Motorcycle Repair: Adding and removing parts that attached to rear shocks, machinist mate, rear shocks

Question
Mike,

I have a 2003 Hugger.  Since I didn't want to attach permanent mount luggage bags, I bought the throw-over saddlebags and saddlebag supports.  Since the bike doesn't have a center stand (like my old Honda amd Kawasaki had) I asked the guy at the shop, who sold me the supports, for the best way to mount the front of the saddlebag support behind the rear shocks.  He said it wouldn't be a problem as long as I did one side at a time; and didn't pull out the top bolts of both shocks.  (That was a no-brainer.)  Against my better judgment, I followed this advise; and you guessed it.  As soon as I pulled out the top bolt on the right rear shock, the fender dropped.  Trying to lift the fender while my non-mechanically inclined wife got the bolt lined up and started in the threads was murder.  The left side was a little easier because I was able to prop up that side with a 2X4 wedged under the fender before taking out the top shock bolt.  Short of having to buy a ATV/motorcycle lift from Sears for ocassional use, how would you suggest I safely support the bike upright so I can change the oil, remove the saddlebag supports, etc.  Any help will be appreciated.  Thanks, Bruce (I'm forty miles from the nearest HD dealer, and fifty from the nearest bike shop; and being an ex-machinist mate from the Navy, I like to work on this minor stuff myself.)

Answer
If it were me I would go for the lift. It will come on handy for changing fluids, and changing tires. This is really the only safe way to support the bike in the air and if you are doing your own maintance it will pay for itself in the long run.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike