How to Lift a Motorcycle with a Floor Jack

For the motorcycle hobbyist, a floor jack is an inexpensive at-home device that will make working on your bike safer and easier than make-shift methods. Considering motorcycles can weigh up to 1500 lbs, it is important to learn how to properly use your jack.

To lift your motorcycle you will need the following:

• Floor jack
• Wood blocks
• 2 ratcheting straps
• 2 jack stands

Step 1 - Find a Flat Work Area

For the bike to be properly and safely lifted, the jack needs to be set on a flat floor, preferably concrete. Do not use the jack on carpeted areas.

Step 2 - Inspect Your Motorcycle

Get down on the ground and inspect the underside of your bike. A floor jack requires that there be a flat surface under the engine to lift without adjustment. An uneven surface will cause the jack to lift unevenly and the bike will fall.

Step 3 - Make Adjustments

If your bike has a side stand, put wood blocks under the stand to make the bike as upright as possible before lifting. Have another person hold the front handlebars while holding the brake lever. Stand towards the rear end of the bike. Coordinate with the other person while slipping the block under the kick stand.

Step 4 - Tie It Down

It is not required, but a good safety measure is to use the 2 ratcheting tie-down straps to secure the bike to the jack. The tie-downs will prevent the bike from falling if it becomes unbalanced during work. Most jacks are sold with 2 ratcheting tie-down straps included.

Step 5 - Position the Jack

Roll the jack under the bike using the large handle. Make sure the jack platform is positioned under the flat surface.  f you have a center stand, make sure it is positioned in the center of the 2 rubber platforms on the jack. Lock the wheels on the jack.

Step 6 - Raise the Jack

Once the jack platforms are properly positioned, use the foot pedal to slowly raise the jack. As you raise the jack, steady the bike by holding a handlebar. If the bike does not feel steady during lifting, lower the jack and make adjustments to the platform placement and start over. Most jacks will rise to 11.8, 14.5 and 16.5 inches off the floor. Choose your lift height according to the work that you will be doing on the bike and the parts that need to be accessed.

Step 7 - Place Jack Stands

Jack stands are recommended for doing more than light maintenance on a bike. If you have jack stands, place 1 under each wheel, then release the jack, unlock the wheels and slide the jack from under the bike.

Remember that safety comes first when using a floor jack. Take your time to make sure the lift is properly secured and the jack is placed well to prevent damage to your bike or yourself. A floor jack without the use of jack stands can be used for light maintenance such as an oil change, tightening, and possibly wheel replacement. If rigorous wrenching is needed, make sure to use jack stands to avoid the bike falling.