Lift or Jack?
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 374
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park, Ks
Lift or Jack?
Just moved into a new house and finally have room for doing my own maintenance. Was wanting to know which way to go. I am leaning towards a lift because it would raise the bikes higher which would require less bending over. But with a jack it would seem that there would be more room to work.
I have a Streetglide and the GF has a Fatboy lowered 1 1/2".
Any input would be helpful. Thanks
I have a Streetglide and the GF has a Fatboy lowered 1 1/2".
Any input would be helpful. Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 484
Likes: 38
From: DE
I had a jack for many years. I got a table lift and never used the jack again. I put the optinal side extensions on it so I could ride up on it and I park a bike on it all the time. I also replaced the front wheel vice with a Condor wheel chock. You jut ride up and get off. That was it really doesn't take up any space.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,776
Likes: 2,607
From: san antonio
I have both and prefer the lift unless just raising the bike for something quick. The lift does raise the bike higher so you can sit on a stool and work, also provides unrestricted access to the under workings and a "table" where you can place your tools and parts. The downside of the lift is that if you decide to sell it, the weight makes handling and shipping a PITA, when not in use, it takes up floor space and you can't move the lift around like you can the jack. Having said that, I would not want to tackle some of my projects with a jack.
If you decide to go the jack route, get the J&S jack; more $$ but worth the extra cost. If the only work you see yourself doing is fluid/filter changes and tires, a jack is all you need.
If you decide to go the jack route, get the J&S jack; more $$ but worth the extra cost. If the only work you see yourself doing is fluid/filter changes and tires, a jack is all you need.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
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From: Eastern Washington
If you have the room and the cash for a lift go for it. I use a jack without any problems, but I would rather have a table. Just right now I would rather spend my money on more parts
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 96
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From: Northern Ohio
I have both. If you have the room and the budget its the way to go. I use the the jack every time I wash the bike, it makes cleaning the wheels and tire easy and you you dont have to get down on the wet ground to do it. The lift excels at alot of different maintenance jobs and lets you work like a gentleman with a place to put your tools and parts within easy reach
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I have both. If you have the room and the budget its the way to go. I use the the jack every time I wash the bike, it makes cleaning the wheels and tire easy and you you dont have to get down on the wet ground to do it. The lift excels at alot of different maintenance jobs and lets you work like a gentleman with a place to put your tools and parts within easy reach
And one final point. I'm never concerned with the stability of the bike when it's on the lift. I can't always say that with the jack.
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From: MA
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
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From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
If I had the room, I'd have a lift. But that's a big hunk of metal that would just sit there unused 95% of the time.
Since I don't have that kind of space, I use a J&S jack, and it works fine for me.
Since I don't have that kind of space, I use a J&S jack, and it works fine for me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
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From: Daytona, Fla.
Best of both worlds. I have a "Blackjack" system. It's a good "jack" with a separate table that the "jack" will fit under. I can either raise the bike by the frame to work on tires/wheels/ suspension, or roll it up on the table & lift the whole thing. When not in use the table stands on end against an unused wall in the shop. Unfortunately they're no longer made............
I have a friend at an aftermarket shop that uses a chain hoist instead of a "jack". He uses tow straps at hard points on the bike. Fastens the other end of the straps to a hook on the chain hoist, & lifts one end at a time to work on tires/wheels/suspension. Saves his table lifts for bigger projects.
I have a friend at an aftermarket shop that uses a chain hoist instead of a "jack". He uses tow straps at hard points on the bike. Fastens the other end of the straps to a hook on the chain hoist, & lifts one end at a time to work on tires/wheels/suspension. Saves his table lifts for bigger projects.