Lifting an ST1300

meta

meta

Joined
Aug 3, 2024
Messages
83
Location
ireland uk
Here's a technical question for you knowledgeable people....

If one wanted to lift an ST1300 with a crane or forklift, do you think this could be done? Could ratchet straps or a good rope be put around it "somewhere" to lift it evenly balanced, it could be one forward strap and one rear., But around what. Could the grap handles take the weight for example? Could the handle bars or yoke take the weight?
 
The wheels are always a safe bet, as long as you can protect the bodywork.

You can lift the weight low and keep it upright higher up.
 
A wide strap or a few straps cradled under the oil pan. This is where I jack up the bike when needed.
 
The bike is too heavy to just lift anywhere. Good luck....
 
I assume you want to load your ST into the hold of a cargo ship for world travel and high adventure? I would put two straps around each side of the frame in the back where the exhaust mounts. Then I would run a strap under the base of the steering stem making sure to miss any wires. You will have to take the bags off but you will probably need them on board that tramp steamer.
 
Big_Jim59 said:
I assume you want to load your ST into the hold of a cargo ship for world travel and high adventure? I would put two straps around each side of the frame in the back where the exhaust mounts. Then I would run a strap under the base of the steering stem making sure to miss any wires. You will have to take the bags off but you will probably need them on board that tramp steamer.
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no I just want to take the wheels off, forks off and change the oil and filter and have a good clean around at eye level. not able to bend over any vehicle or get down to floor level without disabling my back for weeks.
 
meta said:
no I just want to take the wheels off, forks off and change the oil and filter and have a good clean around at eye level. not able to bend over any vehicle or get down to floor level without disabling my back for weeks.
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I can see that. My back is killing me after fitting new tires. I do not get off the floor with as much grace as I used to!
 
Big_Jim59 said:
I can see that. My back is killing me after fitting new tires. I do not get off the floor with as much grace as I used to!
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I basically cant do very much apart from sit and watch tv, walk round a store, get in and out car very carefully, put clothes on extremely carefully (socks and shoes tricky). Last time I did the back in , I was brushing teeth, the time before that I was moving a cushion on the sofa. So its a tricky business trying to have any fun. That rules out burds too pretty much. The only good bit is the government gives me lots of money which I have nothing to do with it much.
 
I would say if the lift points are good enough for the setup instructions, they would work for all of us too (I don't think the 2004 rails on my ride are plastic, but maybe later years are?). The main weight will be on the tip over bars, the rear isn't lifting a proportionally equal weight. Be sure to use a strap spreader on the front to prevent them rubbing against any tupperware or the tank if using a single point attachment for both sides.
 
A question for you, what is doing the lifting? Do you have two winches, two cranes, or a fork lift? Why not buy a skylift (PM @Mellow for info), though I think using one of those will do more damage to your body than the straps.

Before @Paul posted his link to the instructions, I was going to suggest removing the seat and trying to thread straps around the frame rails as far aft as you can. Tip over bars and the frame rails should do it better than the grab handles.
 
All you need to lift the bike enough to get the front wheels off is any automotive jack, remove fender and just lift under the engine enough to get the wheel about an inch off the ground.

Good info here

Best rolling motorcycle jack? | Tools/Workshop/Garage

I'm looking for a quality rolling jack for my ST1300. There isn't room for a permanent lift. Something stable while stationary and of course stable when moving. I can't say price is no object, but I really want quality. Thanks for your time.
www.st-owners.com www.st-owners.com
 
While inspecting the wheel alignment, I wish I had taken more photos. I also experimented with using the front and rear crash bars together to lift the bike, which provided easier access to the clutch master cylinder. However, the rear handles were only used for balance, not for lifting.
Although lifting the bike was feasible, putting it down was more difficult. I wouldn't recommend this method.
Since then, I've discovered a more secure way to lift the bike using straps by attaching them to the frame under the seat and the crash bars.

PXL_20230429_181346312.jpg
 
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