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@Black Ultra Do yourself a favor and return the HF jack. A quick search on FB marketplace has a used J & S jack near you for less than you paid for the HF jack. This company is out of business, but they are still considered one of the best jack's out there for Harley touring bikes. Even comes with the oil pan to make 3 hole changes easy peasy. If this was local to me, it would already be in my garage.
How would I get in touch with this guy? What app is that ad listed in? Sorry, I see you said FB Marketplace. He doesn't list a phone number in the ad. My wife has FB, maybe she can help me look this up. This jack was a B-day gift, but I'm sure I could get the receipt.
I had no idea the HF jacks were that hated. I put the bike up and down a few times trying out the jack, it seemed more stable than you guys make it sound like it would be. But since I have nothing to compare to, I don't know if it's good or not.
I have a HF aluminum "race" jack that I use on my Camaro that has worked great for over 20 years. I like that one on that car because it's the only one I have that will go under the subframe connectors without driving up on boards. It puts the whole side up high enough to change both front and rear tires on one side at once.
Last edited by Black Ultra; Nov 12, 2023 at 09:34 PM.
How would I get in touch with this guy? What app is that ad listed in? Sorry, I see you said FB Marketplace. He doesn't list a phone number in the ad. My wife has FB, maybe she can help me look this up. This jack was a B-day gift, but I'm sure I could get the receipt.
I had no idea the HF jacks were that hated. I put the bike up and down a few times trying out the jack, it seemed more stable than you guys make it sound like it would be. But since I have nothing to compare to, I don't know if it's good or not.
I have a HF aluminum "race" jack that I use on my Camaro that has worked great for over 20 years. I like that one on that car because it's the only one I have that will go under the subframe connectors without driving up on boards. It puts the whole side up high enough to change both front and rear tires on one side at once.
Here's the link: EDIT: site won't let me post link for some reason so just have your wife search "J&S motorcycle jack" on FB marketplace. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3225283987769050/. Located in Brighton, CO. These Jacks were selling for $899 before they went out of biz.
I had no idea the HF jacks were that hated. I put the bike up and down a few times trying out the jack, it seemed more stable than you guys make it sound like it would be. But since I have nothing to compare to, I don't know if it's good or not.
As I said before, I am not familiar with your particular jack, but I don't doubt the reports from people who have owned one...
Harbor Freight has a reputation for some cheap stuff.... but it is affordable. There are many who make due with Harbor Freight stuff out of need, but I would never consider it top shelf...
Doing work on a heavy Bagger, on a jack, is best done on a good, stable jack.. The suitability of the jack will depend on the size & weight of the bike...
Many like the the various Craftsman jacks too... and they make a good jack.... but....
I used a Craftsman for about 8-9 years on my Heritage softail. It was fine and worked well. When I bought my Ultra Limited, IMHO it was obviously not as stable on that Craftsman jack as was my Heritage....
A jack is one of the tools I won't skimp on...
I dumped the Craftsman and spent the money on a J&S jack... I've been using the J&S on all my bikes since. I now have a lift table, but don't hesitate to still use that J&S jack for some things...
Sadly, J&S lost it's founding owner, and it then went downhill fast... It is now out of business.
They are high quality jacks, so if you can get a used one in good condition, it will be a good acquisition....
Last edited by hattitude; Nov 13, 2023 at 08:48 PM.
Well, my wife has never done FB marketplace either, but at least she has an FB account. We tried to find the posting above but no luck. Maybe it sold and was taken down already? In any case, it appears that particular one is not in the cards. What would a second choice be if I were to return this one and get something else? Craftsman, HD, other?
Any 1500 lb. jack should do just fine, same with lift tables, stay away from the 1000lb units as they will be at full capacity with a Touring bike on them, don't even think about putting a trike on one.
I've used this 1500 pound Harbor Freight jack for 15+ years without incident. All 3 of my bikes have been on it many times. I don't normally strap the bike down unless it will be on the jack for a long time. A few things I do: Don't raise the bike any more than necessary. Make sure the mechanical lock is engaged so weight is not on hydraulic cylinder. If working on one end of the bike ie rear tire change, I will support under the front tire, keeps the bike more stable. Make 100% sure your kickstand is fully forward prior to lowering the bike. It would really suck to safely lower your bike back to earth and then tip over because kickstand was not locked in.
Last edited by Rob Harper; Nov 14, 2023 at 07:03 AM.
Reason: clarify
It also appears that Craftsman no longer makes one.
I have the earlier iteration of that, and it works well. It is not quite rock solid when resting on its stops, but it is secure. I have been on top of my bike, with it running, multiple times. While I don't recommend doing that, I did.
I have no experience with the aluminum motorcycle jack that you have, but visually, I would prefer the more square steel jack myself.
Well, my wife has never done FB marketplace either, but at least she has an FB account. We tried to find the posting above but no luck. Maybe it sold and was taken down already? In any case, it appears that particular one is not in the cards. What would a second choice be if I were to return this one and get something else? Craftsman, HD, other?
Thanks.
I couldn't find a J&S used near me, so I went with a Pitbull lift. I would say close 2nd to J&S.
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