Looking for opinions on the Harbor Freight Lift Table

[BF]

I'm trying to talk myself into eventually buying a lift table.....if I can figure out how to wedge it into my one car garage. 

Been looking at the Harbor Freight lift table, but I'd like to hear from Valk owners that have, use and own one.  When it's on sale, the price is very right....just don't know about the quality. 



Also found this one from Discount Ramps.  It looks identical to the Harbor Freight lift, but not sure if it's actually the same or not. 



Anyone have any experience with either of these two lifts? 

[sugerbear]

i looked at the hf also, but didn't like the wheel chock. in my mind you would have to buy a real chock to hold the bike upright.

my buddy and i found a used handy w/side panels for $500. more expensive than the hf but built like a battleship.

did you check used in your area?

the black widow looks like a real nice one though.

hope this helps

[Mr Steve]

It works.  Gets the bike up there and holds it there.  Based upon someone's recommendation in here, and because the stock one obviously won't hold the valk, I did replace the wheel chock with this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/interests/motorcycle/motorcycle-stand-wheel-chock-97841.html

Drilled some holes and bolted it on.  It holds well but it is a bit difficult getting in and out of it.  I had to build a couple of "stands" to stand on so I could get leverage to get the bike out of the chock once in it.  Getting into it takes practice too, when done wrong it is like doing a stoppie.

Overall it does what I need it to do and the price was certainly right.  Watch for the "super coupon" that puts it at $279.

[Ghost Rider 2]

  I have one and have been using it for about 4 years.  The front wheel clamp has never been installed.  I drill a couple of holes and put small U-bolts in each side.  I pull bike on and stap it down just like it was going to be hauled in a trailer. The only thing I don't like is you almost have to have 2 people to put on and take off a bike. If you ride it on the your feet are an extra 8 inchs off the ground.  I have been thinking aboutr building a couple of wood boxes to sit on each side the same hieght as the lift in down position and about 2 feet wide. I mayu look at the possiblity of the front drive in wheel chock.  When I put a Goldwing on the lift I bring it on and lift the bike onto the center stand then strap in down.

[BF]

It works.  Gets the bike up there and holds it there.  Based upon someone's recommendation in here, and because the stock one obviously won't hold the valk, I did replace the wheel chock with this one

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, that the front tire vise that comes with it should go in the trash.  I was looking at that same one plus this one.....however, not sure which one would work better.  

Either this wheel chock.....



Or this chock (but I've heard that you have to spread it out a bit to get it to fit a Valk front tire)......

[BF]

did you check used in your area?

Been lookin', but haven't found anything.  Did see a fold-up Kendon lift on CL about a year ago...went and looked at it.....passed on it.  Loved the idea of the Kendon lift, but after looking at it, it scared me....it just don't look right.  

[OverdueBill]

I've got one.  Put a HF wheel chock on it.  Built a couple boxes to lay beside it when driving on or off.  Easier to get on/off bike now on the stand than on the floor.  Plenty strong and big enough for the Valk IS, VTX, and Sabre V65.  No bending over, no crawling around.  Pull up a chair and work on the bikes.  I did put on a couple more U bolts to have more strapping options.  I hang the boxes in the corner of the garage when not using them and can stand the table on it's side along the wall out of the way.  Best tool I have for bikes.

[Tx Bohemian]

It works.  Gets the bike up there and holds it there.  Based upon someone's recommendation in here, and because the stock one obviously won't hold the valk, I did replace the wheel chock with this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/interests/motorcycle/motorcycle-stand-wheel-chock-97841.html

Drilled some holes and bolted it on.  It holds well but it is a bit difficult getting in and out of it.  I had to build a couple of "stands" to stand on so I could get leverage to get the bike out of the chock once in it.  Getting into it takes practice too, when done wrong it is like doing a stoppie.

Overall it does what I need it to do and the price was certainly right.  Watch for the "super coupon" that puts it at $279.

Yeah, me too.  But I got the bigger wheel clamp from the Air operated one cause I didn't like the cheesy one that came with this ramp either.  Used it numerous times on other bikes as well as my Valk and seems very solid.

A word of advice: be sure the sidestand is up when installing or removing the bike.
I dropped my bike off to the right when I was rolling it off. 
The lowered kickstand high-centered on the platform where the ramp starts, rear wheel was almost on the floor.  Kicked the bike over just enough for me to lose balance.

[hubcapsc]

Or this chock (but I've heard that you have to spread it out a bit to get it to fit a Valk front tire)......

People use them and like them without spreading them, but if you don't spread it, the Valk is supported by
its pinched front tire sidewalls, instead of the tread. I spread mine... spreading causes the bike to be
less tightly held... compromise either way...

-Mike

[BF]

If and when I do buy a lift (and since space is so tight), I'd probably be using the lift as a parking space as well.  I like the box idea you guys are doing and that makes it sound like a viable idea to using the lift as a parking spot. 

OverdueBill says that you can lift it up and lean it against the wall when not in use.  If I can grunt it up and out of the way, that's a possibility too. 

But if I did use the lift to park on, which chock would work best if used that way?

[tybme]

I love mine. I have not replaced the front wheel chock but I did install some u-bolts and tie down the bike whenever I have it on the lift.
Buddy of mine welded a plate on to his to allow him to put his kickstand down and use it for parking - works ok.

[Tx Bohemian]

OverdueBill says that you can lift it up and lean it against the wall when not in use.  If I can grunt it up and out of the way, that's a possibility too. 

I don't know OverdueBill but if he lifts this thing by hand I'll call him "Sir" if I do ever meet him!!

This thing is heavy! and awkward!

Mine works good for a storage/work table also.  I thought putting a piece of plywood on it that's wide enough to run my lawnmower on when it needs work.

[rodeo1]

ya just gotta bear in mind that in this silly world you tend to get what you pay for. i made my living with tools, so i have an abundance of snap on and craftsman tools. however, some tools don't need to be that high quality and thats what harbor freight does well.

i wouldn't be afraid of their air over hyd. lift table, but i would improve on the angle iron mess of a wheel vice and add wings for my trike.

[dreamaker]

I had a problem with space and I got this Kendon for Cruisers lift. I like it because I can get under the bike.  When I am done I can stand it up against the wall. I have pic below.

Dan


http://s625.photobucket.com/albums/tt332/dreamaker99/Kendon%20Stand%20UP%20Lift/

[YoungPUP]

To each is own, but that Kendon lift looks like a surefire way to drop your bike on your head.  (one for the bike)  ( and one for the mechanic)

[OverdueBill]

Maybe I need to explain more.  I jack the table up a bit and then sorta wheelbarrow it over next to the wall out about 6-8 inches.  Let it down all the way and grab the side and pick it up and lean it against the wall.  Sideways.  I'm an old fat man and it works for me.  Maybe I am as bad as I used to be when I was 25. 

[BF]

I had a problem with space and I got this Kendon for Cruisers lift. I like it because I can get under the bike.  When I am done I can stand it up against the wall. I have pic below.

Dan


http://s625.photobucket.com/albums/tt332/dreamaker99/Kendon%20Stand%20UP%20Lift/

Thanks for the pictures dreamaker....they're very educational, but the more I look at the Kendon, the more I'm convinced it's not for me.  At one time I thought that I'd like to have one......and the fold-up space-saving feature is really appealing, but I'm just not comfortable with a Valk up on one.....maybe a Ninja 250 or something, but not a Valk.  I'd like a bigger, better hi-end lift, but the HF one looks like it'd do the job that I'm wanting it to do with the way I'd end up using it most of the time. 

[BF]

Maybe I need to explain more.  I jack the table up a bit and then sorta wheelbarrow it over next to the wall out about 6-8 inches.  Let it down all the way and grab the side and pick it up and lean it against the wall.  Sideways.  I'm an old fat man and it works for me.  Maybe I am as bad as I used to be when I was 25. 

I think we'll still call you Sir.   

[rangernight]

I have had mine for over 4 years and couldn't do some maintanence with out it, I used the U-bolts
on the sides and then use a 3/8's 6" turn buckel with a plastic covered hook that grabs the engine guard.  This works well, holds bike rock steady.

[dreamaker]

I had a problem with space and I got this Kendon for Cruisers lift. I like it because I can get under the bike.  When I am done I can stand it up against the wall. I have pic below.

Dan


http://s625.photobucket.com/albums/tt332/dreamaker99/Kendon%20Stand%20UP%20Lift/

Thanks for the pictures dreamaker....they're very educational, but the more I look at the Kendon, the more I'm convinced it's not for me.  At one time I thought that I'd like to have one......and the fold-up space-saving feature is really appealing, but I'm just not comfortable with a Valk up on one.....maybe a Ninja 250 or something, but not a Valk.  I'd like a bigger, better hi-end lift, but the HF one looks like it'd do the job that I'm wanting it to do with the way I'd end up using it most of the time.  

This was my thought when I was looking for a lift. To me the HarborFright lift was bringing up the floor with the plate so large. To me the point was to get off the floor and get under the bike. I wanted to see and work under the bike. I liked the crisscross style lift arms, rather then the push forward zigzag arms. It seem to me like there was a lot of stress on the cylinder and the structure. The Kendon  goes strait up rather then rearwards and up. The base on the floor is about the same size as the HF lift, the Kendon doesn't have a big plate to lift with additional weight to the bike. The Kendon weighs about 140lbs and the HF lift is 360lbs. Like I said the base on the floor is about the same and it lift to 33" high and I shook it and it seems stable. I just looks strange.

I like it !!

Dan

[Roadog]

 I have had my HF lift for about four years myself.  I replaced the cheap/weak wheel vise with a Handy vise it was only $110.  and it came painted red so it looks like it came with my lift.  You just have to bolt it down and you are in business for sure.  The lift is VERY strong and lifts my Tourer like nothing.  I too added two eyelets (forged) one on each side to  tie down just for security.   I bought the lift on sale $299. and the Handy wheel vise $110.  VERY afordable and anogther thing I like is that it is hydralic..not electric or pneumatic so..I could put it a field if I needed to and use it. can take it anywhere and use.  Don't know how I got along without it.

[Walküre]

I have it, very happy with it. I did buy the black chock, above, at the same time (also bought the OTHER one, which I haven't used, but will mount in the trailer, if I ever need it). I drilled a bunch more holes, to make it COMPLETELY adjustable, and park the bike on it nightly, when I get home. I also ended up with some eye hooks, but took them off, as my feet hit them.

the BEST investment for my bikes, over the years, I have EVER made!

You can see the extra holes down the sides, in the following pictures:







Found a coupon from a gent here, for $279. Excellent!!

The ONE thing I intend to do, is to make some side boards for it. I am currently using several 4X4's on the sides, since the Phat Lady is too wide, to put my feet on the lift table. I will make them with 1" square tubbing, and 3/4" round stock, so they can slide on and off - will make it a LOT easier to put the bike on and off, but will be removable, so I can work on the bike easier.

Good luck!

Roger

[hubcapsc]

I have had my HF lift for about four years myself.  I replaced the cheap/weak wheel vise with a Handy vise it was only $110.  and it came painted red so it looks like it came with my lift.  You just have to bolt it down and you are in business for sure.  The lift is VERY strong and lifts my Tourer like nothing.  I too added two eyelets (forged) one on each side to  tie down just for security.   I bought the lift on sale $299. and the Handy wheel vise $110.  VERY afordable and anogther thing I like is that it is hydralic..not electric or pneumatic so..I could put it a field if I needed to and use it. can take it anywhere and use.  Don't know how I got along without it.

Wow... what a cool "vise"... it works on a whole different principle... I bet it does work well!