Lifting a bike to change wheels

[Electric Head]

I was reading an old thread on changing rear tyre on a Fatboy without undoing the tensioners and have some of my own questions on what I want to do in the future.

How hard is it to get the axle out and back in if you don't release tension on the belt?

Also I have read on here to undo tensioners say 10 turns, nip up the lock nut then when you put it back together just go back in 10 turns. Mark one flat on the tensioner bolts first too to make it easy. Sounds like the best way to go for me.

Also when changing tyres on a bike lift that lifts from the most forward point of the frame under the engine to halfway along the gearbox, (just in front of softail rear shock mounts) which is the best way to keep balance if I want to take both wheels off? Rear first, then front?

I would also likely be changing rear shocks (Fatboy) and front springs, fork fluid, brake fluid, brake pads, hand controls, removing tank to put braided cables on, and hide my bar wiring, if any of that makes a difference or requires any other hints.

I'll try to take as much off before getting it on the lift.

Will I be able to (once front springs and oil and rear shocks are out) compress the forks and swingarm and drop the lift to the ground? I'd rather it be as close to ground while I go get the tyres changed and balanced.

Any hints and tips on lifting the bike to get the wheels off would be much appreciated.

[hardluk1]

You can make a wire tool used to set the distance back to where the wheel goes, ain't a big deal or before you loosen the axle nut back off the adjusters 1 turn with a ratchet then loosen the axle .
If you have some wood blocks to us to take up the slack when pulling the wheels with your bike jack that would help (catch) the bike if you miss the center. Is just some thing you have to get comfortable with . Then you'll probly never use them again.
iIdid my front springs and both tires at the same time when i bought my fxr. Not sure about ST spring ,never had one but do fxd,fxr and flh modlels by moveing the lift up and down till things line up.

[20538]

A wire tool is a good recommendation to use to measure the distance on both sides of the wheel.

To hold the bike up you can put hooks to the rafters of the garage and attach tie downs to the bike so it doesn't fall front or back when taking the wheels off.

[kemo]

when you jack the bike, loosen the axle nut then you pull axle out. The wheel is lowered and then just slip the belt over and off the pully. When you install the wheel just slip the belt back onto pully and lift the assembly back into place. I use a dummy axle and mount thhe spacers on the dummy axle and installeverything as a single unit. A lot easier then trying to get the spacers in after the wheel is up. There is no need to loosen the adjusters.

[Electric Head]

Originally Posted by brownjams

A wire tool is a good recommendation to use to measure the distance on both sides of the wheel.

To hold the bike up you can put hooks to the rafters of the garage and attach tie downs to the bike so it doesn't fall front or back when taking the wheels off.

I was thinking of getting straps to hold it up to the steel beam we have in the garage as a secondary precaution. Thanks for the tips!

[Electric Head]

Originally Posted by kenmol

when you jack the bike, loosen the axle nut then you pull axle out. The wheel is lowered and then just slip the belt over and off the pully. When you install the wheel just slip the belt back onto pully and lift the assembly back into place. I use a dummy axle and mount thhe spacers on the dummy axle and installeverything as a single unit. A lot easier then trying to get the spacers in after the wheel is up. There is no need to loosen the adjusters.

Lifting the bike would make the belt slightly looser wouldn't it? That clears up the idea for me.

Thanks all for the tips!

[Electric Head]

Originally Posted by hardluk1

You can make a wire tool used to set the distance back to where the wheel goes, ain't a big deal or before you loosen the axle nut back off the adjusters 1 turn with a ratchet then loosen the axle .
If you have some wood blocks to us to take up the slack when pulling the wheels with your bike jack that would help (catch) the bike if you miss the center. Is just some thing you have to get comfortable with . Then you'll probly never use them again.
iIdid my front springs and both tires at the same time when i bought my fxr. Not sure about ST spring ,never had one but do fxd,fxr and flh modlels by moveing the lift up and down till things line up.

Ahh good idea, I'll block up the front, do the rear then unbolt the front.