Bike hoist?

Triple · 01-31-2011, 03:40 PM

How do you lift / suspend your bike(s)?

When you're removing forks or swingarms, most stands aren't an option for sportbikes. I've seen some flat-bottomed stands that work for cruisers and dirtbikes, but sportbikes don't have frame rails below their engines for support.

I've suspended bikes from the rafters of my carport using chains and heavy-duty ratchet straps, which, in hindsight, I realize was pretty stupid. I put the bike up on front/rear stands, weaved the straps through the frame, ratcheted them tight, locked them in place, and removed the stands. I had a bike hanging that way for months.

I'm building a workshop in the empty addition on the back of my cabin, which used to be a living area. I'd mount an electric or turn-crank hoist to the second-story floor joists (ceiling) above, but I don't trust the integrity of the house to support the weight. I could also wheel an automotive engine hoist into the space, but that would be ungainly compared to a simpler mechanism overhead.

CasterTroy · 01-31-2011, 03:49 PM

I've used an 8ft ladder before. Opened it over the tank and then used straps from the triple suspended by a bar I ran from the step side to the opposing side

Particle Man · 01-31-2011, 03:52 PM

I usually suspend the bike from the rafters as well

Triple · 01-31-2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Particle Man

I usually suspend the bike from the rafters as well.

I trust the rafters in my carport. I should not have hung the bike with ratchet straps, however.

Particle Man · 01-31-2011, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple

I trust the rafters in my carport. I should not have hung the bike with ratchet straps, however.

Yeah, that can get a bit dicey

I use chains.

Rangerscott · 01-31-2011, 04:00 PM

I used my cherry picker and a rachete strap on each side of the frame.

derf · 01-31-2011, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

I used my cherry picker and a rachete strap on each side of the frame.

Like this?

derf · 01-31-2011, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple

I trust the rafters in my carport. I should not have hung the bike with ratchet straps, however.

Why not ratchet straps? As long as they are strong enough to hold the weight they should be fine

askmrjesus · 01-31-2011, 06:35 PM

Who needs rafters?

Buncha pussies.

JC

Rangerscott · 01-31-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derf

Like this?

Nah Dawg. Just the front end. Since my rads on are the sides there is a bracket welded to my frame on each side as holding points for my rads. I just put a hook there, then the other hook goes through the hook on the cherry picker then to the bracket on the other side.

Of course I have a center stand to stabilize the rear. I'd put your rear on a choke. If you suspend it like the gsxr, then it's just going to move around on you when trying to take parts on/off and loosen/tighten bolts. Plus his front tire is too close to the picker.

01-31-2011, 03:40 PM	#1
Triple uncomfortably numb Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: JOH-JAH! Moto: WR250R & Bonneville Posts: 409	Bike hoist? How do you lift / suspend your bike(s)? When you're removing forks or swingarms, most stands aren't an option for sportbikes. I've seen some flat-bottomed stands that work for cruisers and dirtbikes, but sportbikes don't have frame rails below their engines for support. I've suspended bikes from the rafters of my carport using chains and heavy-duty ratchet straps, which, in hindsight, I realize was pretty stupid. I put the bike up on front/rear stands, weaved the straps through the frame, ratcheted them tight, locked them in place, and removed the stands. I had a bike hanging that way for months. I'm building a workshop in the empty addition on the back of my cabin, which used to be a living area. I'd mount an electric or turn-crank hoist to the second-story floor joists (ceiling) above, but I don't trust the integrity of the house to support the weight. I could also wheel an automotive engine hoist into the space, but that would be ungainly compared to a simpler mechanism overhead.

01-31-2011, 03:49 PM	#2
CasterTroy ................ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NC Posts: 3,028	I've used an 8ft ladder before. Opened it over the tank and then used straps from the triple suspended by a bar I ran from the step side to the opposing side __________________ “Being tolerant does not mean that I share another one’s belief. But it does mean that I acknowledge another one’s right to believe, and obey, his own conscience.” Viktor Frankl

01-31-2011, 03:52 PM	#3
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	I usually suspend the bike from the rafters as well __________________ I'm not "fat." I'm "Enlarged to show texture." Handle every stressful situation like a DOG: If you can't eat it or hump it, pi$$ on it & walk away.

01-31-2011, 04:00 PM	#6
Rangerscott Viff6N Mutated Warrior Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Moto: '01 Honda VFR 800 & '09 ER-6N Posts: 8,704	I used my cherry picker and a rachete strap on each side of the frame.