Aerostich's "Lift & Lube"

DucHead · April 21, 2009, 03:02:57 PM

Occasionally, I like to take the Monster on long weekend rides (1000-ish miles), during which I like to lube the chain a few times.

But without carrying a rearstand on my back or fitting a centerstand, a chain lube can be a bit challenging. To remedy this, Aerostich sells this thing called the "Lift & Lube."

You insert one end into your hollow axle and the other end rests on the ground, and by extending the arm the rear wheel is lifted by pivoting on your side stand.

Has anyone used one of these?

Is the Monster side stand (which bolts onto the engine case!) and engine case strong enough for this, or does this look like a bad idea?

Speeddog · April 21, 2009, 03:09:54 PM

Bastards stole my idea right out of my head.

That looks cool.

I've tried to do a similar thing with a 2x4, but the problem is the bike wants to roll.
If you can get the front wheel up against something solid, it should work.

IMO, the Monster sidestand is OK for that.

ducpainter · April 21, 2009, 03:11:23 PM

You'll get conflicting opinions on the safety of pivoting on the stand.

I guess it was a real bad idea on the Paso or 907 ( I forget which), as it is on the 848 and 1098.

I think it's fine for our bikes as long as the stand is tight.

DucHead · April 21, 2009, 03:57:45 PM

Quote from: Speeddog on April 21, 2009, 03:09:54 PM
Bastards stole my idea right out of my head.

That looks cool.

I've tried to do a similar thing with a 2x4, but the problem is the bike wants to roll.
If you can get the front wheel up against something solid, it should work.

IMO, the Monster sidestand is OK for that.

I might give it a try, but I'm not quite sure what to do about securing the front wheel. Maybe the "curb" around most gas pumps would suffice...

Quote from: ducpainter on April 21, 2009, 03:11:23 PM
You'll get conflicting opinions on the safety of pivoting on the stand.

I guess it was a real bad idea on the Paso or 907 ( I forget which), as it is on the 848 and 1098.

I think it's fine for our bikes as long as the stand is tight.

Yeah, that's why I posted. I've seen some incredibly risky "stunts" using a side stand.

Regardless, it looks like this thing could lead to an "oh shit!" moment. $:-\$

Grampa · April 21, 2009, 05:27:44 PM

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Block-Stand-p-20343.html

NAKID · April 21, 2009, 05:31:29 PM

Quote from: bobspapa on April 21, 2009, 05:27:44 PM
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Block-Stand-p-20343.html

Quote from: Funny-Ass Aerostich AdProduct Reviews
This is one heck of a multi-purpose bikestand! When not in use for my bike, it sees great use as a boat anchor, and nut pulverizer(tree nuts that is). Recently, I decided to take the wheels off my house and use several of these bike stands instead! Thanks very much guys, you're the best -Mark Poppe

This stand really works!!! A little pricey, though, and on the heavy side for your tank bag... -tim ferrell

DucHead · April 21, 2009, 06:32:43 PM

Quote from: bobspapa on April 21, 2009, 05:27:44 PM
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Block-Stand-p-20343.html

Who let you out of NMC?

silentbob · April 21, 2009, 06:49:57 PM

1000 miles is nothing when it comes to an o-ring chain. I have gone through a lot of chains in my life and the difference between cleaning and lubing every 300 miles vs just abusing the crap out of it makes almost no difference in the total life of the chain. I currently use DuPont teflon lube when I remember or have the bike on the rear stand for some other reason. It keeps the crud from sticking to the chain which probably helps the o-rings last a bit longer and it doesn't fling goop all over my bike. Chains are much cheaper than fixing a dented gas tank that you got from propping up your bike with a big red coat hanger.

NAKID · April 21, 2009, 07:00:08 PM

Rob, I use something very similar, spray "dry" silicone lube. My chain stays pretty clean and when I spray, shit just falls off...

DucHead · April 21, 2009, 07:14:35 PM

Quote from: silentbob on April 21, 2009, 06:49:57 PM
1000 miles is nothing when it comes to an o-ring chain. I have gone through a lot of chains in my life and the difference between cleaning and lubing every 300 miles vs just abusing the crap out of it makes almost no difference in the total life of the chain. I currently use DuPont teflon lube when I remember or have the bike on the rear stand for some other reason. It keeps the crud from sticking to the chain which probably helps the o-rings last a bit longer and it doesn't fling goop all over my bike. Chains are much cheaper than fixing a dented gas tank that you got from propping up your bike with a big red coat hanger.

Well, I use x-ring chains, and I've run one dry and ruined it in less than a 1k mile run without lubing it. I use chain wax to lube and clean at the same time, and I normally get 15k miles from a chain. However, that dry lube makes good sense.

It's not so much about buying a new chain, its what happens when you push one that's dry and HOT.

Grampa · April 21, 2009, 07:49:34 PM

Quote from: pompetta on April 21, 2009, 06:32:43 PM
Who let you out of NMC?

I got a hall pass

bluemoco · April 22, 2009, 09:41:01 AM

I think this would be all right. It's not like you're going to be doing some heavy wrenching or removing the rear wheel. You're just gonna stop once in awhile at a filling station and lube the chain, right?

As long as you're not 'rocking' the bike too much and stressing the sidestand, it's likely a good solution for you. Looks like it might be small enough to fit into a tank bag, too.

Edit:

Judging by this pic, you wouldn't be 'pivoting' your bike on the sidestand. You'll just be lifting the wheel an inch off the ground. You might want to simulate this in your garage before making a purchase.

IMO, I still think it'll work fine for your purposes.

DucHead · April 22, 2009, 11:46:03 AM

Quote from: bluemoco on April 22, 2009, 09:41:01 AM
...You might want to simulate this in your garage before making a purchase.

I thought of this a few days ago, but I don't have anything that acts like the lifter. Any ideas?

bluemoco · April 22, 2009, 12:21:00 PM

Quote from: pompetta on April 22, 2009, 11:46:03 AM
I thought of this a few days ago, but I don't have anything that acts like the lifter. Any ideas?

You're concerned about the strength of your sidestand, right? Just stand on the left side of your bike and reach across to the right-rear of the bike (under the seat). Lift up under the rear of the frame, pulling the bike toward you until the rear wheel is off the ground about an inch and the bike is supported by the sidestand+front wheel.

I just walked out to my bike and tried it - it's not hard to do.

The "Lift & Lube" (giggle) will be putting a little extra stress on the sidestand when you do this, but not enough to worry about IMO.

When your bike is parked normally on its sidestand, it's supported on 3 points: Front wheel, Rear wheel, sidestand. By using this Aerostich deal, you're simply substituting a little steel stand for your rear wheel and changing the lean angle of the parked bike only slightly. I can't imagine that this would be adding enough stress to your sidestand to cause it to fail.

junior varsity · April 22, 2009, 12:51:47 PM

weird.

anyhow, the monster stand on my bike has two bolts connected to the engine - not just one. I don't think those two stainless big honkin' bolts are going to sheer. Nor do I think I'll be bouncin' on the aluminum stand enough to cause problems. The only remaining part is the pivot of the stand itself. Its a pretty good diameter, but that looks like the weakest link on my bike. Don't think its much of a problem, but I don't grab onto my bike and pivot around on my sidestand because i have this feeling that i won't enjoy being pinned beneath my motorcycle, which is laying on its side atop me.

News:

Aerostich's "Lift & Lube"

silentbob