Planning on doing a bunch of overdue projects on several bikes.Harbor Freight has a sale on theirs for $419.00.Most of their stuff isn't very well made,but for the price ,functional.Seems like the next jump in price to better looking brands are in the $800-1200 range.I do all of my own maintenance so might be time to invest and give my knees a break.
Thoughts?
PS I know I could build my own for cheap outa wood,but looking for a turnkey,longterm option.
For a guy like me with limited space in the garage one of these looks best
Many years ago my wife gave me a Handy pneumatic motorcycle lift for a birthday present.
This has been the best birthday present . . . EVER!
If you don't have an air compressor you can get electrical ones.
You might be able to find a used one on Craigslist, but these are rare.
Once you get use to using these you will wonder why you didn't get one years ago.
Take a look . . .
http://www.mile-x.co...cycle-lift.aspx
Your knees and back will thank you many times :idea3:
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Edited February 16, 2012 by PorscheBobYou know, the Harbor Freight lift is not bad. I got mine with a big discount during a sale. Have lifted a lot of different bikes over the last five years, including my VFR1200. Never had a problem. Only thing that I didn't like about it was the wheel clamp, so I use a Baxley Chock. If you want a wider lift or to do 4 wheelers, then you might have to look at something else. Look for the coupons & save some bucks.
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+1 to the Harbor freight, been using mine for over a year and its been great with the exception of the stock wheel chock. I think I paid $299 for mine with the coupon they throw out there every once in awhile, usually in sportrider I think.
Now if only I could get an RC45 to go with it!
I've heard good things about the Harbor Freight lifts. You can get a coupon for harbor freight in most cycle world magazines too.
HispanicSlammerFor a guy like me with limited space in the garage one of these looks best
+1 on the Kendon
Only downside is ability to remove front / rear wheels as table is very narrow so impossible to get a paddock stand on the lift without some modification. Wish I'd got something slightly wider, but then would have lost the ability to fold away in corner of garage when not in use.
[image: Kendon Sportbike Lift]
I bought one from Greg Smith Equipment probably 10 years ago and it has worked very well. New ones are available with or without a drop tail.
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Cycle-Lift
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mznycMost of their stuff isn't very well made,but for the price ,functional.
I have the same as Tharkun and it does it's job well. That design, and it's smaller version, has been copied a lot and some manufacturers apparently tried to save a few bucks by hiring incompetent welders:
You can but the HF for $299 any day of the week with a coupon that's in the back of Cycle World(maybe other rags too) Every month.
The only issue is the front wheel chalk which I never use any way, always seem to be in my way.
Other than that can't beat it period.
3-4 years of daily use and absolutely no problems.
BR
Thanks for the replies and help.At $299 I might have to go for the HF.I found an old coupon but it's expired, anyone have a current one?
Definitely one in the March 2012 issue of 'MotorCyclist'...
I would have to agree with the HF lift. I bought one about 3 years ago for less than $150 because the pump shaft was bent a little and didn't have a full stroke. I just pulled it apart and straightened the shaft and it works great.
I've used it a pretty fair amount and I've had no issues with it. The removable plate that allows easy rear tire removal is great. It also sits low enough that we park the truck over it during the winter when it isn't getting used as much.
FJ12Ryder It also sits low enough that we park the truck over it during the winter when it isn't getting used as much.
That was going to be my question, is parking over top with a typical vehicle when not in use. Once the snow melts & the insurance is on, it's a bike spot.
Great info, thanks as well. I've been itch'n to get one - now to get one here in the GWN (Canada eh).
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I have this one and use it everyday for my business.
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This is great info!
2 questions:
BR, if you don't use the chock how do you secure the bike when you lift it? (Dumb question but have to ask, trying to understand)
Aegis, is the chock that you got with yours the one listed on the HF site = part # 96340? If so, it works well and does not scratch the VFR rims, rotors etc?
Anyone from the Great White North who ordered one and can share shipping costs? (I'm Toronto area) Thank you all! :smile:
If you are patient and watch Craig's List, you can find some nice lifts...
I will add that you look for one with at least one drop out plate.
It makes changing HD and GW rear tires much easier.
Sure, you never plan on working on an HD or GW...
But there sure are a lot of them on the raods and you are bound to have one friend who ends up getting one.
And it is nice to have friends who owe you a debt of gratitude.
Not to harp the HF harp, but they do usually have a 1 year warranty, and the stuff that they sell that are high wear items, usually breaks before the year is up and you can just keep getting new ones. At least I know our local Asheville store is good about returns on warrantied items.
They used to have the worst quality, but China comes farther along every year. You have no idea how many american companies are having their stands manafactured right beside the HF ones with a different color paint and stickers. i used to be in the PWC racing industry, and the things some of these guys have copied, would absolutely blow your mind. The motorcycle world is very similar.
dgordonThis is great info!
2 questions:
BR, if you don't use the chock how do you secure the bike when you lift it? (Dumb question but have to ask, trying to understand)
Aegis, is the chock that you got with yours the one listed on the HF site = part # 96340? If so, it works well and does not scratch the VFR rims, rotors etc?
Anyone from the Great White North who ordered one and can share shipping costs? (I'm Toronto area) Thank you all! :smile:
I've actually have Never found a need to secure the bike once it's on the center stand and I find the front wheel choke to always be in the way because half the time the bikes on the lift I'm changing the front tire again.
BR
Dude, you just scared the crap out of me, if you're careful and its at your home, I suppose thats just fine. In the shop environment though, its scary. I've seen bikes knocked off of lifts and also caught them from falling. I couldn't imagine what a 500lb motorcycle would feel like after its past the tipping point and above you.. Whenever I had to do a front tire i would flip the bike and lock the rear wheel. Quite a few places mandate you clamp one wheel AND use 2 rathet straps on the other end. Of course, a lot of that is liability issues.. And most accidents are when loading or unloading the lift. Guess I've just got it hammered into my head to secure the bike 7 diffrent ways for safety.
Got the R1150RT on the HF lift right now. Had some concerns at first, but it's been there for a week, and probably another to go. Couple tie downs on the pegs. Lift is solid no issues. I lower it down when I'm not around, but the bike is more tippy on the center stand than the lift itself. Anybody who knows BMWs will know what that means.
Unless you're using the lift in a production environment with heavy bikes the Chinese stuff is all you need. Add a few hooks for additional tie downs, and you can do pretty much anything.
NakedVifferDude, you just scared the crap out of me, if you're careful and its at your home, I suppose thats just fine. In the shop environment though, its scary. I've seen bikes knocked off of lifts and also caught them from falling. I couldn't imagine what a 500lb motorcycle would feel like after its past the tipping point and above you.. Whenever I had to do a front tire i would flip the bike and lock the rear wheel. Quite a few places mandate you clamp one wheel AND use 2 rathet straps on the other end. Of course, a lot of that is liability issues.. And most accidents are when loading or unloading the lift. Guess I've just got it hammered into my head to secure the bike 7 diffrent ways for safety.
I've change over 35 sets of tires on this bike on this lift and Never had a hit of an issue! Yes it is MY SHOP, not public access. :tongue:
dgordonAegis, is the chock that you got with yours the one listed on the HF site = part # 96340? If so, it works well and does not scratch the VFR rims, rotors etc?
Sorry, I've been too busy riding to check the forum much... :tour: The one I got was part # 97841. It's working great and only contacts the tire. When you ride up into it there is a piece that pivots and captures the tire in the chock. I can ride up onto it and walk away without securing the bike in any way - it solidly grips the bike by the front tire. If I had short legs, it would be hard to back the bike out of it though. I have to rock it a few times while pushing with my legs to get the tire to release, but that is a good thing.
The Harbor Freight table has done well for me.I used a coupon from Sport Rider Magazine.$299.00. I did have to get an aftermarket wheel clamp.