How to remove the motorbike engine?

[powerstans]

As title says what is the best way or alternative options for removing an engine!

The bike is a Honda CB1300 which I am stripping for a complete overhaul. The engine is running fine so I only intend to check the gaps and give it a clean. The frame is going to be powder coated so engine removal required.

My inconsiderate rugby playing son has broken his hand in two places so my usual source of brute force is not available!

I have considered loosening the engine bolts then lying the bike on its side on to some rubber mats, then undoing the bolts and lifting the frame of the engine, Is this a really stupid idea !

If there are other options I am willing to take advice.

Cheers

[MotorsportTom]

Did exactly as you describe (laying down and lifting the bike off the engine so to speak) with a cradle type frame and it works well. Just be sure you have clearance for the frame to be lifted up.

With the engine being hung like most sportsbikes I have also dropped an engine out while being supported with a jack which was surprisingly not as hard as expected and I did it alone.

If you have even 1 spare hand from your son it will make things far easier!

[7w7]

I have used the board on top of a jack approach before, but that was with a 700cc single, so may not be an option for yours.

Whatever you do, be careful with your back! Engines are awkward lumps to move about.

[dern]

With my 2000 fireblade I used an engine hoist to lift the bike, removed the swing arm from the engine and then lowered what was left to the ground to disconnect the engine. Pretty drastic but I couldn't see any other way to do it.

[powerstans]

As Motorsporttom correctly points out its a cradle style frame, so using the trolley jack will remove the weight from the frame, but sideways movement is required to clear the engine from the frame, as opposed to just dropping it to the floor, hence the thought of lying it on its side and lifting the frame off.

Most bits are already removed with just the forks, rear shocks, swing arm and wheels still in place, so when I have it on its side I will remove these before lifting the frame from the engine, this should reduce the weight as far as possible!

(Should have chosen a smaller bike as my first project!)

[Prof Prolapse]

Only ever done a 1999 cbr600.

I think I jacked up the bike on axle stands somehow, then when it was properly supported, I put a jack under and released the bolts and spacers. Then slid it out.

That engine was “only” about 60kg though. I’d honestly find a mate to help. Two blokes should be able to move an engine no bother. It’s just a hassle by yourself.