Front wheel up from ground

[IbnBattuta]

I've got the 800 GS up on the center stand, and want to get the front wheel lifted up from the ground to check the wheel, tyres, head bearings etc. On my old Africa Twin I could use a wooden plate and a jack under the bash plate to get the front wheel lifted up. I've got the BMW enduro bash plate on the GS and wonder if it's ok to do the same on the GS? Is the bash plate and its fittings strong enough and constructed for the bikes weight?

 

[Losttheplot]

You don't need to lift the front wheel off the ground to check the bearings.

To check wheel bearings, just try pulling the wheel where it goes through the forks (i guess about 11 o'clock?). any sideways movement that isn't the tyre flexing is likely to be the bearings.

To check head bearings, put the front wheel on the ground, and try to push it gently back and forth, while putting your finger up against the bottom steering bearing and the bottom of the headset. If the bearings are shot, or slack, you will soon feel movement.

If your trying to feel for the "knotchiness" that accompanies over tight bearings, sit on the bike so the back wheel touches the deck, and gentle push the bars, if they do not rotate freely then it should give you a clue.

HTH

 

[IbnBattuta]

A nice reply , but doesn't give a solution for getting the front wheel off the ground if one wants to remove it etc. Has any one tested if the bash plate is tough enough?

 

[ILMV]

I have wooden joists in the roof of my garage, I put a rather strap over the joist and through the centre part of the handlebars, just to lift the bike up at the front a little bit.

Doesn't seem to put the center stand under much pressure, very stable and great for removing the front wheel.

 

[GunZenBomZ]

For the time it takes to remove the bash-plate. I'd remove it mate, then wedge the front end of the engine with a good big block of wood. That will raise your front end so you can do your checks.

You have brilliant english.

 

[Dean]

another pair of hands to lean on the rear end


SeeSaw

 

[Womble]

Are people seriously worried about damaging the bike by jacking up against the bash plate? It's meant to be clouted against rocks by a bike in motion, carrying potentially 2 riders and luggage. It's not like it's the sump or the exhaust, which are the main things to avoid when jacking bikes.

If you're that worried, take the weight of the bike on the centre stand and then use the jack under the bash plate to tilt it back. If you are using the centre stand for this sort of support, it's always a good idea to tie it in place.

 

[colint]

I have fitted an eyebolt in the garage floor and I rachet strap the back end down using the grab rails works for me