Is the plastic 'bash' plate suitable to lift the bike with a scissor lift, the type used for motocross / enduro bikes, that usually sit under the frame.
I would have to site the plate(s) that are on the lift across the both of the nuts that hold the bash plate on, for even pressure.
But will this be a suitable place to lift a GS and would the bike be balanced if lifted here.
I removed the plate and used as big a piece of wood as could fit direct to the sump to spead the load, but at a low level. I'd be a bit nervous about using the scissor type that raise the bike to about waist level unless I could strap the bike to prevent it toppling, just in case. It's a lot of weight to catch!
Not one person answered OPs actual question. 😂😂 @Tukemeister I am curious if you went ahead with the scissor and how the stock skid plate held up?
Pretty certain I am going scissor, and always upgrade to one of many aftermarket plates if the plastic gets crunched in my test lift. But learning from predecessors is always preferred.
Maybe nobody has tested the durability of the plastic cover and it's bolts on a scissor lift!? I personally despise people who give advice that isn't based on facts.
Sorry OP! Was not my intention to kidnap this thread.
I think the scissor lift will work fine. The load will be on the 4 vibration dampers under the engine. But that's only my opinion, based on acquired technical skills.
The word "suitable" is important, as it is open to some debate. There is no doubt that BMW never intended the G310 to be supported solely by the plastic bash plate under the engine. The BMW manual clearly recommends lifting rear with a swing arm jack and the front with a fork or triple tree jack. It should be obvious that the plastic bash plate is too weak to support the bike---however, if a wooden block is used to distribute force onto the four bash plate mounting bolts, the bike can be lifted with a scissor lift. However, it would not be stable as the width and length of the space between the bash plate mounting bolts is quite small. So if suitable is "safe and stable" then NO, do not lift the bike with a scissor lift under the engine.
If you get underneath and study the situation in combination with an exploded diagram, something becomes very clear:
Even if BMW never "wanted" us to lift via the oil pan, they are 100% prepared for us down there.
The mounting points for the bash plates are more than just mounting points for a rock guard. You can see these 4 bosses are the lowest point on the bike, beefy in comparison to surrounding machining, and located so as to transfer and evenly distribute forces up to the bike's core structure.
It's likely the bosses were built to handle far more concerning lateral forces that would come with striking something solid while moving.
I've seen my skinny little fragile looking ankles. And I can rely on those ankles when deadlifting more than this motorcycle weighs. Repeatedly and daily.
I'm convinced there's zero chance of damaging the oil pan itself in a simple, controlled, straight vertical lift. So now you're just asking yourself if the added pressure is going to bother the gasket. I'll bet myself the price of the gasket and 2 litres of oil that the answer is no.
My scissor lift arrives tomorrow and I will have zero hesitation to hoist as-is.
No debate that a scissor lift is a useful way to lift the bike--and safe under the right circumstances with a careful operator. Very useful if swing arms needed to be removed.
The issue is not the strength of the oil pan or bash plate mounting bolts that would support the bike--the real issue is the relative instability of a support that is only 5 inches wide compare to one/s that is/are 12 inches wide. One can lift barbells with their feet 5 inches apart but probably better if the feet are more than 12 inches apart.
The width of support becomes more critical when/if the garage floor is sloped, as most are. And, moving the handlebars while lifted tends to destabilize the bike.
When my bike, when lifted is subject to being bumped by dog or grandchildren, or by a sometimes clumsy 71 year old (me) in a crowded garage, I want it to be as stable as possible to resist the destabilizing force.
The straps provide reasonable and IMHO necessary protection--the further out, the less force they need to carry.
No debate that a scissor lift is a useful way to lift the bike--and safe under the right circumstances with a careful operator. Very useful if swing arms needed to be removed.
The issue is not the strength of the oil pan or bash plate mounting bolts that would support the bike--the real issue is the relative instability of a support that is only 5 inches wide compare to one/s that is/are 12 inches wide. One can lift barbells with their feet 5 inches apart but probably better if the feet are more than 12 inches apart.
The width of support becomes more critical when/if the garage floor is sloped, as most are. And, moving the handlebars while lifted tends to destabilize the bike.
When my bike, when lifted is subject to being bumped by dog or grandchildren, or by a sometimes clumsy 71 year old (me) in a crowded garage, I want it to be as stable as possible to resist the destabilizing force.
The straps provide reasonable and IMHO necessary protection--the further out, the less force they need to carry.
I'll post photos of my setup for future readers (see comment below) once I arrive at what works for me.
Alternatively, my wife will post photos of my earthly remains trapped beneath a G310R. ⚰🥀💃
Now for that future comment ....
I have learned a great deal from this forum and you individuals here since I bought the bike. Using search, I'm often unearthing topics you good folks debated years ago and the discussions help me. My recent zeal for the 310 forum (😘 Mr. Right 😂😂) is genuine and I am sincere when I say you posters have done important work leaving these tidbits of wisdom.
Most of what I post here isn't necessarily for "us" or "now" ... It's to try and help that gal or guy who comes here 3 years later to figure out a thing. Like you have all helped me get to know the 310.
A fella can't just go out and buy a Haynes these days. 😑
DIYers need each other more than ever. And I am grateful for all the debates and opposing viewpoints that help me and others learn.
Benediction.
You are free to go now. (But leave your money in the plate.)🙏
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