Craftsman Bike Lift / Sportster 1200C ??? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

skips69 · 03-03-2004, 12:07 PM

Changing the oil for the first time on my 99' Sportster 1200 C (bought it used last fall/late summer). Anyway, I can't get the lift underneath the bike. The kick stand is in the way on the LH side, and the lower muffler is in the way on the RH side (the Muffler's are HD baloney cut slip on's if it matters). The muffler sits lower than the frame, so I don't want to be ligting underneath it. The bike has not been lowered either. The only thing I can think of to make this lift work is to take off the lower muffler. Is there something else I'm missing?

defibvt · 03-03-2004, 12:16 PM

You need to make this.

http://www.afabonline.com/SportsterAdapter.htm

skips69 · 03-03-2004, 12:37 PM

The only thing that would bother me about that idea is using wood. I'd be leary of drilling out the center of the blocks (with a 5/16" drill), and mounting them through the lifting pads. I can just visualize that wood splintering with my 500 lb bike in the air, even with drilling first to prevent this from happening. It's a great idea though, maybe instead using some solid metal blocks or 3" or 4" square tubing and milling them out for the "Vee" as you've described would make them a little more secure, and safe. (Sounds like a government job for me at work this week) The other issue I'd still have is trying to get the lift underneath the bike with the added heighth of the new blocks. It won't go underneath now, without adding any height. I see me having to ride up on some home made ramps or something as it is to get the lift underneath the frame (then still deal with the kickstand or muffler). Your idea of adding blocks would get me the clearance needed around these two items of course, but how to get the bike back down without using some sort of ramps........This has to be a 1 man job, or I'd be just as well purchasing a lift that has to be ridden up on that provides a way for the front tire to clamp in place. That doesn't appeal to the pocketbook right now.......

I definately appreciate the feedback, and if nothing else you've given me an idea to run with and I am grateful for it.

skips69 · 03-03-2004, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by defibvt

You need to make this.

http://www.afabonline.com/SportsterAdapter.htm

Hey Defibvt, I have since checked out the ENTIRE website of the link that you provided earlier, and saw a different picture of a lift with the blocks added for Sportster's. In this photo, the blocks are laying down long ways, and this makes much more sense to me. This is the route I'll be going now, and I want to thank you for the info. This is the way to go - should be plenty secure and safe - and all with the use of wood.

Thanks again!

collinsb · 03-03-2004, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skips69

Changing the oil for the first time on my 99' Sportster 1200 C (bought it used last fall/late summer). Anyway, I can't get the lift underneath the bike. The kick stand is in the way on the LH side, and the lower muffler is in the way on the RH side (the Muffler's are HD baloney cut slip on's if it matters). The muffler sits lower than the frame, so I don't want to be ligting underneath it. The bike has not been lowered either. The only thing I can think of to make this lift work is to take off the lower muffler. Is there something else I'm missing?

Skips69,
I posted a possible solution to your "Lift problem when I saw this thread in the "General Discussion" area. Go there and take a look!

skips69 · 03-03-2004, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by collinsb

Skips69,
I posted a possible solution to your "Lift problem when I saw this thread in the "General Discussion" area. Go there and take a look!

I've been following both and appreciate the input from everyone. I think I'm on to something to correct my problems, and good ideas came from both forum's.

Thanks to all!

defibvt · 03-03-2004, 05:08 PM

I have no idea why that picture is with those directions. It is obviously the wrong pic for the instructions. I put the blocks of wood on my lift like the directions say and it works absolutely great. My bike has been up there since October and hasn't budged.

skips69 · 03-04-2004, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by defibvt

I have no idea why that picture is with those directions. It is obviously the wrong pic for the instructions. I put the blocks of wood on my lift like the directions say and it works absolutely great. My bike has been up there since October and hasn't budged.

That's what initially threw me. I had the drawing pretty much understood, then saw the photo below it. That (if it is wood) does not look too safe. But, once I saw the other photo somewhere else on the site, it all clicked. And, I see no problems with the idea of using wood once I saw the other photo.

Thanks again

Wilcox · 03-05-2004, 09:49 PM

EASY FIX-I have the same lift and had the same problem. I put 4 hockey pucks on the lift arms right under the contact points on the frame. I have pulled the front end, changed oil, pulled carb etc. like this and have never had a problem. CHEAP and EASY!!

DHShark · 03-06-2004, 06:22 AM

Skips69,

I made the Sportsteradapter and attached it to my Craftsman lift. I have a Hugger and was having a heck of a time getting the lift under the bike with the adapter on the lift. To solve the problem, I rolled the bike on a pair of 2X12 which raised the bike around 2" off of the ground and the lift slid right under the bike.

Dennis

defibvt · 03-06-2004, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DHShark

Skips69,

I made the Sportsteradapter and attached it to my Craftsman lift. I have a Hugger and was having a heck of a time getting the lift under the bike with the adapter on the lift. To solve the problem, I rolled the bike on a pair of 2X12 which raised the bike around 2" off of the ground and the lift slid right under the bike.

Dennis

I forgot to tell Skips. I roll my 883 custom on to 1x4's then slide the lift under. I usually slide in under the from the exaust side. That seems to work best for me.