What is the best (safest) way of engaging a jack (see pic below) with a touring bike. Do you place the bike on the side stand and insert the jack from the right side and start lifting, with the motorcyle coming off the side stand and righting itself as you lift? Or should someone hold the bike upright while the jack is initially engaged? The former seems like it would work, but want to be sure...

Thanks

 

Bike on the side stand works fine.

 

I leave it on the jiffy stand and insert the jack from the right (high) side. Start lifting and the bike will straighten up. Make sure the jack is sticking out a little on the left (low) side before you lift.

NOw that I have the shorter SG shocks my bike sets to low to stick the jack in while on the stand. I have to stand on the right and pull it towards me a little to get the jack in.

 

With the bike on the jiffy stand I roll my jack under the bike and raise the jack a little until it contacts the frame. Then lift the bike so it is upright (just holding onto one grip from the jack side), check the jack is under both frame tubes and lift slowly. I always do it on my own, just taking things easy.

 

I generally do it by myself coming in from the right side. I then reach over and grab the right grip as I am lifting the bike. But, you need to think about what you are going to be doing. If you are working on the right side, that jack may (will probably or always) be in the way. I have a Harbor Freight jack that looks like the one that you pictured. If you are coming in from the left side, it is best to have help.

 

Great advice, All... Thankyou.

 

I find from the passanger side, i leave the bike on the stand, i hold the front brake on so the bike does not roll or move. i slide the jack under and let it stick out the other side about an inch. you have to jack it up slowly and find the spot that lifts it up even, then what i did was put a stripe on my jack and a small stripe on the lower frame rail of my bike so now i know where to lift it everytime. hope this will help

 

Excelent question I've wonder about this myself.

I've another question about jacking up a touring bike if the op dosen't mind.

Do the touring bikes require a adapter for the jack?

I remember when I was on the Dyna forum and the talk about the adapters that were required for using a jack.

TIA.

 

I have the wife straddle the front of the bike while she is wearing my favorite "Outfit" and of course after she hands me my favorite beverage....Then while she is holding it (The Bike) upright i slide it in and proceed to "pump it up"..... Don't Forget it is VERY IMPORTANT to LET HER DOWN SLOWWWWWWLY!!!!!....and of course be gentle, but that does *** with practice!!!!...Take your time...And if you do everything correct you will be one HAPPY

 

If you put a pc of wood or a smashed alum can under the jiffy stand no need to pull to the right.