DIY Motorcycle Maintenance: How to Lift the Motorcycle

Certain motorcycle maintenance tasks require the motorcycle to first be lifted. If you've never lifted a motorcycle before or want to make the process easier, read on. We've created the following guide for the process below.

For professional motorcycle maintenance help or to shop motorcycles for sale, visit Bartels' Harley-Davidson®. Our dealership is located in Marina Del Rey, California.

Why Lift a Motorcycle?

There are a few advantages to learning this process.

First, it allows you to replace damaged tires or upgrade to better tires.

Second, it can help you save money on motorcycle maintenance. For example, consider when you need the tires mounted and balanced. Some places will give a discount if you detach the wheels from the motorcycle and bring them.

Third, it allows you to take on at-home motorcycle maintenance tasks. For example, it's helpful when replacing wheel bearings and seals.

What Tools Will I Need?

Your specific motorcycle will influence the specific tools that you will need. In general, you will need large-diameter dockets or wrenches for the axles, chain adjusters, brake calipers, small diameter Allen and combination wrenches for pinch bolts, a torque wrench, waterproof grease, rags, and a pair of gloves.

How Do I Lift a Motorcycle?

The steps can be slightly different depending on your type of motorcycle.

For Lightweight Dirt Bikes

You will need a static-style stand (one that lacks moving parts and has rubber padding on the type). Lift the back of the motorcycle and put its weight onto your thigh. Position the motorcycle over the stand. Put the center of the motorcycle frame on the center of the stand.

For Heavy Dirt Bikes

You will need a lift-type stand, which comes with a pedal attached to a linkage. Place the stand under the motorcycle. Step onto the pedal to lift it. This approach is easier since you won't need to temporarily bear the motorcycle's weight.

For Adventure Motorcycles

Adventure motorcycles usually come with a center stand or have a mount for an optional center stand. Use a scissor-style bike jack under the front of the skid plate to raise the front wheel. If you don't have a center stand, place a hydraulic motorcycle jack under the skid plate to lift the motorcycle.

For a Cruiser Motorcycle

Cruisers are built with a wide and flat frame, which serves as a great platform for using a hydraulic lift. Use a hydraulic motorcycle jack to lift the motorcycle.

Want motorcycle maintenance help? Want to shop for motorcycles for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Bartels' Harley-Davidson® are here for you. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Marina Del Rey, California. We also proudly serve those in Malibu and Santa Monica, California.