Hello. I need your advice. I have a 1,500 lb. motorcycle lift for my 2008 HD Heritage Softail. I want to have it secured while it is on the lift. I have researched these forums and found there are a number of ways people tie down their bikes. Does anyone have a generally approved method, with actual photos of tying down a Heritage or similar bike to a motorcyle lift? Thanks.

 

I tie around right above the point where the fender meets the forks.

 

First question, to clarify, do you mean "lift" or "jack?" There is a difference...

 

I just hang the strap over the neck area between the tank and the triple tree.

 

I just used the engine guard on this job cause I was doing a bar job. If the bars are available I'd use them. My FLH's have the tie down brackets. I also have the added security of a wheel chock mounted on the lift.

 

Iceman24, this one is called a "lift." I just bought it on EBay for $82.00 It has two bars with rubber pads that go across the bottom of the motorcycle frame and is pumped up by pushing down on a lever with your foot. So far, everything I have seen on You Tube where motorcycles are tied down on trailers, which may be someone similar as on a lift, is to tie down from the area between the forks and where the front fender is attached. The second most popular area is where the crash guards area attached to the top of the frame. The handle bars are rarely used because according to some, they can bend.

 

I have been using jacks for over 20 yrs.Currently have a red Craftsman.I have never used a tie down.I put my bikes up after each ride for cleaning and leave them up. NEVER a problem.I could never see any way that a tie down would do anything if it actually tipped.

 

Sounds like you have a jack. There’s 4 loops, 2 each side, get 2 ratchet straps and just go over the seat. Jack it up until it locks, tighten the straps, lower the jack so the lock mechanism catches then cynch the straps tight. This is really only necessary if you’re wrenching hard or moving the bike around while on the jack.

 

If lifted correctly the bike should be fine on the lift without being strapped down.
However I always strap it down using 4 straps.

I figure the 5 minutes it takes to strap the bike down is well worth the peace of mind that it provides me even if it's not needed.

Also, note that the shocks on a Heritage sits slightly below the frame so when you lift it if you don't use some spacers you will be putting pressure on the shocks.
HD sells two spacer bars but I just use 4 pieces of 3/4" heater hose split down the middle.

I put them on the frame and never take them off and they seem to stay on.
The 1/4" of rubber is just enough to keep the pressure off the shocks.

Just use common sense and you'll be fine.





IMG 1504

 

One last question: Is there a reason why the lift seems to be inserted under the motorcycle from the right side of the motorcycle? (right side as you are sitting on the bike). Is it so that it does not interfere with the side stand, or because when the bike is fully lowered, it should be leaned to the left, and onto the side stand? Or is there another reason? Thanks for your responses.