Raising the front end for winter storage

Hi guys,

I've prepared my bike for winter storage this weekend. I normally put my bikes on center stands and raise the front end off the ground to release pressure on the suspension, to prevent the tire from going flat in one spot and to avoid moisture buildup.

Question is: how do I get the front end of the VFR (6th gen) up? Are the headers solid enough to keep the front end up? I've supported the front end by the headers when I've changed tires, but I'm wondering if it's solid enough for 5-6 months of storage. It's the first bike I've owned with the headers under the engine.

Thanks,

Frank

 

They make stands, if you want to go that route.

I do it the "cheap" way. A couple of 1 X 3 that I notch out a little area to fit on each side of the axle. Put the bike on the center stand. Then just have someone push down on the back to raise the front tire a half inch off the ground, take your measurements, and make your cuts.

It ain't pretty, but it keeps the font tire off the floor. I ended up with a serious flat spot on my tire a few years ago when I didn't lift it up.

I guess this way puts some pressure on the front suspension, but overall it worked OK without any issues to the suspension after storage.

 

another way is, I installed an eye bolt above my bike and used a tie down strap around the triple tree to hold front end up.

 

I was planning on supporting my 5g with a block of wood under the header for the winter storage. As far as stress on the header goes, most of the weight of the bike is still supported by the center stand.

 

You people are cheap. Just buy a stand & be done with it. Eventually you're gong to need to remove the front wheel for something. Why pay someone else to do it when you can do it yourself?

DMP S-Spec Fork Paddock Stand - Street Bike - Motorcycle Superstore

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...x?sst=RR|22521
Lifts at the steering stem.

Have you tried this lift before? It seems like it gets the front wheel off the ground a lot. My bike is on the center stand right now... would it be stable enough, would the rear tire touch the groud? I thought these were only supposed to be used with a rear pit stand?

 

Stand is the best way!!

 

Gee I'm glad I live in Oz, where winter storage isn't a problem.... guess at this point I should quietly slink away and go for another ride..


But, I do have an eye bolt in the roof beam of my carport for when I need to change the front tyre.

Cheers

 

Agreed with KC...Stop trying to use red-neck engineering and just buy a gawd/damn front end stand. Mine is from WoodCraft and its titz, I used it when I raced and use it to service my bikes, it has different pins to go into the bottom of the steering stem and has adjustments to raise and lower it. Very secure, I still am jonesing for a nice Handylift though, one day.

Hey...here is a thought, you could invest in some electric gloves and a vest and a decent cold weather suit, maybe snowmobile? and ride all winter like I used to do when I lived in that crappy ass komunist state NJ. Cheers and try to stay warm :smile:

 

Pit Bull Newfront Stand - Street Bike - Motorcycle Superstore

I know the Pit Bull is more expensive but other brands make similar so shop around.
YES it is sturdy enough to hold the bike by itself, or in conjunction with center or rear stands.
This one allows suspension work too as it supports by the steering stem bottom.