Change a rear tire with no front end on the bike?

[fudgie]

Have the forks getting new seals put in, so no front fork or tire is on. Bike is on the lift but way to much weight on the rear. I tried putting a bottle jack under the hitch and jack as the bike lift goes up, but that is a lot of weight on the hitch. Anyway to do this without having the bike fall over? Fork won't be back till next week and I'd like to get the back tire off before this. Thx! 

[blkvlk777]

not sure of the lift you have.... I have a craftsman lift with the adapter and I put a couple of ratchet staps across the bike to keep everything balanced.  I take the seat off and make sure the straps are not rubbing against the plastic side covers (if so, remove them).  - cinch straps down.  It sounds like the bike is just balanced on the lift right now with no straps??  That is my suggestion anyway.

[fudgie]

Yea no lift adapter. Have the lift as far back as I can. Its stable but I put jack stands under the saddle bag suports. Never have strapped it. Always have been stable, plus the straps would have been in the way anyway. 

[vanagon40]

This might be too simple, but what about strapping weight to the front?

How about a block and tackle or come-along and raise the rear from above?  Put a couple of jack stands under the crash bars and find a hook point on the back.

Mostly just thinking out loud, but as an old (or not so old, I know you are younger then me) farm hand, you ought to be able to figure out a way to lift the rear.  If you remove the back half of the rear fender, you need to raise the rear wheel only about an inch off the ground.

Use a sky hook if necessary 

Good luck.

[Hoser]

Tie the triple t down to a couple cement blocks  ??? hoser

[fudgie]

This might be too simple, but what about strapping weight to the front?

How about a block and tackle or come-along and raise the rear from above?  Put a couple of jack stands under the crash bars and find a hook point on the back.

Mostly just thinking out loud, but as an old (or not so old, I know you are younger then me) farm hand, you ought to be able to figure out a way to lift the rear.  If you remove the back half of the rear fender, you need to raise the rear wheel only about an inch off the ground.

Use a sky hook if necessary 

Good luck.

You know, I never thought about taking the fender off... 

[vanagon40]

Only removed my rear tire once, and I do not have saddle bags or a hitch, but I did it with the bike on the centerstand.  The rear fender comes off with three bolts as I recall.  Unhook the shocks.  Then lift the rear tire just enough to pull the axle and tire slides right out.  No need to loosen the exhaust.  There is a least one write-up in "shop talk," but I cannot remember the author.

[sandy]

I've had your situation with no problems. Just strap the front and back to the lift and go for it. If you tie weights on the front, and then need to raise or lower the bike for wheel removal, you'll lose your ballast. Most lifts have attachment pionts for straps.

[fudgie]

Only removed my rear tire once, and I do not have saddle bags or a hitch, but I did it with the bike on the centerstand.  The rear fender comes off with three bolts as I recall.  Unhook the shocks.  Then lift the rear tire just enough to pull the axle and tire slides right out.  No need to loosen the exhaust.  There is a least one write-up in "shop talk," but I cannot remember the author.

Thx, tire came right out and took it to a HD guy to mount. Thx again!