Long time member, low frequency poster here. Looking for feedback regarding motorcycle lift tables. I'll be starting my 54th motorcycle season this spring. I've always done my own maintenance. At 71 years old, 72 in May, my desire to crawl around the garage floor is just about totally exhausted. My one regret is never having purchased a motorcycle lift table and have decided I'm not going to take that regret with me (hopefully in the very very distant future) to the grave. I own 2 motorcycle jacks but as those of you that own lift tables know, it's not the same. Looking for feedback regarding lift tables from those of you that own and use them. There appear to be multiple manufacturers and price points. I ride an Ultra Limited (900+ lbs.) and am reluctant to use a lift rated for only 1,000 lbs on a bike that heavy. What brand(s) what models do you recommend?

I'm sure this topic has already been covered however I was unable to find info using search.

All input appreciated. Thank you.

 

The Harbor Freight works fine for me with a Condor chock on the front. If using it every day I'd want a better one but for what I need one for, it does the job.
Bought it about this time last year on Marketplace and got a scissor lift included for $275.

 

I have the HF 1k rated one. They are about $500 new and they make a 1500 lb for a little more. A lot of people here don’t speak well of them but I’ve never had a problem. Been using their jack and lift since 2014 on a Fatboy problem free. I will say that I don’t leave the table elevated if I’m not right there. The side to side movement is a little sketchy. The up down movement is solid and when you lock it in and let off the air it fine.

 

The trick to woking from the ground is a piece of rigid board on concrete. Can't lay down and work on it with a lift table.

 

These threads are almost as good as a good ol oil thread...especially in winter. I have the harbor freight version and so far it's been good enough. The heaviest bike on it has been street glide. Handles that no problem. They put a 1000 pound limit on it because as sure as the sun rising in the east tomorrow some jackass will try to lift 1500 pounds with it. Regardless of what brand you end up with get a good tire vise to go with it. The one that comes with the harbor freight is pretty much useless. I made a copy of the style thats commonly for sale at work but they can be bought for under 100 bucks but I was bored one day and I'm cheap. A good vise will allow to let go of the bike while you deal with tie downs. Which brings me to the next greatest thing I brought for the lift...self retracting rachet straps. They rachet up as you pull them out so you don't even really need two hands to operate them...priceless when you're alone putting a bike on the lift. After these two upgrades and few laps on and off the lift it's a pretty smooth process. I'd say buy what you can afford divided by how often you'll use it...why spend 2 or 3 grand if you're only going to use it once or twice a year? There's the whole spectrum from harbor freight up to Handy being one of the best and everything in between. My next one will probably be a black widow brand, but im going to research it more because it looks a lot like the harborfreight brand other than color but it's a couple hundred more...curious to see what a couple hundred extra bucks buys ya. Regardless of brand my next one I buy I'm going to flush mount it into the floor...I ain't getting any younger either lol. I will tell you that I crawled around, crouched over and kneeled my whole life working on bikes and I bought this lift about 3 years ago now and I'll never go back to working like that again lol...my grandpappy always said "if don't work with your head your body pays" I never fully understood that until about 10 years ago.

 

Get the best one your budget allows. The basic Harbor Freight one is a good lift for the money.
But.....if budget allows, air or air over hydraulic is better than the foot pump, a good chock is a must, side panels are useful and a drop tail is great to change back tires.
Also one of them little chairs on wheels is a must.

 

This is a good one -




Just don't be this guy --


https://fb.watch/i6CbOy5mG5/

 

That looked pretty flimsy with the leg points in the wrong place for good stability.

 

Whatever you get, I'd add one of these. No way I'd use my China Freight lift the way it came.

 

The HF lift is great, add a condor style chock and you won't even need straps. Someone will disagree but I park on mine WELL over 500 times a year and lift it at least once a week. Great lift.