Lifting V7III

[Siamese]

New to Guzzis, having just gotten a 2018, V7III Special. 

In another 300 miles, I'll be ready to do my first service.  Would just as soon get the rear wheel off the ground to rotate the wheel to get the pistons to TDC when I do the valve adjustment. 

My question is, what's a good way to get the rear wheel off the ground?  Lifting points, and best tool for the job. 

[Cam3512]

Center stand.

[Siamese]

Center stand.

Yeah...that's what I sorta thought.  They do make it easy.  Haven't had a bike with a center stand on it in a loooong time.  The 71 Honda 750 I got in 1972 had one, and it was handy.  Bloop, and the rear tire's off the pavement. 

[Kev m]

Shy of that I believe some use a pitbull paddock stand, some jack under the motor (with a large block of wood to protect it), and some (like me) use rear wheel rollers.

[egschade]

I used a Pit Bull under chassis lift but it's not the best since it raised the bike by the exhaust. I plan to pick up one of these scissor jacks soon - much cheaper than a center stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017IFQI5A/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_7?smid=A1OIIZJKTXNTOC&psc=1





I also ride with a SnapJack in my bag - useful for roadside repairs but not as stable as the scissor jack or a center stand.



freaky dice game

[twowheeladdict]

I put the front wheel in a wheel chock and then used a bottle jack with a 2x4 under the engine. to lift the rear wheel. 

[Bulldog9]

I used a wheel chock, rolled the bike in and held with straps, then a floor jack to lift the bike. Chock was like $59 on Amazon. Works great front and rear tire. Pitbull is good too, but more $$.





 

[Tom]

C-Lift, motorcycle lift, bottle jack & 2x4 tied off with overhead tie downs or an engine hoist.  Have used all methods.  Ditch method, last resort.

Easiest is when there is a c-stand on a Moto Guzzi, add 2x4's or 2x6's.  No c-stand.  All the other methods.

[Siamese]

Hmmmm.  Well, these are good replies.  Now, I'll have to scratch my head and figure which way to go. 

If I could wave a magic wand, I'd have a center-stand installed.  But with no magic wand, there's the cost, and the installation (which can't be too bad, right?). 

Or, I'm intrigued by the scissors jack that egschade posted.  I see there are a couple lugs under the bike with about 3/8" holes in them which must be for the center stand?  If I could get the scissors jack to work with those lugs, that'd be a low cost alternative. 

Aside from a center-stand, my closer inspection of the underside of this beast indicates that Guzzi does not intend for this thing to leave the garage floor. 

Thanks for the replies....head scratchin' time. 

[JACoH]

I have the Hepco & Becker centerstand on my 2017 Special, works fine, lift up with the chrome grab handle on left side, push down on it with right foot.

[Siamese]

I have the Hepco & Becker centerstand on my 2017 Special, works fine, lift up with the chrome grab handle on left side, push down on it with right foot.

The rail on the Special if robust, so that must help with getting on the center stand.  Did Hepco & Becker have good instructions? 

[Vagrant]

directions on HB are good. I think it calls for 1 hour. will take most two. good solid product.

[egschade]

Hmmmm.  Well, these are good replies.  Now, I'll have to scratch my head and figure which way to go. 

If I could wave a magic wand, I'd have a center-stand installed.  But with no magic wand, there's the cost, and the installation (which can't be too bad, right?). 

Or, I'm intrigued by the scissors jack that egschade posted.  I see there are a couple lugs under the bike with about 3/8" holes in them which must be for the center stand?  If I could get the scissors jack to work with those lugs, that'd be a low cost alternative. 

Aside from a center-stand, my closer inspection of the underside of this beast indicates that Guzzi does not intend for this thing to leave the garage floor. 

Thanks for the replies....head scratchin' time.

I expect to catch the frame tubes with the tabs on the jack for a nice stable lift. Other option is to remove the jack tabs and put it under the sump with a 2x6 block for protection. There's a version that has a 1/2" socket in the crank so you can use a cordless driver to raise/lower the bike.

[twowheeladdict]

I used a Pit Bull under chassis lift but it's not the best since it raised the bike by the exhaust. I plan to pick up one of these scissor jacks soon - much cheaper than a center stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017IFQI5A/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_7?smid=A1OIIZJKTXNTOC&psc=1





I also ride with a SnapJack in my bag - useful for roadside repairs but not as stable as the scissor jack or a center stand.



freaky dice game

Thanks for the link to the scissor jack.  I am going to buy one and can use it with the Harley was well since it has 1100 lb capacity.

[WHY]

If you only thinking about doing the valves, you can just take the timing over off and rotate the crankshaft using a wrench from there, thats how I do my valves.

[Kev m]

If you only thinking about doing the valves, you can just take the timing over off and rotate the crankshaft using a wrench from there, thats how I do my valves.

That ended with the Mark 1.5 V7 (~2015) when they went to a wet alternator. So that doesn't work on a V7II, V7III or the V9.

[WHY]

That ended with the Mark 1.5 V7 (~2015) when they went to a wet alternator. So that doesn't work on a V7II, V7III or the V9.

sorry, my bad

[Tom H]

I was going to suggest an engine/shop lift. That is what I use for my bikes, especially for changing the rear tire. I tried to lift the rear of my EVT as pictured with the V7. Didn't need to pull the tire, just lift the bike an inch or two. All the jack did was to try to lift the entire bike, wheel chock and all. On my HD, the V7 above method does work.

For your use I would go with the wheel chock and a jack. The chock mentioned can also be had at Harbor Freight, I have one and it works great. Make sure to use the straps as pictured. The scissor lift is a nice option over a classic floor jack, it's much lower so you can get it in places a floor jack won't. My friend just bought one, about $40 USD. Check Amazon as they have the best prices and for the most part, all are the same except for the name tag.

One thing I would do first is to check the price of the center stand. The wheel chock is about $60 at HF then use the coupons they always have so $50ish?. If you have a jack, great. If you have to buy one, the pictured is about $40. Or you should be able to use a cheap floor jack from an auto parts store, maybe $25?

With this said, why not just put the bike in gear and push the bike as needed?

PS: If you go with this wheel chock, use some washers as spacers between the wheel stop and the angle iron frame on the shaft that goes through, do this as well at the pivot. Much more stable this way!

Good luck,
Tom

[Kev m]

With this said, why not just put the bike in gear and push the bike as needed?

When checking valves? What a PIA...

...why when one could just use something like this and spin the wheel - ~$20:

[Toecutter]

One of these... http://cdn3.volusion.com/q6x9k.kju29/v/vspfiles/photos/MC-Jack-2.jpg

Or suitable HF/ Princess Auto replacement.

Works great for every bike.

[Siamese]

I think I've come to a bike-lifting decision.  Now, if I divulge it, those who presented a different solution will think the new guy's a dope.  An ungrateful dope.  But the guy who offered the solution I've chosen will be pleased. 

I'm gonna go with that red, screw jack thing for 57 bucks or so.  Looks like it'll connect with the two center stand lugs on the underside of the bike.  If not, rigging up an adapter should be easy.  It doesn't add any weight to the bike, I don't have to install it, it's inexpensive, and it may be useful for other things, like lifting my dirt bike. 

Thanks for the help, all.  This is a great site.  I'm a regular user of forums for my motorcycles, archery, guitars, sailing, firearms, travel trailers, and antique sewing machines.  If you don't know, ASK.  And if you know, leave a reply.

I was afraid, given the low production numbers for Guzzi, that I'd ask a question here and......crickets.  Wrong.  Thanks for the help. 

[Tom H]

Check Amazon and look around. Here is the same I believe for $49.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01860HLCU/ref=psdc_15708081_t1_B01M3R1JMF

Tom

[Siamese]

Alright, the rear tire of my V7III is now hovering over the floor of my garage.  I got a scissors jack, as suggested by Egschade.  Not the identical one.   Looks like there must be a couple factories in China cranking out these simple jacks under various names.  Mine is called a Smartxchoice Red Motorcycle Lift Jack 1100 lb., bla bla bla. 

It comes with a cheesy little socket wrench for operating it, but it will also accept a metric socket and a 1/2 inch drive, which makes it a lot easier.  It took just a few minutes of fussing, with wife sitting on the bike to keep it level, and the two threaded pedestals on it made contact with what I believe must be the lugs for attaching a center stand. 

Of course, the jack needs to be fully compressed to fit under the bike, but the two threaded pedestals can be left in the correct position when you slide it under the bike.  Just slide it in from the rear and position it under the lugs. 

Worked great, and looks like it'll be hard to break.  So, for $50.00 bucks, including shipping, it gets the job done just fine.  My Guzzi's at 883 miles right now, so I'm just a couple short rides away from doing the first service at 932 miles. 

[Tom]

 

[PMDMN]

I'm late to this party but will take the opportunity to plug Pit Bull products.  I've used the front stand shown in the photo for a number of years on a variety of bikes.  Their rear stand works great on the V7III but only if the evap cannister has been removed. 

[twowheeladdict]

Alright, the rear tire of my V7III is now hovering over the floor of my garage.  I got a scissors jack, as suggested by Egschade.  Not the identical one.   Looks like there must be a couple factories in China cranking out these simple jacks under various names.  Mine is called a Smartxchoice Red Motorcycle Lift Jack 1100 lb., bla bla bla. 

It comes with a cheesy little socket wrench for operating it, but it will also accept a metric socket and a 1/2 inch drive, which makes it a lot easier.  It took just a few minutes of fussing, with wife sitting on the bike to keep it level, and the two threaded pedestals on it made contact with what I believe must be the lugs for attaching a center stand. 

Of course, the jack needs to be fully compressed to fit under the bike, but the two threaded pedestals can be left in the correct position when you slide it under the bike.  Just slide it in from the rear and position it under the lugs. 

Worked great, and looks like it'll be hard to break.  So, for $50.00 bucks, including shipping, it gets the job done just fine.  My Guzzi's at 883 miles right now, so I'm just a couple short rides away from doing the first service at 932 miles.

Mine just came in today.  Ordered it off Amazon for $50 delivered from Zeny. 

[egschade]

Alright, the rear tire of my V7III is now hovering over the floor of my garage.  I got a scissors jack, as suggested by Egschade.  Not the identical one.   Looks like there must be a couple factories in China cranking out these simple jacks under various names.  Mine is called a Smartxchoice Red Motorcycle Lift Jack 1100 lb., bla bla bla.   

You have made a wise (and cheap - MG people love cheap) choice Grasshopper. You have also earned 50K NJ points which, if you come to our state to use them, will be taxed heavily giving you a remaining value of $0.038

[mr_pacman]

When checking valves? What a PIA...

...why when one could just use something like this and spin the wheel - ~$20:

I want to look at the valves on my 2014 V7.  I've got a good solid front wheel chock. I was dreading jacking up the bike with my car floor jack.  With this rear wheel roller, do I need to jack the bike up at all or can I somehow get it onto the roller and then the front wheel chock? 

Looks like they sell it at Amazon.ca which is nice as well

 https://www.amazon.ca/MaxxHaul-80401-Motorcycle-Wheel-Cleaning/dp/B01N1S9IBE/ref=asc_df_B01N1S9IBE/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292957668159&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15566383228343728222&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001335&hvtargid=pla-436515408876&th=1

[Kev m]

I want to look at the valves on my 2014 V7.  I've got a good solid front wheel chock. I was dreading jacking up the bike with my car floor jack.  With this rear wheel roller, do I need to jack the bike up at all or can I somehow get it onto the roller and then the front wheel chock? 

Looks like they sell it at Amazon.ca which is nice as well

 https://www.amazon.ca/MaxxHaul-80401-Motorcycle-Wheel-Cleaning/dp/B01N1S9IBE/ref=asc_df_B01N1S9IBE/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292957668159&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15566383228343728222&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001335&hvtargid=pla-436515408876&th=1

I don't bother using a wheel chock with ours but I'm sure you can, it's just a question of spacing it right so the front wheel enters the chock at the right time so the rear will come to rest on that as the chock goes over center and holds the front.

One of the bikes we use it on is a lowered 883 low (for a rider that is 4' 10") and we space out a block of wood for the front wheel to sit on at the same time. This is necessary just to fit a drain pan under the darn thing.

[mr_pacman]

I don't bother using a wheel chock with ours but I'm sure you can, it's just a question of spacing it right so the front wheel enters the chock at the right time so the rear will come to rest on that as the chock goes over center and holds the front.

One of the bikes we use it on is a lowered 883 low (for a rider that is 4' 10") and we space out a block of wood for the front wheel to sit on at the same time. This is necessary just to fit a drain pan under the darn thing.

I suppose I could try to use this wheel roller with the bike on the side stand or do you think that's not a great idea (I'm assuming you have a center stand?).  For valves I don't really need the bike to be upright......