Have you ever tried lifting a motorcycle but spectacularly failed? Well, if you were using something like an automotive jack, that may be the reason why. Common jacks wouldn’t work because they have a terrible lifting surface.
A motorcycle jack is your best choice. But don’t go making foolish choices, like lifting a bike without any safety and security measures. You have to learn how to use motorcycle jack first. And we can help.
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Types of Motorcycle Jack And Their Uses
Simply put, motorcycle jacks are used to lift the bike up to make repairing and working more manageable and safer. If you try working on your vehicle without one, you will understand the jack’s tremendous impact on the process.
By using a jack on your own, you will be able to save tons of money as compared to if you took your bike to a repair shop instead.
There are actually two types of motorcycle jacks:
1. Scissor Jack
Scissor jacks are commonly used by auto repair shops and ordinary vehicle owners. This particular support structure is also used by four-wheelers along with two-wheelers like motorcycles.
They are considered a safer option for a jack as they do not lift the vehicle as high up and impose lesser risks.
This type of jack is comparatively much cheaper but is a tad bit more difficult to use than hydraulic jacks.
2. Hydraulic Jack
This type of jack can be used to lift any heavy load. They do so by using hydraulic power – the power derived from the circulation of pressurized fluid. The best-case scenario would be to use hydraulic jacks along with jack stands/ scissor jacks for extra support.
This type of jack is on the more expensive side but is easier to use than scissor jacks. Hydraulic jacks are mostly used by auto repair shops.
Jacking Up A Motorcycle Using Scissor Jack
As mentioned previously, there are mainly two types of jacks.
According to the one you choose, the steps for using them are a bit different.
- Scissor Jack
- Straps
Step 1: Safety First!
After putting your motorcycle on suitable ground, the first step would be to lock the front brake using a strap to prevent the bike from moving while working on it.
Step 2: Place The Scissor Jacks
The next step would be to place the scissor jack onto the rear section of the bike. Find the section that seems rigid enough to lift the rear of the motorcycle.
Step 3: Place The Rear Tire
Focus on getting the rear tire onto the jack. The rigid place is suitably near the suspension point of the bike that is coming straight out from the frame.
Step 4: Elevate The Motorcycle
After fitting the scissor jack in its proper place, turn the handle of the jack clockwise the elevate the motorcycle. You will notice it rising.
Step 5: Do Your Work And Lower The Bike
After you are done with your repair, turn the scissor jack counterclockwise to lower your motorcycle from its elevated position.
Jacking Up A Motorcycle With Hydraulic Jack
Step 1: Place wooden chocks
On level ground, center the wooden blocks against your motorcycle's wheels to prevent the bike from moving.
Step 2: Adjust The Hydraulic Jack
Move and adjust your hydraulic jack and position it underneath the bike.
Step 3: Elevate The Motorcycle
To elevate the motorcycle, pump up the hydraulic jack until it is elevated to your desired level.
Step 4: Check To See If Your Bike Is Steady
With low force, try moving your bike while the hydraulic jack is supporting it to check whether it is steady.
Step 5: Release And Lower The Bike
Lastly, when you are done and want to remove the jack, simply release the hydraulic valve and lower the motorcycle from its elevated position. By doing so, you can easily take the jack out.
In order to maintain the proper condition of the hydraulic jack, screw it up along the sides when you are not using it.
Safety Precautions You Need to Follow
Let’s learn about the safety precautions you need to follow.
1. Keep your Motorcycle Level: You must ensure that your motorcycle is standing on level ground or road that is free from any sort of debris or obstacles.
2. Use Wooden Chocks: To make sure your bike tires do not roll off from the stand while you are working on your motorcycle, you must use wooden blocks against the tires.
3. Readjust When Necessary: You should instantly readjust the position of your motorcycle if it is looking unsteady on the jack. Get an extra pair of hands to help if necessary.
4. Do Not Lift It Too High: Try to keep your motorcycle elevated as low as possible from the ground while it is standing on the jack.
5. Avoid Moving It with Force: While the motorcycle is supported on the jack, do not move it with force before removing it from the jack. This may cause the vehicle to fall.
6. Have Someone Available to Help You If Needed: It is advised that you do not attempt to place your motorcycle on the jack by yourself if you are having difficulty doing so. You should take help if necessary.
7. Make Sure Your Jack Is Not Faulty: Lastly, if you seem to notice any fault within your jack beforehand, you must not attempt to use it. Not following these safety precautions properly may cause severe accidents. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Ending Note
Now that you know how to use motorcycle jack, make sure you follow all the safety precautions when you work. While you can try using alternative methods, using a jack is the most recommended thing.
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