I dropped my bike again the other day when alone in a remote desert location, and had to use the ratchet strap jack to lift it. I realized the value of the larger handle on my upgraded ratchet strap when pulling up the 500 pound bike. I also realized how much easier it is to lift the bike the first 45 degrees off the ground, than it is to jack it higher than 45 degrees. But, it's relatively easy to lift the bike upright once you have it at about a 45 degree angle.
I'm a 61 year old guy who's strong as hell but just dropped my bike (KLR 650) at the food store. I popped it back up pretty easily, BUT, I also know this is not going to get any easier so I was designing a system on the way back home to help me when I need it. Great job and soooo glad to hear you're 80, gives me hope.
@@kthompso43 Chrome moly tubing might be better it's about 50% of the weight of steel tubing, I am going to make one before taking off cross country alone...
Just sold my 1200 gs which I never felt happy on on slippery surfaces. Got a 56 trophy replica. Low single seat half the weight and on mud and loose surfaces gives me confidence and is very enjoyable. Sounds brilliant and 500 twin is plenty of fun. I’m 60. Did more off road yesterday than I did in five years on the Bmw.
There's a few people making these for around $200. One tip i picked up from one of the RU-vid videos is to lube the friction surfaces of the ratchet to make life easier. Another tip is to keep it stowed somewhere accessible and not in a pannier because you don't know what side you're going to lay down.
Thanks, Ken. I have a back issue and couldn't find a jack available for sale that are on youtube so I made one that worked. I have a Tuareg that lays really flat so that is also a factor. I was just checking youtube to see if I needed to make a DIY video for it, but I see you already have. Only difference is I made mine with half inch plumbing pipe in 18 inch sections, one base, and one coupler. Only needed two sections of pipe because, as you said, raising it 45 degrees was all I needed. I thought the pipes worked well because they are so strong. A bit more weight, but same amount of space and I don't think a couple of pounds matters much on a bike. Like you, I started with a cheap ratchet and bent it on the second lift. Beefy ratchet is worth it.
Yes! Exactly what need. I'm 76 and can't pick up my Kawasaki X300 - close 400lbs. This will work! I am try using a block & tackle with a tent pole, but the same thing. Thanks again for the post.
So I saw this pop up in my feed and this certainly looks like an interesting option for sure, I think there is actually a fairly easy lifting technique that will work for most people (older folks, smaller gals) for ADV bikes: When the bike is down: 1) Turn the bars full lock away from the dirt 2) Squat close to (and facing) the bar that is touching the ground (back straight to avoid strain) 3) cup your hands with an interlocked grip under the bar closest to the ground 4) keeping the cupped bar close to your hips and with a firm grip, stand straight up (use only your legs - not your back or arms) to lift the bike. 5) As the bike rises, turn your nearest hip into the tank and finish the the full lift with your hip and leg strength. I use this on my Tenere 700 and it works quickly, easily and smoothly without any excessive strain on my body (I am 54). Just food for thought - and one less piece of gear to carry!
The problem with many older riders is having enough flexibility to squat down facing away from the bike far enough to get a grip on the bike with both hands. At 82, I have the strength, but not the agility needed. This winch setup works fine for me, plus it is versatile enough use in more difficult situations than just righting the bike.
Another trick is to get a long, sturdy limb. 8'-10' and about 2'-3" in diameter depending on the hardness of the wood (oak= thinner, pine=thicker). Clean off any sticks, branches poking out from the main limb. Wrap a jacket, sweater, etc. around the limb where it will contact the bike when placed underneath it to protect the bike. Careful not to have the jacket/sweater contact the motor. Put the kickstand down if it is facing up. Lift the bike up a few inches to get the limb underneath the bike. It should be close to the center of the bike and reach in to the bottom of the wheels. Now take hold of the limb at the far end and lift it up. As the bike is lifting up, walk your hands down the limb towards the bike. I would practice this, like you did, in a soft area before you go riding. Once you've done it a few times, you'll get the feel for placement, leverage and timing with your hands walking down to the bike as it gets to almost vertical. Once practiced, super quick and easy. Of course you need to be where there is a source of downed limbs. I ride in the PNW, so there are always trees.
@@brighton1950 You don't. This is not a solution to being trapped under a bike. It does work when you are solo and drop your bike either down hill or on uneven ground. Carrying a two pound jack with you, as demonstrated in the video, didn't make a lot of sense to me when out riding. A folding saw weighs about four ounces and can do many survival tasks. When I'm out in the woods solo, if I can't just pick it up myself, I grab a suitable limb and walk the bike back up using the limb. It works great. Levers are great.
@@Graybeard_ you haven't answered my question which was how to grab a suitable limb, branch or anything if one is trapped under the bike? That's why you carry a jack strapped within reach such as on the pillion seat
I remember dropping my GPZ100RX at the petrol station some 25 years ago at stupid oclock in the morning and wishing that some one would be around to help me pick it up, an hour later i was on my way. A big thank you to the guy in the Ford Escort at Thurrock services (Essex) who helped me pick up that dead weight and get it back on two wheels...........the rest my friends is now history.................
Ken - Thank you. This was very helpful. Even though I can still pick up my 550 lb AT, there are situations that could arise in field where assistance could be needed. What if you can't get under the bike to lift? What if you are injured? You got me motivated to obtain a kit that could be used for lift and/or recovery. Thank again.
Its a good idea for those who can't pick up their bikes. I'm 79 and I pick up my cb500x that is close to 500 pounds, with pannier racks, tool box, soft saddle bags, engine guards, and luggage rack. I start lifting it up, the engine guard keep it up some and then push it up using my legs facing the bike.
Thanks for the do it yourself idea. I fell on ice last winter, broke ribs and collapsed a lung and couldn't lift my lightweight 250 lb pig that I can lift otherwise at 63 yo. I will be making my own lift for insurance and peace of mind. I ride alone a lot and you never know when you will need help.
I see that Lowe's has 10-1/2 foot rails for $22. But, I see only one end is crimped. That could be a problem if cut into 30" sections for stowage on the bike. I wonder if there is an easy way to connect the non-crimped 30" pieces so they can be fitted together to make the jack of sufficient length??
@@kthompso43 The chain link fence system has female couplers for joining straight pieces. For most people (who have the money) just buying the kit you demonstrated is the best thing to do. But there are those who have more time than money and have the skills to make a safe tool using commonly available materials.
Thanks for the video. I have a back problem and it will be very risky to try to lift my 750GS on my own. Most of my riding is solo so this will come in handy. Cheers.
ALFREDO: I, too, have back problems. So, please, test it at home before you need it on the trail. It might work for you, but it still takes some effort to jack up the bike.
I'm 75 and I just bought a big bike. It a BMW. I'm going to have a friend help me lay it down so I can see if I am able to right it up. Your bike lays flat. That'd be tough to do. Thanks for the idea. I was thinking there's gotta be a way to use a jack. My legs are strong but not my back. Cheers!
The poles listed are no longer available at amazon. All the remaining ones at amazon don't collapse far enough to easily carry on a bike. The shortest ones collapse to about 31".
I had a catastrophic failure. I just hooked the ratchet into the open top of the top section of pole and it just tore right through the side of the pole. I went back to rewatch your video and saw that you put some kind of plastic top on there. I will try to make a mark II this week. I then proceeded to hurt my back lifting the 460lb bike! Back to the drawing board.
Sorry about that, buddy. There are thin-walled steel tent poles and there are thicker tent poles. Perhaps mine are the beefier variety. One of the other commenters here found some heavy-duty pipe, that might be the better option. It appears the ready-made kits run in excess of $200 ............ maybe a suitable alternative in your case?
@@kthompso43 I ordered some 12” sections of threaded steel pipe with threaded connectors. Cost me less than 30. I’ll try mark 2 next weekend. I am NOT paying 200+ bucks for something I can make myself! Thanks.
@@kthompso43 It’s 3/4 inch in 12” threaded sections. With the couplers it’s probably going to be pretty heavy, but not too long that I can’t fit it in a pannier. Hopefully.
See Malcolm's comment: "A stouter pole set could also be made up with chain link fence rails. They already have a bell and spigot connection system and are readily available."
The suggested tent poles are unavailable on Amazon. Please suggest an alternative with sufficient strength to pick up a 500 lb motorcycle. I have a KLR 650.
Oops! Other steel tent poles on Amazon seem to be 15% smaller in diameter and likely would not be sturdy enough. Perhaps some pieces of aluminum conduit and connectors at your local hardware store?? Any thoughts out there??
LOL ...... for my old KLR, i'm not too concerned about ratchet strap abrasion. But, if you are, your jacket or anything else you have with you that is soft should suffice.
Ratchet strap (medium duty with long handle is best), steel tent poles (as referenced above) or equivalent (see comments), a homemade base plate (metal or wood) to stabilize the tent poles.
The ratchet straps that came with my Kendon MC trailer only have a 6" travel before the spool becomes to full to proceed. I assume the Husky brand you are using has a larger diameter spool. What is the approximate strap travel you are able to achieve with your 1" wide Husky ratchet straps before the spools fills? Could spend considerable column inches on the Egyptian methods I have used to pickup after tipping or dropped my Vstrom1000, always while alone and no help available. I fear some day will be walking out leaving it behind on the ground.
Alan: The larger the rachet strap, the better. Without checking, I'd guess mine can travel about 24 inches, enough to get the bike high enough to push the bike upright by hand. Actually, the length of the handle on the ratchet strap is more important. The small straps and short handles are too difficult to work when lifting 500 lbs.
If your poles come with the top end sealed, cut the seal off with a hack saw to access a hollow end of the pole. The ratchet strap hook nearest the ratcheting mechanism is hooked into the top of the pole. I taped the top end of the pole for added protection from the ratchet strap hook. The ratchet strap hook at the end of the longest strap is hooked into the bike frame on the underside of the bike as it reclines on the ground.
The ratchet strap hook is inserted into the top end of the tent pole. If the top end of your pole is sealed, you may need to saw off the end with a hack saw. You may notice that I've taped the top end of the pole to reduce wear by the ratchet strap hook.
I’m 74 and just had back surgery. Your poles are not available now so I bought the Sutekus brand on Amazon that looks equivalent to yours. I think it will work for my Husqvarna 701, not sure about my BMW 1200GS. I’m an avid motorcycle camper so I’m thinking of buying a lightweight tarp so I can use the poles for shelter also. Win-win!
