Motorcycle on MD-6XP

[stamanti]

I have a Bendpak MD-6XP and a one car garage. I wanted to use my mid-rise lift to work on my motorcycle since I don't have the room for a dedicated motorcycle lift.

I searched and found one image on Greg Smith Equipment of a guy who made a motorcycle lift table for his mid-rise lift, but I haven't seen any detailed build or feedback if using a mid-rise lift with an adapter table as a motorcycle lift is even worthwhile.

I decided to build one for myself, because I needed a project, and the lift table would make installing the DIY air suspension for my Roadglide that much easier.

To clear the lock mechanism when the lift is folded flat I made the frame out of 2 1/2" by 1 1/2" 0.120 wall rectangular tube. The dimensions are 96" long by 22" wide. You probably could go wider than 22." The top is 12 gauge steel. I used a condor chock and welded the supplied mounting brackets to the bottom of the table top. I installed 1/2" weld nuts on the four top corners for straps. Underneath I have 8 1/2" weld nuts installed. 4 to secure the motorcycle lift table to the lift, and 4 for 1/2" stem casters for moving the table around when not needed.

I made the ramp out of scrap plywood and some 1 1/4" by 1/8" steel bar I had lying around.

The finished product exceeds my expectations for functionality and ease of use. The only thing I would do differently is make sure the weld nuts designed to hold the table to the lift are properly located so I can affix the table at all four points. My table width of 22" and the weld nuts centered on the 1 1/2" side of the rectangular tube don't line up to mount to the table. I have the front right and rear left bolt affixed which is secure enough that I can lift the scissor lift by the motorcycle table so I am not concerned about safety or the table moving respective to the scissor lift.

Hope this helps anyone who wants to use their scissor lift to work on their bikes.

Steve

 

[stamanti]

Additional photos.

 

[stamanti]

Work in progress.

 

[Jaynuke]

Very well done.

 

[jesse72]

thats a great idea! Thanks for sharing it and enjoy having a bike lift now too!

 

[TheWhiteMamba]

I was honestly about to start searching a few things on seeing how to get this started! Great work! Could you post a few pictures of the underside of the lift when it is raised? I am curious to see how/where you anchored everything down. Are you able to lift a car WITH the motorcycle lift still attached? Or are they just 2 separate things entirely?

 

[stamanti]

I'll take some photos of the underside tonight. I'm not able to lift a car with the motorcycle lift table attached. I bolt the motorcycle lift table to the channels where the automotive pivoting lift arms attach. The automotive lift arms must be removed to affix the motorcycle table.

 

[TheWhiteMamba]

Thanks! That is kind of what I thought, but from the first pic with the top unfinished, it looked like there might have been just enough space to get the arm bolts down in there, which was why I was wondering where/how it was secured.

Random ?, did Bendpak send you 4 M20 washers to attach the lift arms or 8?

 

[stamanti]

I actually bought the lift used, but it seemed to come with more washers than I needed. That being said, the guy I bought the lift from had custom extensions made by a bridge builder so that he could lift his Duesenberg by the axles.

 

[stamanti]

A few more photos.

 

[stamanti]

Underneath.

 

[stamanti]

Casters on and lift detached.

 

[bareass172]

I can't tell for sure from looking at the pics, but can you add a drop-out panel in the back? I have to admit that I love that feature in mine, it makes tire changes so much easier. I attached a couple pics of mine, it's not nearly as robust as yours but you get the idea. With a heavy enough plate and solid frame around the perimeter it works great. Scissor lift raises it just clear so I can remove the plate and the tire just drops out the back.

Just a thought, it looks like you could easily add it if you wanted to. Either way, it's a great project and you'll love having the table. It may sound silly, but even just detailing the bike will be so much nicer!

 

[stamanti]

I don't have a drop out frame yet. I am planning on cutting one in when I need it.

 

[TheWhiteMamba]

This looks great! I am going to have to get one made up in order to get rid of my gurney fabricated lift.

I never really understood the use or need for the drop out frame on a lift, then I wound up getting a second bike with headers that didn't run directly underneath!