Cycle Dirt Nap Lift / Hoist / Crane

[mebgardner]

This is my first Uber sized ADV machine.

I've got good skills from dirt motorcycling over the years, but never saw myself on something this big. Until now. Now, I got one

While I train for eventual off-road, and come to terms with the size and weight of this machine, I'm looking into how to lift it, if (when) I drop it.

My question is, does anyone / has anyone purchased a dirt nap lift, and have you had to use it?

If yes, which did you buy, and what worked / did not work when you went to deploy and use it?


Here's what I'll offer to start:

There are two vendors that I can find for a ready made (not home made) product.

This:

https://www.advmotorrad.com/dustriders-motorcycle-hoist

... which is offered through a vendor on this forum.

... and this:

MotoBikeJack Portable Motorcycle Jack :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018YA6D1C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1A86BQJ5ISD4L

... which can be ordered direct from the vendor, or through Amazon. These is no price break either way.


I find only those two products.


For their deployment and use, I have this caution:

When lifting the cycle, be sure to have something to protect the tank paint, or you'll scratch it for sure. A clean towel, handkerchief, something between te lifting strap, and the tank.

When lifting the cycle, side torque / pressure will be put on the lifting surface (duh), so be prepared for that. That is, if you're levering against the seat while lifting, there will be a tremendous amount of side pressure on the seat. I can tell you that my seat "wobbles" a little from my seat height / comfort adjustments. If you're familiar with the seat settings / latching mechanism, then you're probably aware those things are not very strong.

Get my point here?

So, please tell us about your experiences.

 

[worncog]

There is the Clinton Smout method also.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5pmEVIPl78

 

[Sierra1]

When you say dirt nap, are we talking about an unexpected go-down? And, if Murphy has anything to do with it, you lifting device will not be anywhere close. I haven't had to pick this bike back up....yet, but I don't envision too many difficulties. Step 1-make sure bike is in gear; 2-put you side stand in the down position (if the bike is on the right side); 3-squat down with your back/butt to the seat; 4-grab hold of anything solid (grab rails, passenger peg bracket, crash bars, handle bars, etc); 5-lift with your legs until it's upright. This works for men/women regardless of size. I can't count the number of times I've had to pick up a loaded ST1300 & RT1150. Grab a buddy to help put the bike on its side, and practice. I don't foresee the Tenere to be that hard to pick up. The way she carries her weight, and the amount of places to grab on to. Besides, when you drop her unexpectedly, there's always that adrenaline dump to help with the lift.

Just watched the above video....a lot of pressure being put on the lower back.

 

[mebgardner]

Gentlemen, while I appreciate the replies, I would really like to stay on-topic.

Please.

This is not to become a "you don't need that machine to lift", or "don't screw up your back, do it this way" kinda thread.

This forum has plenty of those already.

Please forgive me if I seem rude, I'm really just desiring an answer from folks familiar with the product I'm enquiring about.

Thanks.

 

[Sierra1]

??? :-X

 

[Checkswrecks]

I've picked up a number of Teneres, including both of mine and helped with a few others on the forum. In retrospect, I or we usually have the bike up far faster than you would need to dig out the jack and set it up. fwiw, I'm going on 62 and like the song says "not as good as I used to be."

Not going to lecture anybody about technique, but it is worth noting that the sidebar mounting points stick out for a distance when viewed head-on. It's one reason this bike is easier to pick up than a R1200GS. Those points become a fulcrum, so you rock it up to there and really aren't lifting the bike all the way from the ground.

I'd strongly suggest that you lower your bike to the ground on grass (or cardboard or carpet, etc) and pick it up a couple of times before buying one of those jacks.

 

[hawk281]

while i have picked up a number of bikes, from falling over. i was always concerned about getting stuck with the s10, as i ride alone most of the time. so for insurance i purchased a rope pulley system, i think from a company called motorest, i'll check on that. it works well if your in a weird landing position and can't muscle the bike up. i was able to lift my beta dirt bike completely off the ground just checking it out. it is a little complicated to assemble, at that point you have nothing but time. don't know about you guys, but i rarely fall over on nice flat unobstructed locations, just saying.

 

[mebgardner]

Gentlemen. Please believe I have the utmost respect for you. Genuinely.

We have now re-capped the same advice and arguments that appear in dozens of other threads on this site.

Checks, I will use your advice and make the lifting attempt without the crane machine, as you suggest. It's a $300 suggestion, so I'm keen to not spend it if I can rationalize the entire purpose, which is: Lift from any position, regardless of cycle attitude (aircraft reference used here). It's always in the worst position when you need it the most, and kinda "tilts" towards Hawk's opinion and experience. I've lifted enough cycles from a "cycle seat pointing down slope" position to know that, that is the hardest position to recover.

So, I got it...

Now, I beg of you, please stay on-topic. Thanks very much.

I'll offer this, from a old timer friend who has decades of cycle experience, given to me while he was walking me (pun intended) through the deployment and use of a home brew lift machine. He made his for less than $50., and I'm evaluating whether or not it will be strong enough for this cycle.

Anyway, here's what a grey hair told me about using these crane lifting machines, the things the videos will not tell you:

I've added the two points from above, because they originated from him and provide the complete list. Added to give him credit where credit is due.

* Using the cycle lift will put side torque on the cycle seat and may damage it, so be ready for that.

* That, and the same side lifting strap could gouge the tank paint if it's not covered.

* Lift points from front to back will have an effect on CG of bike with respect to lifting moment.

* Insure there is no length of strap limitations within ratchet device. ie: It has to be long enough to lift, but not so long that it wraps around the ratchet turnstile when lifting, and "jam it up". Not that long...

* Placement of lift base / legs next to the seat, on the ground, so that they are approx 30" away as bike becomes erect. So, dont put the lifting arm under the bike too much, so to not "slide out" from underneath during the lift. Wedge it with your foot as it's lifting and as the angle is increasing, if possible. Yeah, be careful.

* As you begin to lift the bike when the tires are not really anchored, the bike will move away from hoist before tires are secure into dirt/gravel. So, put the bike in gear to prevent bike from rolling away. Tie off the front brake and / or rear wheel, to prevent wheels rolling, depending upon whether hoist is in front of or behind the CG. Use which makes sense (front or rear tie off, I carry a Velcro strap to do this).

* When on its side gasoline will be coming out of the tank most likely. Take your time but move quickly.

It's a lot to think of, when you've just come off the cycle.

 

[mebgardner]

Hawk281:

I am interested in learning more about the rope pulley system you mentioned. If I've not scared you, please tell us about it. Thanks!

 

[hawk281]

Luckily, i don't spook easy. the pulley system is from Bestrest motorcycle accessories. the rope is 65 feet long and i ordered the double pulley system which magnifying the pul by a factor of five they have a web site with video showing the use of the system. it is bit expensive but the parts are worth it. i did modify the straps by sewing loops at both ends .

 

[hawk281]

apparently i didn't finish english class, with the run on sentence.

 

[78YZ]

I have the Dustrider's Hoist. I only needed to use it three times, but it was a real life saver. It works as advertised. I ride solo in the woods so it was as necessary as my SPOT.

 

[mebgardner]

I have the Dustrider's Hoist. I only needed to use it three times, but it was a real life saver. It works as advertised. I ride solo in the woods so it was as necessary as my SPOT.

If you have anything to add about it's use, I would like to hear about it. There are very few 1st person accounts about using these things. Thanks.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I usually carry a couple of ratchet straps when traveling, and here's one thing you can do with them. This does work with the big bikes and I would've used the Super Tenere but the gas tank's full and probably would dribble out the vent.


Tie off a stout tree branch, stick or anything else across the handle bars. If you are afraid of bending the bars you could tie it across the skid plate, across the crash bars under the triple, across the bottom of the swing arm, etc. The stick ought to be at least 6 ft long but even this handy shorter piece of 2x4 worked fine with this lighter bike (KTM 690r). With a tall enough lever you can literally pull the bike up by hand.

Below is a view from the front. Rather than a tree, you could use a big rock. If in the middle of an absolutely flat landscape, you could tie to something you bury or even to a stake driven into the ground.

Here it is half way up. It's easy to just push it from here.

Guess that I'll call this new concept that I invented by the new word "leverage," market it as the "Wreckchecker's Hoist," patent it, and people can send me retirement money every time they use the idea. LOL

 

[hawk281]

fortunately I haven't had to use this for real,however I have tried it out testing the rope to see how well it works in real life. The main thing is having an anchor of some type, that being a tree or even driving stakes in the ground to take the weight of the bike when you move it. as i said i was able to lift my 350 beta off the ground, and its 260 lbs. the package is several pounds and does take up some space in pannier that i use for tools. i've added a couple of soft straps and metal snap links which gives me more flexibility. it can also double as tow rope, if needed. i generally take it easy on the tenere, saving the single track stuff for my dirt bike, but if i need the assist, it's there.

 

[snakebitten]

Wrecker Checker......did you really?
Why didn't you just video it and post it on yutube? LOL

Next time I'm running sweep behind you (and your KTM), and we find it laying on its side, you DO know what I'm going to do?

Hint: "show me how you did that again Bob"

 

[Sierra1]

::025::

 

[Checkswrecks]

Wrecker Checker......did you really?
Why didn't you just video it and post it on yutube? LOL

Next time I'm running sweep behind you (and your KTM), and we find it laying on its side, you DO know what I'm going to do?

Hint: "show me how you did that again Bob"

Whaaat? Gardner wanted first person results! [And I was bored with the editing I was doing.]
::003::


And next time I fall off you'll probably do the same thing as last time.
Laugh at me landing on my ass after a spectacular back-roll down the hill.

 

[mebgardner]

I *knew* there was gold in them thar' pages :0

Nice work, guys, thanks very much.

You guys are a hoot!

 

[bob dirt]

I just dropped mine today standing right next to it. The windshield hit my welding table and is now scratched on the right side...better than being broken. I had just loaded it up with what I'm taking on my trip next week. I didn't try to lift it until I pulled some things out of the boxes. Picked it up easy enough. Although the lift might be nice...just more crap to carry. I'm going as light as possible on this one.