Harbor Freight Cycle Jack - the yellow one!
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Harbor Freight Cycle Jack - the yellow one!
Hey kids...just picked up the HF cycle jack, on sale at $99. Got it home, opened the box, and all parts were packed properly, instructions were there, and the exploded view was helpful in assembly. Most of the unit is pre-assembled, but the jack, and the lock need to be installed. This took about 15 minutes. Once in place, I tried to lift my 11 UC. Since these bigger bikes lean a but more, the jack would not slide under, but with a few pounds of force against the tour pak, and the one hand on the jack, she slipped right under, no issues. Just make sure you check that you have pushed the jack in far enough to catch both frame rails. Once up in the air, the lock mechanism protects you from a leaking jack. I was able to move the bike on the floor with a bit of coaxing of the front casters. Also, make sure you use a ratchet tie down after you jack up the bike. The tie downs connect to the base frame, not the lifting arms, so any change in elevation changes the tie down tension. Just an FYI. When you let the bike down, the tie downs release, so bring it all the way down, or if you need an intermediate stop, re-adjust the tie downs. This is only a minor inconvenience. Overall, I think the unit is stable, looks nice, and takes up little space, as the handle is quickly removed. Oh, one more thing, the lowering pedal is a 2 speed deal. Push halfway, and it goes full speed, push all the way, and it goes half speed. Half speed is also pretty fast, but a lighter bike may not feel this way. Remember, as it lowers, the tie downs get loose, so keep a hand on the grips. As with any shop equipment, it has it's characteristics, so knowing this, makes it easier to use. I say it's a good buy.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Yuma, AZ
I have had one for about four months and love it for $100. Gets the job done. I have a center stand on my bike so getting the jack under is easy. You need to be a little creative placing pans to catch oil when changing fluids, but it is a great lift at the price and makes working on the bike nice when you can jack it 16" into the air. And yes, with caution you can move the bike around while on the stand. I have a decked out Street Glide by the way. ONE CAUTION - when lowering the bike make sure you push the pedal all the way down and keep hold of the bike - even at the slow speed it is pretty quick. I've found the best way to do it safely is to use the safety bar and let it down in increments, especially if jacked all the way up. But it's a great buy, quality product that does what it is suppose too.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Findlay, OH
+1 on what he said...J&S all the way!
I've used the cheap jacks and the better (J&S, Pitbull) jacks. The HF yellow is as good as any of the cheaper jacks, and can usually be picked up for around 70 bucks with a coupon. It will do the same job as the more expensive jacks, but the smaller footprint means you need to be careful with the balance when the wheels come off.
You don't need a 500 dollar jack to change the oil in your bike, but when you start doing more of your own maintainance and upgrades, you'll appreciate the taller lift height and more stable platform of the better jacks. I can stand to work on my motor using my Pitbull jack, it's the next best thing to a table lift.
You don't need a 500 dollar jack to change the oil in your bike, but when you start doing more of your own maintainance and upgrades, you'll appreciate the taller lift height and more stable platform of the better jacks. I can stand to work on my motor using my Pitbull jack, it's the next best thing to a table lift.
Last edited by Mike; Jul 9, 2012 at 01:44 PM.
Love mine too, good advice
__________________
General Inquiries:
Info@LongRideShields.com
Sales and Marketing:
Sales@LongRideShields.com
Phone:
775.331.3789
General Inquiries:
Info@LongRideShields.com
Sales and Marketing:
Sales@LongRideShields.com
Phone:
775.331.3789
Trending Topics
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 53
From: Gladys, VA
Got mine last year for $60 with coupons. Well worth the $$$$. Didn't need a high dollar jack for what I use it for.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Rhode Island
Last edited by risuperglidecustomman; Jul 9, 2012 at 12:16 PM.