Swingarm and shock removal

[Redoliander]

What's the easiest way to support the bike when removing the swingarm? I have a front stand that uses the steering stem instead of the forks. I've loosened all the bolts and was thinking of just putting some jack stands under the frame then lower the rear by pulling the rear stand out.

[DonTZ125]

Those who have garages use ratchet tie-downs to hang them from the rafters; those who are true 'shade-tree mechanics' can sometimes find a branch sufficiently sturdy to suspend the bike. The rest of us get by with jack stands.

I have to wonder if the bike would be more stable on the front wheel - a tripod effect, instead of a relatively narrow four-legger ...

[pefrey]

I've done jackstands under the footpegs before. You can also get them under the frame rails but you have to lift up the rear of the bike a lot higher to do this.

[fzrbrandon]

Jack stands under the rails for me as well. Since I am lucky enough to have a garage, I've also gone as far as putting eye hooks at four points in the walls so that I can ratchet strap the bike for more security. I usually do this if the bike will stay that way for longer than the day that I'm doing the work. Living in earthquake country makes you go the extra mile on things like this.

[Redoliander]

Thanks guys. I used the front stand and jack stands under the frame.