Abba Skylift

[Mac One]

Phoned them today and discussed the older pre 13 bike issue, They confirmed (as mentioned earlier in this thread) the bike will fit but because the drive shaft is on the opposite side as the new bikes you have to use a little ingenuity to use the lift properly.

So i have taken the plunge and ordered one and still got the Black Friday deal.

You really have to make sure it’s safe, it’s all very well them saying you have to use a little ingenuity but it’s a very easy way to scrap your bike, and maybe your self, in the process.

 

[Littledumptruck]

You really have to make sure it’s safe, it’s all very well them saying you have to use a little ingenuity but it’s a very easy way to scrap your bike, and maybe your self, in the process.

It’ll just need a longer strap looped around the subframe instead of the swing arm. As they say, just needs a little ingenuity , just as it would with any other bike if you need to remove the swing arm.

 

[Andy63]

OK the skylift arrived on Monday, I put it together today and lifted the bike \0/ really pleased with it.

My main concern was where am i going to store it thinking i will need to create a bit of space in the garage but it packs away quite small so no worries there.
Here is a great review of one if you were thinking of going for one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nKOfagyrgI

As for the drive shaft being on the wrong side I used the strap around the pannier frame it worked perfectly.

 

[SIB8292]

OK the skylift arrived on Monday, I put it together today and lifted the bike \0/ really pleased with it.

My main concern was where am i going to store it thinking i will need to create a bit of space in the garage but it packs away quite small so no worries there.
Here is a great review of one if you were thinking of going for one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nKOfagyrgI

As for the drive shaft being on the wrong side I used the strap around the pannier frame it worked perfectly.

So did you use the fittings for the later 2013 bike? If not which ones did you get please. Because I shall certainly want to copy you!

 

[Andy63]

They have the swing arm fittings for later pre 2013 bikes the issue is the later bikes drive shaft is on the RHS if you look at the bike from the rear. This is an issue for the design of the lift.

For my bike with pannier frame it is easy to put the strap around it to keep the bike level.

As for wheelie position I haven’t tried yet so that may be more complicated but will have another trial at the weekend

 

[Mac One]

So is that strap round the pannier frame the only thing stopping the bike from tilting forward?

 

[SIB8292]

They have the swing arm fittings for later pre 2013 bikes the issue is the later bikes drive shaft is on the RHS if you look at the bike from the rear. This is an issue for the design of the lift.

For my bike with pannier frame it is easy to put the strap around it to keep the bike level.

As for wheelie position I haven’t tried yet so that may be more complicated but will have another trial at the weekend

Well mine is a 2012 GSA which does indeed have the drive shaft on the rhs. Being a GSA it has a pannier frame. When I spoke to them some time back they just said fittings weren't available for pre 2013 non LC bikes, end of. So until I saw this thread I'd given up. Actually it looks like all I need is to order the right fittings so unless I'm missing something, the fittings you've got aren't actually specified for the pre 2013 air cooled model but are the ones specified for ( what ?). Just so I can order the right ones!

Looking at the photo I wouldn't have thought you'd have a problem with wheelie position, stoppie might be less easy because it will need a long strap, you have got some to spare I can see but safety dictates there is some degree of excess anyway.

 

[SIB8292]

So is that strap round the pannier frame the only thing stopping the bike from tilting forward?

That's how the sky lift works - the weight is taken by the frame pivots which are the centre of gravity and the strap keeps it horizontal or adjusts lovnger to let the bike tilt forward or shorter to tilt it back, wheelie and stoppie respectively. The key to it is making sure the fittings used engage properly in the pivot points, and a strong and secure place to attach the strap, which the pannier frame would provide.

 

[Andy63]

I’ll take a photo of the parts for the frame and post later

 

[SIB8292]

Thanks. I reckon the ones that I need are the same as those shown in Lucas post 1 Dec.

If that's what you got no need for pics. But the question is did you show Abba the pics and leave them to work out which of their range to supply or did you quote a model from the range they officially cover?

I don't know if the 2013 LC frame pivots are the same as the 2012 air cooled bike. If they are then I know what to order!

 

[ShakeyGS]

This is how the FD is strapped on the later (LC) bikes.

You would need a second person to help you put it on (I’m thinking about lifting it upright from the side stand) but couldn’t you just insert the lift from the other side?

 

[Andy63]

Here are the frame parts and the hub black cylinder for the strap seen in the above post. Which you dont need unless you get a newer bike.

 

[Andy63]

This is how the FD is strapped on the later (LC) bikes.

You would need a second person to help you put it on (I’m thinking about lifting it upright from the side stand) but couldn’t you just insert the lift from the other side?

Might give it a try however the bike is on the side stand so would need to pull it up not sure how difficult that would be?

 

[SIB8292]

I don’t think so - the lift is designed to fit on Lh side of all bikes.

 

[SIB8292]

So those are actually what ABBA supply for the later bikes yes? And I can understand why the hub fitting would be redundant on one which has a right side FD.
Absence of a strap point on left side for non GSA bikes is a problem but it might be possible to work out how to overcome that
Not my problem fortunately as I DO have a GSA and can use the frame to secure the strap

 

[Andy63]

So those are actually what ABBA supply for the later bikes yes? And I can understand why the hub fitting would be redundant on one which has a right side FD.
Absence of a strap point on left side for non GSA bikes is a problem but it might be possible to work out how to overcome that
Not my problem fortunately as I DO have a GSA and can use the frame to secure the strap

Sorry somehow missed your post #50 but yes ABBA supply the adaptors give them a call, they should tell you the don't advertise it for the older bikes but do supply the BMW swing arm fittings.

You can work around to make it work for your bike ref the strap.

 

[mpgscott]

Brilliant, wil be giving this a go. I like adapting things happy days..

 

[the woodster]

Give them a ring. My Tiger 800 XCX wasn't listed but an alternative adapter did (for a speed triple, IIRC). They also do a kit that attaches to the footrest hangers, that is intended for use when you want to remove the swinging arm for bearings etc. I'd be very surprised if they couldn't sort you out.