I don't work on cars but I do work on motorcycles, so what does everyone use for a moto lift? I'd need one to hold at least a thousand pounds as I have a Goldwing, probably prefer the lift to hold a bit more, so looking at a heavy duty lift.
Motorcycle Lifts
- Thread starter GA_Brown
- Start date
Someday I'd like to have a Handy Lift:
https://www.handyindustries.com/motorcycle-atv-utv-lifts
Until then, I'm stuck with my homemade table.
View media item 67937
https://www.handyindustries.com/motorcycle-atv-utv-lifts
Until then, I'm stuck with my homemade table.
View media item 67937
driftpin
Well-known member
Go look at a dealership and see what they use. Chances are, it's a Handy-Lift. New, with the side extensions and the ramp extensions, you're probably not gonna see much change back from a short stack of 'Benjamin Franklins.'
There are other choices out there, of-course. Titan makes a decent one. For the biker on a budget, the Harbor Freight isn't a bad deal. It's usually $300 sale price, which is actually a very good deal for being able to lift your bike to work-upon it.
The #1 factor for me was that it makes working on the bike much-more enjoyable. No-more lying on the floor. I actually use the lift as-more of a workbench than I do a bike lift. I don't put a bike up-there and leave it for months. I have a modest 2-car garage space, so I have to make the best-use out of it that I can. If I was going to have a bike long-term immobile in the air, I probably would build a wheeled bench where the bike could sit while it was being worked-upon, though 2 bikes on benches is probably more-of a luxury than I can afford to allocate space-to.
Used, quality lifts here in so. FL are ~$600 market price, and are usually snapped-up in a day. I bugged my friend with multiple H-D's to act on one for $500, w/the side extensions, name brand, I finally got him to tell me, "call-for me," gone-by the third day.
A used one isn't much risk, you can see quickly if it leaks-down or not, even if it does, a rebuild kit probably won't be much of an expense. I wouldn't pay a 'no-repairs needed' price for a left-out-in-the-weather, needs a cyl rebuild, rusty example. Caveat emptor. Wait, be patient, there will be another deal. Maybe not if you're in a county of 3,000 souls, but I see them frequently. I also see people trying to sell rusty Harbor Freight ones for the cost new, so be aware of your market.
There are other choices out there, of-course. Titan makes a decent one. For the biker on a budget, the Harbor Freight isn't a bad deal. It's usually $300 sale price, which is actually a very good deal for being able to lift your bike to work-upon it.
The #1 factor for me was that it makes working on the bike much-more enjoyable. No-more lying on the floor. I actually use the lift as-more of a workbench than I do a bike lift. I don't put a bike up-there and leave it for months. I have a modest 2-car garage space, so I have to make the best-use out of it that I can. If I was going to have a bike long-term immobile in the air, I probably would build a wheeled bench where the bike could sit while it was being worked-upon, though 2 bikes on benches is probably more-of a luxury than I can afford to allocate space-to.
Used, quality lifts here in so. FL are ~$600 market price, and are usually snapped-up in a day. I bugged my friend with multiple H-D's to act on one for $500, w/the side extensions, name brand, I finally got him to tell me, "call-for me," gone-by the third day.
A used one isn't much risk, you can see quickly if it leaks-down or not, even if it does, a rebuild kit probably won't be much of an expense. I wouldn't pay a 'no-repairs needed' price for a left-out-in-the-weather, needs a cyl rebuild, rusty example. Caveat emptor. Wait, be patient, there will be another deal. Maybe not if you're in a county of 3,000 souls, but I see them frequently. I also see people trying to sell rusty Harbor Freight ones for the cost new, so be aware of your market.
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JoeMcGov
Well-known member
I have a Handy motorcycle lift and have had it for 17 years. Bought it back then as I was going to turn 40 and said "no more going to the work. The work needs to come to me." Best thing I ever did related to motorcycle work.
Get one. You won't be disappointed.
Get one. You won't be disappointed.
fsae0607
Well-known member
The HF is great for the price. Add a better wheel clamp and it works great.
FTWingRiders
Well-known member
I have the greg smith for my gold wing. Added condor chock and its a secure as a 900 bike can be..
https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Motorcycle-Lift/Motorcycle-Lift-Tables
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=831479&stc=1&d=1542747858
https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Motorcycle-Lift/Motorcycle-Lift-Tables
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=831479&stc=1&d=1542747858
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A good motorcycle lift is one of those tools that I wish I would have bought a lot earlier than when I did. ( I commuted roughly 90 miles a day for 26 years, mainly by motorcycle)
I ended up with a Ranger XL 500 (Bendpak) for a couple of reasons
First I liked the design - it has a 'frame' that sits squarely on the ground and is extremely stable. Also, it is on casters, so I can move it around, even when fully loaded and never worried about it falling over, etc. And I like the width with the side decks. Getting the larger motorcycles (like a GoldWing) up on a lift can be worrisome and with the side decks I felt a lot more confident about it. This thing really comes in handy for other thinks - like offloading a 1,200 lb table saw from the back of my truck (saved $150 on shipping fees) and lastly, like driftpin mentioned - I use it as my primary work bench. I build a 'Paulk" Style bench that fits right on top and is easily removable
edited to add - the lift FTWingRiders posted appears to be very similar to mine. As you can see in the first pic, I have a couple of those scissor type jacks and once properly strapped down, a bike is not going to go anywhere
Ranger
https://www.bendpak.com/shop-equipment/motorcycle-lifts/rml-1500xl/
Very similar looking one
https://excel-equipment.com/titan-1-500-lb-motorcycle-lift
ST1100 with 100k miles getting cleaned up out in the driveway
Paulk style workbench getting built to fit over the top
I ended up with a Ranger XL 500 (Bendpak) for a couple of reasons
First I liked the design - it has a 'frame' that sits squarely on the ground and is extremely stable. Also, it is on casters, so I can move it around, even when fully loaded and never worried about it falling over, etc. And I like the width with the side decks. Getting the larger motorcycles (like a GoldWing) up on a lift can be worrisome and with the side decks I felt a lot more confident about it. This thing really comes in handy for other thinks - like offloading a 1,200 lb table saw from the back of my truck (saved $150 on shipping fees) and lastly, like driftpin mentioned - I use it as my primary work bench. I build a 'Paulk" Style bench that fits right on top and is easily removable
edited to add - the lift FTWingRiders posted appears to be very similar to mine. As you can see in the first pic, I have a couple of those scissor type jacks and once properly strapped down, a bike is not going to go anywhere
Ranger
https://www.bendpak.com/shop-equipment/motorcycle-lifts/rml-1500xl/
Very similar looking one
https://excel-equipment.com/titan-1-500-lb-motorcycle-lift
ST1100 with 100k miles getting cleaned up out in the driveway
Paulk style workbench getting built to fit over the top
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chrismenke
Well-known member
Oddly, I use a car lift. This particular mid rise lift is a great motorcycle lift as well.
JoeMcGov
Well-known member
I would have preferred the Snap On specific motorcycle lift as it lifts close to 6" higher than the Handy. But back in 2001 I think it retailed for 2 grand or more and I had to politely pass.
Leaflessshadetree
Well-known member
I have a lift table and a jack. I have only used the table a couple times since buying the jack. Just Rollin g big bikes on or off the table can be concerning. The table I have I won't recommend as the distributor seemed sketchy. The jack I have is a pitbull brand. Some bikes require adapters, mine don't.
TMcCay
Well-known member
I have this one from NHPro, https://www.nhproequip.com/elevator-1800-atv-utv-motorcycle-lift-table, Greg Smith has something similar as do others. It will lift a Goldwing Trike with ease. I attached the K&L front wheel chock to it and love it. I couldn't afford the Handy Lift at the time as that was my first choice. I did build a longer and wider ramp for mine though. But looking at it most people think that it came that way.
malbojah
Well-known member
I have an old Handy Industries (circa, sometime in the 80's) lift that I bought of a friend over a decade ago for $300. It's a screw drive setup and holds any position from flat to fully raised. It needed a new high speed gear ($85) and a new gasket made up. Other than that, flawless.
Loose Ctrl
Well-known member
Until I finish my small workshop. 
I went with the auto lift al1000m with side extensions from best buy auto my main use is for garden tractor work. It is also used as extra bench space its handy for unloading truck. I looked for a used handy for a long time they go fast and new are pricey Looked at a lot of different lifts this fit my need at a good price. Spend some time ready specs to find a lift that fits your needs and don't just think bike this type of lift can be very useful if think it out.
I have a motorcycle jack and a Harbor Freight table lift. I replaced the table lift wheel chock with a Harbor Freight stand/chock. I will put any real motorcycle on that lift and not worry about it. The harbor freight table life requires 65 pumps to lift my Electra Glide to full height. Works for me.
A motorcycle air lift table was 700 more than the Harbor Freight. I spent that riding.
A motorcycle air lift table was 700 more than the Harbor Freight. I spent that riding.
DFB
Well-known member
Nice bench...
you ain't the first and wont be the last to do that way!
Ya Hardy are nice the motorcycle shop I spend my time at has four set up on the floor...plus a set of wings for those durn sidecar rigs
HF bench is a decent option IMO and I consider getting one, though I tell my pal that owns the bike shop I have first dibbs when starts selling off his Hardy's
I still use Blackjack hi lift at home I bought over 20 years ago in Laconia from some crazy Canuck biker that was selling them.
but these old biker bones need table too
txvwnut
Well-known member
Oddly, I use a car lift. This particular mid rise lift is a great motorcycle lift as well.
I use the exact same thing.
Slackerzinc
Well-known member
Here’s a thread I started a thread awhile ago on bike lifts, lots of different ideas
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=189675
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=189675
I built one similar but tilting. Served me well for many years.
I posted this back in 2012....
Many moons ago, I built a tilting one out of plywood. Here's a link that looks just like it. Just be sure you lock the ramp (rear flip piece) in place while working on it
I put eyebolts on the front for tie-downs also.
http://www.eurospares.com/bikestnd.gif
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Punkinhead
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2011
- Messages
- 54
I have a Harbor Freight lift and it works fine after replacing the wheel chock with something nicer. Having said that, it takes up a lot of room. When I was parking my truck in the garage I could just park over top of the lowered lift. Now that my truck lives outside and I need to park my car in the garage I moved the lift to my third bay and it's in the way most of the time. I have a set of Quickjacks so my plan for this winter is to sell the HF lift and buy the Quickjack motorcycle lift. Since the top comes off I can lean it, along with the Quickjacks, against a wall out of the way.
I used a scissor type cycle jack for years. Kinda scetchy for the Glide, but got by.
Upgraded to a Kendon cycle lift. Didn’t have a shop, and could fold it up against a wall in the garage when not using. Still kinda scetchy for the Glide,but quite an improvement.
Finally bought a Handy cycle lift with side extensions when I built a shop and enough room. Expensive, but worth EVERY penny. I do all my own maintenance, so I can justify the cost. Plenty of other nice lifts around if you don’t do much maintenance or just want one to clean your bike.
Same as when I got my car lift. I wish I could have afforded years earlier.
Upgraded to a Kendon cycle lift. Didn’t have a shop, and could fold it up against a wall in the garage when not using. Still kinda scetchy for the Glide,but quite an improvement.
Finally bought a Handy cycle lift with side extensions when I built a shop and enough room. Expensive, but worth EVERY penny. I do all my own maintenance, so I can justify the cost. Plenty of other nice lifts around if you don’t do much maintenance or just want one to clean your bike.
Same as when I got my car lift. I wish I could have afforded years earlier.
gunguy
Well-known member
Another one here with the HF lift. As mentioned if you go this route, invest in a better wheel chock. The one provided is junk IMO.
Something to be aware of especially if space is tight, is the lift arms form a parallelogram instead of an "X". This means the table moves backward and forward a few inches (6" - 12"?) as it's raised and lowered.
It's nothing fancy, but beats the heck out of working on your knees or laying on a cold floor.
Jim
Something to be aware of especially if space is tight, is the lift arms form a parallelogram instead of an "X". This means the table moves backward and forward a few inches (6" - 12"?) as it's raised and lowered.
It's nothing fancy, but beats the heck out of working on your knees or laying on a cold floor.
Jim
I have a direct lift ProCycle.
It's narrow and great to work on.
You can have extension for it(it's then the XLT model)(for an atv, lawnmower for example), but don't see the need for my use. (sportbike, customs and offroad)
for a goldwing the drop tail is a big plus to be able to remove the rear wheel whitout having to dismantle the whole bike :|
It's narrow and great to work on.
You can have extension for it(it's then the XLT model)(for an atv, lawnmower for example), but don't see the need for my use. (sportbike, customs and offroad)
for a goldwing the drop tail is a big plus to be able to remove the rear wheel whitout having to dismantle the whole bike :|
I've had my HF lift since 2008. Have used it for everything from 250lb supermotos to 800+lb touring bikes without an issue. Only thing I've done is remove the original wheel chock and either use my Baxley chocks or race stands as needed.
If I were buying today, I'd do the same as I did in 2008. If I had the money, I'd get a Handy Lift. If I didn't have the money, I'd look locally for a used Handy Lift. If that couldn't be found, I'd get the HF lift.
I didn't have the money for a Handy Lift in 2008. I have the money now but the HF lift doesn't make me want to spend it. I have no regrets.
If I were buying today, I'd do the same as I did in 2008. If I had the money, I'd get a Handy Lift. If I didn't have the money, I'd look locally for a used Handy Lift. If that couldn't be found, I'd get the HF lift.
I didn't have the money for a Handy Lift in 2008. I have the money now but the HF lift doesn't make me want to spend it. I have no regrets.
DFB
Well-known member
Cool, even though I know this thread about tables lifts, and as I was looking at few on the web I searched for the jack lift one I have, "the Blackjack" was sold to me thru Meress Enterprises Inc. (Mike and Beckie) along time ago. Long before HF and TSC all had somewhat similar China knockoffs. I still have the literature what really amazed me about it back then was his personal sales pitch he be on the bike on the lift and he would have her spin the lift around
Just though I share memory...so I took a picture of an old business card.
Ya having big non hinged fenders like on my 92 Glide back when I got it new I needed a good high lift to get the rear wheel out and without having a table with drop tail.
Seems to me lift tables and there are a lot of options now, are a lot less money than they used to be.
http://www.hdridersusa.com/parts-accessories-clothing-sale/6481-blackjack-m-c-lift-sale-150-a.html
Just though I share memory...so I took a picture of an old business card.
Ya having big non hinged fenders like on my 92 Glide back when I got it new I needed a good high lift to get the rear wheel out and without having a table with drop tail.
Seems to me lift tables and there are a lot of options now, are a lot less money than they used to be.
http://www.hdridersusa.com/parts-accessories-clothing-sale/6481-blackjack-m-c-lift-sale-150-a.html
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aczr2k
Well-known member
I had a direct lift Pro cycle xl with the drop down tail and side extensions. It worked great I used it mostly for atvs. Now I sold it and purchased a Handy Bull lift since it works on utvs.
Sureshot
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If you go the home built route you may want to check the hot tub stores near you. I used to get pallets from them and the tops were solid plywood. I used them to build trailer decks on a frame trailer, platform on my loader tractor, work deck on top my single post car hoist to work on snowmobiles, atv's and bikes.
gda659
Well-known member
I was a little too late for a deal on a Handy lift several years back and settled with a HF lift. It was the one with the compressed air pump/hydraulic ram and a slightly better wheel clamp. It works fine, but hydraulic fluid leaks now when using the air pump. I added a better wheel chock and it does what it should. I need to get rid of it since I scored a used Handy lift about a year ago. The Handy is a little smaller, I like the smooth operation, parts availability, and it's easier to move around than the HF. You do need a compressor with the Handy, while the HF could operate with just the hydraulic jack.
robin1731
Well-known member
I have a Titan. Forget the model number but it is rated at 1500lbs. Has a frame that sits on the ground like one posted earlier. It comes with side extensions and an extension you can add to the front of the table for very long bikes. With the side extensions I can get Gold Wing trikes on it no problem. I've had it for about 13 years. I did replace the hydraulic pump on it just over a year ago.
I like the Titan lift as it will go very high. I'm 6' and the table will put the middle of the engine at eye level for me. It does also have the lift out part on the rear for tire/wheel removal.
I work on bikes for a living so this lift gets used a lot.
I like the Titan lift as it will go very high. I'm 6' and the table will put the middle of the engine at eye level for me. It does also have the lift out part on the rear for tire/wheel removal.
I work on bikes for a living so this lift gets used a lot.
E.Marquez
Well-known member
I currently have 2
K&L and a Derek weaver
Both are drop tails. Which is nice, but neither are drop out fronts which I want and will correct when I get a 3rd lift here soon.
The Derek weaver is reasonable easy to remove the front wheel stop then raise the front end enough to get a wheel out..but its a kabuka dance.
Both my lifts can hold, lift, lower a dresser.
I had a Handy lift for a bit, nice would have one again if I cold find a nice used one....
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oldmxracer
Well-known member
I bought a HF lift 3 years ago modified it and recessed in the floor
Made a front wheel chock and keyholed all tie downs and accessories for tool- less removal
Also made removable 3 piece side extensions ( they just slide in receiver tubes when needed)
It has been used near daily with all types of bikes and four wheelers.
Made a front wheel chock and keyholed all tie downs and accessories for tool- less removal
Also made removable 3 piece side extensions ( they just slide in receiver tubes when needed)
It has been used near daily with all types of bikes and four wheelers.
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Mike in Ohio
Well-known member
Also have the Harbor Freight lift, it works just fine for the price, I haven't replaced the clamp, just haven't gotten around to it. It does need replaced though it really isn't that good of a setup.
Oldmx could you post some pics of your modifications particularly the side extensions and mounts?
What part of Ohio are you in? I am in Canton.
Oldmx could you post some pics of your modifications particularly the side extensions and mounts?
What part of Ohio are you in? I am in Canton.
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jetlag
Well-known member
I've got two Handy lifts, one has a table extension for choppers, the other is standard length. I've only got one set of side extensions for the two tables, and that was partly because the tables are side-by-side in a small shop, and I didn't want to crowd the workspace. The motorcycle gear is about to be moved into my larger shop, and I'll probably get a set of side extensions for the second table. I also have a Pitbull jack that is very useful if I'm just doing a quick tire change, and sometimes a jack is a better tool for doing a fork swap. That Pitbull lifts almost as high as a table lift, so you can stand up to do engine work, as long as you've got the bike secured to the jack.
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biggziff
Well-known member
I picked up a used Handy SAM 1000 (I think that's the model) about 2 hours from me. $500 bought it with some extras. It's like new and works perfectly. I don't use it often as much of my work is tire and suspension, but it's handy (get it?) to have for some work. A Pit Bull stand is faster for me for tires, forks, etc. I can change a tire on a sport bike, start to finish, in about 10 minutes if I'm hustling with the bike on a stand on the floor. I use a No Mar tire machine which is also faster for me than the electro-pneumatic changer I own.
I've got two Handy tables. One extended, one standard length and a set of side extensions to use with them. I also have a Harbor Freight table. The Harbor Freight tables are actually better for somethings than the Handy tables.
The HF tables are easy to move around with a bike on top of them. They are easy to drag outside so a bike can be washed and detailed on them. With the Condor chock I use on them, they work with Pit Bull fork and swingarm stands making it easy to swap front and rear tires at the same time. The wheel vises on the Handy tables don't allow this.
The HF tables are on sale tomorrow for $279.99. I'm going to swing by and pick up another one.
The HF tables are easy to move around with a bike on top of them. They are easy to drag outside so a bike can be washed and detailed on them. With the Condor chock I use on them, they work with Pit Bull fork and swingarm stands making it easy to swap front and rear tires at the same time. The wheel vises on the Handy tables don't allow this.
The HF tables are on sale tomorrow for $279.99. I'm going to swing by and pick up another one.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
In 2002, I decided to build my own lift table. I should confess to having copied the SNAP-ON lift a little bit. I added a safety "ratchet" and twin hydraulic cylinders. I got all of the hydraulic components at PRINCES AUTO, in Canada. The cost to build this lift was about $1200-$1300 in 2003. Due to the rising cost of materials, this same lift table would cost just over $3000 in 2018. I built a hydraulic wheel clamp that mounts to the lift table with two 3/8" bolts. I bought a new light duty floor jack at Canadian Tire and used the hydraulic pump/cylinder to power the clamp. The lift table bottoms out at 4 inches and can go as high as 54 inches.
This lift table doubles as a shop work table. I have two fitted cold rolled, fitted steel sheets for the table top. The diamond-plate does not lend itself very well to laying anything out before welding. I also use the lift table for unloading up to 1000 pounds from my truck. the lift table has been fitted with double caster walking beams on the front and an inverted fifth wheel system on the near end. There is a matching ramp.
This lift table doubles as a shop work table. I have two fitted cold rolled, fitted steel sheets for the table top. The diamond-plate does not lend itself very well to laying anything out before welding. I also use the lift table for unloading up to 1000 pounds from my truck. the lift table has been fitted with double caster walking beams on the front and an inverted fifth wheel system on the near end. There is a matching ramp.
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isb cornbinder
Well-known member
Hydraulics for the lift table, with remote control. The power-pack is on wheels so it can be moved easily. I installed a glad-hand battery boost connection so the battery in the power-pack can be used to boost a low battery.
The lift table does not need the extra power from two hydraulic cylinders. the second cylinder is there only to double the volume need to move the lift any distance which slows the lift speed to a safe level. The fluid return is adjustable from zero to a little bit so the lift table can be lowered at a safe speed.
I did lift my 1940 Ford with this table. The Ford was at the stock height at this time. This gave a little advantage to the lift table because it was about a foot off the floor when it started to lift the car. The car was not lifter more than 6 inches. Test done.
I used ratchet straps for additional safety when a motorcycle was on the lift. I have a modified scissor lift from a Ford F250 for lifting the motorcycle in the center, this makes tore changes easy.
The lift table does not need the extra power from two hydraulic cylinders. the second cylinder is there only to double the volume need to move the lift any distance which slows the lift speed to a safe level. The fluid return is adjustable from zero to a little bit so the lift table can be lowered at a safe speed.
I did lift my 1940 Ford with this table. The Ford was at the stock height at this time. This gave a little advantage to the lift table because it was about a foot off the floor when it started to lift the car. The car was not lifter more than 6 inches. Test done.
I used ratchet straps for additional safety when a motorcycle was on the lift. I have a modified scissor lift from a Ford F250 for lifting the motorcycle in the center, this makes tore changes easy.
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RVDan
Well-known member
I have one of these. https://premiumbikelifts.com/product/motorcycle-lift-pbl1500x/
It's made in China. I bought it at a bike show where they implied they were made locally. I was a bit disappointed to find out was from China but it's actually a fine bike lift. The wheel clamp is really crappy, I don't trust it to hold the bike up long term but the rest is a pretty good product.
It's made in China. I bought it at a bike show where they implied they were made locally. I was a bit disappointed to find out was from China but it's actually a fine bike lift. The wheel clamp is really crappy, I don't trust it to hold the bike up long term but the rest is a pretty good product.
oldmxracer
Well-known member
I am just 2 miles out of Tiffin.
These are some of pictures I have in My laptop, they are from when I was
fabricating the side extensions and lock system prior to recessing in the floor
Before paint and first test.
Largest ATV I have put on it was a Bombardier Traxter Max 500 dry weight spec of 795 lbs.
If You need more pics or info just let Me know !