I'm looking into getting a lift so I can do my own service. Mainly for oil, trans, and primary fluid changes since I'm still learning about everything else.

I'm interested in the HD Motorcycle Service Lift (part# 92900004). I get a 10% discount so it would cost me $270. Is it a good lift for that price?

 

Not in my opinion. For another 150.00 or so you can buy a J&S jack that is waaayyy better. Google J&S jack and check out the video. The Harley jack is a glorified Harbor Freight jack.

 

You truly do not need a lift for oil, trans, and primary fluid changes. Nice to have a jack but it's just in the way for that mentioned maintenance. A scrap piece of 2x4 under the stand and a old blanket or spread to lay on. The side cut out of a 5 quart oil container. Now if you're doing it for a living, that's probably different.

 

I dont think so, you can get that same jack at Northern tool for $129.99, its called a Torin. I also do not like that jack because its in the way when in use. All the fluid changes on my bike are designed to be done on the jiffy stand. For wheel and tire maintenance, I do have a nice little scissors jack sold by Drag Specialities that cost me about a hundred. The Drag jack is rated at 1000 lbs, will lift 14.5" and is totally out of the way when in use.

 

Even if you feel the need to have one the Harbor Freight or Sears jack will do just fine. How much time is a bike gonna spend on the jack of your normal do-it-yourselfer. I can think of better things to spend money on then a high dollar jack that I'd hardly ever use.

 

Yes I do all the normal fluid changes on the jiffy stand...for instance the clutch basket won't fully drain if the bike is upright.

2.) I have a cheapo from sams club- it has held dozens of bikes over the past 15 years I think I paid about $70

with any lift:
go only as high as you NEED- LOCK it into place
no kids or dogs running around the garage*
remember that if you pull parts off ( like the rear wheel) you change the balance point*- USE the outriggers, caster locks and tie downs

Mike

* I have had to go to Pal's houses to lift their bikes up off the garage floor for these reasons

 

For you guys that do your trans and primary on the jiffy stand, how are you getting it upright to check levels. It seem like if you had it on a 2X4 it would be hard to balance and unstable if it's right at the tipping point.

 

On My Bike, fluid changes and checks are all designed to be done on the jiffy Stand

 

No...The Harley lift is not worth the money.

There are lifts out there that are as good or better for way less money.

 

I bought a J&S jack... I use it to do all my services on my bike and also to clean it.. It stays on the jack ALL winter..... I feel its a very secure lift .... Its your bike . But my friend has a sears lift and after seeing his bike rocking back and forth on it !!!! I am glad I spent the money on a J&S..... just my 2ct but its your money....swifty