Author Topic: Motorcycle lift tables.  (Read 2693 times)

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Offline Gurp

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Motorcycle lift tables.
« on: February 16, 2019, 06:29:00 AM »
Other than HF what are some options for lift tables. Ive seens the super nice ones but for the amount of work I do i cant justify spending 1000 bucks or more.
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Offline ekpent

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2019, 06:33:18 AM »
  Bet some guys will show you some that they made from wood. The HF ones are a pretty good value for occasional wrenching and don't forget your discount coupon !

Offline markreimer

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2019, 06:51:43 AM »



Got this on sale from princess auto in Canada for about $225. Made in Canada too, really solid lift. It looks narrow here but it’s nice and solid feeling. It had a rear extension for longer bikes not seen here. Folds up for storage.


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Offline Gurp

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2019, 08:04:28 AM »
I was going to build one but the cost of making it powered plus lumber isnt must less than buying so i figured to lok at my options.

I like that princess auto one though. How long is the extention for it?  I def need to be able to accommodate a raked bike.
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Offline Kelly E

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2019, 09:33:47 AM »
I use the HF lift table. I made removable side extensions out of a twin bed frame. The lift handles my 94' Concours that weighs in around 700lbs with no problems. I also bolted on a piece of 8 x 16 x 1/8" steel in front of the removable panel  to beef up the area where the centerstand sits. For the $175 that I paid off of CL it is worth every penny.
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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2019, 01:50:17 PM »
I have the harbor freight one but I really dont like using it.  The only time it helps is when working on the very lowermost portions of the bike.  What I don't like is how wide it is, so that no matter what height I always have to bend at the waist to get close to the bike.  For me, this is more uncomfortable than crawling around on the floor.

...just another point of view to consider
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Offline bamacb

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2019, 03:29:23 PM »
+1 on the HF, best $229 I've spent. Add some tie down rings and your set. Make sure to lower it down on the set bar and it is super stable

Offline Gurp

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2019, 06:06:49 PM »
Seem to be alot of the HF looks like next time i see it on sale i may own one.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

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Offline Don R

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2019, 07:39:32 PM »
 I have a harbor freight one too. I noticed they sell a repair kit for the hydraulic pump but I haven't had any trouble with mine. I've lifted my gl1000 a lot. I added a few more u bolts for tie downs and a better front wheel clamp that I since moved to my enclosed trailer. 
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Offline Bailgang

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2019, 02:58:50 AM »
If you have the patience you can also check out craigs list and see if you can spot a good used one. My sons bought me a used bike lift table from CL that was in good shape for around $125 and it has no problem lifting my 83 interstate.
Scott


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Offline Gurp

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2019, 06:01:16 AM »
Dam lifting wings and no trouble eh?
Most of what will be on mine is cb550/500-4s. Mayne the occational sporty or 750 metric for quick repairs.
I pretty forgot about C-list I'll look today
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Offline Bailgang

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #11 on: February 17, 2019, 02:19:29 PM »
Dam lifting wings and no trouble eh?


The table has no problem lifting it, the problem though is rolling the GL onto the table to begin with. My scrawny arse can't do it myself without risk of tipping the bike over so I always need someone else to give me a hand. :)
Scott


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Offline markreimer

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #12 on: February 17, 2019, 04:28:37 PM »
I was going to build one but the cost of making it powered plus lumber isnt must less than buying so i figured to lok at my options.

I like that princess auto one though. How long is the extention for it?  I def need to be able to accommodate a raked bike.
It adds about another two feet. Big enough for a large touring bike, not sure about a raked out custom though


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Offline Gurp

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #13 on: February 17, 2019, 04:32:00 PM »
I got a 23 front and 8+ forks on mine. Not raked yet but when the lift at my GFs dads comes open its getting long.

slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Killer Canary

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #14 on: February 17, 2019, 08:22:52 PM »



Got this on sale from princess auto in Canada for about $225. Made in Canada too, really solid lift. It looks narrow here but it’s nice and solid feeling. It had a rear extension for longer bikes not seen here. Folds up for storage.


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Princess has something like that?
Have to get one now.
If it's worth doing at all it's worth over-doing.
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Offline ekpent

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #15 on: February 18, 2019, 06:34:02 AM »
  If you get the HF unit pick up some extra hydraulic oil also or at least check it. If you read the reviews they have a tendency to not come filled up enough from China.
  Like Sean I own one but for some reason still like working on my bikes at ground level. Makes a nice place to store an extra one though   ;D

Offline Don R

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #16 on: February 18, 2019, 08:12:45 AM »
 I considered powering my H/F lift with an air over hydraulic pump but really, it's pretty lazy if I can't step on a pedal a couple dozen times. A friend came in to look at the bikes and was standing on the lower pedal wondering why the bike was moving. It's best to slip it off and use the safety bar when up!
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #17 on: February 19, 2019, 09:32:29 AM »
MotoGuild workshop here in Chicago had several of the HF lifts. They are sturdy and because the base is on single panel give you a place to rest tools. But like Sean says they are also wide.

That Red Rock lift looks like a nice compact piece and it is on clearance at the Princess website (although for more than you paid). That must be a house brand because I don't find anything but the Princess website when I search the name.
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Offline Johnie

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #18 on: February 19, 2019, 10:09:55 AM »
I noticed the Handy lift has not been mentioned probably because of cost. I went with this hydraulic unit as I just did not trust the lower cost units with the weight of the Goldwing. I have the side tables on mine and do not find it a problem with getting close to the bike. I also like the side tables to hold stuff while doing the work. The stability of the Handy is excellent. If you can find a used Handy you'll be in good shape no matter what you put on it. I use it for not only the bikes, but the lawn tractor too.
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Offline Gurp

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #19 on: February 19, 2019, 05:54:57 PM »
I lucked out today and scooped a HF used for a 180 bucks.
Seen it local on the Facebook marketplace.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline MRieck

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #20 on: February 25, 2019, 03:48:24 AM »
I noticed the Handy lift has not been mentioned probably because of cost. I went with this hydraulic unit as I just did not trust the lower cost units with the weight of the Goldwing. I have the side tables on mine and do not find it a problem with getting close to the bike. I also like the side tables to hold stuff while doing the work. The stability of the Handy is excellent. If you can find a used Handy you'll be in good shape no matter what you put on it. I use it for not only the bikes, but the lawn tractor too.
Been using a Handy for almost 25 years. I wish everything was as reliable. ;)
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Offline CBJoe

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #21 on: February 25, 2019, 10:42:46 AM »
I noticed the Handy lift has not been mentioned probably because of cost. I went with this hydraulic unit as I just did not trust the lower cost units with the weight of the Goldwing. I have the side tables on mine and do not find it a problem with getting close to the bike. I also like the side tables to hold stuff while doing the work. The stability of the Handy is excellent. If you can find a used Handy you'll be in good shape no matter what you put on it. I use it for not only the bikes, but the lawn tractor too.
Been using a Handy for almost 25 years. I wish everything was as reliable. ;)

I'm gonna bite the bullet this spring on a SAM Air Lift.  I just cant bring myself to put my big ass guzzi on a Harbor Freight lift. 
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Offline Gurp

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #22 on: February 25, 2019, 02:51:18 PM »
The Only complaint i have about the HF lift is its a little wobbly lifting and lowering. But for the 180 i gave for mine its really good.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

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Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline CBJoe

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #23 on: February 25, 2019, 04:07:51 PM »
The Only complaint i have about the HF lift is its a little wobbly lifting and lowering. But for the 180 i gave for mine its really good.

pretty sure that wobble is fairly standard for the lift....probably wouldn't worry me at all for my midsized bikes as so many folks use the lift and so far I haven't heard of a catastrophic failure.

but it would scare the crap out of me wobbling with a 900lb bike! Enjoy the lift...I cant wait to not have to lean over to work on projects.
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Offline Gurp

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #24 on: February 25, 2019, 04:49:16 PM »
Oddly enough so far i just sit on the lift and work. Haha. Better than sitting on gravel though😂😂😂
Useing a old screw jack to make a smaller lift to go on the table to lift one wheel or the other.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Johnie

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Re: Motorcycle lift tables.
« Reply #25 on: February 25, 2019, 05:00:50 PM »
This Handy lift is so stable I can walk on the lift if I need to while it is in the up position. I do not make a practice of it, but if I need to it works.
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA