Concours vs HF Lift

[mcman56]

I'm planning to pull the front end off of my Concours so rolled it up on my HF lift.  The plan was to put it on the center stand, use a jack under the engine to tilt it back on the rear wheel and then use tie downs in the back for more security/ stability.  However, once on the lift, there is not much space alongside to plant my feet.   At 5'5" my leverage is pretty bad on flat ground so the extra 6" is way too much.  That 6" step is a great trip hazard and just about where my feet would like to go.  It looks real easy to end up on the ground with the bike on top.

I have seen that people build platforms around the lifts but would prefer not to go to the trouble or give up the space.  It mostly get used for lighter bikes where this is not an issue.  Does anyone have a recommendation on how to get this set up safely? 

[gPink]

Can you strap the front and use the jack to raise the back high enough to swing the centerstand down?

[George R. Young]

The frugal approach:

With the bike on the center stand, take off the carrier cover and put the seat back on. Put the 4 winter wheels from the car on the back seat/carrier of the Concours. A bit of newspaper to keep the salt and mung off the seat. The front wheel lifts off and stays up.

This is fresh in my mind because I just did this to check steering head play after a trip.

[MAN OF BLUES]

both the C10 and the C14 have been on my HF lift numerous times, and yes, it is a bit tricky/scarey to get them on the centerstand perched up there.

2 things will help;
get someone to steady the far side of the bike for you

place a couple 2x10 boards stacked, next to the lift, and stand on those with your left foot to give you a level, firm footing.

as soon as it's up on the stand, strap the back down on both sides, and run a strap from behind the centerstand up, and around the front of the engine, to prevent the stand from flipping back/up and dropping the bike.

[Stasch]

I made a couple blocks ~12" wide, ~4' long, same height as the HF lift.  (~6-7" ?)

They go along either side the rear half of the HF ramp in case I want to ride a bike up.

Usually I only use the left block and just push the bike up the HF ramp.  The block makes putting C10 up on CS secure for me since my feet are at the same level as the lift.  Then its just like being on the floor.  If you have issues putting the C10 while on the CS on the floor, then get help to do so on the ramp.

I also put a block under the front of the lift, as the whole ramp can tip forward a bit if you push or drive the front wheel into the wheel stop very hard.  That's a bit 'exciting' if it happens.  Plus, when the ramp is lowered and empty, I inevitably step on the ramp's front end while moving around the shop.  This is also 'exciting' and a good way to fall and get hurt.

If I have to remove my front wheel, the C10 goes on the lift, then on side stand.  Get myself situated, then up on CS.  Rear wheel cinched / tied down to the ramp with tie downs from the passenger grab rails (bags off).  You can cinch the rear tire down with the straps, no real need to jack up the bike to move the wheel down

Then front wheel is suspended and can be removed.

You can also sit on the bike and have someone take pics.  A little photo-shop later and it looks like you are pulling a power wheelie.   

[Stasch]

Can you strap the front and use the jack to raise the back high enough to swing the centerstand down?

Yes it is.  I have done it.

This became necessary when some idiot snuck into the shop and pushed my Rat Build project off the CS while on the lift, having forgotten to put the shock link bolt back in.   

Just tie down the front well, angled to the side loops on the HF lift and you are good to go.

Here's what a 'lowered' C10 looks like:

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

Wow, you guys do it the hard way. I just roll the bike upon the lift, put the sidestand down, then place a concrete block next to the lift, about where the center stand will come down. Stand on the block, place a foot on the center stand and do your thing. I've had a pile of connies on my lift, and even my k1200lt a few times, no issues.    Steve

[Stasch]

Steve,  But my wooden block is so much more sophisticated than your raggedy old cement block.   

Normally I don't need to jack the rear end up to put the side stand down . . . . but my own stupidity demanded such measures at the time . . . . .