Motorcycle Roadracing Garage

[ekraft84]

So I've mocked up an idea for a second bike/work table. Mockup attached below.

1. Table dimensions would be the same as the existing lift table. Match them up.

2. Table frame material would either be wood (stained/painted black to match cabinets) or aluminum to match lift table. Top would be either metal or wood as well. Suggestions welcome here. Max weight would be no more than 400lbs.

3. Casters/levelers. Floor is on a angle, so I'd want the levelers for that, and the casters to move the table around.

4. Same wheel chock as the other lift table.

5. Two Craftsman black 3-drawer boxes to mount underneath. Inexpensive and they'd provide storage for bike parts/trays when disassembling a bike. They also match the toolbox on the other end of the garage.

6. Power outlets. Two on each side, with power run via an extension cord to an outlet on the wall.

I'm not sure if I'm missing anything - primarily looking to build a table that I can move around the garage/shop for a second bike.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[APEowner]

Cool idea. How about some sort of provisions for tie down anchors? I like something to supplement the wheel chock. Actually, I never put the wheel chock on my table. I use it for a bunch of stuff and it's usually in the way and I find it easier to grab some tie downs rather than install the chock when I've got a bike on the lift.

 

[rmalkow2]

I assume the top is designed to hold a complete bike. What is the method of getting a bike up or down off the table?

 

[ekraft84]

Cool idea. How about some sort of provisions for tie down anchors? I like something to supplement the wheel chock. Actually, I never put the wheel chock on my table. I use it for a bunch of stuff and it's usually in the way and I find it easier to grab some tie downs rather than install the chock when I've got a bike on the lift.

Yeah that's a good idea. Even with a dirt bike on a stand, I'll use a tie down as well.

I assume the top is designed to hold a complete bike. What is the method of getting a bike up or down off the table?

Yes, complete bike. Just a ramp to get it up on the table.

I'm still debating whether to make it out of wood or metal ..

 

[ekraft84]

In the meantime, a few random photos from the garage recently ..

A couple extra bikes housed at the moment. One being a borrowed CRF-50 my son has started riding at an outdoor kart track. Has been extremely cool to watch him enjoy riding.

A couple trophies recently won - likely my new favorites, given they're made out of motorcycle parts.

Yamaha R1, semi-naked without the lower.

Thanks.

 

[thetastelingers]

The CRF-50 reminds me of our fitty racing days. Late 90s early 00s.
About 6 or 8 of us had them racing on a concrete pad.
If we had access to another concrete pad, I'm sure all of us would buy them again.

heh... the website still works too.
http://www.angelfire.com/tn2/xr50freekz/index.htm

although it seems everytime you click something it brings up another page that you'll have to close...

 

[Modern Jess]

So I've mocked up an idea for a second bike/work table. Mockup attached below.

Now we're talking!

If you go the wood route for the frame, you could use a combination of traditional leveling feet plus these step-down casters: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SX3T2LO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Weight starts becoming an issue, though: those casters are only rated at 100 pounds apiece, for a total of 400 pounds.

There's always the Footmaster line of leveling feet / casters, available in a variety of capacities and formats: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2JG8ZW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't know if those have enough adjustment range to accommodate your slope, though.

Finally (and I know you've already seen these in my workbench thread, I'm mentioning only for completeness) If you just want to use some nice beefy stem casters, and you want to attach them in wood, there are these fine pool table leveling nuts that 920kip and Kevin54 hunted down:

http://valley-dynamoparts.com/product.asp?line=2&catid=65&id=464

That and a jam nut would get you the adjustability you need, though it's a little awkward to adjust back and forth if the table moves around a lot.

Hmmm... a knurled disc threaded for the appropriate thread size might make that easier. I might try to hunt down something like that for my own project.

 

[dubber]

Your garage will always be one of my favorites.

 

[dhubbard422]

So I've mocked up an idea for a second bike/work table. Mockup attached below.

1. Table dimensions would be the same as the existing lift table. Match them up.

2. Table frame material would either be wood (stained/painted black to match cabinets) or aluminum to match lift table. Top would be either metal or wood as well. Suggestions welcome here. Max weight would be no more than 400lbs.

3. Casters/levelers. Floor is on a angle, so I'd want the levelers for that, and the casters to move the table around.

4. Same wheel chock as the other lift table.

5. Two Craftsman black 3-drawer boxes to mount underneath. Inexpensive and they'd provide storage for bike parts/trays when disassembling a bike. They also match the toolbox on the other end of the garage.

6. Power outlets. Two on each side, with power run via an extension cord to an outlet on the wall.

I'm not sure if I'm missing anything - primarily looking to build a table that I can move around the garage/shop for a second bike.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks.

I'm curious, how often do you adjust the height of your lift table? If you adjust the height relatively frequently, I'm curious as to what your typical preferred height range is...

I want to build a lift table similar to your design, i.e. one that allows for storage carts/chests underneath the table. However, I think that I also want to be able to raise and lower the table in order to make various tasks on the bike easier, as well as making it easier to roll the bike on/off of the table. So, I was thinking that I would allow the storage carts/chest to roll underneath the table when the table is at a working height and roll out of the way when I want to work on the bike at a lower height or roll the bike off the table.

Anyway, it seems that I am often fiddling with the working height of my small dirt bike lift... and I am curious if your experience with your lift table is similar to the experience I've had with my (smaller) dirt bike lift. Full disclaimer, I've never used a roll-on motorcycle lift table.

Thanks,
Don

 

[ekraft84]

Now we're talking!

There's always the Footmaster line of leveling feet / casters, available in a variety of capacities and formats: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2JG8ZW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That and a jam nut would get you the adjustability you need, though it's a little awkward to adjust back and forth if the table moves around a lot.

Hmmm... a knurled disc threaded for the appropriate thread size might make that easier. I might try to hunt down something like that for my own project.

Thanks Jess. I like the idea of a jam nut. I also looked at the Footmaster style leveling feet originally, but went away from them in the search for something more heavy duty. However, now I'm thinking more about the total height of the table, as I want to be in the 28"-31" range - and those beefier wheel/casters add 4-5" to that overall height.

Your garage will always be one of my favorites.

Thanks dub. Genuinely appreciate that.

I'm curious, how often do you adjust the height of your lift table? If you adjust the height relatively frequently, I'm curious as to what your typical preferred height range is...

I want to build a lift table similar to your design, i.e. one that allows for storage carts/chests underneath the table. However, I think that I also want to be able to raise and lower the table in order to make various tasks on the bike easier, as well as making it easier to roll the bike on/off of the table. So, I was thinking that I would allow the storage carts/chest to roll underneath the table when the table is at a working height and roll out of the way when I want to work on the bike at a lower height or roll the bike off the table.

Anyway, it seems that I am often fiddling with the working height of my small dirt bike lift... and I am curious if your experience with your lift table is similar to the experience I've had with my (smaller) dirt bike lift. Full disclaimer, I've never used a roll-on motorcycle lift table.

Thanks,
Don

Don - With the hydraulic lift table, I do quite a bit. If it's an oil change, exhaust swap or working low on the bike, it's up all the way. If working on the airbox/injectors or anything above the frame, it's not raised quite as high. It's a great table and I'd get another one in a heart beat if I had to move for some reason. Scratch that, I'd be taking the table with me.

The problem I'm ashamed to admit now is that I see Gladiator has the same workbench style table that I have next to the lift, but with adjustable legs (ranging from 28" to 42"). Amidst my scribbling and drawings, it has the core features I want - it would level by itself, where I could add smaller casters to move it around. It can handle up to 3000lbs. It is nearly the exact dimensions I would want, albeit a little long (8'). And it matches the other Gladiator table I have, which I found at a Black Friday blowout a couple years back. I believe I'd be hard pressed to build/buy any sort of metal table for less than that. I feel I'd be cheating the creativity of the process of my original goal, for the sake of buying something. However for those who have read the thread, likely know the coordination and theme of the shop is important to me as well.

So I have two options. Build my own, which is more rewarding. Or look at this Gladiator, which is something like $389 now on Sears, on sale. BUT, customize it. Add a wheel chock, tie down points and casters to move it around. I might even cut it down a foot - it's 96" and the lift table is 84" and works just fine. For added strength and storage, I could add a second piece of butcher block mount it down below, for the toolbox/drawers idea I have planned. Of course add a power strip and plugs, with the idea being making it a mobile, powered workstation. Not sure what to do yet ..

 

[dhubbard422]

Thanks Jess. I like the idea of a jam nut. I also looked at the Footmaster style leveling feet originally, but went away from them in the search for something more heavy duty. However, now I'm thinking more about the total height of the table, as I want to be in the 28"-31" range - and those beefier wheel/casters add 4-5" to that overall height.

Thanks dub. Genuinely appreciate that.

Don - With the hydraulic lift table, I do quite a bit. If it's an oil change, exhaust swap or working low on the bike, it's up all the way. If working on the airbox/injectors or anything above the frame, it's not raised quite as high. It's a great table and I'd get another one in a heart beat if I had to move for some reason. Scratch that, I'd be taking the table with me.

The problem I'm ashamed to admit now is that I see Gladiator has the same workbench style table that I have next to the lift, but with adjustable legs (ranging from 28" to 42"). Amidst my scribbling and drawings, it has the core features I want - it would level by itself, where I could add smaller casters to move it around. It can handle up to 3000lbs. It is nearly the exact dimensions I would want, albeit a little long (8'). And it matches the other Gladiator table I have, which I found at a Black Friday blowout a couple years back. I believe I'd be hard pressed to build/buy any sort of metal table for less than that. I feel I'd be cheating the creativity of the process of my original goal, for the sake of buying something. However for those who have read the thread, likely know the coordination and theme of the shop is important to me as well.

So I have two options. Build my own, which is more rewarding. Or look at this Gladiator, which is something like $389 now on Sears, on sale. BUT, customize it. Add a wheel chock, tie down points and casters to move it around. I might even cut it down a foot - it's 96" and the lift table is 84" and works just fine. For added strength and storage, I could add a second piece of butcher block mount it down below, for the toolbox/drawers idea I have planned. Of course add a power strip and plugs, with the idea being making it a mobile, powered workstation. Not sure what to do yet ..

I like the Gladiator table... and the price at Sears is pretty sweet. A part of me wants to build all of my workbenches and another part of me just wants to use the dang workshop and get on with a new motorcycle project!

I couldn't find specifications on the Gladiator workbench, specifically, the distance between the bottom of the crossbar and the bottom of the legs at the lowest setting, but just from looking at the pictures, I expect that you could find castors to bolt to the bottom of the crossbar such that the table is rolling on the castors at the lowest position.

If you like this idea... then you could take it a step further and add a mechanism to aid raising and lowering the table to make it possible to easily reposition the adjustable legs. IMO, that would make the Gladiator workbench a pretty sweet motorcycle table... A solution (one of many I'm sure...) was posted on this website months and months ago: The Heavy Bench.

This solution would be best suited to modest table height changes, but if you are not making frequent height changes across a big range, it might be the ticket! Dang, I may have to try this myself...

 

[DMT]

If this is the table you are looking at I have 2 of them and can measure them for you. Let me know the measurements you are looking for.
Gladiator Bench

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ekraft84]

dhubbard - that's a nice idea. I believe the Gladiator height at the lowest setting is 29". Add wheels/casters to that and it's up to 33-34". That would work, although the lift at it's highest setting is 31". It's great for working underneath the bike, but for anything above and near the tank, it's a bit tall.

DMT - Thanks for the offer. Does a 29" height at the lowest setting sound about right?

Thanks.

 

[dhubbard422]

ekraft84,

I don't think I successfully described the modification. The casters only need to be slightly taller than the gap between the bottom of the crossbar and the telescoping legs at their lowest position, i.e. the minimum table height should increase only slightly. Anyway, I sketched it.

If you want a lower minimum height, it might be possible to simply remove some of the outer and inner leg length with a hacksaw.

A more complicated modification of the Gladiator table would be to add a pair of bottle jacks, a sliding crossbar, springs and some threaded rod to connect the sliding crossbar and the casters. You might be able to raise/lower the table 7"-10" with the bottle jack idea (depending on the construction of the Gladiator table).

Hopefully, I didn't just beat a dead horse (or idea...)

 

[DMT]

Sorry for the delay... The shortest the leg goes is 27.25 in from the bottom of the leg to the top of the bench surface. This does not include the thickness of the screw feet. The measurement from the bottom of the horizontal support to the bottom of the leg is 7.5 in again this doesn't include the thickness of the screw in feet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ekraft84]

ekraft84,

I don't think I successfully described the modification. The casters only need to be slightly taller than the gap between the bottom of the crossbar and the telescoping legs at their lowest position, i.e. the minimum table height should increase only slightly. Anyway, I sketched it.

If you want a lower minimum height, it might be possible to simply remove some of the outer and inner leg length with a hacksaw.

A more complicated modification of the Gladiator table would be to add a pair of bottle jacks, a sliding crossbar, springs and some threaded rod to connect the sliding crossbar and the casters. You might be able to raise/lower the table 7"-10" with the bottle jack idea (depending on the construction of the Gladiator table).

Hopefully, I didn't just beat a dead horse (or idea...)

dhubb - not at all, thanks for the drawing. Much appreciated. I love that concept. I may start out with just the table and see how it works to gauge what height modifications might be most useful.

Sorry for the delay... The shortest the leg goes is 27.25 in from the bottom of the leg to the top of the bench surface. This does not include the thickness of the screw feet. The measurement from the bottom of the horizontal support to the bottom of the leg is 7.5 in again this doesn't include the thickness of the screw in feet.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks DMT. That's great info. 4" casters wouldn't be all bad then, if I replace the feet with them. That would get me right to the 31" mark for total height. The question then becomes, are the wheel locks good enough to hold the table from moving around.

Thanks again guys.

 

[dhubbard422]

If you go with this workbench, I look forward to reading how the height works for you!

 

[ekraft84]

Hey all. Been awhile since posting here. Wanted to post a couple updates after catching up on GJ recently.

I've held off on the second "mobile" workbench, as I haven't been able to justify the space it'll take up, versus the usage it'll get. Of course, winter is coming now - so I'm back thinking about it again as a fun little project. In the meantime, here are a few things that have happened either in, or as part of - having the garage/workshop.

Photo w/my dad and brother after the WERA 4-hour endurance race at Pittsburgh International Race Complex

After the above, preparing for the MotoAmerica event at New Jersey Motorsports Park. We ran in the 1000 Superstock class, finishing 4th and 5th, over both races. Great time, fielding a team at the top level.

2017. Same R1 - fresh motor, new paint scheme. Rear tire spinning and sliding.

Sold the R1 at the end of 2017, had a few "trophy" pieces that were converted into a lamp. Final lampshade still TBD.

Yoshimura race exhaust, clutch basket, cam and other parts. All of them in "lightly used" condition.

Outside the traditional bike builds, my son has been riding and racing mini-bikes the last couple years (indoors and down in Ohio), so I wanted to build a mini that I could ride together with him. This build ended up turning out to be more work than expected, but a fun project.

Kawasaki KLX-110 with a bigger motor. OEM pieces - engine, frame, bodywork. That's about it.

KTM 65 forks (w/K-Tech internal cartridge), KTM450 brakes, Honda NSF-100 wheels. Basically a Frankenstein bike.

The goal was to build something smaller than a Honda 150, but have the power that could run with one. Side note: It's always good to have a friend with a proper machine shop to remedy component fitment challenges.

Following this project and then the sale of the R1 in 2017, we went back to an R6 for this year. Build process was similar to other bike builds. Garage certainly did its job.

Aftermarket subframe, among other things.

Finished product.

Mountain bike riding had increased a bunch the past two years and now with winter coming, the indoor trainer is out. Still prefer the one on the right, though.

Hope everyone's doing well. Still love coming on here and reading through peoples' builds and seeing all the great ideas out there.

Thanks!

 

[dhubbard422]

Cool bikes! Love the lamps too.

 

[thetastelingers]

You're making me miss racing.
Great job with the Endurance race. I've done a 4 hour with 1 hour stints per rider. I loved it.

Garage is looking great! Thanks for the update.

 

[ekraft84]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated.

 

[quadrcr87]

Wow it has been a while! Thanks for the update, glad to see you are still racing and building bikes.

 

[cgv]

Nice to see an update here. It just pisses me of that here in finland is -5celsius right now and in my barn it feels like -10c 'cause it winds thru my walls and the concrete floor ***** all cold air.... So I cant go build my Honda... Well I can but i'll freeze out there... Maybe one day I get an roadracing bike also now just having an old cbr600f that is started to build as streetfighter..

 

[richzuki]

I always love seeing updates in this thread. Still my favorite motorcycle garage and my future goals!
Do you collect your old Arai's or get rid of them when your done with them? Also love the new mini bike build!!!

 

[freedomgli]

Where did you source the industrial dark gray carpeting with rubber backing that you use underneath your parked motorcycles?

 

[ekraft84]

I always love seeing updates in this thread. Still my favorite motorcycle garage and my future goals!
Do you collect your old Arai's or get rid of them when your done with them? Also love the new mini bike build!!!

Been awhile, but to answer your question - I used to always get rid of them. It was only a few years ago I started keeping them. A couple Shoei's and 5-6 Arai's over time make for good garage art!

 

[ekraft84]

Where did you source the industrial dark gray carpeting with rubber backing that you use underneath your parked motorcycles?

A rug place here, near Detroit. I forget their name off hand, but I mentioned it earlier in the thread I think.

 

[tj675]

It’s been awhile, Eddie. Anything new in the garage?

 

[Metallitubby]

I noticed "Honda East" on most of the bikes. Would you happen to know Susan?

 

[El Matador]

Man I love this garage. I'm trying to do something similar but on a smaller scale. I raced CMRA what seems like a lifetime ago, Open Twins and Endurance. Good luck on your season and on the garage!

 

[ekraft84]

Tubby - not sure I know her, but might know her if I saw her.

TJ - been awhile, thought I would post a few quick photos. Nothing too much new with the garage itself, but some new bikes have made their way into it.

I sold the Yamaha R6 and transitioned "retired racer" life with an Aprilia Tuono. Did a host of small time modifications to it. It's a blast to ride on the street, but a bit much. It really belongs on the track.

The other photos are of a Specialized Fatboy MTB I picked up last winter. I had another set of wheels built for it, and upgraded the components on it (cassette, pulley wheels, etc.). It's down to 23# and moves. I've really gotten into cycling and while it sure ain't the same as racing bikes, it's easy to do and good for staying in shape.

 

[ekraft84]

Some other bikes shown .. first one is a Trek Checkpoint SL5/6. I picked this up used, to get some longer-mile gravel rides in for training (for MTB races). I flipped it a couple weeks later into the Checkpoint SL7 (next photo), which has a 12-speed cassette, better wheels and AXS/electronic shifting. Fun bike, even though I'm not a "roadie" by any means.

The mountain bike is a Trek Supercaliber. I had been waiting on it for awhile and sold a couple other bikes to get it. The close up picture of the shock is from last week, when I started playing with the suspension a bit - you can make it firmer or softer with different size spacers. Fun little project.

 

[Metallitubby]

I love my 1x, but I'm not sure I could handle a 1x12. How big is the largest ring? That thing looks like a dinner-plate!

 

[ekraft84]

I love my 1x, but I'm not sure I could handle a 1x12. How big is the largest ring? That thing looks like a dinner-plate!

It's a 50. Doesn't get much use here in Michigan.

 

[quadrcr87]

Have you been out to the DTE trails yet? I grew up in Michigan and always try to hit that trail when I visit.

 

[ekraft84]

Have you been out to the DTE trails yet? I grew up in Michigan and always try to hit that trail when I visit.

Yeah, those are great trails. Was just nearby, at Poto a couple weekends ago. Poto always feels more natural to me, while DTE is more "man made" obviously. Both are great.

 

[tj675]

Tubby - not sure I know her, but might know her if I saw her.

TJ - been awhile, thought I would post a few quick photos. Nothing too much new with the garage itself, but some new bikes have made their way into it.

It has been too long! I need to pick up a fat bike to ride around the property and into town. Wife has been bugging me to buy something since I bought her a KTM mtn bike.

 

[Metallitubby]

I bought her a KTM mtn bike.

Fancy shmancy over here.

 

[tj675]

Fancy shmancy over here.

She’s worth it and her one requirement was that it needed to be orange.

 

[Metallitubby]

She’s worth it and her one requirement was that it needed to be orange.

She sounds wonderful. I love(d) my KTMs.