Motorcycle Repair: Motorcycle chain mainenance, ammo cans, 1996 honda magna

Question
Dear Falcon,

I'm trying to find a way to lift the rear end of my 1996 Honda Magna VF750 to clean and lubricate the chain without having to buy an expensive motorcycle stand.  Any suggestions?  Your response is very much appreciated.  Thanks,

Pash

Answer
Hi Pash.
 There is a number of rather easy and inexpensive methods of getting the rear wheel up without an expensive lift.

My personal favorite is to get a couple of army surplus ammo cans (or any metal or wooden boxes of the same dimensions).  Place one under the high side of the frame, lift the bike to the straight up position.  This will place one side of the bike on a support with the wheel off of the ground.  NOw you place the second box under the other side of the frame, and now the rear wheel is off the ground and you can lube the chain.

Reverse the process to get the bike back down.

I used to do this for my Suzuki Intruder, so that I could pull the rear wheel, so with minor adjustments, it should work for a chain (or belt) drive bike.

Give it a try.  If it doesn't work right for you, then it should give the creative juices a kickstart for a solution that will work for you.  However, I do not see any reason that it shouldn't work.

Good luck.
FALCON