Recommendation for Lift for tear-down/repaint/rebuild/tires

Johnny3D

XS400 Enthusiast
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Location
Spearfish, South Dakota
Model: 1980 XS400 Special (XS400SG)

I am in need of a lift or some kind of solution to getting it up off the ground so I can remove both the wheels so I can replace the tires as well as do a complete tear down of the entire motorcycle for restoration, repainting, and then reassembly.

The center stand was bent and I have since removed it, so that isn't an option on this.

Do you have any recommendation for what I should use or some good solution for what I should do?

So far I've considered buying an $85 motorcycle lift from Harbor Freight and then using some kind of blocks under the frame itself on the lift so I don't affect/damage the exhaust when I lift it as it appears that the exhaust sits slightly lower than the frame. Do you have a better solution than that for how to do what I want to do?

Also, I apologize in advance if this has been covered previously. I searched the forum and didn't find an answer to what I'm looking to do. Thanks for your time and consideration.
 
So I think I've decided to buy a Black Widow center jack as my solution. I'll probably still have to put some wood or something on the lift to keep it from messing up the exhaust, but it seems to be a pretty good and simple solution to me. Not sure if I'll get the dolly along with it or not yet. But that's the best solution I could find to do it.
 
This is mine, 8 years old and going strong.

Exhaust%20Build%2030.jpg

Tank%20Install%2010.jpg


When I want to remove a wheel I pick it up with a scissor jack and wood blocks. I keep it tied to the lift.

$300 from Harbor Freight on sale.

Jim :cool:
 
So I think I've decided to buy a Black Widow center jack as my solution. I'll probably still have to put some wood or something on the lift to keep it from messing up the exhaust, but it seems to be a pretty good and simple solution to me. Not sure if I'll get the dolly along with it or not yet. But that's the best solution I could find to do it.

I'm looking for the same type of lift to use for both of my bikes. After researching the lift you mention I found a similar lift, looks the same to me other than color, on amazon for $10 cheaper and free shipping. I'd actually like to have the dolly though.

Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Ce...r0&keywords=1100lb+motorcycle+lift+with+dolly
 
That's a pretty nice lift, Jim. Until I get a bit further into motorcycle maintenance, rebuilding, etc... or at least until I get a nicer/more expensive motorcycle, I don't think I can justify $300 for a lift table like that. It does look pretty darn handy/nice though and definitely something I'll consider for the future.

...

I saw that one, wgnzlz, as well on there. They do look really similar. The more I've been thinking about it the more I think I might want the dolly as well. So I might go with the Black Widow model with the dolly.
 
I jacked up my bike and propped it up on a cinder block.
 

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Hung mine from a ceiling beam using multiple ratchet straps. Had to use two on the front, two on the back to be able to lower it later.
Worked all right but did swing a bit...
 
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