Can I Use Hydraulic Lift on GS?

[RustyTank]

Howdy folks
I own a 1979 GS850G that no longer has a center stand. I've been thinking about getting one of these hydraulic lift jacks, but I'm curious how it will work? I'm under the impression using wooden blocks is a possibility. Surely there must be a way to use these things on our GS's?

[Gorminrider]

Ha,ha...those things. if you do want one, buy it off craigslist- there's always one or two for sale. NOT near as good as the centrestand...

I've had two of them given to me. They can be used. Maybe, more useful on much smaller motorcycles.Though they will lift a heavier bike..On your pipes is probably ok, but personally, I didn't like it and I built blocks to lift a particular bike on more points...and even then:

..you will want to strap the bike to them...it's kind of "teetery" and insecure if you are wrestling with a rear wheel or whatever...
Really, I'd go looking for something else or MAKE some kind of centrestand ...maybe involve a screw-jack (ie: from a car's spare tire kit) where the centrestand should be..
I took one apart just for the bottle jack. The remaining one, I keep around. It has to be useful for something but I haven't really discovered what yet...a motor?

[RustyTank]

Ha,ha...those things. if you do want one, buy it off craigslist- there's always one or two for sale. NOT near as good as the centrestand...

I've had two of them given to me. They can be used. Maybe, more useful on much smaller motorcycles.Though they will lift a heavier bike..On your pipes is probably ok, but personally, I didn't like it and I built blocks to lift a particular bike on more points...and even then:

..you will want to strap the bike to them...it's kind of "teetery" and insecure if you are wrestling with a rear wheel or whatever...
Really, I'd go looking for something else or MAKE some kind of centrestand ...maybe involve a screw-jack (ie: from a car's spare tire kit) where the centrestand should be..
I took one apart just for the bottle jack. The remaining one, I keep around. It has to be useful for something but I haven't really discovered what yet...a motor?

I understand what your sayin Gorminrider. Thanks for your feedback.

[hampshirehog]

I've got one of these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorbike-jack-scissor-lift-paddock-stand-red-incl-rubber-pad/282740087487?hash=item41d49f5abf:g:3xAAAOSw43haEbat

Works well. Handy when there's no centre stand and where the point of balance is against you when changing a wheel.

Plenty around cheap secondhand.

[Gorminrider]

^^^yes, indeed. I've come to prefer "screwjacks" over having the cheapo hydraulics slowly collapsing as I work. Hydraulics are ok for a quickie...

an added note: those hydraulic bike lifts are incredibly bulky too. They can't be fit into many places. AND the tiny wheels are too small to roll the loaded jack over any roughness.

[RichDesmond]

Howdy folks
I own a 1979 GS850G that no longer has a center stand. I've been thinking about getting one of these hydraulic lift jacks, but I'm curious if that will work? The bikes weight would be on the pipes on the bottom of the bike. Is that ok? Should I use blocks under the oil pan? Surely there must be a way to use these things on our GS's?

Those only work well on Harleys and other cruisers that have lower frame rails that will rest on the lift pads.
You'd be much better off just buying a centerstand. Shouldn't be too hard to find one, either here or on ebay.

[RustyTank]

Those only work well on Harleys and other cruisers that have lower frame rails that will rest on the lift pads.
You'd be much better off just buying a centerstand. Shouldn't be too hard to find one, either here or on ebay.

I hear ya Rich. I've made some changes to the exhaust on my GS and the center stand wouldn't close/fold shut all the way once change was made so I took it off, looking for alternatives.
Thanks for your reply

[rphillips]

I got one of those with my ZRX, as the ZRX's don't have center stands, (real pain in the butt). It works but I really don't like it, not near as stable as the center stands & don't like lifting on the pipes. Many of the GS's have 4 into 1 pipes installed that requires removal of the center stand. Many times you can keep the center stand & when needing to lift the rear of the bike, just stick the stand on temporarily with the 2 mounting bolts just hand tight, no springs needed. when finished remove the 2 bolts & stand till needed next time.

[RustyTank]

I got one of those with my ZRX, as the ZRX's don't have center stands, (real pain in the butt). It works but I really don't like it, not near as stable as the center stands & don't like lifting on the pipes. Many of the GS's have 4 into 1 pipes installed that requires removal of the center stand. Many times you can keep the center stand & when needing to lift the rear of the bike, just stick the stand on temporarily with the 2 mounting bolts just hand tight, no springs needed. when finished remove the 2 bolts & stand till needed next time.

Oh that's a good idea. I still have the center stand, maybe I'll give that a shot. Thanks rphillips

[Rob S.]

...don't like lifting on the pipes.

Lifting the entire bike on the exhaust pipes?!? No way, Jose.

[RustyTank]

Lifting the entire bike on the exhaust pipes?!? No way, Jose.

Yeah Rob, I thought it seemed like a terrible idea. Just checkin

Thanks for your help man

[Rob S.]

That 850 is no lightweight!

[oldGSfan]

I use a 1 ton chain hoist, pretty inexpensive at Harbor Freight. Great way to hoist frame off engine (the easy way!), lift either end to remove wheels etc. Just need some straps, be careful what you attach to on the bike, and hang from the rafters. My friend lent me his Craftsman hydraulic bike stand and although there's the advantage of being able to move it around, I found it heavy, clumsy, and I never really trusted balancing the whole bike on it. The hoist is better for my needs as it can do much more. I use a small jack and block of wood under the engine to stabilize, if needed.

[Steve]

Lifting the entire bike on the exhaust pipes?!? No way, Jose.

I used to have one of those. Then I realized that I was lifting the entire weight of the bike on the exhaust pipes.

Yeah, the pipes might handle it, but then you realize that there is just one bolt at the back that holds the pipes to the frame, and a few small bolts that hold the pipes into the cylinder head.

If you could mount an adapter that would let the jack lift on the frame rails, do it.
As others have said, be sure to tie the bike to the jack for stability.

.

[salty_monk]

Those screw jack are a good idea, not seen one of those before. I'll sometimes use a swing arm stand & a ratchet strap as a winch at the front... Need a better setup though!

When I had a Yoshi pipe that needed removing for the oil change I used to shove the centrestand back on with the bolts inserted by hand. Worked great