HF Jack for 83 Venture

SpencerPJ · September 29, 2015

So I've read many posts on jacking up these beasts, seems to be many opinions. I'm looking to buy the Harbor Freight model 61632 http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-capacity-atvmotorcycle-lift-61632.html

My question is: Is it safe (for the bike) to jack up directly on the exhaust, or should I make some wood block modifications to contact frame?

I need to take rear wheel off and grease stuff, and I'd like to have it to assist moving into corner in winter, but not going to use but a few times a year, tops.

Thanks

cowpuc · September 29, 2015

Indeed, you will probably get all kinds of response to this Spence and most folks are gonna say = that Puc, he is crazy but - I wouldnt hesitate one minute on purchasing that jack, slipping her under my 83 and jacking it up.. I am gonna try to attach a pic here showing exactly that..

Been doing it for years, have never had an issue with crushing pipes, pipes loosening at the head or elsewhere.. On the same token though - I do a little trail riding on my scoots when the need arises and most of the undersides of them are not exactly dent free anyway - few goobs of welds and weeds hanging down and all that..

I have tried many different approaches to what your talking about and have found right on the pipe aronies to be the solidest lift points..

Another point though, I think the square tubing on the lift in the pic is about 2 inches in width.. Depending on on the width of the lift arms on that jack your looking at, gotta be careful with narrow lift arms - I think the potential for crushing pipes would go up if your lifting with 1inch width arms... Maybe cut a couple two by fours to lay on the arms must to spread the weight wider on the pipes...

The lift in pic is a harbor frieght lift, I lifted my 83's many many times on it from the pipes - works great..