r65 on a lift

[devo]

I thinking of doing some work on my 1980 R65 this winter. Does anyone know if it's safe to support the bike on the oil pan?

[James.A]

I wouldn't do that to one of mine.

[DarrylRi]

Sounds like you're thinking of using one of those inexpensive bottle jack lifts. Rather than holding the bike up directly on the lifting arms, get some wood 1x3 or 2x4 pieces and stack them across the arms. Raise the arms under the bike and then adjust the wood so that it contacts the frame rails before the arms touch the bike. Then you can lift away. It's a good idea to use a couple tie downs to hold the bike securely on the lift before you go wrenching on it.

[dlearl476]

I thinking of doing some work on my 1980 R65 this winter. Does anyone know if it's safe to support the bike on the oil pan?

Safe, I don't know from safe, but I do it all the time. Spread the weight out with 2x4s and plywood. Then again, if you're talking an entire winter of projects, you might want to build a lift. (Easier on your bike AND your back) I have some plans at home I'll post when I get there. It's also not very hard to build a caisson to hold the frame and avoid the pan, I had to do this when I replaced my OEM pan with a deep one. Those things are substantial, as long as you spread the weight and avoid the center unsupported area, you'll be fine.

Promised link: Home made moto lift (http://www.midnightfantasy.com/cyber/shop/workstand.html) And FWIW, I WOULDN'T advise using a jack on your expansion chambers as is shown in the photos! :thumb

[devo]

Thanks for all your comments. I figured using the frame as lifting points was probably better, but it made it hard to work on the exhaust. I have the lift and think I'll ending up building a jig as I did for my old Honda Hawk to keep the weight on the frame. Tie downs of course.

[dlearl476]

Yes, tie downs are a must. Otherwise you pull a wheel and get a BIG surprise. :cry ARRRRRGGGHH.