Lets see your motorcycle lifts!

[biggziff]

Here is my new Handy SAM2 motorcycle lift that I purchased over this past summer. I've had the original Handy lift with side plates for the past 20+ years and have loved it. I used it for all of my snowmobile and ATV repair as well as motorcycle and small engine repair but I really liked the dropout feature of the new SAM2 table, especially on these big baggers where tire/wheel removal can be tricky having the lift the bike high enough for removal. The dropout front and rear ends negate having the raise the bike up more than a couple of inches off the table.







With the addition of the new bike lift over the summer I am still keeping my original Handy lift but have it in storage for the time being. I did however sell my Direct Lift Pro Cycle as I was not impressed with it.

I love that new drop front! I have the old model and that feature is enough to sell me a new one.

 

[zmotorsports]

I love that new drop front! I have the old model and that feature is enough to sell me a new one.

It did me. I had the original Handy for 20+ years but just had to have the new SAM 2 with the dropout ends. So far I like it but I've only had time to have one bike on it. Hope to get more use in the upcoming year.

 

[JasonJ]

I am finally looking at a lift table. Currently I have it narrowed down to either a Handy SAM2 or a K&L MC625. I kind of leaning towards the K&L due to raised height is 5" higher (would be nice if I ever recess it into the floor)

But I have a weird bump in my garage that might prevent the base of the K&L from going totally level, the Handy would just spread its legs over it with no issue.

I figure I got a month or so to try and figure it out.

 

[zmotorsports]

I am finally looking at a lift table. Currently I have it narrowed down to either a Handy SAM2 or a K&L MC625. I kind of leaning towards the K&L due to raised height is 5" higher (would be nice if I ever recess it into the floor)

But I have a weird bump in my garage that might prevent the base of the K&L from going totally level, the Handy would just spread its legs over it with no issue.

I figure I got a month or so to try and figure it out.

I briefly looked at the K&L as well. I have an older K&L engine stand and the quality appears good but I've had such good results with Handy. Plus I was worried about that extra inch in lowered height of the K&L vs. the Handy SAM2. My CVO is already lowered and barely kisses the Handy, I didn't want anything taller at collapsed height.

As far as quality, I don't think you can go wrong with either though.

 

[JasonJ]

I do like the extra 1" lowered height and on the Handy, the entire front/rear drops out. When the K&L drops down, it's only a center section and leaves a "U" shaped notch that you potentially still have to work around.

Who did you get your Handy through? Cheapest I found so far is 1,205.00 ... would have to get the red top though. Needs to match the color theme in the garage.

I don't like the wheel vise though, I would probably see if the K&L Wheel Chock (MC10R) would fit on the handy, or a Condor Chock.

 

[JasonJ]

and anyone foreseeable problems using Co2? I sold off my air compressor for a PowerTank Co2 system that I can use in the garage and in the jeep.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I made my own lift table. I used hydraulic cylinders from Princess Auto, in Canada. The remote hydraulic power unit has a quick connect in the hose. I added an adjustable flow restrictor to the return circuit. The power-pack is on a remote control. I added wheels to the power-pack and a battery cable glad-hand so the battery and power unit can double as a start/boost.
I installed two hydraulic cylinder for the lift. This was to double the volume of oil needed for the lift and slow the action. The extra power is not needed. The lift time for lowest to 34 inches is about 8 seconds.
The table has a safety ratchet system.
The table base has a dual caster walking beam on each side of one end. The other end has an inverted "fifth-wheel" and wheeled handle. This combination will allow the lift table to be rotated in its own length.
The lift table can be lowered to about 4 inches and tops at about 54 inches.
The wheel clamp is a floating caliper design. I bought a new light duty floor jack and harvested the hydraulics for the clamp system.
The cost to build this unit was $1365 +/- in 2002.

 

[zmotorsports]

I do like the extra 1" lowered height and on the Handy, the entire front/rear drops out. When the K&L drops down, it's only a center section and leaves a "U" shaped notch that you potentially still have to work around.

Who did you get your Handy through? Cheapest I found so far is 1,205.00 ... would have to get the red top though. Needs to match the color theme in the garage.

I don't like the wheel vise though, I would probably see if the K&L Wheel Chock (MC10R) would fit on the handy, or a Condor Chock.

I purchased mine through Garage Equipment Supply during one of their sales, I believe it was their 4th of July sale if memory serves.

As for the wheel clamp I haven’t had any issues with it but it’s pretty basic.

I was going to go red top as well to match all of the red items in my shop but in the end couldn’t justify the extra cost for the optional color.

I think you’ll be fine with CO2 as long g as you have it regulated down properly which I’m assuming you do if your using for other things around the shop and your Jeep.




Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Free Willie]

Here’s mine. I built it from scratch and also used as an elevator to get bikes to the second floor for storage. When not in use it is flush with the floor so no tripping over it.

 

[Balor]

Nice Wide glide FW.

rngr1

 

[Free Willie]

Nice Wide glide FW.

rngr1

It’s my buddy’s bike, not really nice if you zoom in, he picked it up for $1500 and it runs! We are trying to get rid of all the monkey poo the previous owner did to it.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I do like the extra 1" lowered height and on the Handy, the entire front/rear drops out. When the K&L drops down, it's only a center section and leaves a "U" shaped notch that you potentially still have to work around.

Who did you get your Handy through? Cheapest I found so far is 1,205.00 ... would have to get the red top though. Needs to match the color theme in the garage.

I don't like the wheel vise though, I would probably see if the K&L Wheel Chock (MC10R) would fit on the handy, or a Condor Chock.

I built a fantastic wheel clamp for my lift table. I have had it on Craigslist for months. I was asking $100. If I cannot get $100, I will put it into storage and forget about it. One day I will put it into scrap, after I cut it into little pieces. This wheel clamp works better than any I have seen and tried.
The hydraulics are from a new floor jack from Canadian Tire. This wheel clamp has enough power to break the beads on automotive tire-wheel.

 

[Grimly]

I became uncomfortably aware a couple of years ago that if I ballsed up putting the heavier bikes on the ramp and ended up on the floor with the bike on top of me, my goose might be cooked.
To avoid that, I added a ramp to the side wings, which makes getting the bikes up and down a breeze.
I painted them with cheap paint and sprinkled sand on them while still wet, to give a non-slip surface.
It works well.

 

[katit]

Nice thread! Looking for something for myself, but have set of requirements and not sure what would be the best choice.

First of all, I am planning to use it for frame-off restorations. So, bike can be on a lift without wheels. Need to make it easy to remove and install engine.

Also, need to be portable, easy to move around

Also, need to be easy to store vertically (preferably without help)

P.S. By the way, Handy SAM2 was discontinued, so no more drop down front

 

[JasonJ]

I ended buying the SAM1200.

Turns out the SAM2 had too much space between the front and rear drops in order to remove both tires at the same time which is what I wanted to do.

 

[katit]

Turns out the SAM2 had too much space between the front and rear drops in order to remove both tires at the same time which is what I wanted to do.

So how do you manage this? If both wheels need to be removed?
Also, is there some kind of jack under bike? What is it?

 

[Neggy]

 

[zmotorsports]

I ended buying the SAM1200.

Turns out the SAM2 had too much space between the front and rear drops in order to remove both tires at the same time which is what I wanted to do.

Awesome. I remember a year or so ago you mentioned looking at these. I like the color, matches your benches nicely. I waffled on the red/black one but ended up going machinery gray to match my original Handy, then sold my POS Cycle Pro lift.

 

[Kevkx125]

Here is my Harbor Freight that got on sale of course using a coupon.

 

[chuck356]

I've owned 4 or 5 Handy lifts over the years, still have 2. No issues in everyday service department use.

 

[niget2002]

I have a Handy lift that I bought used from a Harley Dealer. It's served me quite well in the months I've owned it.

I build some 2x6 runners that I place alongside the lift when I take the bike on and off. I have rebar I poke in some holes on the runners with a hook on the end that I hang the hold down straps from. This allows me to ride up on the lift, hook the straps on to hold the bike and then I can hop off and clamp the front wheel without any help.

 

[PoorUB]

I had a Handy lift years back. I sold it when we were having some really bad finacial troubles.

Years later I bought a Direct Lift, Pro Cycle XLT DT. It somes with the side extensions and drop tail which was great for pulling the rear tires on my Harleys. I have a BMW now, so much simpler to pull the rear tire with the one sided swing arm! The Direct Lift was $800 when I bought it a few years back, they are close to twice that now.

 

[APEowner]

I love my motorcycle lift. I have no idea what brand it is. I bought it used around 20 years ago. Weirdly, I don't seem to have any pictures of it with a motorcycle on it.

I have one with a transmission on it. Looks like a Ford C6.


Here's one with an engine on it. I have a lot of those. This one is a 1.6L Ford Kent.


Here's a big block Chevy.



This is a Corvair engine with Powerglide transmission.




Here's a Corvair body on the lift.


This is a weldment for something I was building.


Here's another engine. It's a Ford FT.


And, here's one of my race cars on the lift.


No motorcycle pictures though...

 

[Relax]

And, here's one of my race cars on the lift.


No motorcycle pictures though...

You get a pass because of that last pic. Link to more info?

 

[APEowner]

You get a pass because of that last pic. Link to more info?

I'm terrible about build threads. The few that I've started never seem to get updated. I never even started one on that car. It's a Formula Ford. Specifically, it's a 1978 Crossle 32F.

 

[ChefRex]

So how do you manage this? If both wheels need to be removed?
Also, is there some kind of jack under bike? What is it?

Not sure as his is red but K&L makes this,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GVCHT0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Easily picks up a full dresser, I use it in the garage with this,

Ranger RML-1500Xl Super-Stretch Motorcycle-Atv Lift

JMC Equipment has the best prices when it comes to the Ranger RML-1500Xl Super-Stretch Motorcycle-Atv Lift. Please call us at 800-562-4791 for prices and details.

jmcautomotiveequipment.com

although mine is not a XL version, pricey these days! I paid $600 practically brand new.
I got the shop I work at now to buy two of these for my use as a condition of me moving over, I had a high rise Snap On in the other shop and there was no way I was working on a Handy again.

K&L SUPPLY COMPANY - MC655R HEAVY DUTY HYDRAULIC LIFT

The MC655R from K-amp;L Supply is the next step up in high performance lifts. Along with a 48-rdquo; maximum raised height and 1 ton capacity, the MC655R features a hand held remote control and a frame mounted pump. This does away with pump stands and excess hose, keeping your service bays clear...

www.klsupply.com

I soon learned why they gave me every thing I wanted as they had no talent, should have asked for more

 

[vtcat]

I have a used Handy and a used Harbor Freight lift.
I would like a K&L some day.

 

[mmb617]

I made an adapter so I could lift motorcycles with my two post.

 

[Relax]

I posted this a while back in the lift modification thread, but I guess it fits here too. I used to winter store my bikes on my 4-post lift along with my Trailer-In-A-Bag that I was too lazy to disassemble. Just drill two holes in the yellow stopper plates and assemble the Harbor Freight wheel chocks around them. If it weren't for the bulkhead above the garage door, I'd have had tried to store two more bikes on that end.