Most pictures in threads related to lifts have bikes tied from the bottom frame of lifts. Wonder what happen if hydraulic malfunction? Would not it be more secure to tie bike to the platform right underneath the bike? So even after suddenly drop, bike probably still stand right up? How you tie your bike on lift? Thanks

 

Lifts have stop arms. If the cylinder leaks off it doesn't drop. Most have several notches that you can lock in at different heights. I have one of those and I like it alot but it doesn't work well under Sportsters. This one is a cheapy and locks in at only one position. It's just a rod that slides through the arm & rests against the jack base...and I rarely tie them down.

 

so what lift is this in the pics? is it the yellow craftsman?

 

mreed is right, most lifts have stops to prevent the lift from slipping back down. I like to block or scissor jack the wheels also when the bike is on the lift.



It seems to make the bike more stable to work on. You can tie it down in different locations depending on what or if you are working on.



I've strapped over the engine, the frame under the engine and over the frame under the gas tank.





Using the frame under the engine seems the least stable to me, the bike seems "top heavy". I prefer to tie it down higher up on the bike.

 

Holy crap pa22, wanna race!?

It's the aluminum one from Harbor Freight. I made adapters that bolt on to the jack for Sportsters to clear the low hanging pipes. I don't like the Craftsman jack. I have the yellow one from Harbor Freight as well.



I also have a Greg Smith flat jack that works great on the big ride on lift and pretty good on the floor.

 

Looped around the lower tree, jack lock-out always engaged (my 9 year old red Craftsman leaks down). A strap under the motor but over the frame has worked well for me - at least it gives me peace of mind. I use ratchet straps. I gave away my cam-buckle straps after one came loose, causing a near disaster.

 

Thanks for experience and knowledge sharing.

 

My girlfriend's Nightster is too low for my jack and it doesn't line up correctly. Too many things in the way on the bottom of the bike. I used my floor jack ONCE and had my GF hold the bike. I completed the work as quickly as possible, which was changing rear shocks.

 

I usually loop the ratchet straps over my handle bars and one sometimes over the seat. Dropped the bike off the jack one time. Oh I was all kinds of pissed off. had it all the way up and let go to get a strap. Then it tipped over the other way. Bent the handle bars, smashed a rear turn light and dented the original tank.

 

"Holy crap pa22, wanna race!?"

Race? Is that when you can make lots of noise and go fast?
I like that kinda stuff, sometimes.