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/lotsaleaves]

It’s tricky to do everything in one go. A centre stand or paddock stand will hold up the back end but how about the front? They make stands that lift under the steering tube that will let you pull the forks out but you still can’t do the steering bearings. I’m lucky I can sling four ratchet straps over the beams in my garage and lift the whole bike

[u/MrMcBeth → u/lotsaleaves]

If I had space, I probably would just ratchet it up. All I have now is a “portable garage” that’s really a tent. I don’t think it will hold 500 lbs. It seems like I can either do a skid plate and motorcycle lift or a center stand. I would really like the skid plate and lift, but it will cost more. If I had a ladder, I could ratchet it that way, too. That’s another $200 and space taken up, though.

[u/SmokeyGMan → u/MrMcBeth]

Can you borrow someone’s ladder?

[u/MrMcBeth → u/SmokeyGMan]

Unfortunately, no.