U.S. General / HF - 1000 Lb. Electric Motorcycle Lift - My review

[mjozefow]

Well, it ain't a Handy lift, but it seems to be getting the job done. This is my review of this lift, which I plan to update in the future.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66247

Why this one instead of the well documented hydraulic one? I know mechanical stuff, I don"t know hydraulic stuff as well. I chose the devil I know. Besides, at least this one won't die in a puddle of it's own fluid. And it is a simple mechanism, so if something fails, I hope to be able to fix it with off the shelf parts.

If there was a US made lift for under $600, I would have bought it. But alas.

The Review:

First, the lift comes in a luan encased pallet. Uncrating was done at the store per my request. It is heavy and awkward, but loaded without any huge difficulty.

Here it is:

It does not come with a wheel vise. From what I understand, the stock wheel vise on their other lifts is worthless anyway. I can't personally vouch, but it looks pretty lame in the pictures.


Pros:

-Stable even when all the way up and 800lbs on it.
-$305 + TAX w/ 20% off coupon.
-Pretty quiet
-Gets the bike up 30". I'm over six feet so this was important to me.
-The paint seems really tough. So far fork oil, motor oil, and battery acid have wiped off.
-Lifts without complaint. I don't have a full dress Harley, but the CB1000C and myself and a bag of sand was no issue. I'd say 700lbs+.
-The mechanical backup feels strong.
-Detachable ramp shortens unit for storage

CONS:

-Had the cheesiest, ugliest stickers on it. Yes, they were that bad.
-Mostly stamped sheet metal construction
-The "deck" is not perfectly flat
-The UP/DOWN switch is on the deck, so you have to lean over and keep it pressed. My quick solution is shown. When I build my next wheel vise it will be integrated.
-Made in China
-The stickers were hideous
-The deck is really slick. Traction tape is a must.
-Cheap hardware One zerk fitting broke IN my grease gun
-The cord routing is ridiculous. I'll have to reroute it before it abrades any more.
-The roller bearings on the lead screw mechanism were not aligned out of the box. This could have been my fault because the legs moved when loading it.
-The stickers were ugly, and the glue stunk.

So far I have:

Added a roll of traction tape
Added a wheel vise (taken off my old wooden stand, new one in the making)
Added a taller switch pull (to be integrated into new wheel vise)

Pics:

This sticker is the only one I left. And it looks cheesy too. They even took the stickers off on their own web page!

The scuff is from trying to load the first bike sans traction tape. Get some traction tape if you buy one. Also, the deck is plenty long, but my home brew wheel vise hogs over ten inches of space in the front. So the bike is too far back for the time being.

As you can see the deck is not perfectly flat. Ok, but not perfect. It feels strong though, and if bounce on it it stays still.

Some pics of the mechanical stuff:

Works for my little mower too!

In conclusion:

If you want a motorcycle lift and you only want to pay ~$300 this is your lift. It will not compete with a HANDY. And for $300 and change you will not get a lift that needs no modification. And take the stickers off.

My motto for this lift? "American backyard engineering will fix Asian manufacturing shortcomings"

I would buy this lift again and am really enjoying having my bike up in the air. It makes service a much more enjoyable experience.

 

[Skin]

i think i'd of chanced the hydraulic before i'd trust that electric motor personally...they seem to use older electronics as their welders are a good example of. who knows if you'd be able to fix it.

and i do think it looks short, regardless of your makeshift chock. Not like you're running any crazy stretch. I'm sure it would be fine for sport bikes but i'd wonder about some cruisers and touring bikes.

other than that seems like a pretty good deal for the constant tinkerers. I've built a few out of wood [$30] for longterm restoration projects but would definetly appreciate something like that for anything short term.

 

[mjozefow]

No, it won't take a chopper, but it takes my bikes.

As far as the Hydraulic vs Electric... There is nothing sophisticated about the electronics. Couple switches and a motor.

This lift is much better made than the hydraulic ones as far as I can tell. You never know with floor models though.

 

[moose knuckle]

I didnt see this one at HF, I'm trying to make my mind up about getting this one http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94121, or http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91764. I work on sport bikes, so maybe this one will do. Thanks for the review.

 

[gabeancounter]

I really like this version because of how the tire vise is all the wall to the front. I plan on using it as much to work on atvs, lawn mower etc as my bike. Anybody have any experience with the extension wings for these?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94813

 

[mkdive]

Scared me just looking at the pictures of how precariously your bikes front tire is on the very edge! I wouldn't trust any of my bikes that high up, that close to the edge. Looks like a good lift though.

 

[X1 Mike]

Looking at the website for Handy industries their lift is 80" long and the Harbor Freight is 79 7/8" long, effectively the same length. Of any HF lift I like this one because of the smooth top, I hate diamond plate on lifts.

What happens if the electric motor goes out? Can you override it manually? How long does it take to get in the full upright position or fully down?

 

[mjozefow]

Scared me just looking at the pictures of how precariously your bikes front tire is on the very edge! I wouldn't trust any of my bikes that high up, that close to the edge. Looks like a good lift though.

Like I said, once I make a better vise it will be back. As it was, I could shake the whole bike and it would only make the table move with it. It was solid.

 

[mjozefow]

Looking at the website for Handy industries their lift is 80" long and the Harbor Freight is 79 7/8" long, effectively the same length. Of any HF lift I like this one because of the smooth top, I hate diamond plate on lifts.

What happens if the electric motor goes out? Can you override it manually? How long does it take to get in the full upright position or fully down?

It takes about 45 seconds to go up and about 30 seconds to go down. If the motor goes out I would have to replace it. It isn't exactly a complicated device.

 

[rasit]

Thanks for the review. I also have a wooden one and have been watching Flea-bay and CL for a Handy for the last year but found no deals. One question though, How are the stickers?

 

[mjozefow]

One question though, How are the stickers?

They ****!

 

[SteveG]

Good review - Thanks, now I want one damnit! Also, this lift seems to be copy of the Handy electric lift which will run you ~$1200. I'd say you can't beat this for ~$300 + tax.

 

[mjozefow]

Good review - Thanks, now I want one damnit! Also, this lift seems to be copy of the Handy electric lift which will run you ~$1200. I'd say you can't beat this for ~$300 + tax.

I REALLY wanted a HANDY. They are so solid and well made. I missed one at an auction for $450 a while back. I just didn't have the cash at the time.

This lift is made well enough to do its job. It feels solid even when it is all the way up. At the price I think it unbeatable. The big thing for me was that it is purely mechanical. There are no seals to blow out or anything.

Plus, I can tip it on its side for storage. No fluid to leak.

 

[Skin]

Heftee makes good lifts too that run a bit longer than the Handy or HF one [84 vs ~80]. Fluid wouldnt leak out if its tipped. If it leaks it will do it in any position.

 

[mjozefow]

HEFTEE's look nice too but at $1200+...

 

[moose knuckle]

Cuz of you I ordered one from HF, they are on clearance now though... I also hate the look of diamond plate on the other lifts so I decided on this one after reading your feedback on it. Cant wait for it to come in!! Thanks for posting.

 

[gabeancounter]

Moose,
How much are they now if on clearance?

 

[mjozefow]

Cuz of you I ordered one from HF, they are on clearance now though... I also hate the look of diamond plate on the other lifts so I decided on this one after reading your feedback on it. Cant wait for it to come in!! Thanks for posting.

Cool, enjoy it! And post up pics when you get it in!

 

[r6100mph]

Does anyone know if you can buy the wheel chock from the other lifts separately?

I think this would be a great lift, but would like to have a decent wheel chock, especially if the top surface is slick. I wouldn't want the wheels slipping out even with tie-downs attaching the bike.

 

[UncleJoe]

A quick google search turned up this link: http://www.derekweaver.com/update/Wheel_Vise_Motorcycle_Lift_Accessories_Product.aspx?id=41

Price around $70

I would not be too difficult to make your own. HF also sells a couple different wheel chocks that could easily be modified to fit

 

[r6100mph]

That's exactly what I was looking for, thanks a bunch!

 

[sctattooer]

This would be perfect for a vice for that lift:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTO...2349427QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories


I put one on a trailer I built, and it was just so simple to load. Roll it right in and it holds the bike upright. Simple for one person. In fact, it held so well, I often dont even use straps, unless I'm hauling it long distance.

 

[mjozefow]

This would be perfect for a vice for that lift:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTO...2349427QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories


I put one on a trailer I built, and it was just so simple to load. Roll it right in and it holds the bike upright. Simple for one person. In fact, it held so well, I often dont even use straps, unless I'm hauling it long distance.

So you just drive on and the bike is locked in? How do you release it?

 

[Mike 47]

This would be perfect for a vice for that lift:

That would be better than nothing, but ideally you want something that clamps the front wheel. Much more secure.

 

[moose knuckle]

Moose,
How much are they now if on clearance?

Price was no differant, just said once they're gone, thats it for this model. Used 20%, so just over $300. I'm making my own tire vice, can't see paying over $100 for one, nothing to them. My buddy have a handi lift, so I just coping the dimentions of his vice.

 

[oldtools]

With the $900 you saved, you can buy better sticker.

 

[r6100mph]

I was curious as to the "mechanical Back up" you spoke of. You said the mechanical back up seems strong.

Is there a back up system for raising and lowering the lift manually, if you don't have power?

Or are you speaking of the mechanical safety bar, which locks the lift at certain heights?

Thanks for the intial review and pics!

 

[mjozefow]

I was curious as to the "mechanical Back up" you spoke of. You said the mechanical back up seems strong.

Is there a back up system for raising and lowering the lift manually, if you don't have power?

Or are you speaking of the mechanical safety bar, which locks the lift at certain heights?

Thanks for the intial review and pics!

I was referring to the safety bar. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[nagold252]

Thanks for the review. You did a nice job and I appreciate the effort. I have been waiting for Harbor Freight to put this unit on sale and I have my 20% coupon ready.

Regards.

 

[arvidj]

I really like this version because of how the tire vise is all the wall to the front. I plan on using it as much to work on atvs, lawn mower etc as my bike. Anybody have any experience with the extension wings for these?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94813

I have this lift and installed this "vise" on the front. That way the lift doubles as the everyday storage spot for my 750 GSXR.

I will also add that even though this "vise" does not seem like it would hold the bike securely I have been very happy with what it does. The lift is just wide enough to allow me to use my Pit Bull stand on the back of the bike to lift the rear for chain adjustments and cleaning. And yes, the bike seems to be quite secure on the lift when on the rear stand and in the "vise". But then again, the bike is only about 450 lbs so that may be a big factor in the stability.

I also have the extensions but have never used them yet. They made the lift too wide and took up too much room in the garage to leave them on. They look reasonably strong and I will find out later this spring if they will really hold up my JD X595 tractor - about 1100 lbs.

 

[SteveG]

Cuz of you I ordered one from HF, they are on clearance now though... I also hate the look of diamond plate on the other lifts so I decided on this one after reading your feedback on it. Cant wait for it to come in!! Thanks for posting.

We'll, I'll have to figure out plan B as I went to Horror Freight yesterday to
order the electric lift. Turns out they had none in the east coast warehouse and couldn't order it due to a zero qty being available. I could either wait,
hope & pray they get another batch in or find something else. I could always
just go with their foot pump version. With a coupon I could score this one for
~$300. Any comments/reviews on this lift wouldd be appreciated. Thx

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91764

 

[mjozefow]

Thanks for the review. You did a nice job and I appreciate the effort. I have been waiting for Harbor Freight to put this unit on sale and I have my 20% coupon ready.

Regards.

No worries, glad you liked it. I think they are discontinuing them though, so you might want to go for it.

We'll, I'll have to figure out plan B as I went to Horror Freight yesterday to
order the electric lift. Turns out they had none in the east coast warehouse and couldn't order it due to a zero qty being available. I could either wait,
hope & pray they get another batch in or find something else. I could always
just go with their foot pump version. With a coupon I could score this one for
~$300. Any comments/reviews on this lift wouldd be appreciated. Thx

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91764

The reviews on those have been positive overall, but there are several people who have said they have put their bike up on the lift, gone to lunch or whatever and then come back to a puddle of hydraulic fluid. Overall, the reviews have been good though.

I went with this lift for that reason, nothing to leak. It is just a big screw driven jack.

As always, YMMV. The electric lift was the right choice for me, but may not be for you.

 

[IONH]

The reviews on those have been positive overall, but there are several people who have said they have put their bike up on the lift, gone to lunch or whatever and then come back to a puddle of hydraulic fluid. Overall, the reviews have been good though.

Aren't there locking notches as the lift goes up? I would expect something similar to what there are on automotive lifts, for safety.

If there are safety notches and someone doesn't engage them, that's not necessarily the lift's fault.

 

[SteveG]

We'll, I'll have to figure out plan B as I went to Horror Freight yesterday to
order the electric lift. Turns out they had none in the east coast warehouse and couldn't order it due to a zero qty being available. I could either wait,
hope & pray they get another batch in or find something else. I could always
just go with their foot pump version. With a coupon I could score this one for
~$300. Any comments/reviews on this lift wouldd be appreciated. Thx

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91764

I did some research & decided to go with plan B. I scored the 91764 model for $279 plus tax ($120 off coupon). My local store had four of them so I headed down there on sat and picked one up. I loaded a bike on it this morning and it seems pretty stable. I like the fact that its almost 87 " long and thus I can use front and rear stands with no issues. So far I'm happy with my purchase.

 

[IONH]

I did some research & decided to go with plan B. I scored the 91764 model for $279 plus tax ($120 off coupon). My local store had four of them so I headed down there on sat and picked one up. I loaded a bike on it this morning and it seems pretty stable. I like the fact that its almost 87 " long and thus I can use front and rear stands with no issues. So far I'm happy with my purchase.

Any chance you picked that up in the Worcester store today? When I was there earlier I saw the workers waiting for someone to pull up for them to load it in to their vehicle.

 

[SteveG]

Any chance you picked that up in the Worcester store today? When I was there earlier I saw the workers waiting for someone to pull up for them to load it in to their vehicle.

No sir, I picked this up in S. Attleboro.

 

[r6100mph]

FYI, I just picked up the electric lift, and they guy told me I bought the 2nd to last one.

I guess the warehouse has two locations, one that serves the west and one that serves the east.

So I guess there is one left in the west.

I'm not sure if they are making more, but from what people are saying, probably not.

 

[jxxxoxxxe]

A quick google search turned up this link: http://www.derekweaver.com/update/Wheel_Vise_Motorcycle_Lift_Accessories_Product.aspx?id=41

Price around $70

I would not be too difficult to make your own. HF also sells a couple different wheel chocks that could easily be modified to fit

I put that one on my homemade lift...

 

[mjozefow]

I put that one on my homemade lift...

Annnnnnnnnnnnnd???????

Good? Bad?

 

[royale5]

I did some research & decided to go with plan B. I scored the 91764 model for $279 plus tax ($120 off coupon). My local store had four of them so I headed down there on sat and picked one up. I loaded a bike on it this morning and it seems pretty stable. I like the fact that its almost 87 " long and thus I can use front and rear stands with no issues. So far I'm happy with my purchase.

How is it holding up so far? Any issues yet?