Just wondering what everybody's thoughts are on best method of removing engine from 1st gens. I am getting ready to do this for the second time in the last year and trying to think of a cheaper alternative to a cherry picker. I realize in the long run one of these is probably a good investment especially if I am going to be working on bikes the rest of my life, but in my current situation I hate to drop $150-$200 for something I probably will not use again for a couple of years. The first time I dropped the engine with a floor jack but it took some rather redneck-ish rigging to ensure safe removal, since I was by myself. Anybody got some tips or can point me to some info on how I might do this in a similar way the second time around? Thanks, Lucas
When I work on my bike I tie it down like the photo shows. It makes it a very stable platform to work with. You can leave the front end on if you wish. Tie the front down like the rear with straps and it makes the bike rock solid from falling or rocking. I don't understand how or why you would use a cherry picker. Just put the floor jack under the motor. A piece of 6" wide or so 3/4 board between jack and engine helps steady it. Remove the mounting plates at the frame for more wiggle room. Remove all mounting bolts and the left side frame section and the motor falls out. At least it has for me. Exhaust and carbs are off right?
+1 on what Grey said. I didn't have a centerstand on one of my 500's and i just tied it to a wall. I put a floor jack under the motor to make sure it didn't literally just fall out and thats about it. It's really not a hard thing to do. A 700 engine only weighs about 200lbs give or take a few
