Jack or Stands

[Knuckle Dragger]

So I am looking at getting either stands or a motorcycle jack so I can work on my bike. I have never used either and was wondering how well the motorcycle jacks work on sportbikes and if they are stable? Or should I go with stands because they are good for storage? I can get a jack cheaper then stands but I want what is most stable to work on a bike and the most convient.

[Devaclis]

If you are going to be doing a lot of work, it is nice to have both. I like my Pit Bull rear stand but a Jack would be a lot easier for doing front end work and getting the bike up to a level where I can work ceomfortably.

[Knuckle Dragger]

I want to lean towards the jack but I am not sure how stable it will be I have heard mixed views ans was hoping somebody that has are still uses a jack can give me some insight.

[Mel]

I have a set of Putbull stands (spooled rear and front triple pin stand) and I have never needed anything else to work on them. They are extremely stable, can get on bike, start it, and engage gears while on the stands without it even shifting around. If you have a Honda or Harley or something ;) that you have to work on all the time, it might be nice to have both stands and jack, but otherwise most anything you need to do can be done with a good set of spooled/triple stands.

[Devaclis]

.... If you have a Honda or Harley or something ;) that you have to work on all the time, it might be nice to have both stands and jack, but otherwise most anything you need to do can be done with a good set of spooled/triple stands.

Oh no you dinnuh!!!

[BigE]

I have and use both.
Stands are better for sportbikes since most sportbikes don't have bottom frame rails for the jack to line up on. On my pop's cruiser the jack works fine.
I've got the cheap Handy Industries stands and they have worked great and only cost like $100/pr.
Where the jack comes in handy is when you want to pull the triples off, something you can't do with stands.

[Fly boy]

I want to lean towards the jack but I am not sure how stable it will be I have heard mixed views ans was hoping somebody that has are still uses a jack can give me some insight.

Im in your boat.... I have a 3 ton car jack, can i use that with a 2x6?

[Spiderman]

I've used a pair of jack stands (http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/productimages/grip/tn/tn_19039.jpg) when I've had to change out my rear shock, or change the swingarm. Placement is kind of tricky, I think I've tried to use the rearsets, but it's been a while and I can't remember if that was successful, or if I had to use alternate placements. Otherwise, the front and rear pit bull stands work great for most everything.

[Fly boy]

I've used a pair of jack stands (http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/productimages/grip/tn/tn_19039.jpg) when I've had to change out my rear shock, or change the swingarm. Placement is kind of tricky, I think I've tried to use the rearsets, but it's been a while and I can't remember if that was successful, or if I had to use alternate placements. Otherwise, the front and rear pit bull stands work great for most everything.


that is what I have read from all.... I still want to know if a regular Jack.... not pitbull stands.... will work?

[Spiderman]

regular jack, like a car jack? or these:
http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/productimages/grip/tn/tn_19039.jpg

[Fly boy]

regular jack, like a car jack? or these:


http://images.solidcactus.com/autobarn/1tonaltrja.jpg + http://www.kirsch-korff.com/Assets/images/wood_con_heart_2by6_decking

[Bueller]

http://images.solidcactus.com/autobarn/1tonaltrja.jpg + http://www.kirsch-korff.com/Assets/images/wood_con_heart_2by6_decking =bike lying on it's side:down:

[Fly boy]

noted.... Will not do! Thanks for the warning

[rybo]

noted.... Will not do! Thanks for the warning

What are you afraid of ben, it's already been there.

[Fly boy]

HA, true, but not with all the fairings one :)

[hcr25]

If you are going to buy stands buy Pit Bull. I have been racing for 11 years now and have seen/used just about every stand out there.
Pit Bull are pretty much bomb proof. Several years ago i saw a racer who used his Pit Bull rear stand to help support his 6X10 enclosed race trailer when changing a flat tire.
I have had my Pit Bulls for 8 years now with no issues.
Also how often can you buy and use a product for years and sell it used for 80% plus of what you bought it for??
Mike Applehans

[Fly boy]

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/264666140.html

[jplracing]

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/264666140.html


You guys are going to love this.

I orginally responded to this guy when the lift was advertised on craigslist for $550.00

He finally responded yesterday (over a week from when I orginally tried to contact him) and said that he had a sale fall through and was curious to if I was still interested. He proceeded to explain that his price was firm, which was fine because of the cost new and the demand for these used.

I told him that I was not going to be able to get to him until Saturday and I didn't expect him to hold it for me seeing that I didn't have a deposit on it. I agreed that he should relist it on craigslist or whereever and if somebody got to it before I could then I was out of luck.

Well he relisted it for sale, but raised the price from $550 to $600. I personally can't stand when people are playing pricing games like this. Even though it is still a pretty good deal...this guy can forget getting any of my money just because of the principal of it all. If you are going to advertise something for one price it shouldn't change because people are interested.

Ok Ranting over you may continue with your day.

Joe

[Fly boy]

Find the add where is said 550 and bring that with you and only pay him 550. I had a friend that did the same thing, a gixxer was going from 37, to 3500, to 2800, then back to 3200. My friend said, paying 2800 only, and they guy took it.

[jplracing]

I could very easily do that....I have just choosen to not deal with people that are playing those types of games.

With that said you can get one from Harbor Freight for $375 or something

[eklew]

Actually you can get one at Harbor Freight for $299!!!!

[BigE]

Yep, my Pop just got one of the Harbor Freight ones. I haven't got a chance to check it out since had my knee surgery weds.
If anyone is interested in a rear stand I have Lockhart Phillips that I'd sell for $40, not fancy but it works, just extra stuff laying around the garage.

[swademaster]

Here is the one at Harbor Freight for $299.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=91764

I also have a coupon from them right now to get 15% off one item. I guess I'll share it with all of you.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/emails/3/RetailC/images/coup_10.jpg

[Knuckle Dragger]

Think I am going with stands, since I am on a budget I will start with a rear one that suppourts both spooled and non-spooled bikes. Thanks for all the input, info, and entertainment.

[elbromisto]

If the Harbor Freight stand works as well as everything else they sell, I'd buy a car jack and a 2x6. On a serious note, what advantages are there to spooled vs. non-spooled?

[Bueller]

If your bike has spools, it's easy to engage the stand and it will stay put. The swingarm lift can slip and scratch the finish if the pads are worn.