Lifting the VT1100 level

[RichardL]

I picked up a center lift a few months ago so I could work on the bikes. The lift worked great for mw wifes VLX but I hated how it lifted my VT1100C so I set out to correct that. Below are pics of what I did. Hope it helps someone else.

First I got some UHMW plastic stock. This stuff is realy tough, I then drilled and tapped it for 3/8" bolts. The white paint is to make the block easier to see.


Next I drilled mounting holes in the lift and bolted the spacer block in place.


Plenty of clearance for the oil filter.


A very stable and level lift.

[rockbobmel]

I just got a Crafstman jack and want to do this mod. Is the jack against the motor on the front?

[dgraves49]

the crankcase hanging below the frame is the problem with lifting the shadows. There are several posts on here about making brackets for your jack so you lift on the frame.
For changing the oil, some 2x6's for the wheels and kick stand are the cheapest and probally one of the most stable.

[rockbobmel]

Been changing the oil with a 3 in pan. I'm gettin this UP this winter. Jack came with straps!! Way cool.

[rockbobmel]

Originally Posted by dgraves49

the crankcase hanging below the frame is the problem with lifting the shadows. There are several posts on here about making brackets for your jack so you lift on the frame.
For changing the oil, some 2x6's for the wheels and kick stand are the cheapest and probally one of the most stable.

I have the hardest time doing a search here. I get better results on google and that has links back to here. I see the OP has a mod that just shime the back portion of the frame. I thought I read somewhere that you needed to shim both front and back.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by rockbobmel

I have the hardest time doing a search here. I get better results on google and that has links back to here.

You can "instruct" Google to look here by appending " site:hondashadow.net" to the end of your search.

[jpr1968]

Originally Posted by rockbobmel

I have the hardest time doing a search here. I get better results on google and that has links back to here. I see the OP has a mod that just shime the back portion of the frame. I thought I read somewhere that you needed to shim both front and back.

You need to shim up the front not the back. You can do both if you want to get the bike level on the lift but the front has to be shimmed so that the engine is not resting on the lift.

[Supernintendo]

Originally Posted by jpr1968

You need to shim up the front not the back. You can do both if you want to get the bike level on the lift but the front has to be shimmed so that the engine is not resting on the lift.

RichardL: thanks for DIY pics. Your lift does indeed look nice and level. But is the engine resting directly on the left? It appears so.

jpr1968: sounds like you're not onboard with jacking up the engine directly. Is this bad for the bike?

Thanks guys
Alan

[rockbobmel]

It does not show details but I had to custom carve the side 2x4s to clear the bolts/heat guard and kick stand spring. I finally got it screwed and glued then bolted to the jack. What a PITA, but it's DONE!!

[gat803]

Originally Posted by Supernintendo

jpr1968: sounds like you're not onboard with jacking up the engine directly. Is this bad for the bike?

Do you really want to take a chance on breaking a very expensive and difficult to change out, aluminum engine case.

Never lift a bike by the engine.