Motorcycle Lifts - Suggestions??
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 440
Likes: 13
Motorcycle Lifts - Suggestions??
Hey all,
I'm looking for suggestions for a full-size motorcyle lift for doing repair/maintenace work on my 04 Fat Boy. I'm asking about drive onto, full size lifts...I already have a bike jack that lifts the bike from under the frame rails to about 18" but it's not stable enough or high enough for more serious work. I looked at Black Widow and Ranger product online.
Looking for suggestions from those who've used them. I have a Sears Pro air compressor but I wouldn't mind a manual/hydraulic only model provided it doesn't take all day to lift the bike with a the lift's pump/foot pedal, or drop the bike too fast like a ton of bricks when lowering. I want a good front wheel clamp and a drop-out section for removing rear wheel, and decent lift height so I'm not breaking my back during use. Wheels would be nice too, for positioning the lift in my garage. Also, I may just leave the lift in the center of the garage floor and park a car over it to save space. A decent ramp for loading the bike on the lift would be nice too.
My use for the lift is personnal...I don't do professional repairs, so it won't get daily use, however I want a decent quality lift that will last... I will also use this lift for maintainence on a garden tractor and sport bike. I prefer not to spend more than $500, if possible. I have a pick-up truck to save shipping but dealer would have to be within a reasonable drive. I live about an hour north of Philadelphia.
Pros and Cons appreciated. Hydraulic or air-compressor operated or combo?? Brands and models?? Dealers??
Much appreciated...
Regards
I'm looking for suggestions for a full-size motorcyle lift for doing repair/maintenace work on my 04 Fat Boy. I'm asking about drive onto, full size lifts...I already have a bike jack that lifts the bike from under the frame rails to about 18" but it's not stable enough or high enough for more serious work. I looked at Black Widow and Ranger product online.
Looking for suggestions from those who've used them. I have a Sears Pro air compressor but I wouldn't mind a manual/hydraulic only model provided it doesn't take all day to lift the bike with a the lift's pump/foot pedal, or drop the bike too fast like a ton of bricks when lowering. I want a good front wheel clamp and a drop-out section for removing rear wheel, and decent lift height so I'm not breaking my back during use. Wheels would be nice too, for positioning the lift in my garage. Also, I may just leave the lift in the center of the garage floor and park a car over it to save space. A decent ramp for loading the bike on the lift would be nice too.
My use for the lift is personnal...I don't do professional repairs, so it won't get daily use, however I want a decent quality lift that will last... I will also use this lift for maintainence on a garden tractor and sport bike. I prefer not to spend more than $500, if possible. I have a pick-up truck to save shipping but dealer would have to be within a reasonable drive. I live about an hour north of Philadelphia.
Pros and Cons appreciated. Hydraulic or air-compressor operated or combo?? Brands and models?? Dealers??
Much appreciated...
Regards
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,548
Likes: 4
From: Southern California
I picked up a Handy-Lift off of Craigslist. I'd imagine you might find some dudes looking for some Christmas cash there.
I love it and don't miss sitting on the floor to change fluids.
Should be able to find one in your budget's range.
Mine was 2 yrs old and looks brand new.
I love it and don't miss sitting on the floor to change fluids.
Should be able to find one in your budget's range.
Mine was 2 yrs old and looks brand new.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 2
From: SW of Fort Worth
Kendon makes a lift. It's light-weight but will lift your bike without a problem. It can be lifted with air or hand pump. Its a bit pricey at $695 retail. You might find a used one. I have one and like it. It was on sale at the local Cycle Gear retail store so didn't have to pay shipping, just taxes.
It lifts my Street Glide with no problem. Its not as wide as other lifts. I purchased their stainless steel shelf that attaches to the lift after its raised. Nice thing about it is it stands up on end when not in use. So it doesn't take up much floor space unless you're using it.
Jim
It lifts my Street Glide with no problem. Its not as wide as other lifts. I purchased their stainless steel shelf that attaches to the lift after its raised. Nice thing about it is it stands up on end when not in use. So it doesn't take up much floor space unless you're using it.
Jim
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 60
From: Colorado Rockies
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,129
Likes: 12,691
From: South Carolina
I have a Handy Lift with the removable side extensions, so it will also support a 4 wheeler, lawn tractor etc.
It was about 1500 bucks.
Direct Lift is another company that sells table lifts.
You will not regret spending the extra money for a quality lift.
It was about 1500 bucks.
Direct Lift is another company that sells table lifts.
You will not regret spending the extra money for a quality lift.
I just got a Direct Lift for about $600 new. Very well built and comes with the wheel chock.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 8
From: Aurora, IL
I have a direct lift DT, it is a really nice lift IMO. My dad has a Handy, and I like it, but for the money, it isnt any better than my Direct Lift!
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 393
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
Check out this web site www.gregsmithequipment.com Direct lift are good, anything that is rated less than 1000 lbs. scares me. With a big bike you will want to buy the side rail kit it makes it easier getting off the bike once on the lift. No I am not related to those people buy where I bought mine. One of the stores is in Delaware near Elkton, MD. no shipping , i picked mine up.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: OBX NC
Motorcycle Jack
I purchased my new hydraulic Black Widow lift on ebay for about a $100 thats a great discout and am trully impreesed with the ease with which it picks up my 750# plus bike. My springer requires fairly frequent maintenance. Until I can upgrade this was a good start. Back in the day jacking up a bike was a shade tree mechanic project and a lot of risk...