Motorcycle Lift

[spyug]

Despite what some folks have said these lifts work fine with any small to medium sized bike. I have no difficulty putting the GS up and moving it around even with underslung pipes. It can be made to rock if you push down on the rear end or don't have the bike centered but if you cinch the bike down with straps you will be fine. I find if I am taking off the back wheel or the front, I just move the lift point a bit closer to the side I'm going to be working on so the other end comes down a bit. I always drop the remaining wheel to the ground to give some stability.

The lifts are rated for just about anybike short of a Boss Hoss but I don't think I'd want to put more than about 600 Lb on it. Anything more than that and I think you'd have trouble moving it on the tiny wheels.

I had been skeptical too of these lifts but after getting one 2 years ago, I don't know how I did without it. I use mine a lot and will store the XS on it over the winter (it has no center stand). Recently, I've started to use it to turn the bike in the garage so I'm pointing out when I want to go riding. Two minutes and I can spin it around in the length of the bike. It is also great for getting the bike right next to garage wall if I need more space.

If you can get one for $50 to $75 or so you will not regret it.

Cheers,
Spyug.

[gaillarry]

I made my own lift from 1" galvinzed pipe, cost $50 in parts from Home Depot. Lifts up the bike by the frame using rachet straps. I have two sets one for the front and one for the rear.

[Turtleface]

I made my own lift from 1" galvinzed pipe, cost $50 in parts from Home Depot. Lifts up the bike by the frame using rachet straps. I have two sets one for the front and one for the rear.

How stable is that? Think it'd be ok for replacing front fork seals?

[tkent02]

How strong is your ceiling?
I hang the handle bar center or the rear frame cross member from a rafter with ratcheting tie downs, using the center stand on a few boards if more height is required. This keeps whichever end I'm working on up in the air.
There will be a bike table in the new shop.

[reddirtrider]

How stable is that? Think it'd be ok for replacing front fork seals?

It looks to be a good solution. To make it even more stable than it is (keeping the bike from rocking side to side) build it wider at the top and then anchor the straps at the corners. Taking it one step further, put some bracing on the bottom corners and you have a very stable lift for cheap.

[posplayr]

I bought one of those style lifts from Harbor freight. In fact the Sears one looks like a rebranded version of the HF lift. I like mine. When the pipes are off I just go right underneith and lift from the oil pan (there is a big rubber pad on mine). I'm guessing if you have 4:2 side pipes you build some wooden standoffs that set on top of the lift, but fit inside of the pipes to push up on the frame.

With my 4:1 and lack of a center stand doing anything major and the pipe is coming off so this provides a nice stable "mini" lift is you will.

[posplayr]

It looks to be a good solution. To make it even more stable than it is (keeping the bike from rocking side to side) build it wider at the top and then anchor the straps at the corners. Taking it one step further, put some bracing on the bottom corners and you have a very stable lift for cheap.

Yea, I think some sort of triangle brace would be in order (total 6 ; two top and 4 bottom).

It looks pretty sturdy, but a little extra gusseting ease my mind at least.

[reddirtrider]

Yea, I think some sort of triangle brace would be in order (total 6 ; two top and 4 bottom).

It looks pretty sturdy, but a little extra gusseting ease my mind at least.

Triangle bracing is a good idea if you keep the strap position where they are. If, however, you move the straps to the outer edges, then the downward force will be directly over the vertical bars. Triangle bracing on the bottom is a very good idea to keep the stand from falling forward and aft.

There's lots of ways to improve on this, but it's a pretty good start - and cheap which is always important.

[posplayr]

Triangle bracing is a good idea if you keep the strap position where they are. If, however, you move the straps to the outer edges, then the downward force will be directly over the vertical bars. Triangle bracing on the bottom is a very good idea to keep the stand from falling forward and aft.

There's lots of ways to improve on this, but it's a pretty good start - and cheap which is always important.

Red,
I was primarily worried about the corners collapsing rather than the weight supported by the bar. On the other hand we both maybe over analyzing it because if that lateral bar can hold up 1/2 a motorcycle weight without bending then those corners are probally pretty strong as well.
Looking a little closer that pipe is over 1" in OD.

I know alot of strong handrails have been made out of similar steel pipe.
Jim

[TheCafeKid]

I've had a Pep Boys one for 5 months and I'm still working on making a device so that it lifts the bike by the frame instead of by the exhaust.

I use two pieces of 2x4 on their sides on each side of the lift. Picks the bike up by the oilpan rather than the exhaust. On underbelly exhausts you may still contact bu the weight is now distributed so it won't crush anything. Even on my heavy ES there is no problem. I love my lift.

[themess]

Mine has been sitting there untouched for two years. I started to make some wood pieces to get the lift to pick up the bike by the frame tubes, but never finished it.

[Ponderosa]

All kinds...Best?

I bought some plans not long ago and was going to build my own. Went to price the steel to build it and found the steel alone was close to the amount for a good quality lift! A friend just bought a HB lift, he likes it but says it is not very heavy duty, feels it might be good for a short time, under light loads. This is the one I like, checked one out the other day, a good heavy duty lift, with all the options around $800, shipping is a pain though...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcycle-Lift-Scissor-Bike-Jack-Lifts-ATV-Jacks-HD_W0QQitemZ220509877369QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Automotive_Tools?hash=item335769b479

[tkent02]

Anyone have this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91764

On sale now at $350.

[Ponderosa]

Same

Anyone have this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91764

On sale now at $350.

Same one my friend bought, very lightly built, kinda cheap...

[sschering]

Don't forget your 20% off coupon

http://www.harborfreight.com/hftusa/magpromos/popsci.pdf

Get it down to $280..

Should work on sale items.. It did at the Littleton store when I got my toolbox.