Correct way to support the front of the bike to rebuild fork

Starting the next project. Rebuilding the front forks. Now I have read that individules have placed a jackstand on the horizontal of the frame at the front of the engine. I tried placing the jackstand on the lower horizontal but the oil filter is in the way. The upper horizontal it hit the engine casing. Are you removing the filter casing and filter to get the jackstand on the lower horizontal? Could you place two jacks, one under each highway bar as close to the engine as possible? Not sure if the hiighway bars will handle the weight. I just want the front end stable so it does not come down on me when I am trying to get theses forks off. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

The easiest method for supporting the bike while working on the front forks would be to place the bike on the center stand. Then stack wood blocking to support the front of the motor.

Alternatively. I have used 3-4 cinder blocks with a strap to hold the rear of the bike down. Run the strap from the rear grab bar down to the cinder blocks. The basic idea is to weight the rear of the bike down. Once the front wheel is off. It will take little effort to hold the front end elevated.

Ghost

 

I used a method similar and just did mine. I put it up on the center stand and used two jackstands around the front bar under the motor. 85% of the weight is on the centerstand.

 

I stacked some blocks under mine or had an assistant rock it back for me.

 

Re: Correct way to support the front of the bike to rebuild

Thanks for the reply guys. I did a similar setup that Ghost stated. I setup two straps on the rear grab bar and looped 75lbs. on each strap to roll the bike weight back on the rear tire. I did this to remove the front tire to get some new rubber installed. I was just looking for some added front stability in case a strap broke on the backside. I'll check out the jackstand on the front frame again.

 

I set up two stands on either side of the motor and ran a metal bar between the frame supports up front, used a floor jack to lift one side of the bar and then lowered it onto the second stand. It will take all the weight no problem.

 

I just run my jack up under there and lift until the back tire contacts the ground. Lifted it right at the filter housing as it fit the cup of the jack no problem. It is just a few pounds anyway and my 2 yo grandson can lift it so surely the oil filter housing should be able to hold up under this great tonnage.