Topic: HF motorcycle lift mods Q?

[Don R]

 I got a Harbor Freight lift today, it's adequate but I want to improve the front wheel chock, hinge the ramp and make a few improvements. Has anyone tweaked one of these?

[seanbarney41]

no, but I agree the wheel clamp is knuckle-bustin' garbage

[Don R]

 I'm thinking the front tire in a channel with angle iron chocks and a 1 1/2" square tube post with a floating angle iron and carriage bolt material between them to clamp the tire.  The range of front tire width I use will be 90 to 120.
 I'd like the ramp to swing down a little more. Mostly I'm just nervous about dropping a bike off the lift. I saw it happen on TV once.

[RAFster122s]

You need to secure the bike with more than just the wheel chock/clamp. A pair of straps so it stays in the chock & upright.

Saw some extension leaf put on the platform to make it wider.

David

[Don R]

 Right, and more eye bolts. I like to pull the front down and forward like I'm towing. When you pull the front tire it's nice to have a pair of straps on the back end to keep the bike in a wheelie. I used the crate wood to make a softener pad to go under the centerstand so it won't skid or scratch the paint.
 My little cheapo floor jack works well to get it on the center stand and/or wood blocking.

[Stev-o]

Some guys have removed the front wheel clamp and installed a wheel chock.  I haven't felt the need to do so. 

I put 2 straps on the bike at all times it is on the lift.  For $300 for the lift,  it is well worth the price.

[NobleHops]

no, but I agree the wheel clamp is knuckle-bustin' garbage

Mine is DRAPED with knuckle skin. I've seen people fit Condor chocks to these, and some or other of the Condor have pins so they can be partially broken down, in place, which is handy for front end work.

Lemme Google that combo up for a minute...

[NobleHops]

Presto:

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/harbor-freight-lift-condor-chock.896561/

P.S. I did add another set of eye bolts, amidships. I'll photo it next week but it was pretty straight up.

[Don R]

 I added four more eye bolts and bought a cheap set of pull down straps.  I'm more comfortable with it now that I've worked off of it a little. I may still make a wheel chock for the front. The 400F sits good on it, I can't wait to try the 79 wing up there. The wheels do need some grease.