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
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From:
There are tons of threads on lifts in these forums if you do a search. Personally I use a "Direct Lift". They usually have a sale going on all the time. I bought the drop tail model for 595.00 and got a 100.00 scissor jack for free. They are a well built and really heavy duty air lift.
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Mo...-Lifts-s/2.htm
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Mo...-Lifts-s/2.htm
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 7
From: sanford nc
i have a 20 year old handy lift thats has had the air cylinder repacked one time,otherwise its been great.just use it for myself and friends like you and love it .get the side extenders also,then you can work on lawn mower and golf cart.dont buy a cheap one,it will come back and bite you in the ***.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 136
Likes: 3
From: Olympic Penisula, Wa
I finally broke down and went with the air lift from H.F. After comparing it with the discount ramps "Black widow", and the direct lifts "cycle lifer". I found them to be "virtually identical", (and truthfully not too big a price difference between them), I just opted to let Harbour freight pay for my shipping as well as digging up a 20% off coupon. Pros: My 10 gallon compressor works great with it, it uses a bearing surface for lifting, zirc fittings on all the grease points, the wings for expanding the surface are available for this model (strangely, the black widows wings will fit this model too... hmmm), and depends on your situation...I would have probably opted for the droptail also, but I couldnt get a commercial freight truck up my small street.
The lack of grease points and the design of the cheaper H.F. lift was definitely ruled out for me.
The lack of grease points and the design of the cheaper H.F. lift was definitely ruled out for me.
Last edited by Qdraw; Nov 25, 2010 at 10:20 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 22
From: Delaware
I have the basic Harbor Freight 1000lb lift table. It has grease fittings on all the pivot points, rear wheel drop out, and was only $279 with the coupon in Novembers Thunder Press issue. I picked it up at a local store. The only thing I changed is I put a differant wheel chock on it HF sells one similar to the Condor that I got on sale for $39.
I love it
I love it
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 136
Likes: 3
From: Olympic Penisula, Wa
I have the basic Harbor Freight 1000lb lift table. It has grease fittings on all the pivot points, rear wheel drop out, and was only $279 with the coupon in Novembers Thunder Press issue. I picked it up at a local store. The only thing I changed is I put a differant wheel chock on it HF sells one similar to the Condor that I got on sale for $39.
I love it
I love it
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