Which Lift Adapter

[mrgeoff]

I was wondering which Lift Adapter is better for a 1999 Valkyrie CT?...I know we all have our own opinions, but just wanted to get some kind of a poll to see what the majority of ya'll think would be better to buy...!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/192017169961?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true
                                                 or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VALKYRIE-HONDA-LIFT-JACK-ADAPTER-NEW-1-MUST-HAVE-MOTORCYCLE-ITEM-Save-/170943480226?hash=item27cd0681a2

I know I can make one out of wood, but was wanting one to leave on the bike...!!!
Thanks for your input...!!!

[Fazer]

I've got the one in the lower thread.  Works fine for me.  Besides these two, Mark T. makes one that looks very effective.

[hubcapsc]

I've got the one in the lower thread.  Works fine for me.  Besides these two, Mark T. makes one that looks very effective.

I've got that one too, and like it. I think that you have to be careful with it,
though, or you'll end up jacking up your bike with weight on the headers...

-Mike

[Gryphon Rider]

The first one IS the one made by MarkT.

I've used a DIY wooden one for years, but if I were to buy one of those two, it would be this first one, for three reasons:
1.  It doesn't attach to the side stand crossmember, thus it leaves the crossmember available for mounting accessories, such as extra horns.
2.  The maker is a regularly contributing member of this board, and has an excellent reputation for standing behind his quality products.
3.  The first one allows you to position the lift where it needs to be to balance the motorcycle.  The position can vary depending on which parts you are removing.  The second one requires you to place the lift in a predetermined position.

If I were buying the first one, I would pay the extra $8 for the powdercoat finish.  I think it will be more durable.

[Jess from VA]

My home made wood one has lasted for over ten years with two bikes and many, many uses.  It works great with no downside.  It does not stay attached, obviously.

Of all the wood ones shown, the ones with one-by stock for a base plate is much easier to use than ones with the 2X4 base plate.  I still have to shim my kickstand to easily slide the jack under, then lay down and fit in the adapter, but the 2x4 stock would make it even more difficult to position, and you don't need 2X4 size or strength.

http://www.herberts.org/wayne/valk/lowtechlift.htm

This one.
 

[Gryphon Rider]

The one I made, I think originally designed and photographed by a long-gone-from-here member called shooter:



I glued and screwed mine.  It's been solid for 14 or 15 years.

[Ricky-D]

Here is my take on the lift adapter.  Mine is the fabricated steel lift adapter with accommodations to hold it in place temporarily while I position the lift underneath the bike. Because it is being held in place (there are two right angle bolts, one on each side of the engine) I don't have to fight to get the lift in the proper position to lift the bike. This is important because the bike is on an angle, being on the side stand, which can make it a bugger to get everything correct prior to pumping the jack handle.  Actually, with the first few strokes of the jack handle all that is happening is the bike is being stood upright. I like this adapter, it makes things really easy and safe.

***

[hubcapsc]

I like this adapter, it makes things really easy and safe.

For me it only made things easy. After I inadvertently left it on there,
I decided it wasn't worth dying for. Not all of us would forget and
leave it on there, but I did... MarkT's looks similarly handy,
and is supposed to be left on there.

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

I don't even get off the ground to center up my bike.  Once laying down and sliding the adapter on top the jack, and last minute centering/lining up the jack to adapter to bike, I just reach out and work the jack foot pump with my arm, and it raises the bike off the side stand, pushes the adapter up flush to the hard points underneath, and up and level.  Then stand up and jack it up.  Assuming you are on level ground (or close), and have lined everything up right, the bike is solid as a rock.  

The one thing I am very careful about is leaving tools and parts laying close to the bike (on the ground) while I'm working on it up on the lift.  If you were to be approaching the bike and step on a screwdriver (or something) and fall into the bike hard, you could knock it off the lift.  I also keep two nice 2-foot wide long strips of remnant carpeting to lay down each side of the bike because it's much easier on the knees than concrete.  I have a little stool too, but you don't always get to sit to work.

If you will be pushing hard on any wrenches (like frame or axle nuts)(or the bike will be up for a long time), I drag out two auto jack stands and position them under the engine guards.  Get them where you want them, then just ease the jack down on top them and now you can jump up and down on the bike and it is going nowhere.  

Also, you don't ever want to leave the jack lifting on the hydraulics alone.  You want to use the safety bar catch nearest to the height you desire, then release the hydraulic lever (slightly) and let the bike weight down on the safety catch (though once on the safety catch hard, I reengage the hydraulic lever).

I probably ought to use safety/ratchet straps, but never have.  Big BF saw this and gave me the stink eye (and went and got his).  I rarely have the bike up high anyway, except for the occasional full-on detail wash (and underneath degrease), and to pull the rear tire because I am not taking off the lower fender half..  

[mrgeoff]

Wow...Thanks...Several things I didn't even think about...Ya'll are good...Thanks...!!!

[Bone]

My home made wood one has lasted for over ten years

I'm using the same wooden support I put together over ten years ago (2005).

[Fazer]

Lot's of guys like the wood units--I have one that the PO gave me when I bought the bike.  They work fine, but the obvious problem is, if your are out it's easy to find a jack, not so easy to use it without some kind of adapter.  Mark T has the best one, and as Gryphon Rider states, he stands behind his products.  I bought the other one before I new about Mark's, but if I ever change it I will get the Mark T version.  BTW, someone stated it interferes with adding after market horns since it is attached to the side stand brace.  Big BF makes a special bracket for his Quad Horns that can be used with the jack adapter.  I think you can add a belly tank with Mark's version and not the other.  FWIW.

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

I have the one Mark T sells and it fits very nicely on the bottom of the engine. I like the fact that if I need the bike lifted on the road, the adapter is right there. It's solidly built and attaches in minutes. Mark is a stand up guy, is s contributing member of this group and has helped me work through a couple of issues I had with my ride. My vote is for his adapter.

[0leman]

I have the second one.  Bought it in 2008, long before Mark-T had is out.  Have used this adaptor since then with a MC lift.  I too use the Jack Stands,  use them no matter what I am doing to the bike.    I also have never tied the old down when she is on the lift with the jack stands in place. She doesn't move.

That being said if I was buying today would really consider Mark-T's adaptor.  It looks better and is close enough in price.

[mrgeoff]

Yes, I decided to get Mark's Adapter...Thanks Ya'll...!!!

[RudyF6]

I like this adapter, it makes things really easy and safe.

For me it only made things easy. After I inadvertently left it on there,
I decided it wasn't worth dying for. Not all of us would forget and
leave it on there, but I did... MarkT's looks similarly handy,
and is supposed to be left on there.

-Mike

I have the original as well. (Spoonland I think??)

I forgot and left it attached......... ONCE!

Now, I keep the hardware to attach it to the bike in a Ziplock bag; when using it I put the bike keys in the bag and clip it to the mirror with a clothespin.

[hubcapsc]

Now, I keep the hardware to attach it to the bike in a Ziplock bag; when using it I put the bike keys in the bag and clip it to the mirror with a clothespin.

That's an awesome idea.

I left mine on twice  ...

The last time, I had done a bunch of maintenance, the bike had been on the stand
for a couple of weeks. I got done barely in time to head out to the Fall Color Ride.
60 miles later, after going over the hill from SC to Clayton GA, and then down
60mph hwy 441 to Franklin and then into 60mph heavy traffic on curvy 64/28,
I stopped for gas. Clank! The adaptor fell off when I came to a stop beside the
gas pump. I sold the adapter to Fudgie, I hope he's still OK 

-Mike

[dr.danh]

I would have thoughts of any ANY adapter  being cautious of it being big,  long, heavy, and mostly I cant imagine bolting something to the engine casting holes being alumn. and leaving that on my bike. As the weight, vibration, and dragging or hanging on speed breakers etc. damaging the engine block, poss. tire damage and worse..
 Have used this one several times, stays on the bike, powder coated, tucked up where is no issue of dragging getting hung on speed breakers etc. And best of all is  bolted to the frame.
Just my 2 cents. I like mine is  below.

                                                
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VALKYRIE-HONDA-LIFT-JACK-ADAPTER-NEW-1-MUST-HAVE-MOTORCYCLE-ITEM-Save-/170943480226?hash=item27cd0681a2

[MarkT]

That bit about not using the engine casting holes as they might break is baloney. I see your link hangs his hat on that.  Apparently he'll dig up any old saw to save his threatened market share, with his needlessly heavy adapter.  Mine weighs 3 lbs.  He also claims to have the ONLY mounted adapter that will work with all model 1500 Valks, all exhausts, all lifts.  Not true - there is no 1500 Valkyrie or m/c lift or exhaust that is incompatible with my lightweight permanent lift adapter.  My lift's clearance is also higher than the one in your link, providing more clearance yet prevents the lift from lifting on the stock pipes and damaging them.  He needs to revise his ad, it's false.