I sure do like that idea, have a 28 by 36 foot garage and am running out of space, that would make it easier to store the lift out of the way.

 

Which might be why I didn’t suggest that.

But as was said, clarifying that he was specifically interested in getting non-running bikes up onto the lift would have also clarified the suggestions.

A longer ramp like you suggested is an option, it is not the only option.

 

Would it have?

Good grief, it is winter. "Clearly" I shouldn't have said "only real option" when trying to answer the actual question and should have said "realistically a longer ramp, in my humble opinion only, is likely to be the most practical and cost effective option to avoid having to spend money on a winch and set up or extensive concrete work, running around the shop pushing a bike, or having to call a friend for a push over every time a dead bike needs to go up on the lift." Sorry, did I leave something else out there as well? I guess one could use a engine hoist or shop crane and lift the bike up. Seems practical and not at all time consuming. I think I even saw that in a dealer once (disclaimer for the literal folk, that was a joke). I'll add a post script to my original post; "not intended to be taken literally but is a mere suggestion based on my personal experience, your mileage may vary." Would that meet your editorial standards? Let me know and I'll make the change (or not, because I just don't care, you know, internet and all).

OP my sincerest apologies for unintentionally implying my initial thought was the best and only option available. Thank goodness we have discerning readers to police this up. I'll let this thread get back to where it was.

 

Perhaps for you no.

If you load running and non-running bikes onto your lift the same way, it will make no difference.

No one has shot down your longer ramp option. It is quite viable. Just it is not the only way.

 

For cryin out loud man, get over it, you said your way was the only way, we corrected you.
It`s over, done, finished.

 

You did correct me. Yes, I neglected to inform the group that calling a friend for help was another option beyond somehow decreasing the slope of the ramp. Well done.

And you're right, it seems to have been finished even before you felt the need to "correct" my statement:

So lets drop this nonsense and get back to the question. Since you both keep saying there are other ways to make the loading process easier other than decreasing the slope of the ramp, by lowering the surface itself or lengthening the ramp, why don't you actually tell us what they are? That's why we all are here, isn't it? Someone else mentioned a winch, which is probably the only other idea offered for loading a non running bike on a regular basis, but what happens if it gets stuck half way up and won't unspool? Has anyone used a winch to load a bike? Genuinely curious as I am not getting younger and that's why I initially started reading this thread.

 

A winch should work. I used to use a HF with a wireless remote to load non running snowmobiles on a sled trailer.

 

On my motorcycle trailer I have it set up with a double hitch from harbor freight, I use an electric winch to pull the bikes up if they are not running, this way I can load them myself. I have a steel bar about the width of the front end of the bike with eye hooks, I use the soft tie straps around the forks and wrench them up. Maybe you can fabricate a mount that will fit the lift.

 

didn't see your post before posting mine

 

Short of having a couple extra guys to help I see no way one man could push the 930lb RGL up on the lift.