Harbor Freight lift...are you happy with it?

[Dave Weaver]

I have been reading reviews on motorcycle lifts and am thinking about purchasing the Harbor Freight model.  Anyone here buy one and wish they hadn't?  I have eliminated the Sears model due to too many negative reviews and I will only use it 1-2 times a year, so don't want to sock a lot into one.  I need to do a rear wheel bearing replacement this weekend and will be purchasing my first lift.

[ricoman]

I have had a Sears red lift since 2005-never a problem, no leak down-just works very well. made the low tech lift adapter and use it often-maint. and cleaning.
The new (98) Tourer I got came with a Harbor freight lift. haven't used it on the valk but loaned it to a neighbor- it does not feel as good during the lifting or lowering process. Will try it on my valk but for now, I'll stick with old red.

[Sharkey]

Dave,
Mine would bleed down fast. You had to use the lock to keep the bike up. It was about 6 months old when it started doing it.
I changed the the oil in the jack, now it operates fine. A friend is also happy with his. It is not a high end jack, but for $70 it is not bad.
Would I buy it again? Yes
This is the one I have
http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/lifts-stands/1500-lb-capacity-atv-motorcycle-lift-2792.html
I gave $69.99 for it

[Tonysax]

 I got the Harbor Freight lift a few months ago to replace the rear tire. It works great....I have only used it  a few times. But it is awesome to use for cleaning the rims. The only thing I had to do was make a wooden jack adapter.

[XXTi]

I'm happy with mine so far.  I've only had it a few months and it just works.  I always use the safety bars when the bike is up in the air though.  I caught it on sale for $59.00 at the local Harbor Freight.

[Varmintmist]

I have the same one, and am fine with it. It does peter out just before the max lift, but I can get the rear off on the 2nd from the top with a lot of room to spare(and more to lift the wheel up to), so I never messed with it.

I did build a adapter out of channel iron for the Valk and I strap it through those little loops on the jack every time, one ratchet strap on each side. I have moved it all around the garage and not ever had a problem.



Helpful tip time:
Put a 2x4 or 2 pieces of 5/4 board (deck board) under the kickstand to help level her out before you put the jack and adapter under it. Start the jack, and ease the bike over to straight and level. Then pump until its as high as you want, set the lock, and strap it in.

[wlgrice]

I have the table model and have had to replace it 3 times, (buy the extended warranty) the lift stops working, the one I have now needs more oil I guess its not jacking up as high as it should, Made in china, the quality isnt their.

[#2944]

I have a table top model, non-air, all hyd.  Works great for me.
Gary

[Jess Tolbirt]

the one i bought has the down lever working bas ackwards for me,,
i plan on changing out the jack so i can regulate the speed better,,,
when you step on the foot release it will drop fast and you have to push all the way down for slow,,but yea its worth the money,,,

[Brovietnam]

I have had one for 9 years and it works fine.  I use a piece of wood and tie down straps to hold everything in the right position.

[PAVALKER]

I've got 2 of em.... (spare parts in case they are needed).  Paid like 59.00 for each.  Works well but did descend a bit faster than I like.  I did add a stopper of sorts on the release pedal which let's it lower at a slower rate now.  Here is a coupon for your purchase.... 20 percent off and a free flashlight.....   Save the link it works whenever you need a current coupon....

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl1.html 

[OverdueBill]

I've had mine for about 3 years.  Works fine but needs the mod to slow down decent.  Used it for over a year before I added the slow down stopper.  Just came down quick, so be prepared with a hand on the bars.  The Valk spent all last winter up on it.  Did a real slow tire change, rear end maint job.

[Jack]

YES 

[Joe Hummer]

Here is a 20% Harbor Freight Coupon that expires on 12/31/10. 



Joe

[czuch]

Same here. Needed one saw it, took it home, works fine.
TIE THE BIKE TO IT!!!!!!!
Have a strong friend help you lower it till you figure it out. Go slow.
Dont ask how I developed this pattern.
I'd recommend it.
Especially with the coupon.

[bigguy]

I've got the same one Sharky has. Only complaint is that the rubber pad came off one side. I'm sure a little glue would fix the problem. For now it's just loose and I have to set it in place every time I use it.

[Michael K (Az.)]

I've had no problems with mine. Of course, every time I get the urge to work on the bike, I take it to Big BF's till the feeling passes!

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I have the sears jack and it has bled down on me a couple of times, so I always use the safe locks to keep this from happening. I built an adjustable stop to slow the lowering down to a crawl. The slow descend  makes replacing an axle a snap. I like the foot release as it allows both hands on the bike as it is coming down.

[bigdog99]

dave,
you talking a jack or a lift? if you are talking a lift i would be interested in knowing which one you go with. i am looking also.

[donaldcc]

    OTC Stinger. Good deal.  Sort of jerky when lowering. Have permanent adapter bolted under kick stand bracket. Works fine.  Make sure you have handlebar turned to left instead of right when you lower so it will come to rest on kickstand instead of trying to knock you over on your a$$.  Don't ask how I know. 

[highcountry]

I picked up an unused Larin off of C-L for $75 which works great for me.  It came with an adapter that will allow it to work with most bikes and it is very stable.  I did replace the load bearing bolts with grade 8 bolts.