





I know, you've seen it before. I jes couldn't resist.
Kzcsi

Post edited by: KZCSI, at: 2007/01/09 23:13

Post edited by: steell, at: 2007/01/09 23:51

Yeah, I am gathering parts to make a bike lift table, but I don't think that one goes high enough.

I got a hydraulic foot pump with reservoir for free, got most of the needed metal, and now I'm just waiting for the right hydraulic cylinder to come along

Plus the ever lacking time and space