Putting the Valk up on jack stands under the swingarm

[BF]

Ok.....I've been lifting my Valk with my Craftsman lift (the red one) and using a couple jack stands up front under the crash bars for several years now for whenever I felt I needed addtional support for the bike.  

I'm wondering if using another set of jack stands under the swingarm (one on each side) along with the set under the crash bars would hurt the swingarm.....ie, putting the gurl up on four jack stands.  

Would this hurt the swingarm or possibly the swingarm bearings?  I first thought probably not as the bike sits with it's weight on the rear wheel/tire, but now it would sit with it's weight a little further forward directly on the swingarm instead.......but now I'm having second thoughts.  

Anyone with any direct experience or firsthand knowledge on whether this is a good or bad idea?  

Not looking for any theories, I want to know for sure if it'll work or not before I screw something up.

btw.....this isn't for rear end maintenance, it's primarily for other activities I'm wanting to do not involving the rear end.  



The more I think about it, the more I'm wanting a table lift just so I can get the bike higher.  Bending over, kneeling and working closer to the ground ain't as easy as it once was.     

[Tropic traveler]

Not a problem, obviously if you leave the shocks on. 
I used a 3 ft. piece of 2" steel square tube to move the jackstands outwards. Very stable even without the strap down. 


Proof!

[BF]

Yep, shocks are on...and are staying on. 

[Ricky-D]

If you have not raised your Valkyrie using a lift adapter, you are missing out on a very good appliance that takes all the trouble out of lifting the bike.

They are very inexpensive and very good at what they do.

***

[frosty]

Ditto on what Ricky-D said. I value my bike to much to use wood blocks, stands, etc. And the Valk being so heavy wouldn't want to take a chance. There are two types of jack adapters on E-bay at low cost. Much better than rigging and cribbing.  Even if get a lift table you'll have to lift your bike off it to do wheel removal etc.   

[ricoman]

this is worth making and using
http://www.herberts.org/wayne/valk/lowtechlift.htm

[BF]

I have the spoonland adapter....the red on from ebay.  Been using it for several years.  

The question is, will I hurt the swingarm by placing jackstands under it?  

The swingarm takes the weight of the bike at the rear wheel/tire.....but by moving the load of the bike further up the swingarm by placing a couple jackstands under it, will it hurt the swingarm or the swingarm bearings?

If it will hurt the swingarm somehow, then I don't want to place the jacks under it.  Has anyone done this, or has anyone damaged the swingarm by doing this?

I'm thinking it won't hurt it....and judging my Tropic's pic, it doesn't look like it will place any undue strain on the swingarm.....but I've been wrong before.   

[Bone]

I understand your concern. You will be putting all of the weight on two 3 inch areas of the swing-arm tubing. That weight distribution point has a swing-arm bearing between it and the engine assembly.
How much is absorbed by the shock mounts matters, I'm guessing now.

I have no idea.

[Tropic traveler]

It hasn't hurt my 3 bikes.
Proof is in the actual doing, not conjecture.
BTW, I don't think jackstands made for 4,000 lb cars & trucks are too much of a risk holding up a 700 lb motorcycle. 

[BF]

I agree Tropic.  

Went ahaed and lifted it up high and put it on the jack stands....front and rear.  Did the things on it tonight that I wanted to do and put it back on the ground.  I just wanted the bike higher (and stable) so it's not such a pain to work on it.

I really need to get a table lift to get the bike up higher so it's easier to work on.  Back and knees don't flex as well as they used to.  

Planning on riding it to work in the morning.  

I doubt that anything was stressed or damaged, but if it is, I'll report back.  

[sugerbear]

keep an eye out on craigs list and "thrifty nickel" type mags for a drive on lift.

i found a "handy" lift with side boards for $500, or catch the harbor freight one on sale.

i don't get down on the floor anymore either. makes maint MUCH easier.

[Tx Bohemian]

I really need to get a table lift to get the bike up higher so it's easier to work on.

 
This is one of the best purchases I've made for working on the bike. Plus, being the cheap Bohemian I am, I  made a larger tabletop (3/4" plywood) so I can put my riding mower on it. And it makes a real good moveable, height adjustable work bench.

If you decide to get one look through some motorcycle magazines for coupons. HF usually has full page ads.
A couple of years ago when I got ready to buy my table (foot operated HF) they were $399 but I found a coupon in a magazine that had it for $279. Even the cashier at HF was amazed.

Back and knees don't flex as well as they used to.  

Same reason I got mine too.

[Tundra]

this is worth making and using
http://www.herberts.org/wayne/valk/lowtechlift.htm

+1 Ricoman, I made that and notched mine out as not to pinch the drizzle tube. I will use it with jackstands and I'll also use a bottlejack and a piece of wood under the swingarm. I too would like a lift table. Bending and kneeling doesn't agree with me anymore.