Jacking up your motorcycle is an important skill that every motorcyclist and mechanic should master. It makes maintenance work, changing tires and cleaning the motorcycle easier. Before you start jacking up, make sure that you are working on a flat and firm surface. This will prevent your motorcycle from tipping over during the process. Also put on protective gear, especially gloves, to avoid injury. Check your motorcycle stand (main stand or assembly stand) for damage and stability.
Here you will find detailed instructions on how to jack up your bike safely and correctly.
There are different types of stands, each suitable for different tasks and motorcycle types:
Start by placing the motorcycle on the side stand. This will give you the necessary stability while you prepare the mounting stand. Make sure that the motorcycle is secure and does not wobble.
Secure the front brake with a strap or rubber. This will prevent the motorcycle from becoming unstable and falling over when the rear jack is pushed underneath. To jack up the rear wheel, hold the motorcycle by the frame or another fixed point and slowly raise the rear stand. You will notice how the rear wheel lifts off the ground. Proceed step by step and keep checking the stability of your motorcycle. Make sure that the motorcycle remains straight and that the stand does not slip.
If you need a front stand, place it in front of the motorcycle after the rear is securely jacked up. Slide the front stand under the front fork or the lower steering head. Push the handle of the front stand down until the front wheel is fully raised.
If your motorcycle is equipped with a center stand, the process is slightly different. Sit lightly on the motorcycle, push the main stand down with your left foot and push the motorcycle backwards at the same time. Due to the leverage effect, the motorcycle will automatically lift up and stand securely on the stand. Make sure that both feet of the main stand are touching the ground and that the motorcycle is stable.
After you have jacked up your motorcycle, check its stability again. Wiggle the motorcycle slightly to make sure that it is stable and cannot tip over. Also check the position of the stand and make sure that it cannot slip.
Make sure that the main stand is extended and can safely support the weight of the motorcycle.
If you have used a front stand, lower it first.
To lower it from the rear stand, push the motorcycle slightly forwards and slowly lower it from the rear stand. Keep the bike stable to prevent it from tipping over.
With a central stand, push the motorcycle slightly forwards and slowly raise the central stand until the motorcycle is back on the ground.
If you want to jack up your bike single-handedly, it is easier if it leans slightly towards you and is almost straight. To do this, you can simply place a piece of wood under the side stand.