Wheel change without padock stands
 

Looking at changing my wheels. Anyone got any ideas how i would go about doing this without using padock stands as i dont have any.
I do have access to a small electric gantry crane which could lift the front and rear of bike.Just unsure if this is safe for me and the bike.
TA

Axle stands. Put them under the foot rests or trolley jack and block of wood under the engine.

Milk or beer crate, wiggled under the engine by oiking the bike over on its side stand and kicking the crate under the engine. Assistance with a pile of bricks or a car jack if needed depending on the balance point and which wheel/s you're taking off. Not recommended and not safe for you or the bike. But that was how I did it before I could afford paddock stands....and that was on big fours :)
Selina
*don't do as I say, or as I do*
Edit: When I say 'before I could afford paddock stands' I actually mean 'before I met someone who already owned paddock stands I could use' :p

Cheers guys and gals.
If i do place something underneath im sure it will foul on the exhaust pipes, Correct? If i use this crane that i have access to do you think i could use a lorry ratchet strap through the rear grab handles or is this a bit dodgey?

as long as the bolts holding it on are all tight it should be fine.

The exhausts do get in the way but up you get a piece of timber and place it between the middle of the exhausts it allows you to lift using a trolley jack on the timber straight to the engine ie no exhaust damage. :glasses9:

Either that or get a bash plate and a jack!!!

Why not just buy a pair of stands and save the hassle? You can change your wheels & they will be of use for any future maintenance. I notice you're a fair weather rider (like myself :D), it's better to keep a bike on stands when not used for a while too.

Hi, I use lorry ratchet straps fastened well spread to the rafters in the garage on one end and the rack on the the rear of the bike. For the front end use the handle bars or better the centre mounting if you still got the original lead tube bars. Can easily be done on your own and is relatively stable.
Used milk crate ones on the old tenere just after restoring her and it just folded in on itself. Had to rastore her again.
Crane could be used if you can spread the straps somehow, else it will behave like a pendulum.

Rob

I bet you've got a few of them around .......:happy:

Some great advice there everyone thanks.
Dazmatic thanks for the link to the padock stands. I cant belive they are from ghost bikes.Ive only just bought some body armour from them and didnt think to look for the padock stands.They are bloody cheap compared to others ive seen. Have you purchaced a set from them mate? Im a bit concerned about the quality of them, they do look ok.

Thanks again all !