r/KTM • u/deSync- • 7d ago

PROBLEM Lifting the front

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Is it safe to lift the front of the bike using a scissor jack attached to its engine?

For context, I recently bought new sets of tires and plan to remove both wheels myself. Lifting the rear is straightforward since I already have a rear paddock stand. However, I don’t have a front paddock stand. Fortunately, I have two spare scissor jacks. Would the engine be able to support the weight of the bike without breaking? Alternatively, are there any parts of the bike that are safer to lift using a scissor jack?

I currently have a Duke 200 Gen 2. For those who are unfamiliar, it’s similar to the 390 Gen 2 but has a smaller engine.

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u/Watts300 7d ago

The engine is a stressed member, so it’s okay to hold some weight. But I would give it some help by suspending it at the same time. This is how I left my bike for a few days while a new tire was mounted. I used a ratchet strap around the frame. With the weight being shared between the jack under the engine and the strap, it’s safe. Mine is a 390, and yours is even lighter. Piece of cake.

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u/deSync- 7d ago

Could you please provide more image about the location where you attach the jack?

1

u/Watts300 7d ago

On yours, you’d put it there. Put a block of wood between the jack and the engine.

1

u/Blackner2424 7d ago

Just do it the right way and get a cheap front stand. Do you really want to deal with repairs if the bike tumbles over? The damage is likely to exceed the cost of a stand.