Supporting the bike when removing the forks

[djsb 493]

I have a centre stand and I need to remove the front forks one at a time in order to fit my Matris F15K kit. Just wondering what would be the most secure method of
supporting the bike whilst doing this. Is anyone able to measure the distance from the sump to the ground for me? Iv'e considered a small scissor type jack with a minimum height of 100mm and maximum height of 340mm but I dont know if it will fit. A bottle jack and a piece of wood may be too unstable as I'm doing the work outside in a car park. Not sure what else I could use. Does anyone have any other ideas? Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS. My original idea was to tie down the rear of the bike using nylon rope to my other bike (from it's swinging arm to the pillion handles on the NC). However I'd like to add something under the engine just in case.

Edited August 7, 2015 by djsb

[Tex 36,817]

A jack under the sump will be fine (use a piece of wood to protect the alloy). I've done it that way dozens of times on loads of bikes and never had a problem. Just be a little careful while working and don't take silly risks or get too violent with your work.

[trisaki 2,029]

Undo the tight bolts first leaving them just tighter then finger tight before jacking it up

[fred_jb 10,271]

I put a bag of sand in the top box.  There is not far off a 50:50 weight balance when on the centre stand so it doesn't take too much extra weight at the back to take the front wheel off the ground.   You can then put something under the sump just in case.

 

Fred

[noj 365]

Fred, I did that very same thing when working on the D/V  I had.

[embee 7,288]

Same here, bag of sand in the topbox and wooden blocks under the sump, belt and braces. You really really don't want it falling forwards off the stand, it'll spoil your day ................ a lot.

[Guest mikmcd]

I've always used the jack under the sump method when removing the front wheel, but always feel a bit insecure. I tend to get the work done ASAP and get it back together. Certainly if you're working outside in a carpark I'd try not to leave it like that too long. 

[Tex 36,817]

Undo the tight bolts first leaving them just tighter then finger tight before jacking it up

 

Excellent advice!

 

On the race bikes we use paddock stands front and rear and can remove the forks easily enough. But the front one fits in the steering stem and if we have to remove the yokes we have no alternative to put a jack jack under the engine. And work carefully.

 

[bazza 3,629]

I put a bag of sand in the top box.  There is not far off a 50:50 weight balance when on the centre stand so it doesn't take too much extra weight at the back to take the front wheel off the ground.   You can then put something under the sump just in case.

 

Fred

You must be on the beach then?  Not long before i clear off now!!  Whats Spanish for " bonjour madame voules vous couchez avec moi sur soir?"

[Ralph 67]

Plus one from me for jack under sump. I fitted gaiters to mine on Monday using that method

[fred_jb 10,271]

You must be on the beach then?  Not long before i clear off now!!  Whats Spanish for " bonjour madame voules vous couchez avec moi sur soir?"

Hi Bazza,

 

I can get by in French, but have no clue with Spanish which I find a bit disconcerting.   My good lady speaks fluent French, so also finds herself in the unfamiliar position of not being able to communicate.  Hope your missus doesn't understand French or you will be couchez ing with the dog tonight!

 

Fred

 

PS:  the beach is only about 200 metres away and water is just on the cool side of lukewarm - lovely!

Edited August 8, 2015 by fred_jb

[kharli 100]

if you jack it up and also put wood under the side stand you can get it as high as you like and secure with no centre stand