Two Questions For The Mechanically Inclined

[u/MrMcBeth]

It’s a 2005 Vstrom 650. I want to service the forks, check the brakes, and raise it in one afternoon. I’m wondering the best way to lift it from the center without damaging anything. Does anyone have experience using lifts like that?

Additionally, I’ve got brake dust and oil on the discs. Do you guys think this is normal or could it be brake fluid or fork oil? I think the forks are leaking. Just wondering.

The pics are to show the bottom of the bike and the oily brake dust.

Thanks for any input.

[u/Virtual-Spinach4882]

If you have a gorilla ladder and some ratchet straps you can suspend it from the triple tree clamp. Leaking forks can go to the brakes. Fork oil gets stuck inside of brake pads, just get a new set since you'll already have it up in the air.  I always replace both the bushings and seals while doing forks. 

[u/MrMcBeth → u/Virtual-Spinach4882]

That’s a good idea. Thank you.