Lifting FLRT 2017 Trike to replace brake fluids
Replacing the brake fluids for my 2017 Freewheeler as recommended by Harley Davidson every two years was a problem for me because it required removing both rear tires to bleed the rear brake fittings. I tried using my OTC jack 1500lb. rating but couldn't position the jack to lift the Trike with all wheels off the ground. So I went online and ordered a jack that would lift my entire bike off the ground, but it never arrived. I decided to figure this problem out for myself and this is what I came up with. I screwed four 2X4 X5" blocks of wood together which measured 6-1/4" in height, than found a 3/4" X 7"X 20" board that was needed for balance. I maneuvered my jack under the Trike from the right side slightly turned towards the back so the 2x4 block of wood would fit atop the rear jack arm and under the cross member between the drive belt and the exhaust pipe. The block of wood will have to be placed on the jack arm after it is in place. Take a mirror and find the flat area of the cross member. I put the 3/4" plywood on the forward arm of the jack also slightly turned favoring the front of the Trike. I was able to lift the Trike with all wheels off the ground. After doing a safety check for stability I raised the Trike, removed the rear tires and started replacing all the old brake fluids using my vacuum pump. I lifted my Trike 18" off the ground safely.
For reference I used an OTC 1500 lb. jack 12" on center 3" wide and 17" long arms.
Like with everything in life, be safe and ask for help if needed. We are all Bikers.
