Using the pivot points of the center stand (removed) to lift front of a Goldwing trike

[herbieg]

Greetings!
I have read some posts here regarding lifting the GL1800 trike. They were very helpful. A great forum indeed! This is where I learnt how to raise the front and/or rear of the trike.

I understand how to raise the rear wheels of the trike. But I have a question about raising the front one.

In the past, I would put a motorcycle scissor lift under the engine block (staying clear of the oil filter in the front and the coolant reservoir in the back) and raise until the front tire is an inch or two above the ground. However, I have been recently informed that the engine block has thin walls. Therefore, it is not a feasible solution. Rather, use the center stand, was the recommendation from an expert.

Question: Because I don't have a center stand anymore, I was wondering if a lift like this can be placed at the point where the center stand used to be bolted? This is of course assuming that the saddles on the lift are low enough to fit where the center stand mounting holes exist.



2017 GL1800 with Hannigan Kit.



Thanks in advance.

 

[herbieg]

Greetings!
I have read some posts here regarding lifting the GL1800 trike. They were very helpful. A great forum indeed! This is where I learnt how to raise the front and/or rear of the trike.

I understand how to raise the rear wheels of the trike. But I have a question about raising the front one.

In the past, I would put a motorcycle scissor lift under the engine block (staying clear of the oil filter in the front and the coolant reservoir in the back) and raise until the front tire is an inch or two above the ground. However, I have been recently informed that the engine block has thin walls. Therefore, it is not a feasible solution. Rather, use the center stand, was the recommendation from an expert.



Question: Because I don't have a center stand anymore, I was wondering if a lift like this can be placed at the point where the center stand used to be bolted? This is of course assuming that the saddles on the lift are low enough to fit where the center stand mounting holes exist.



2017 GL1800 with Hannigan Kit.



Thanks in advance.

Sorry about the multiple postings. Every time I tried to submit, it said server error. So, I tried again
Anybody know how to delete the duplicate ones? Perhaps admin can kindly assist.

 

[nucseal]

Put a block of 2x4 wood across the top of the scissor jack and lift the front end. this will distribute weight across.

 

[pwhoever]

I never heard about thin walls on the engine case but that doesn't mean it's not true. I thought that was more an issue with the 18+ models. With that said, I normally put my shop jack under the engine block and jack it up. My shop jack is a low profile and easily fits under the engine. It has a large circular metal "pad" that does lifting. Maybe that's the difference with a scissors jack and the weight is more spread out??? I also have a belly pan under the engine as well. If I'm doing something that doesn't involve removing front wheel and/or forks, and will be lifted for a while, I will put one of my automotive ramps under the front wheel and remove the jack.

 

[Trikerbri]

I have jacked up countless number of bikes without centre stand over the years but NEVER under the crankcases. On my (heavy) Goldwing Trike I measured the width of the frame near the front and cut a 4x2 to span the frame plus a 20mm thick spacer on each end on top to give safe clearance. This worked perfectly using a trolley jack.

 

[Ed Norton]

I use race ramps...

 

[herbieg]

Put a block of 2x4 wood across the top of the scissor jack and lift the front end. this will distribute weight across.

Thanks for your reply. Do you mean to put the 2x4 on the jack under the center stand holes ( where the center stand would normally be bolted)?

 

[herbieg]

Put a block of 2x4 wood across the top of the scissor jack and lift the front end. this will distribute weight across.

Thanks for your reply. Do you mean to put the 2x4 on the jack under the center stand holes ( where the center stand would normally be bolted)?

I have jacked up countless number of bikes without centre stand over the years but NEVER under the crankcases. On my (heavy) Goldwing Trike I measured the width of the frame near the front and cut a 4x2 to span the frame plus a 20mm thick spacer on each end on top to give safe clearance. This worked perfectly using a trolley jack.

thanks for your reply. Do you by any chance have a picture or two of your setup. I would really appreciate if you can share a couple.
Also, you mentioned - “near the front”, would you kindly elaborate please?
I am thinking of placing the wood block under the center stand bolt holes.

 

[Trikerbri]

Thanks for your reply. Do you mean to put the 2x4 on the jack under the center stand holes ( where the center stand would normally be bolted)?

thanks for your reply. Do you by any chance have a picture or two of your setup. I would really appreciate if you can share a couple.
Also, you mentioned - “near the front”, would you kindly elaborate please?
I am thinking of placing the wood block under the center stand bolt holes.

Unfortunately no pics but 'near the front' means as near to the front of the frame before it goes up to the Head Race. It does help to put 4x2 under front tyre if you need a little more clearance for the jack. Simply role the trike onto the 4x2 and use handbrake before chocking the the rear wheels.

 

[nucseal]

Thanks for your reply. Do you mean to put the 2x4 on the jack under the center stand holes ( where the center stand would normally be bolted)?

Take a 2x4 that is width of your frame. Put the 2x4 on top of the scissor jack, so the frame will be on the 2x4 and take the weight of the bike.

 

[herbieg]

okay, will do. Thanks to all those who replied. I appreciate.