Topic: Who uses a Motorcycle Lift (and when)?

[Tree]

Does anyone out there use a Lift like the one below, and if so, when.

I bought this Motorcycle lift from HF because it was a good deal ($60) but I'm thinking about taking it back.  My 750K8 has a MAC 4-1.  The header pipes join together below the frame tubes, so I can't just put the lift underneath and lift on the frame, it would hit the exhaust.  I could build some sort of wooden spacer or cradle to transition the lift to the frame, but I'm wondering if it's worth it.

I have the center stand and a way to raise the front wheel off the ground.  The only reason I can think I might want the lift is to get both wheels off the ground at the same time, maybe to have the tires changed. 

Should I keep this?



   

[MoMo]

I have something similar-I rarely use it except to hold a motor. I use the full size HF lift, was fortunate to get it when the price was under 300...Larry

[xsmooth69x]

i use one. it comes in handy if you going to polish or you need the bike higher up then just the center stand. eaiser on the back and you can have both tires off at a time or just the front tire since when u use the center stand you have to have the front tire on.

buy a used on off craigslist i got mine for $60

[Steve_K]

I use one just like that for working on my GIXXER.  I made risers out of 2x4s and strap it to the lift.  I use it when adjusting values and when I need to work on forks and the shock.  Works good for me.  I have not worked out how to use it on a CB750 or CB550.  I have rear stands and front lifts for wheel work.  Need to figure out support when doing headstock bearings.
Steve

[KJ790]

I have one like pictured, Pepboys sells it for $99. For the money I love it. Right now I have my project bike up on it because I have both wheels off for powdercoating. It makes pulling the engine out my yourself a lot easier too.

[mjstone]

I have one like it, a craftsman that I bought used from a co-worker that got out of motorcycling.  I have 4 to 2's on my bike and the left side runs under the frame.  I use blocks of wood to brace it under the right frame and the far left side of the engine.  I've used it so far for adjusting the chain.   Works good for me as I have trouble getting the bike on its center stand due to my bad back.

MJ

[dhall57]

I have one just about like that Tree, not that new though. Works great on my Harley, but on my 750's I need to do some modification to it because the pipes are in the way I don't want the weight of the bike resting on the pipes of course.

[strynboen]

i have made a  vire crane..it take the 550..not   i dare,,, lift the cbx

[jessezm]

I use mine alot, but the pipes will be an issue for me soon, too.  I use it all the time when the motor is out of the frame of the pipes are off.

[Stev-o]

Wish I had one. But wouldn't use it much and takes up a lot of space to store.  See them used regularly for as low as $50 

[Jan187]

I can't work without one any more, I have also a 79XL600 so no underneath pipes. On the CB its also very handy when adjusting suspension or removing wheels etc. when the exhaust is removed. I'm making (on the lathe) a hub for the CB650 for a 56 spoke rim so lots of in and out and I wouldn't be doing that without my jack.

Don't forget to lock it with the bars in the grooves on the sides!!!! because I once returned to the shop and the bike was fallen on the ground. The valve of the jack isn't perfect leak proof and it lowered under the pressure overnight.

(there was little or no damage for those holding their breath reading this)

[CycleRanger]

I just use my floor jack with some 2x4 pieces to clear the pipes.
Then I use ratchet straps from the rafters and remove the floor jack.
I also have many milk crates.
If I didn't have the rafters or the crates I'd probably have to get a lift, my back can't take sitting down low for too long any more.
Imho, the floor jack is almost as good as that HF lift for the bikes and can lift the truck too. 

[brokenspoke]

I don't have a lift, but using some imagination and some "forgotten technology" I was able to put my bike on a board and "lift" it up so I could get a better look at it and work on the underside. Did it by myself in about an hour. Getting it down is another story, I have it up for the winter because I plan on doing a lot of work on it. Motor is out right now so I'll probably pull the bike down while it doesn't weigh as much.

You can see the technique demonstrated on a much larger scale by this guy, starting around 2:30
How to Build Stonehenge in Your Backyard (seriously)

[CoachDoc]

Stonehenge! Amazing.

I have that exact MC lift from Harbor Freight, and I use it a lot for my Gold Wing, but my 550 also had a Mac 4-1, and I could not figure out a way to use the lift for the 550, short of removing the exhaust every time. I really covet those platform roll on lifts, but the freight to get one of those delivered is incredble due to the weight of the hardware.

[Gordon]

Wish I had one. But wouldn't use it much and takes up a lot of space to store.  See them used regularly for as low as $50

I had one for a while that was given to me, and never used it so gave it to somebody else.  If my garage were still in a state of continual project bikes like it was before I had kids then a bike jack may be more useful, but with two bikes that only need normal maintenance a jack like that takes up way too much space for such little use.   

[BobbyR]

I have had the Craftsman for years. I use it so I can sit on a stool and not bed over when working. I may put some wood on the rubber so the exhausts don;t melt it if I run it. Very handy tool.

[bcart82]

I use the HF one pictured in the original post and I love it.

I bought it specifically to tear down and rebuild a cb750f. Since i removed the 4-to-1 exhaust right away, it wasn't an issue - but as others mentioned, that problem is easily corrected with some wood.

It gets the bike up high and it does it easily and safely. My favorite part though is how quickly I can stash and un-stash the bike. I actually gained space in my garage because the stand allows me to maneuver the bike into an area that I couldn't get it to easily before (i.e. The classic cart scene in Austin Powers).

When I'm done with the rebuild, I'll sell it. I'll use the center stand for maintenance and paddock stands for the other bikes. Solid $75 investment for the winter.