Work bench for 1st gen

[jasonm.]

What do you do with wood? I did this some 20 years ago and have been making some MODS. Basically,three 4x4 "H" frames,thru bolted(not lagged). Thus it can be tightened and 2x8's for the main bench, 2x6 for sides and other bits. The rear "H" frame and rear most 3' of bench slides out as one piece after removing some 6 bolts. Which allows me to remove the rear wheel quickly. I should have taken a pic of that also. One man easy to ride up w/the outriggers I just made using shelf brackets. Super strong-Total weight w/o the ramps ~150#. Can be stood on end to take up less space. As you see I have the center stand on a "loose" piece of 2x10...which is not needed. If anyone wants closer pics just say so. I set the camera to PC setting. Hope it shows enough detail. I am not selling anything. Just here to give you ideas.

Edited July 7, 2009 by jasonm.

[bendtdj]

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!! I may have to try this. i am getting too old (feeling) to be geting up off the garage floor.

 

Dave

[Condor]

What do you do with wood? I did this some 20 years ago and have been making some MODS. Basically,three 4x4 "H" frames,thru bolted(not lagged). Thus it can be tightened and 2x8's for the main bench, 2x6 for sides and other bits. The rear "H" frame and rear most 3' of bench slides out as one piece after removing some 6 bolts. Which allows me to remove the rear wheel quickly. I should have taken a pic of that also. One man easy to ride up w/the outriggers I just made using shelf brackets. Super strong-Total weight w/o the ramps ~150#. Can be stood on end to take up less space. As you see I have the center stand on a "loose" piece of 2x10...which is not needed. If anyone wants closer pics just say so. I set the camera to PC setting. Hope it shows enough detail. I am not selling anything. Just here to give you ideas.

 

COOL!!! In my case I'd rig those side boards into some type of picnic bench seating with space enough for the legs in order to sit while working. I wouldn't have to be dragging a stool all over the place.

[jasonm.]

I always wanted a lift bench. But really could not justify the cost of those heavy steel buggers. Especially when I am only on my knees or back for oil changes. The big thing is the rear tire. Especially for those with the 1300 lower light bar. FAct is you need the rear wheel about 12" above ground to change the rear tire like this. Actually this originally started out ~ 24" high w/o the outriggers. Took me and someone with a strong back to steady it. Yes, I drove it up. But standing next to it. Then I cut it down to 17". Still too high. Now the bike is 12" off the ground. I think it's about right. GO to Americade and see what they use to do the rear tire changes. Now I just remove the rear section of the bench(6 bolts)& 4 bolts for the center ramp support. You can see some bolts in the 2nd pic. Remove the mufflers, brake caliper and axle.

Edited July 7, 2009 by jasonm.

[Bill W.]

Yes, more pics! More on the removable part for rear wheel stuff!

[GeorgeS]

You might be takeing all this a bit to seriously ----

 

Lets see?? next step would be to mount it on a trailer-- then you could ?? lets see ??

[jasonm.]

Yes, more pics! More on the removable part for rear wheel stuff!

I took all the pics just prior to getting the bike down. So, I feel like an ass for not taking pics before I got the work done w/rear wheel off. It may be a while before I can show how it is w/o the rear part in place. Simply- the rear "H" frame has 1/2" x 6" bolts going thru the sides seen in 2nd pic. These are bolts so removal and reinstallation is simple. The top boards(2x8s) for the wheels are screwed down w/ 3" #14's. Lastly at the cut in back of the center stand , a 6x4 is notched into the side under the 2x8s to take ANY down force while driving onto the bench. This 6x4 x ~26" is also removable. There are absolutely no lag screws in this. It's main "H" frame supports are 1/2" bolts and 4x4s. . If you like , I think I can draw plans, Scan them and post them.

_____ ____

H--- H -- H

Edited July 8, 2009 by jasonm.

[Pappa Bear]

Go ahead and start drawing I think we are interested!!

[jasonm.]

I hope my hand written stuff shows properly. Well, I did not give a list of items needed to build this. I am sure you can extrapolate what you need. Let's see just for the bench, not including the wings you need 4- 2x6x8', 2- 2x8x8', 4x4 total 12'.12- 1/2" x 8" bolts and 8 nuts and 24 washers for "H" frames . At least 6- 1/2" x 6" bolts , 6 nuts and 12 washers for the rear removable section.. And a whole lot of #14 x 3" screws.

Edited July 9, 2009 by jasonm.

[timgray]

That's an outstanding workbench. I need to replicate that this summer, I cant use my buddies car lift all the time.

 

I also am really glad I dont have a royale when I have to service the bike. All that extra stuff you gotta take off to get to the brakes, rearend, etc....

[jasonm.]

yes, I had a 1200 and the 1300 is a bit more involved to do the rear tire. And as I said before, the rear lower light bar is not the same as the non-light bar. SO that prompted me as well. The rear brakes are no problem. Also the 4x4s and 4x6 I used are pressure treated. The aluminum ramp ends for 2x12 are only rated for 700#ea. ramp.So, I made a special ramp for the bike. And a special support holding a solid square sided rod that does not bend all fastened to the bench.And removable . You could used 2- 2x8 held(screwed) together with cross supports and 2x8 aluminum ends. That way your ramp would be almost 16" wide and have the support and handle the weight.

Edited July 9, 2009 by jasonm.

[6m459]

I did something similar but more temporary for my tire change earlier this year.

 

Mine is based on a pallet that I brought home from work as fire wood.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37150672@N02/sets/72157621124594915/detail/

 

I like your work bench and am tempted but where do you keep it when not in use? My lash up version went back to the wood pile once I was done with it.

 

Hope this is of interest.

 

Brian H.

[rhncue]

I find nothing wrong with a standard motorcycle lift that only costs around 60 to 80 bucks, will raise the bike around 15 inches and just rolls away when job is finished. If I had plenty of room I would build a permanent one to drive onto but I don't so I am happy with the portable lift I use now. A friend of mine, who is a motorcycle mechanic, has a lift which you drive onto about a foot or foot and a half tall which then can be raised to around 3 1/2 or 4 feet under power but it takes to much space and way to much money for me.

 

Dick

[6m459]

I almost bought one of these but decided against it when I couldn't think where I'd keep it.

 

http://www.princessauto.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/8228215.jpg

 

I used to have one similar to this but it gave me the willies having my XJ up on it, I couldn't even imagine using it for the Venture. It just didn't give me confidence that it wouldn't topple off onto me. It didn't accommodate bikes with exhaust pipes lower than the frame very well at all. There were some adaptor brackets available but I felt it was good money after bad.

 

http://www.canadiantire.ca/media/images/products/images/Automotive/AutoRepair/CreepersJacksStands/0091015_160_CC_v1_m56577569830565557.jpg

 

I sold it at a loss to regain some garage space.

 

Hope this is of interest,

 

Brian H.

[rhncue]

I almost bought one of these but decided against it when I couldn't think where I'd keep it.

 

http://www.princessauto.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/8228215.jpg

 

I used to have one similar to this but it gave me the willies having my XJ up on it, I couldn't even imagine using it for the Venture. It just didn't give me confidence that it wouldn't topple off onto me. It didn't accommodate bikes with exhaust pipes lower than the frame very well at all. There were some adaptor brackets available but I felt it was good money after bad.

 

http://www.canadiantire.ca/media/images/products/images/Automotive/AutoRepair/CreepersJacksStands/0091015_160_CC_v1_m56577569830565557.jpg

 

I sold it at a loss to regain some garage space.

 

Hope this is of interest,

 

Brian H.

 

Although a different brand, mine is very similar to the bottom one in your post. I have used mine dozens of times at full height with no adverse problems. The first 2 or 3 times that I used it I strapped the bike down with the straps that came with it and put out the extensions as I was worried about stability. Once I used it a few times and knew where to place the stand under the bike for best balance I became much more confident and quit using those safeguards altogether. Now I just slide the stand under and jack up the bike. I rest the bike on the pipes and have not experienced any problems or damage. I have used it on a 83 Royal, an 81 XS11 and a 83 1100 kaw.

 

Dick

[jasonm.]

I did something similar but more temporary for my tire change earlier this year.

 

Mine is based on a pallet that I brought home from work as fire wood.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37150672@N02/sets/72157621124594915/detail/

 

I like your work bench and am tempted but where do you keep it when not in use? My lash up version went back to the wood pile once I was done with it.

 

Hope this is of interest.

 

Brian H.

 

My bench can be stood up on the small end. My garage has a 10' ceiling. The bench is 8' long. It only uses up slightly less than 4 square feet of floor space. And lean it against the wall. Guess I'll need to send a pic on that also... So if your ceiling is a bit over 8' high... great.Or modify my plans. IMHO-The first gens. really don't do well on those jack up at the frame devices. You need adaptors and always afraid of things tipping the "wrong way".