hanging from the rafters

[mrbreeze]

I have an idea on how to level up my 2008 Nomad for oil changes, cleaning, etc. I know I could get a chock or a lift, but I am looking to do this cheap. I have also seen the wood block idea on Gadget's page - but I wanted to run this idea up the pole and see what you guys think of it.

In my garage, the rafters are about 8 or 9 feet from the floor, and they are exposed. I am thinking of attaching a soft tie to a couple of rafters so they are farther apart than the handlbars, and then just using a tie down strap from the soft tie on the rafters to a soft tie on the handle bars. Sort of like tying it down, only tying it up....

opinions?

[cactusjack]

Do it cheap if you want. Do it wrong, and it's going to cost you a lot more than the price of a motorcycle jack and an Idaho jack adapter.

[Pretzel]

I've observed mechanics in a local shop doing something similar, FWIW. They were using a winch in the ceiling with straps.

It made me more nervous than the shops that chock and block, but it's their insurance...

[cnc]

I prefer to change my oil right on the side stand with a 2x4 block under it. Works for me and it is about the right angle to get the most oil to drain out. Can't get an oil pan under there?, cut the side out of a 4 liter windshield washer fluid bottle or 4 liter oil jug, it will slide right under.

[mrbreeze]

Do it cheap if you want. Do it wrong, and it's going to cost you a lot more than the price of a motorcycle jack and an Idaho jack adapter.


hmmm.... good point

[Top Cat]

I just ride mine up on 2x10" boards and put it on the sidestand and use the side drain.
The sidestand sits on a small 2x10" board also.

[george james]

If u have an engineered truss system its not strong enough unless the extra weight was considered during the engineering process. If not truss system it will also not be strong enough to hold the weight of a bike. Don' do it.....

[Top Cat]

He is not talking about lifting the bike off the ground.
He is just trying to keep the bike level.

[cactusjack]

I changed the oil in my Nomad on the sidestand, you don't need or want it level if draining from the side plug.

[abbo]

When we built our house 3 years ago the contractor put a floor pit/drain in the middle of the garage floor to drain off melting snow etc. Found out last year that a 5 gal bucket will fit in it. Pull bike over hole with bucket , pull metal lid and drain away. NO MESS and SAFE

[dmyers]

Honestly I don't see a problem with this. It will work, the bike will sway back and forth a lot but the tiedowns will easily handle the load.

When I was building my fairing last winter I used two scissor jacks, one on each frame rail. They held the bike very stable with very little clutter around or under the bike I could even lift the front end off the ground if I wanted.

[cnc]

I don't think anyone said it wouldn't work, just offered different methods to work on the bike.
As for a beam or a truss holding the weight, if you wanted to lift the bike it will depend on how big the beam is. If it is only a 2x4 as in the bottom of a truss then it could be beefed up and 2 4x4 posts temporarily placed and secured under it on either side.
I used to lift car engines out using that method.

[Sin City Stan]

I don't think anyone said it wouldn't work, just offered different methods to work on the bike.
As for a beam or a truss holding the weight, if you wanted to lift the bike it will depend on how big the beam is. If it is only a 2x4 as in the bottom of a truss then it could be beefed up and 2 4x4 posts temporarily placed and secured under it on either side.
I used to lift car engines out using that method.

Did the same thing many times years ago. Two A frames under the rafter. Lift the engine with a chain hoist. Push the car back and then lower the engine to the stand. Tried & true. :yep:

[dmyers]

I have changed the tires on my bikes that way many a time.

[recumbentbob]

Doing this just to change oil is the craziest thing I have heard in a long time.:hmm:

[Sin City Stan]

Doing this just to change oil is the craziest thing I have heard in a long time.:hmm:

I just leave it on the kickstand. Slide a pan underbeath and loosen the side screen bolt. When the oil stops I tighten the bolt and move on the the filter. This doesn't take long at all. Note this only works with pre-2009 Nomads.

[Jared]

This was a common practice at the dealership I worked at.

Doing it for a basic oil change sounds unnecessary.

[RVR]

I just made 2 wooden blocks, one for each side to set under the frame. I just slide the right one under the frame and then tip it onto that one and put the left one under the frame. It holds it solid enough for me to climb on and off the bike, a lot more solid than my motorcycle jack. Easy and cheap just like me.