Using a 4 post lift for a motorcycle

[rimrock]

My new garage has a Direct Lift PP9Plus 4 post lift, which is a fairly long lift (188" runways). I have two restoration projects going on, a small car and a motorcycle. The car is at one end of the lift, where I can drive it on and off, but I am trying to decide how to best use the lift for the motorcycle, so that I have room to work on both projects, but they are out of the way when I am not working on them. There is about 30" of space on the runways from the car to the end, but if I put the motorcycle there it blocks access to work on both vehicles.

What I would like to do is to hang something yet to be designed at the end of the runways. That way I would have 30" of space between car and motorcycle to work in. Looking for ideas. I am not adverse to buying a motorcycle mount of some kind and welding up brackets to bolt it on the end of the lift. The motorcycle weighs about 500 pounds.

-Dave

 

[isb cornbinder]

If this were my project idea, I might start by looking at several motorcycle lifts. Next, I might try to think of how I might adapt what I saw to fit a four post lift. I might even call the manufacturer of the four post and ask if then make an adapter for motorcycles.
The length of the motorcycle will be a big factor in what you can do.
I ride a Honda Valkyrie Interstate. This Honda is the better part of eight feet long. I will attach a few pictures of the hydraulic lift table I made for my motorcycle. I also use the lift table for a work bench. This lift can go from as low as 4 inches to as high at 50 inches.
The wheel clamp is made from the hydraulics from an inexpensive floor jack from Canadian Tire. The modified jack design operates like a GM disc brake floating caliper. I added side ratchet strap mounting points on the front and the back.
The hydraulic power unit operates on 12 volts and can be disconnected from the twin **** cylinders under the table and taken to another location where can operate a hydraulic press or act as a portable battery boost. The boost cables are quick connect.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Is the motorcycle going to be moveable? I'm thinking that if it's still on wheels you could put it on the main part of the lift along with the car, sitting sideways at one end - just build a simple wood platform from 2x4s and plywood that fits in between the two runways of the lift to support it. Then, when working just lower the lift and roll the bike off to get it out of the way. This may also require building an access ramp for the bike you'd sit next to the lift.