I know this subject has been beat to death, however I thought I would add my 2 cents.

Perhaps an opinion coming from a relatively rookie Harley owner can render a different perspective.

Anyway I paid $84 + tax for the Craftsman Red jack.
I chose the Red jack over the Yellow jack primarily due to from what I've read the Red jack performs as well or better than the Yellow jack, plus it's cheaper. The one disadvantage is the Red jack is taller and I have to put a 2X6 under the rear tire of my Heritage to get the jack under the bike.

I was holding out for a J&S Jacks.
I think it's pretty well known that the J&S Jacks and the Pitbull are the best out there.

I had decided to go with the J&S but just couldn't justify the $450 price tag.

I know the argument; why skimp on a jack for a $20K motorcycle?
Well why pay more for something when there's a cheaper alternative out there that does what you need?

It took me 10 mins. to put together the Red jack and about 10 mins. to figure out the best place to put it under my Heritage to get the best balance.

With the jack all the way up the frame is about 16" off the ground and the bike has about a 1-2" swing when you rock it back and forth, however it does seem stable. I put a jack stand under the frame forward and aft of the jack and had absolutely no swing so if you are that worried about a little swing, there's a solution for you.

I strapped it down, however it didn't seem to lessen the swing, however it does give me a bit better peace of mind. I don't think I will strap it down unless it's going to stay up in the air unattended for an extended period of time.

For what I'm plan on doing to the bike which is routine cleaning, maintenance and the occasional tire change this jack is perfect.

I figure for what I'm saving over the J&S, if I need a more secure method of elevating the bike or if I'm going to be doing some serious maintenance, I'll buy a HB table lift. They were on sale last week for around $379.

All that being said, if I come across $450 that I don't have any clue what to do with, a J&S Jacks is certainly still on my list and if I had the cash to blow, I'd have one under my bike right now.

Anyway, this is just my opinion.

 

I bought one too several weeks ago, and need to say that it's decent.

It probably won't hold up well to frequent use, like regular repair shop use, because some parts pivot on the threaded portion of bolts and would be expected to wear fast, but I didn't see any other downsides for what the average motorcycle owner wants to do.

 

I've been using one of the Craftsman "red jacks" for years and have had no issues.

 

I've got the Craftsman yellow jack and love it.

 

Been using mine almost 7 years without issue.

 

been usin Harbor Frieght Jack fur 4 Years Now , 60 Bucks , Still Works , and Use-in it right now just pulled my Rear

 

Over 2 years and no troubles. I don't have any swing issues. The only complaint I have is I can't move it far enough forward to get my drain pan directly under the trans drain and end up with a mess on the floor.

 

I have that one. It does the job but I'd love to have the J&S. Can't really justify it though.
Worst part about the yellow is my bike always comes down like a rocket. I have a very tough time getting it to come down slowly.

 

Same with me, every time I lower it down it goes down like a rocket. Lol I have tried everything...with barely putting any pressure on the lever to lower it....it doesn't seem to matter, it still wants to go down fast.

 

My (red)Sears jack worked great right up to the point that it left my bike stuck about 16" up in the air. Jacked it up and lowered down onto the safety, then it wouldn't jack back up to get it off the safety. Luckily it was the Shovel and me and a few guys were able to lift it off and set it back on the ground!

That was my experience.