[Black Classic]

Just got a new Craftsman motorcycle lift. It won't fit under the side of the bike that rests on the kickstand. Do I lift from the other (right) side? It seems like I need to put the sidestand up on a block or something to get clearance for the lift to pass under the frame. Also, does anyone have a general rule of thumb on the center of mass to place the lift on my 02 Road King Classic? Thanks!!!!

 

[JimmyK]

If ya don't know how to get the damn bike on a lift, what the hell are ya gonna do to it once ya have it in the air?

Slide under right side of bike. Use the rear engine gaurd to stand the bike upright until on the lift.

 

[VAZHOG]

Lift Should slide in from the Throttle sid of the bike, One arm of the lift rests on the flat side of the frame and the other arm should fit under the Rear flat side of yhe frame. Hold the throttle in your hand and as you lift the bike (pull) the bike level and continue to (jack) the bike up.

To lower Hold the throtle and let the jack down slow (always keep the Side stand Down) Practice lifting it a little so it won't fall as far if it does(which if placed underthe frame it should not)

I us a black Jack lift and it gets low enough to slide under while its on the sid stand. If you have to Raise your side stand to get the Jack under it (PLEASE) us caution to make sure it will return to the same spot.

 

[VAZHOG]

Mr K
He could Roll it out of the way in his Garage so he could park his car in their as well or just polish it or just take the weight of the suspension if there is snow on the ground-Many reasons other than lifting it to fix it.

 

[Black Classic]

HOLY SH#T!!!!!

Take a break you two, somebody put a cob up your a#$ today?! New bike, new lift, ridden for a grand total of 4 years and haven't had the need for a lift-using the local service dudes. I do routine maintenance, but have used the pros until now and just needed a little info. If you're a rookie in any area of servicing your bike, watch out on this thread!! Thanks for the info in your first post Vazhog.

 

[JimmyK]

LOL oh chill out, it's the weekend. I will say this though before ya thank someone for telling you to use your throttle to pull the bike level. When ya crack yer bars at the wire slots remember this thread.

USE THE REAR ENGINE GAURD.

 

[Black Classic]

Thanks for the tip. No harm, no foul. Rear engine guard it is.

 

[Doug]

I believe some Road KIngs... (not sure) have a flat plate welded (looks like it was put there as a rear point for the jack to fit into) on the bottom of the frame... Mine does and the jack should be aligned to to go into the groove of this bracket if you will. This for me balances the bike perfectly and up she goes. I'm also using the Craftsman (china made) jack. Doesn't work that easily on my Sportster however!.... Oh don't for get to put a 2x4 under the kickstand to give the bike enough upright position so the jack can slide under the bike!... Use the security straps and if you intend to roll the bike around while on the jack... use slow movements and keep a hand on the bike.. A second person for security is wise..

 

[Black Classic]

Thanks, Doug!

 

[wurkenman]

If you take a wheel of while on the jack-PLLEEEEAAAASE block the opposing wheel. They dont balance worth a sh!t otherwise.

 

[thomas_l]

I opted for the high tech solution = floor jack with a 2 X 12 on it. My King is a bit low so I roll a wheel up on a block, with the jack within reach. Hold everything level, roll the jack under with the leading edge of the board at the rear of the floorboards. Use my foot to operate the jack up high enough to hold the bike upright. Then get off and raise it on up. Position some jackstands and remove the jack. Up high enough to eliminate low reaches and enough room for a catch pan under all the plugs. If you don't want to use jackstands under the engine guards get a helper to steady things while you position the jack.

 

[Black Classic]

XXXFLHRCI, I tried the lift out today, no trouble with the cross member. I just run the rear pad right up against the rear cross member and it balances perfectly. I also have a Road King Classic (02). ? Not sure why it wouldn't work for you, but seems OK here. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[2kflhr]

I bought a Larin jack from BJ's warehouse for $80.00 (Sam's carries them too). It works great.

 

[yzf996fxdwg]

anyone fit the craftsman lift under a Roadglide?

 

[xxxflhrci]

The arms are too wide for the crossmember. Measure the crossmember and the arms for yourself before you buy. You'll see why this ain't the best lift for Touring models.

 

[2kflhr]

I position my rear arm just in front of the crossmember, it seems to be balanced best in that position. I use raise my bike (Road King) to wash and clean it then roll it into the garage and blow of the excess water and dry down.

 

[youngjw]

I bought a Larin jack from BJ's warehouse for $80.00 (Sam's carries them too). It works great.

I also bought the Larin from Sam's. About a week ago I put it under my RK Classic and lifted it just enough so that it stands up straight in the corner of the garage so that we can get past it easily. Yesterday I noticed the bike was leaning on the sidestand and the lift had gone down. I pumped it back up but now I'm concerned that I may have a defective lift. It's been rather cold here on Long Island lately and I thought maybe the temperature has something to do with it. Anyone have a similar experience?

 

[gator13]

Try putting two pieces of 3/4 plywood on the floor and roll both tires up onto them before trying to jack the bike. Don't use one single sheet you defeat the purpose. Using one piece under each wheel gives you enough clearance to get the jack all the way under the bike.

 

[Texan]

Say Youngjw,
Doesn't your lift have the safety latches? I have two lifts from Sam's and both have the 'safety' latches. I just raise the bikes up to catch the first notch. Then when you get ready to lower it you have to lift the bike up enough to clear the latch. No way the bike is going to accidently get back to the ground.......

 

[thomas_l]

Anyone have a similar experience?

No hydraulic lift is designed to lift and hold, never mind doing it for long term storage. Either engage whatever hard stops exist on your jack or use stands.

In addition to not finding your bike back on the floor (you're lucky it was vertical) you also won't need to clean up the hydraulic fluid mess under your bike where the jack gave out.