Looking for recommendations on a Lift / Jack for the Valkyrie

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I use the sears lift and only problem is it will bleed down . I always use the safety bars to insure that if it leaks down the bike doesn't end up on the floor.I built a limiter to control the rate of lowering so the bike is easy to install axles and other things like tires and such. As for as the adapter I have a bungee cord that hooks to the pipes to hold the adapter under bike until jack is rolled under there. Then I unhook the cord so that it falls off when jack is lowered and rolled out.

[Bob E.]

I have the Craftsman lift and never needed an adapter until I installed the trailer hitch and hard saddlebags, which added alot of weight to the rear end.  So I built the wooden adapter and it works reasonably well.  I also found that, with an adapter, if you take off the hitch, bags and rear wheel, the bike can rock forward really easily.  Similarly, if you take off the front wheel while the hitch, bags and rear wheel is on, it can rock backwards.  I almost dropped the entire bike that way.  Luckily, I was able to catch it before it fell and was able to get a block under the tire to keep it from tipping.  So now, I always block up whatever end I'm not working on to keep it from tipping over.

That's what the straps that they include with the lift/jack are for. 

Yeah...I know.  But the entire jack and everything tipped.  The bike didn't try to fall off the jack.

[PAVALKER]

I had a Larin bike Jack and it had outriggers for added stability.  However, I rarely used them (PITA)... and the jack has since lost it umph and I got rid of it.

[Sodbuster]

Anyone looking for the HF ATV/MC Jack/Lift.....

It's on sale with a coupon for $64.99 (Reg 99.99) If you need the coupon, let me know and I will forward it via email.

Much appreciated if you would send that coupon my way ....

[BF]

"Yeah...I know.  But the entire jack and everything tipped.  The bike didn't try to fall off the jack."


Are you using the stabilizer screws on the jack?  Screw them down untill they touch the floor.  Everytime I use the Craftsman jack, I use those screws.  Those along with the straps, the bike is rock solid. 

Without the stabilizer screws, the bike, along with the jack WILL rock and potentionaly tip over. 

[PAVALKER]

Anyone looking for the HF ATV/MC Jack/Lift.....

It's on sale with a coupon for $64.99 (Reg 99.99) If you need the coupon, let me know and I will forward it via email.

Much appreciated if you would send that coupon my way ....

Done..... let me know if you get the forward I sent via "forward to a friend"... and I forwarded my email coupon to you as well.

[Bob E.]

"Yeah...I know.  But the entire jack and everything tipped.  The bike didn't try to fall off the jack."


Are you using the stabilizer screws on the jack?  Screw them down untill they touch the floor.  Everytime I use the Craftsman jack, I use those screws.  Those along with the straps, the bike is rock solid. 

Without the stabilizer screws, the bike, along with the jack WILL rock and potentionaly tip over. 

Yep.  In fact, I have them set so they drag on the floor when I move the jack around just so I don't forget.  And just to be clear, I always strap the bike to the lift.

[Bone]

Bought my Craftsman Jack in "05".  Made the wooden adapter and once I figured out the best place for the jack I'm pleased with it's performance. I use the straps any time I will be using any force on the tools. I found the weight transfer happening the first wheel I started removing and have strapped ever since. One day tinkering on the bike I thought I saw the bike move down. I put the lift down and got the owners manual.

There were a few warnings in the maintenance section.
Air purging instructions
Oil level
Oil changes ?
I read the entire manual when I purchased the jack and my fading memory allowed me to forget most of the facts.

The hydraulic oil should be changed at least once EVERY YEAR !
Never have I changed oil in a jack, I did this one and a small bottle jack after reading the booklet. I did the air purging after the change just to make me feel better.

It has worked great since the oil change but that was 2 years ago

[sheets]

I have a Pit Bull equivalent.  Its manufactured on the west side.  Exact same configuration.  Bike stays on there five months at a time.  Ten years later, no pro-blem-O.  I've been getting by with what I have, but I like the idea of moving the balance point further forward to avoid the tipping point. Which one of the E-Bay adapters bolts on with no muss no fuss.  I have a California model scoot with canister tucked in up under there.  Are there bolt holes in the side stand brace, or does one have to drill.  ?   Thanks,  sheets  99T

[frosty]

This is the new listing of the PitBull equivalent you mentioned. I use with my Larin and  Sears Craftsman jack. Also no muss or fuss with my setup.    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170415165536&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

[Sodbuster]

The more I study the different kinds of lifts the more I notice the difference in the construction.  Some just use flat stock and some use angle iron. Also, you look at how the two arms are made and the supports and bracing used you start to see where some of these lifts would be wobblier than others ....

Just my observation ....

[sheets]

Can't tell from looking at the pix how exactly if fits between scoot and lift arms.  I've got the CA model with a charcoal canister tucked in there bolted to the side stand brace.  Does the support device in question here work with the canister in place.  Does it secure to the bike using the pins and the holes cast into the pan?  Does it bolt to the lift itself, or does it just sit on top the lift arms?  Price is fair enough, just don't want to purchase and ship long distance if there is a conflict somewhere preventing a plug and play operation.
Experience?  Vendor website where I can pose the question?  

I could do the other device shown further up the thread, but don't know if the canister will conflict, or if there is drilling involved to bolt on.

your experiences, please. sheets  

[ArmyValker]

I have the lift adapter that bolts to and stays on the bike all the time.  Much easier than that red adapter that is heavy and needs to be bolted up to and then removed from the bike each time you want to lift the bike.  That thing was heavy and awkward.   As for the lift, I have a Yellow MC/ATV lift from Harbor Freight (actually have  2 of them) and they work well.  I use it to change tires, and had the Valk up on it for a few days when I pulled the fairing, forks and steer stem to replace the bearings and fork springs/seals.     

I've got exactly the same setup.  It is by far the least expensive and easiest to use combination.

Me too, exactly the same.

[Sodbuster]

Can't tell from looking at the pix how exactly if fits between scoot and lift arms.  I've got the CA model with a charcoal canister tucked in there bolted to the side stand brace.  Does the support device in question here work with the canister in place.  Does it secure to the bike using the pins and the holes cast into the pan?  Does it bolt to the lift itself, or does it just sit on top the lift arms?

Here's a couple pics of the adapter I just received off of Flea-Bay .... not real impressed with the workmanship but it is underneath.  I'll prolly clean it up some before I bolt it up. The cutouts in the top pic are cleared out for the existing bolts of sidestand.

Basically you loosen up the side-stand and insert the adapter between the frame and side-stand then tighten .... no drilling.

Hope this gives you a better understanding for your situation ....

Click HERE for E-Bay website

[sheets]

Thanks for the clarification.  I get it now.  I think I'll go with the smaller one that permanently mounts to the bike.  The other (Red) one looks quality & substantial, but sounds like more monkey motion involved than I'm willing to deal with.  I like the concept of a one time install.  Out of sight - out of mind.    Thanks!!  sheets

[frosty]

That one does look easy to mount. Shouldn't have to remove the Calif smog can with it. also is the one that has the long lasting finish, and the sturdier metal as advertised.

[FLATSIX]

Hello,

I have exactly the same adaptor mounted permanently under my bike - once mounted you don't see much anymore , so that is the good news.

The bad news :  when I put my jack under it and I try to lift the bike, then only the backwheel is lifted, not the bike.

Without the adaptor it is the opposite: the frontwheel only is lifted ..................

The seller has as a comment that normally the whole bike should go upright, but I have an European version, perhaps the weight dispersion is different and I have more weight at the back ?? DON'T KNOW......

[Sodbuster]

.... when I put my jack under it and I try to lift the bike, then only the backwheel is lifted, not the bike.

Without the adaptor it is the opposite: the frontwheel only is lifted ..................

The seller has as a comment that normally the whole bike should go upright, but I have an European version, perhaps the weight dispersion is different and I have more weight at the back ?? DON'T KNOW......

What kind of jack are you using ??

[MP]

If using a regular jack, that will happen.  Most of us use a jack with two lift points.  One goes under the engine, and the other lifts on the adapter.  Two points, then it sits very well on them.
 Sounds to me like you are using only one lift point?  That will not work.
MP

[dreamaker]

HarborFreight.

[FLATSIX]

NOPE !!!

I USE A LIFT WITH 2 ARMS (like the red one's that I have seen on photo's on this board)

The width between the 2 arms is 13,38 inches (= 34cm)

I thought that it would lift my bike with that permanent adapter, but it doesn't 

So, I will try to make the tray (or how do you call that in English?) a little bit wider so that I can put the jack a little to the front - this way it should work .

[sheets]

I have a Pit Bull equivalent.  Its manufactured on the west side.  Exact same configuration.  Bike stays on there five months at a time.  Ten years later, no pro-blem-O.  I've been getting by with what I have, but I like the idea of moving the balance point further forward to avoid the tipping point.

Pic is what I've been using for ten years.  sheets

[Sodbuster]

I have a Pit Bull equivalent.  Its manufactured on the west side.  Exact same configuration.  Bike stays on there five months at a time.  Ten years later, no pro-blem-O.  I've been getting by with what I have, but I like the idea of moving the balance point further forward to avoid the tipping point.

Do you know if they still make them and have a website ??

I contacted Pitbull and they told me they will be selling the lifts (show price) for $399 at the IMS show's.
After all the problems I'm seeing in this post with tipping, bottles leaking, wobbling, straps, etc. it's starting to look like you get what you pay for. And you have to ask the question "Do I want to put my $5k - $20k motorcycle up in the air on a $100 lift ??"

The Pitbull or J&S jacks are looking more attractive .......

[sheets]

Mine came from a place in Glendale, Arizona.  Vendor name: A-Product Design (on North 51st. Ave.) 
Phone number back in the day was: 1-800-727-4848 -or- 623 - 847 - 5799
Maybe our Arizona folks can tell you if they are still there. This was ten years ago.

I looked at Pit Bull, but freight from AZ to CA was much less $.  Doesn't look like the price has changed much.  I paid for an extra "Valk" adapter.  The adapter is the smaller dimensional steel piece directly on top the lift arms.  Its made to match the foot print of the bottom of the engine case for lifting point.  Resting as far forward as it can go, it sits there perty good, but still ass-end heavy.  I always use the straps to secure it.  With a different adapter I can move it forward a few more inches to more evenly distribute the weight.       

[Farther]

Does anybody have any experience with the aluminum Sears model.  I was looking at one in the Sears store three towns over.  If I had been un-encumbered by spousal advise we would have left with the aluminum motorcycle jack and $200 in my pocket instead of a $400 vacuum cleaner.   http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950191000P?keyword=atv+motorcycle+jack

[sheets]

If it had a dead weight rating of a minimum of 1500 pounds, I'd take a hard look at it.   I'm not a metallurgist, but strength is strength. I'd hate to hear a lot of crash-boom-bang in the garage in the middle of the night only to find the scoot on its side . . . against your expensive car.  Yrmv, 

[Sodge]

I got that yellow jack from Sears. I'm happy with it but I really don't have anything to compare it to. My reasoning was rust. If I'm washing the bike over the years the others would rust.

[daytona]

Does anybody have any experience with the aluminum Sears model.  I was looking at one in the Sears store three towns over.  If I had been un-encumbered by spousal advise we would have left with the aluminum motorcycle jack and $200 in my pocket instead of a $400 vacuum cleaner.   http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950191000P?keyword=atv+motorcycle+jack

Did you read all the review's?

Not worth the money for a big bike October 19, 2009
This jack works great with my 300 lb Suzuki DR650 but when I tried to
lift my 800 lb Goldwing this jack was very unstable and leaked
oil on the garage floor. My inexpensive ************** jack was very
stable with the Goldwing - I sold it to buy this POS.   LOL



This is an awesome product!
Pros:light and smooth
Cons:needs 360 front wheels


I am so glad that I read the other reviews and bought the more expensive jack.  I lifted an 800 pound mootorcycle like it was not there.


Great lightweight lift!
Pros:Very lightweight


This lift is great for performing maintanance on my riding lawn tractor, especially to remove the blades for sharpening and under deck cleaning!

[daytona]

Just curious, is there A neg on the OTC? the hyd jack is made for the purpose, no leaks inside or out!  It's Made over there, but to OTC specs, with a 2X4 across my cobra pipes no adapter was needed, (with my Int anyway) X-wide so its sturdy with rear, front, or both wheels off. It will lift a little P/U's front end off the floor with ease! So brake pad change is a breeze.

[Sodbuster]

One thing that would be helpful in this post is if there were some dimensions on the CL to CL of the arms for the various lifts that are mentioned ....

[sheets]

On mine, the square tubing arms that actually do the lifting are 14 1/2" center to center (bottle jack in between).  The level  support arms the bike sits on are comprised of angle iron (1" maybe 1 1/8") bolted on each side of the square tubing.  The overall outside width of the support arms is 19 1/4" (side to side).  Didn't do any front to back measurements.       

[cowboy]

      I looked hard for a jack and being in Canada I didn't have lots of options what with freight etc.  Got a JS jack and built an adapter (Spoonsland) and bolted on the bike.  Have one on my Int. and my Stand. no worrys at all.  With the jack I don't use straps have had wheels off both ends, pipes off, whatever and it doesn't move and I'm talking about my Int.  Would recomend you take a look.  They are in wisconsin.  www.jsjacks.com
It's minus 18 C thats 0 American up here the bike on the jack now!!
Best of the season to all
COWBOY

[Sodbuster]

      I looked hard for a jack and being in Canada I didn't have lots of options what with freight etc.  Got a JS jack and built an adapter (Spoonsland) and bolted on the bike.  Have one on my Int. and my Stand. no worrys at all.  With the jack I don't use straps have had wheels off both ends, pipes off, whatever and it doesn't move and I'm talking about my Int.  Would recomend you take a look.  They are in wisconsin.  www.jsjacks.com
It's minus 18 C thats 0 American up here the bike on the jack now!!
Best of the season to all
COWBOY

How far apart are the arms CL to CL on that lift (J&S) ??

[acat]

Forget the jacks! I use an engine hoist (cherry picker). I can lift the valk high enough to walk under it! No bending. Goes right in my pickup too! ( Forget trailers! ) $180 at autozone. Useful for lot's of other stuff. Lift with a 2" snatch strap under steering stem and around frame rails behind tank. Easy!

[frosty]

Bet it does some swinging trying to take a wheel off.   

[daytona]

Look!! it will lift 1.5 tons! and they sell tools!

The OTC 1545 Stinger Motorcycle Lift is one of the most compact designs you'll find anywhere. It's small size may be deceiving, but don't let that fool you. This heavy-duty lift is capable of lifting your bike or ATV up to 1 1/2 tons -- that's 1,500 pounds!

The OTC 1545 Stinger Motorcycle Lift comes with 17-inch long skids allowing large and wide cruisers to sit comfortably and securely atop the platform. Assembly is fast and easy, so no more hours spent on trying to figure out how to piece things together.

With its lowest height coming in at just 3 1/2 inches, many bikers and mechanics will appreciate the ease at which a bike can be put in place. In fact, it's so low you can get under either side of your bike and raise it into place without having to balance it as it is removed from the ground. All this convenience translates into more productive hours when you need to work on tires, change the oil, doing whatever needs to be done.

Specifications:

■Weight capacity: 1,500 lbs
■Lowered height: 3 1/2" (The lowest clearance you'll find available on the market!)
■Hydraulic operated
■Wide lift range: 3 1/2" to 16 3/4"
■360 degree access to load provided by removable handle
■Foot pedal release
■Locking rear casters
■Automatic safety lock
■2-year warranty
■Can also be used with ATVs and jet skis
■2 ratcheting tie-down straps to keep equipment securely in place

[cowboy]

       Sodbuster The lift arms are 15" on center and are 2" wide  the wheel base is 36".  The one set of wheels that don't swivel are 16" on center and the swivel castors are 20" on center.  I think the important thing with jacks is the amount of "meat" in the lift arms and the frame this JS Jack is pretty beefy.  In my last post I forget to mention that on my adapter for my Int. the 2 runners that you lift on are 2" longer on the back.  This is obviously to set your jack farther back to compensate for the heavy "butt" , with trunk and hard bags.
Cowboy

[Farther]

Look!! it will lift 1.5 tons! and they sell tools!....This heavy-duty lift is capable of lifting your bike or ATV up to 1 1/2 tons -- that's 1,500 pounds!

 Man, I can't help it.  One ton = 2000 pounds;  1 1/2 tons = 3000 pounds.  Any jack with a 1500 pound rating will lift 3/4 ton.

[Sodbuster]

On mine, the square tubing arms that actually do the lifting are 14 1/2" center to center (bottle jack in between).  The level  support arms the bike sits on are comprised of angle iron (1" maybe 1 1/8") bolted on each side of the square tubing.  The overall outside width of the support arms is 19 1/4" (side to side).  Didn't do any front to back measurements.       

Are you sure about those numbers ?? .... they don't quite add up.

[Sodbuster]

       Sodbuster The lift arms are 15" on center and are 2" wide  the wheel base is 36".  The one set of wheels that don't swivel are 16" on center and the swivel castors are 20" on center.  I think the important thing with jacks is the amount of "meat" in the lift arms and the frame this JS Jack is pretty beefy.  In my last post I forget to mention that on my adapter for my Int. the 2 runners that you lift on are 2" longer on the back.  This is obviously to set your jack farther back to compensate for the heavy "butt" , with trunk and hard bags.
Cowboy

You don't happen to have a pic of that adaptor you're using??  Trying to compare to the one I bought.
BTW, thanks for the numbers !!