Engine cradle removal

[architect]

Hi all,

I'm taking apart the bike and will prop the bike up via the engine to remove the subframe. The front will be supported via a stand.
My question is, can the cradle be removed in this position, since it's only the engine touching down on the 1/4" MDF. If not, how about one side at a time? Thanks.

[RoadDogma]

May be a little late, but as long as both front and rear of the bike are supported, it is not necessary to support the motor in order to remove the cradles. Just keep both upper and lower rear motor mounts attached to the frame to keep the motor from "falling" out of the bike.

[architect]

I need the engine supported because I'm removing the subframe anyway. But that's good to hear that I can just pop the cradles off. I was actually told otherwise. Do the cradles hold any weight at all or just to protect the engine?

[RoadDogma]

The forward motor mounts bolt to the lower front section of the cradles, so they are "stressed" at that point. However the upper and lower rear motor mounts should be enough support the motor while the cradles are out. The only instances where I have removed cradles is when I was also removing the motor, but I don't see any problems with your proposal. The cradles only support the motor, radiator, kick-stand and fairing mounts.

[architect]

Ok sounds good. I figure also that since the engine is sitting on the blocks then it should replace the work by the cradle? But I read different things about removing the cradles so I'm a bit cautious...

[Evilchicken0]

The engine can be supported by the rear mounts, it's only if the engine is running and driving the rear wheel that it ill stress the frame to any extent.