Looking for a dependable Motorcycle Lift
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,428
From: Idaho Panhandle
I have a Harbor Freight lift and a Handy Lift. They both do the job and I have no issue putting my touring Harley of either lift. But you get what you pay for.
Reasons I like the Harbor Freight. 1) Hydraulic, does not need air to raise and lower. 2) Cheap, Harbor Freight matched price for same lift from alternate source 3) I store my flat against the wall when I do not need it, 4) easy to add additional tie downs. Things I don't like. 1) Poor stock wheel chock
Reasons I like the handy. 1) With air, adjusting with foot pedal leaves your hands free. 2) will get several inches higher than HF. 3) smooth surface easy to clean, 4) more robust, 5) ramp attaches and removes easier.
There is nothing that I could do on the Handy that I could not do on the Harbor Freight. That said, the heavier construction of the Handy does give one more confidence with larger motorcycles. On Both lifts, for up to sportster size motorcycles I can load them myself. For larger bikes I like to ask my neighbor to help.
If I had a small shop, a garage or one without an air compressor, the Harbor Freight would be a great tool. For a dedicated shop with compressed air, bead blaster, then a more professional model like the Handy styles are nice.
Here is my Harbor Freight Lift stored against the garage wall:
Here is a sporty on the harbor Freight;
Here is a sporty on the Handy.
Sorry, no pics of the Shovelhead or the Road King on the lift that I could find easily.
Reasons I like the Harbor Freight. 1) Hydraulic, does not need air to raise and lower. 2) Cheap, Harbor Freight matched price for same lift from alternate source 3) I store my flat against the wall when I do not need it, 4) easy to add additional tie downs. Things I don't like. 1) Poor stock wheel chock
Reasons I like the handy. 1) With air, adjusting with foot pedal leaves your hands free. 2) will get several inches higher than HF. 3) smooth surface easy to clean, 4) more robust, 5) ramp attaches and removes easier.
There is nothing that I could do on the Handy that I could not do on the Harbor Freight. That said, the heavier construction of the Handy does give one more confidence with larger motorcycles. On Both lifts, for up to sportster size motorcycles I can load them myself. For larger bikes I like to ask my neighbor to help.
If I had a small shop, a garage or one without an air compressor, the Harbor Freight would be a great tool. For a dedicated shop with compressed air, bead blaster, then a more professional model like the Handy styles are nice.
Here is my Harbor Freight Lift stored against the garage wall:
Here is a sporty on the harbor Freight;
Here is a sporty on the Handy.
Sorry, no pics of the Shovelhead or the Road King on the lift that I could find easily.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Deerfield Beach, FL
I have a the Harbor coupon if you decide to buy that one. I can mail it to you if you like? Inbox me your address. My mechanic uses that lift and I bought one for my Busa, its a good table. We changed the chock out though for a more sturdy one...but all in all its a good table.
PM Sent...thanks!
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Freesince1903
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Feb 19, 2019 08:39 PM
