DOC HARLEY: SAFETY POINT ON LIFTING A HARLEY-DAVIDSON ON A LIFT

[@dpat9906]

I love how serious you take everything no matter how small. Your attention to detail and enthusiasm to teach. Best Harley channel I've seen.

[@daviddunn5264]

Man I really hope that the techs at my Harley dealer take the time and show the concern that "doc" does. Great tips as always 👌. Thanks again

[@curtijohnston3108]

Just Got mine for Christmas and have been looking at ways shops secure it when lifting front and rear. Thanks . Could not believe it when I saw this video.

[@twobeagles1365]

This is another reason why I love Doc Harley videos !!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for your support…..Doc

[@divine_swine9665]

Doc's giving us all straight FACTS here! Even there was no wrenches turned on a bike, i felt like i learned a LOT of good info in this vid. Thanks for the content Doc!

[@Mentatstrategy]

I'm glad my name is Steve - feels like you made this video for me - thanks for the info - my lift should be here soon!

[@deanphillips8270]

Here's a tip I've found works really nice, use lock washers and wing nuts on all your deck hardware (eye hooks and front wheel clamp)and have a few extra holes so you have options for your eye hooks because sometimes its nice to get that wheel clamp out of the way, great video doc!always look forward to them

[@stuartbuckley8720]

Thanks for the extra info, I just got a lift and haven't used it yet because I don't want to mess up.

[@oldrover3007]

Doc , is a great teacher Straight forward , thorough , and excellent at explaining things . I have been doing this stuff for years but since I found his Channel I have been taking watching his Videos to refresh myself the right way of doing things . Thanks for posting !

[@martinhauk1852]

Two things I do a little differently on my lift. Instead of a wheel chock on the rear wheel, I use 6 ratchet tie downs. 2 to keep the bike vertical, 2 pulling the bike forward, and 2 pulling the bike backward. That insures that the bike can't tip or roll in either direction. On the front tie downs I hook the left tie down to the top of the crash bar on the right side of the frame, and the right tie down to the top of the crash bar on the left side of the frame. That offers more triangulation and security, and it guarantees no possibility of the strap slipping on the top of the crash bar. For soft ties, being on a budget, I have some 1" wide soft nylon web straps with loops tied in each end. The straps are actually used shroud lines from a drag chute on a B52. 3000# tensile strength. If you don't have access to that, you can find the same thing on line in 15' rolls for a reasonable price.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I would like to hear your story on how you got a B52 part…..Doc

[@flytheedge]

I do have a lift, but for wheels/suspension, and depending on the day, oil changes, that’s where I use my J&S Jack.

[@jeridross2265]

I was a technician for H-D dealer early 2000-2002. Not saying Doc is wrong that way works for him. We would get two guys one on each side of the bike and roll the bike backwards on the lift. That way the tire clamp is securely holding a wheel and we used ratchet straps instead of the pull straps. I have a table lift in my home garage and have a motorcycle jack that lifts from the frame getting both wheels off the ground. Research the lift you want before you buy(make sure it will fit with bike on and off in your garage, check features, good tire clamp, removable parts for easier tire changes, pneumatic or hydraulic operated, one requires a big noisy air compressor and the other gives a good leg workout, list goes on...).

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good points. I did not cover your method of loading a bike backwards because rear tires have gotten a lot bigger since 2002. 200-240 tires won’t fit in our tire chucks. Plus backing in a full dresser is a huge challenge and scary😱. An older tech 20 years ago adapted small ramps for the sides. He would roll a bike across the ramp and raise it so both ends where off the ground! Thanks ~ Doc

[@garyskidmore1450]

Position the lift under a strong ceiling beam and attach a rope to the top most part of the motorcycle to keep it from tipping and rolling . Later add an electric overhead hoist with wired remote control so the whole bike, front or rear could be lifted. Enjoy learning from each of your tips.

[@brucesantacory1390]

Mike, thanks for these Video's Love them, it's been over 13 years since i left Low Country HD for Dealers in New England, and you don't look like you've aged a DAY !!

[@billmago7991]

Thanks Doc I thought thats how it was kinda done but not sure if it was safe on a table lift.thanks for your detail

[@georgemcdonald4559]

i have got an 03 superglide and it has a bar under the frame i guess its to protect the motor and transmission its a real pain in the butt trying to lift .Could u give a hint how to lift it without it falling over.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I use a cut down 2X4 g ft or the opposite side of that piece of metal…..Doc

[@georgemcdonald4559]

tks doc@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

[@georgemcdonald4559]

i understand the 2by 4 part what is the g ft and what do u mean the opposite side of the piece of metal

[@darknitethunder]

I unusually work alone on my bikes, but the one time I need and/or want help, is getting the bike upon the table lift and getting it back down. Having a friend Brother over or cousin is a must for me in my book. My HD Sportster weight is about 500 pounds, the Electra Glide over 800 pounds, my weight is 260 pounds. I would not want a bike fall on me that out weigh me. How do you load your project bike on a table lift Doc? Always love your insight on all safety tips. Thanks, Stevo.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

As you, the older I get the more I ask for help. Especially with high and wide handlebars….Doc

[@ellwood59]

Thanks Doc. I got my first Handy lift! After over 40 years. I’m so glad you do these videos.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

It is fantastic you are now working on your Harley UPright....Doc

[@cjflintstone9509]

Hello Doc Harley, I'm so glad I found your videos, they're chock full of great information. I have a question about lifting a 2023 touring bike (Highway King) - I have a Harbor Freight motorcycle/atv lift (hydraulic roll-around pump-up type) that almost works but there's a problem. Harley builds these frames with a cross member between the lower frame tubes just forward of the rear wheel, and for some strange reason they designed the cross member to hang below the frame tubes by about 1/4". To balance the bike on the lift, one of the jack pads has to go right where that cross member is located, potentially bending it - I could be wrong, but the cross member doesn't seem strong enough to support the motorcycle's weight. The owners manual seems to agree: "When lifting a motorcycle using a jack, be sure jack contacts both lower frame tubes where down tubes and lower frame tubes converge. Never lift by jacking on cross-members, oil pan, mounting brackets, components or housings." So I have to avoid the cross member, but that means moving the jack rearward a couple of inches and the bike is extremely nose-heavy in this configuration, putting a great deal of twisting stress on the jack. I'm not gonna do that...... I made a wooden sled that goes between the jack and the bike, which allows me to position the jack for optimum balance without stressing the cross member. This solves the issue but I'm wondering if it's really needed? I can't find any reference to this cross member anywhere, though I've found plenty of videos of just shoving a lift under there and pumping it up. I even checked with two different Harley dealers - they didn't even know about the cross member(!) until I showed it to them - and of course they use a full size lift in the shop so they don't have to deal with the cross member. So I don't feel that this issue, which seems pretty critical, has been properly addressed by Harley-Davidson or anybody else for that matter. Do you have any thoughts on this? Perhaps this could be a topic for a future video?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Contact Doc through his Email address. With pictures of your Jack under bike. Yes no one should push up directly on the cross over piece. We use a Fat Jack. This pushes up on he frame rails only. My fear is your Jack rated to lift 1000lbs?…..Doc

[@cjflintstone9509]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks for the quick reply. What is your email address? I can't find it. Anyway, my jack is a "PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE1500 lb. Aluminum ATV / Motorcycle Lift" so rated 1500lbs. It held a 1998 Valkyrie in the air for a couple of months with no issues. I'll send you a pic of the "sled" and the Harley up on the jack when I get your email address.

[@reb363]

That was one of the big selling points and why I bought the K&L MC655R lift. Not only does it have a hinged rear wheel drop out panel but it also has a hinged front wheel drop out panel. IMHO best lift on the market.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for your product review….Doc

[@jasonclark1223]

older video but what scissor jack is that in the video?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Handy…..Doc

[@jasonclark1223]

looks like the universal jack? lift capacity of 750lbs?

[@theone9564]

Cool! Doc, does the handy lift come with front tire clamp?

[@srs4310]

Whats a good lift for home use..not a professional mechanic but a very competent wrench

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

We use Handy products….Doc

[@JCcanU]

I use 3/8 nylon rope 30 inch long tied with a square knot 14 inch loop it will hold 4000 pounds I keep 4 on my wall next to my MC1000 lift air table a old car scissor jack works great low profile 3 inch flat will go up 16 inch . with a board I never dumped a bike off a table . Doc knows his stuff 4 sure

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing JC….Doc

[@jlc904ubc]

Thanks Doc. Great video. Exactly the info I was looking for. I recently got a lift and center jack as well.

[@patrickzambori473]

I'm always paranoid that the center jack is going to slip forward because the frame tubes are no longer horizontal when the front is up, so I put one extra strap around the rear tire and hook it to the jack.

[@paladin4570]

So, having it just make enough contact between the clamp and the tire that it sounds like Doc cuttin the cheese is perfect. Really good video.

[@Pw.papa.7]

Thank you so much for this information/video picked up a new lift couple weeks ago 😎🙏

[@JCunningham21]

The Harley 93100017 Fleece ties have been working great for me the last 10 years

[@dmitrysuslov5690]

always great to watchs Doc's videos. Doc approaches bike servicing very very professionally!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Much appreciated…Doc

[@paulobacos]

Great tips Doc. Very useful. Thanks for using your experience to help us.

[@fieldmanstyle1831]

Thanks so much for posting this! Looks like this is a fairly precarious thing to do even for the pro's. Thanks for the tips. I wonder how many bikes this video will save. :D

[@thebobs9343]

Really well explained. I have a Harley... don't have a lift. Thinking of getting one just to do this interesting operation! And oh yeah, fix stuff too.

[@shawnellsworth7623]

Good video doc Emphasizing on safety and taking ones time Rushing into something and usually means cutting corners Can cost you big time Great job

[@tombentley887]

Use soft straps everywhere , strap hooks will leave marks on your Crome while towing .

[@life_behind_bars]

Perfect timing on this video. I just bought a new lift yesterday 🤗

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That's awesome! Doc

[@whocares0692]

Doc, I really enjoy your videos. Just bought a lift from your favorite place because I have a friend who has had one for over 15 years and I love how sturdy it is. . Here's my question. How is the best way to load my Dresser onto the lift ? I've heard people say ride it up there and others say to walk it up there. I live alone and don't have a wife / girlfriend and I don't want to bother friends. . Any help would be great. Thanks

[@jobeta22]

Thank you. Can I leave my bike the whole winter with the wheels off the ground? Does it damage the suspension leave it unloaded?

[@patrickzambori473]

that's a preferred way, not only is it better long term for the springs, it also prevents flat spots in the tires.

[@jobeta22]

@@patrickzambori473 thank you

[@OldBiker54]

Your Employer,,Harley dosent supply chock?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

No.it is the Technicians responsibility…Doc

[@barrywadlow4519]

Off the subject but trying to settle an argument. If you run gear oil in your transmission what should you run in your primary on 2009 roadking?

[@TikiDr]

Love the way you describe things. How do you support the bike for a dual tire change?

[@DRVMN]

Thanks Doc! Any recommendations on lifts for the average D.I.Y. home garage mechanic.

[@RenegadesGarage]

DRVMN.. I had a Titan Lift but it didn't last very long. Now I have a Handy S.A.M. lift (I have a video of it) in my home garage.. I've seen a lot of people use the cheaper lifts and some had good luck with them and some did not.. A neighbor about four houses down didn't want to spend the money on a good "lift table" so he just bought a motorcycle jack. He came knocking on my door for me to help him stand his bike back up. He was jacking it up and it slid off the jack and over on it's side it went. Is a cheap $200 to $400 jack or lift really worth it if it doesn't lift the motorcycle securely?

[@SA-hk8xj]

@@RenegadesGarage I agree a cheap lift or jack is not the way to go on an expensive bike, but also using the right tool for the job (and knowing how to use it) makes a difference too. I myself purchased a Craftsman scissor lift 19 years ago for my HD. It was all I could afford at that time since I just purchased my bike and really didn’t see myself doing any major repairs. Fast forward 19 years and I’ve done majority of the upgrades, repairs, and maintenance on it from that same jack stand. Granted I wish I had a table lift at times, but I was careful in securing and lifting the bike from the same jack for all these years, I just didn’t really see the “need” for one. But I still wish I could afford (or for that matter fit) one in my garage 🙂. I figured over the years it was better to buy new tools to add to my collection and invest in a nice tool box so I could organize my HD specific tools at the ready for the regular maintenance. Plus I store the bike on the stand for winter and whenever I want to really detail the bike during warmer months. But again, that’s my two cents.

[@RenegadesGarage]

@@SA-hk8xj I absolutely agree!! Having all of the right tools is great. But knowing how to use them is a must. Sounds like you have both..

[@SA-hk8xj]

@@RenegadesGarage No “formal” training, just training from research, YT, manuals, friends, and of course life’s mistakes 🤦‍♂️😀

[@brianwright4682]

Love your content, please let me know what kind of jack is that your using, looks like a good one.

[@billofalltrades2633]

Well said! Thanks for all you do for riders!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I appreciate that…..Doc

[@raygeraghty6670]

Love all your videos. Any chance of doing one on lifting or jacking a 2020 triglide?

[@dannyboy9784]

Great video DOC, I like those quick release straps you have there....do you have links to that....I need to do that to change my both tires.

[@tommynorum5580]

Doc is a very good reason to buy a Harley! Thanks again, Doc!

[@markohara6855]

Very informative. Thanks Doc!

[@alanplambeck6608]

Hey Doc I have a 2010 road king classic my and my brake light is on what could be my problem light is on most the time but it does go off

[@photo4fun]

Great tips. That Fieldman guy will be much safer in his garage now.

[@mohammedhegdah]

You had a video on suspension preload adjustment, does preload adjustment affect ride height?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Not statically. But it helps maintain the stock height when loaded with you, passenger and gear...Doc

[@CUBANO4536]

You are the best teacher thanks for your shearing knowledge

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Not the best just one of many with knowledge to share….Doc

[@wjprejean2566]

that is really interesting about Harley bike on the lift.... thanks Doc! but I have a question what about on tri glide? I was kind of looking for a jack lift for me at my home in the garage. let me know soon Doc. thanks WJP

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Please email us at [e-mail] so I can send you some photos of the recommended jack lift. Thanks ~ Doc

[@CATmanATL22]

Good tip Doc. I always look forward to your weekly tips ......

[@steventwiddy3402]

Hey Doc when you tighten the straps down is that actually how tight you do them or do you use ratchet straps and crank them down a bit ? I always use hog ties and ratchet straps but you have to be damn careful in releasing them equally or you will snatch the bike off the side of the lift.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I agree with your procedure. We have several different kinds of straps. It all depends on the job and bike...Doc

[@rolandos64]

No need for soft straps. Simply use the eye on the hook to make a loop and then secure it over the hook. Now you have a soft tie and rest assured it won’t come off, the hook that is

[@gwendolyn4030]

What is the best spark plugs

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Depends on your application. Stock bike I use the plugs designed by the Factory. Racing? What ever helps me win…Doc

[@FabrizioFontana-r2r]

Hi DOC, is it safe to lift my Harley with rear of my lift sitting on the absorbers ? Will that damage them? I was thinking of buying the Let’s Roll Dolly and Lift but my absorbers are lower than the frame, in order for me to use it I have to lift the bike on the absorbers. Is that safe? If you let me know that would be great. I appreciate it. Thank you so much.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

What model do you own? No I’m not endorsing lifting by way of shocks.i have lifted a pre 04 Sporty with a rolling pit bull attached to swingarm. Any other I use Fat Jack under frame….Doc

[@FabrizioFontana-r2r]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I have a 2007 softail night train

[@FabrizioFontana-r2r]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson The shocks are lower than the frame, their amazing lift will fit , the problem is using them together, i can’t use the dolly unfortunately. Thank you so much DOC.

[@DavidVsqz90]

Thinking about starting to wrench in my own bike. What is the best lift to get?

[@patrickzambori473]

The easiest lift to get work done on is the BestWay (tm)... but if you're not keen on drilling a hole in your floor, then a Western table lift, electric motor preferred as I find the pneumatic one jumpy and unpredictable.

[@DavidVsqz90]

@@patrickzambori473 Cheers Patrick

[@bonnieodenback3655]

We have 2022 tri gluid CVO we are looking to hook up trailer to trike needing a waiting harness 4 pin can you help?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Nope, we don't install trailer hitches....Doc

[@vqbigpapa2399]

Mr Harley I'm disabled now, and I have my 2011 road king classic is it possible to add a freewheeler/tri glide rear frame to my king. ???

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Harley-Davidson builds a special frame for their Trikes. There are aftermarket companies that offer conversion. I have no recommendations. Thanks ~ Doc

[@Info-Med]

Great as usual, Thx Doc

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks for the safety tips Doc.

[@ridefitnation]

Excellent video

[@gibsonwashere6005]

Thanks for doing this. I just bought a Handy Lift.

[@doylehenderson319]

Another great vid Doc!!!! I just wished I had enough room in the basement to have a lift.... ;-(

[@johncasor9698]

Doc i load bikes on my Handy Air Lift that are $35 K and safety first...

[@mikevalentine9556]

Thx Doc...great info as always😎✌

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching Mike….Doc

[@rickketchumn4458]

Great video learn something almost on every video you put out thanks Doc

[@qf4phlyer]

As always, great info Doc!

[@oldguy5381]

Time well spent

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Old Guy….Doc

[@rodcameron5129]

Thanks doc what breed of seat is on that Softail please

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Corbin. Thanks ~ Doc

[@stevenlocke5445]

I load bike backwards and clamp rear wheel then strap wont go any where

[@virago41]

Excellent demonstration Doc 👍👍😊🙏🇮🇳

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Many thanks...Doc

[@snomobila]

awesome tips love the videos thank you. you ARE THE DOC!!

[@dougmead6273]

Great job Doc you have the best videos

[@K9RickRet]

Excellent explanation, Doc! 👍

[@reddog907]

Young lady’s reflection on the primary cover. 😁

[@gucci4871]

Slick observation

[@kennethking817]

A second pair of eyes can also side track your train of thought , Talk your ear off , drink all your beer and spot tools he can ask to borrow later an never return .

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

ha ha....Remember YOU left the door open....Doc

[@ronk8325]

Ok that's spooky , just picked up a lift yesterday . lol

[@mikemartinsr5350]

Always great information

[@ronjefferson212]

SRK cycles tank straps work

[@tarmak968]

Thanks Doc!

[@camomanofcranham]

nice one DH.....

[@danielprout8987]

Now I know why shop labor is so expensive.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you Daniel for your understanding….Doc

[@Firestorm637]

Awesome! Thx

[@mountaindew8042]

👍

[@Grunt49]

Thx Doc

[@jerryforese2908]

Lol no f’ing way they go thru all that at a dealer

[@gucci4871]

Wow

[@bikersoncall]

2:37 they're known as Chocks, not chucks , since the 1930's .

[@garyzanghi9272]

Doc, needs to clone himself for future generations

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

No way Gary. There will be others that will watch, learn and be better. Just wait and see….Doc

[@johnsb1550]

Front ends suck

[@gunshipgray4295]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@roncoburn7771]

hell its easier for me to work on the ground

[@bobpowers9369]

Hay doc ,how about a few tips on a tri glide!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Same safety with the addition of Bigger Jacks 😆 Thanks ~ Doc

[@vanislandsteve]

👍🏻🇨🇦

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

850 pound lap hog is no fun, thanks..

[@westieBrucedavidson]

Mate If you made all your tech tips on pay per view I guarantee goldmine You deserve it Fuck sake fix my hog ? HE'S A IDIOT Just a thought Share the knowledge Thank you

[@danielgaskell5490]

Thanks Doc!

[@stuartbuckley6113]

Thanks Doc!