Opinions on whether the stock skid plate on a '15 GSLC is stout enough to slid a lift under to raise the bike a few inches? Cheers, Bendmac Central Oregon
I too am curious, planning on having the bike on the center stand and using a floor jack and a piece of wood to just lift the front wheel high enough to remove it for tire change. I may break down and purchase a front stand that supports from the bottom of the fork legs. I have a very nice Pit Bull front stand that lifts using a pin in the steering head. Totally useless on the GS
I've done it to take the front wheel off... Weight is really on the center stand, so didn't have any issues on my hex head. Careful though, it's a balancing act. I did put a jack stand at the back too
It can lift the bike, and will be OK. BUT, it isn't that sturdy, or stable, and you can damage the mounts if you are doing anything rougher than changing tires. Like Rami-RTV said, just be careful as it will be hard to stabilize. One wheel at a time, no issues.
If all you're trying to do is get the front wheel off the ground while using the center stand to support the bike's weight, it takes very little effort. Pointing the bike up a slight incline helps. Loading up a top case or strapping something heavy to the pillion really helps. The effort necessary to tilt the bike's front end up is really pretty light.
The front wheel is lifted off the ground when I put my Adventure on the center stand when the system cases are installed. If I remove the cases, the rear tire is airborne.
Thanks, all! I used to put my 1150 GS on a portable lift but always made sure I ran straps from the eyes on the lift to some mounting points front and rear on the bike. That way, I knew it was (more) stable and reduced the chances of that big ol' pig capsizing on me. Should be able to do the same with the 1200. Rolling the plate over a log or rock with the weight of the bike and me on it is one thing...happens quickly and then goes away. Just wasn't sure if I would be putting too much stress on the mounting points of the plate by putting all the bikes weight on it for an extended length of time. I'll do it without panniers and top box just just shave a little weight off... Cheers, Bendmac
Could i reasonably interject with thoughts on doing this with something like a BDCW skid plate? Are the mounts on that stout enough to lift the bike off the ground completely front/back?