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Rudy wrote:

I just bought and assembled the following lift for my 89 GL1500 ($60 US):

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2792

I assume you approach the bike from the right side with the bike while on the side stand.

What I don't know is where I should try to place the two lift pads to do a safe lift of any special procedures I should use.

Advice anyone? I've never used this type of lift before.

Thanks

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Rudy

I've got two lifts like yours. One is the same one from HF and the other a little more robust one from Sears, I think. The second one came with my 1500 when I bought it. The only complaint I have with the HF one is you need to be careful when you let it down, it comes down kinda fast. On my bike I slide it in from the right, you might have to lift the bike off the side stand a bit to get the lift centered. I put one of the lift pads under the folded side stand about half way between the pivot and the feet and start pumping it up. Keep a grip on your bike to keep it stable until the lift starts the bike on it's way up. Also watch the bike to see it if looks like you're going to have to reposition the bike for better balance. Once I have mine up, I slip a little bench-like thing made out of scrap lumber under either the front or rear tire to prevent the bike from rocking fore and aft while I'm working on it. Snugging the bike to the lift with ratcheting straps is also a good idea. I like the thing, it's been a back saver for me. Some folks insist on replacing the bolts with higher grade steel bolts, but I haven't seen any bending or wear on the original ones. Remember to hang on to your bike's handlebar when lowering, you will find you have to let it down a little at a time and a hand on the bar will help stabilize things and keep if from rocking.

 

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I saw a couple of posts on 'that other forum' and there were a couple of guys saying if you didn't have a Pit Bull lift ($$$) or a full length shop lift you were a fool to risk your bike on a junky jack. Well that may be their opinion, but I've used mine a lot and haven't felt like I was near disaster at any time. Of course there are always guys around who tell you that if you aren't using uranium sintered ceramic kevlar coated monomolecular gold plated whats its you are a fool.