GS Adventure - Which way will it drop? If both wheels removed?

[oxforshirerider]

Hi all,

Having had a rear wheel delamination on the M25 last night, I'm going to get both my tyres swapped out.

As I can't get the bike to the dealer, I am going to need to remove front and wheel wheels. That in itself I don't have a problem with, but was just wandering if anyone knows when both wheels are removed which way the GSA (16 plate if thats relevant) leans forwards or backwards? I assume forwards, because of the location of fuel tank/engine etc, but we all know what they say about the word 'assume'.

I plan on putting a paddock stand under front end forks, centre stand down and jack under subframe near back.........but its always good to be prepared for the inevitable shift in weight.

Cheers.

 

[ChazzyB]

I've got to take both my wheel out for tyres in a week or two (I always take loose wheels in). I will replace the front spindle and rest it on an axle stand; bit of timber wedged under something at the back to stop it see-sawing.

 

[Bonehead]

I took the back wheel off first, then get someone two push down on the back of the bike to lift the front wheel off the ground while I push a toolbox or similar under the front of the engine.

 

[andylel]

It will drop forwards. I change the wheels regularly and place a jack at the front of the sump guard with the bike on the centre stand to lift the front wheel off the ground in order to remove it. I have not removed both at once but if the front wheel is off and the back wheel on then you can deduce that the front is still heavier because the bike hasn't tipped backwards rotating around the centre stand. If I then take the back wheel off I am removing even more weight from the back so making the front proportionately heavier still. Hope this helps.

 

[oxforshirerider]

It will drop forwards. I change the wheels regularly and place a jack at the front of the sump guard with the bike on the centre stand to lift the front wheel off the ground in order to remove it. I have not removed both at once but if the front wheel is off and the back wheel on then you can deduce that the front is still heavier because the bike hasn't tipped backwards rotating around the centre stand. If I then take the back wheel off I am removing even more weight from the back so making the front proportionately heavier still. Hope this helps.

Great thanks for the advice, I'll hopefully not be posting pictures of my bike on the floor with me under it!

 

[ChazzyB]

I'll hopefully not be posting pictures of my bike on the floor with me under it!

Only if you have someone else there, ready with a camera. ;-)

 

[oxforshirerider]

Only if you have someone else there, ready with a camera. ;-)

Ha, good point, though knowing my missus sh'd be laughing too much to take the picture!

 

[DevonAl]

I wouldn't leave it sitting on just a hydraulic jack, well not again anyway , luckily no damage but it was a twat to get upright again as the centre stand had retracted when bike sunk forwards. Definitely axel stand under front, scissor jack under back end.

Al.

 

[tanneman]

I always put axle stands under the exhaust headers, that way both wheels are in the air on the centre stand. If you do take both wheels out strap the centre stand to the front of the bike so it won't fold back if you inadvertently bump into the bike. Perfectly ok for the half day when I change tyres.

 

[oxforshirerider]

I always put axle stands under the exhaust headers, that way both wheels are in the air on the centre stand. If you do take both wheels out strap the centre stand to the front of the bike so it won't fold back if you inadvertently bump into the bike. Perfectly ok for the half day when I change tyres.

Great stuff, Axle stands in my garage will finally get rolled into use! And will strap that stand forwards, as sounds like a common mistake. Cheers for the heads up.

 

[matchbox]

All good advice. I use a scissor jack under sump guard with a piece of wood to protect the guard. Rear wheel first then jack till front is just off the ground. Strapping stand a good idea for added safety.

 

[Fullchat]

The bike is balanced to the front. On the FJR the bike can be lifted on a trolley jack and block of wood under the down pipes. Doesn't need a lot to lift as it is close to the centre of gravity. As suggested something to keep the bike in the position in case the jack starts to go down over night.

 

[oxforshirerider]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Stopped by halfords on way home and got a scissor jack. Got home, secured centre stand down with a ratchet strap. Popped off the rear wheel all good.

Jacked up a tiny bit to just lift front wheel off ground. Removed front wheel and put an axle stand under centre of replaced axle, just in case!

Was really sturdy, gave me chance to fit my new exhaust while I was fettling....Arrow titanium looks foolproof oops, sounds slightly antisocial so may be popping the baffle in at some point.

Bike nice and sturdy, wheels ready for new rubber. Happy days.

Thanks to all for your great suggestions, tips and advice.