Triumphrat

poffypoffa · 11-05-2006, 02:28 PM

I need to be able to keep my Bonneville steady while performing basic wrenching--swapping the exhaust, rejetting the carbs, and anything else fun that comes up. What should I be looking for in a stand? A wheel stand, a paddock stand? A full bike lift of some sort (don't really have space for a table). Or can I just leave it on the sidestand for these basic things (seems a bit risky)?

Thanks!

OldTownRAT · 11-06-2006, 04:20 PM

I picked up one of the Craftsman-style lifts last week for my Bonneville. It's actually a pretty nice lift (ratchet straps, etc) for the $50 I paid for it at Autozone. I am now going to sell it and get a paddock or center stand as I dropped the bike last week while trying to mount it on the lift. Fortunately, the damage was minimal.

Like I said, it's a nice lift but IMO there are only a couple of spots on the bike where it is safe or logical to lift it from. The sidestand and oil filter location are a couple of limitations if you plan on reaching the drain plug and filter.

Lee · 11-07-2006, 11:27 PM

Silverado told me about a utilility stand you can make for 20 dollars and it works great with his Speedmaster. I did a variation on my R3. I also have a bike jack..but I did not want to store a R3 on it. You can find the plans usually on line for the lift. When I find it I will post it. :hammer:

Mojoinco · 11-09-2006, 01:38 AM

Somebody here has a good looking home built unit in there photo album. It mounts from the side and swings up (kind of like if you had a set of forks on a skid steer or regular skip loader instead of a bucket).

Bought a floor lift, but it is heavy (supposedly moveable -- but just) and takes up a lot floor space (mostly you can park a car over it though). There is another one out there that just got a redesign that looks a lot easier (they make a folding bike hauler as well). But both are on the pricey side.

Lee · 11-10-2006, 10:15 AM

Quote:

On 2006-11-08 23:38, Mojoinco wrote:
Somebody here has a good looking home built unit in there photo album. It mounts from the side and swings up (kind of like if you had a set of forks on a skid steer or regular skip loader instead of a bucket).

Bought a floor lift, but it is heavy (supposedly moveable -- but just) and takes up a lot floor space (mostly you can park a car over it though). There is another one out there that just got a redesign that looks a lot easier (they make a folding bike hauler as well). But both are on the pricey side.

I have the sears ATV lift...I did not want to store myR3 on it. I did a variation on the home made utility lift. I used 4x4 and a 2" pip(that I padded with pipe insulation) I did want any accidental dents or scratches. The problem with the R# is that it is a little heavy towards the back. That is why I used a plate & angle iron to tie into the engine eyelits. The jack tilts up under the plate and the front blocks slide uner. The straps hold her in place.(extra protection) It is very stable.

Mojoinco · 11-10-2006, 03:45 PM

One way (someone made a similar set up on the forums/picture folders here): http://www.webbikeworld.com/tbird/tire/
Note the wood supports. I like the swing arm and front end supports for stability and quikness. You can find them cheap (but you may get what you paid for). Also, some of the front lifts work by runing a pin into the bottom triple tree. Making most front end work save head bearing work easy.

With mods (saddle areas of your bike) this works and is cheap. could work for just one end or the other. http://www.pkriders.org/bikelift.htm

Look under 'specials'. There are two basic versions of this lift, current and the old one. You might find a used (or new dusty one at a dealer) one on ebay.

Mine. found it on ebay. Pay attention to shipping (still did ok, but took the icing off the deal). Heavy, would characterize it as 'moveable' vs 'portable'. But simply made and works.

A review of several stands. http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...-wheel-chocks/
I was really intrigued by the EZE rizer ($$$$). Someone here welded up something similar, but fitted to the bike. Looked pretty simple (it's also in the photo albums).