Need help figuring out how to balance a 2001 sportster on a atv/motorcycle floor jack.

I slid a 2x4 on top of the jack right under the cross beams of the motorcycle frame to give it more clearance. The bracket for the kickstand is in the way.

Right now there is no seat no battery no oil tank and no gas tank on the bike. There is also no wires as well. I am doing frame mods. This is my first project hence such a newbie question.

As i I lift the bike up seemingly evenly on the jack it keeps tilting to the left hand side and Leaning to the point it will fall to the left. Is this because of the transmission side being heavier ?

A simple solition could be to ratchet strap the bike in to the jack on the right side as it pulls to the left getting it level.

But is that a solution ? Has anyone had this problem with specifically a 2001 sportster as the frame is different than newer models. Any tricks and tips are much appreciated. Thanks.

 

My 1997 883 should have the same frame and kick stand as your 2001. I have my bike up on a cheap Harbor Freight motorcycle jack. I have the jack positioned as about as far forward as you can get avoiding the frame crossmembers and the kick stand. I used some wood under the wheels to stabilize the bike until I could secure the bike with a couple of ratchet straps. I store my FLHTC-I all winter on this jack and once I secure the bike with the ratchet straps, I can wheel it all over the garage. G.B.

 

Mine is a Sportster 883 The bike is unstable because the chassis rails underneath are narrow, so grab your drill and a 3mm twist drill (bit) and drill a hole near the top of the cross bracket in the centre, next take a 9" piece of 1" square box metal, and drill your 3mm hole in the centre and close to the edge without breaking through, Then i had to cut an angle on one end to miss the exhaust pipes, you can then offer it in to the cross bracket and slide a small screw driver into the hole, oh make sure you drill through both sides of the bracket, then place a piece of 2x1 timber 6" long, on the back of your jack slide your jack under so that the front jack leg picks up on the metal hold the bike upright and jack away mine is solid when jacked up no need for strapping it down, and if your jack goes down over night just slide a 4x2 piece of timber across the jack body this stops the jiffy stand from touching the ground

drill hole through both chassis bracket sides

the angle is to clear the exhaust

This stops the jack going all the way down

piece of timber to keep the bike level

1" box section with angle to miss the exhaust

box and screw driver in place ready for the jack

 

I use hockey pucks on my jack to keep things level when jacking my Sportster. I also strap it down because the frame is so narrow. I would never drill holes in the frame as it weakens the structure.

 

I have a stand like this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycl...75.c100623.m-1
that the frame cross members sit on and the bike is very stable. No wood required. When using the constand jack it goes under the bike until just before touching the jiffy stand mount on the frame.

I also have a jack like Gone Blue and again the bike can be lifted without the need for any wood. I sure won't be drilling any holes in the cross members as there is no need.

 

My chassis under the engine is only 4" or so wide and the bike was very unstable on the stand, my brother in law has a Heritage Classic with sits on the stand just perfect his chassis is maybe 8" wide even 9" this makes a world of difference in stability on the stand, he doesn't even strap his down, when you look at where I drilled the 3mm hole this is not a stressed or load bearing part of the chassis

 

Well the frame on my sportster must be the same. With the constand only those small cross members are on the jack. I have purposely rocked my bike but it feels pretty stable to me.

If I use the hydraulic jack it will be on the actual frame that is wider still.

Your bike your prerogative for how you want to work on it. It would seem the rest of us are not going to grab our drills anytime soon.