Harbor Freight M/C Lift

[indybobm]

I just bought a Harbor Freight M/C lift. It is the yellow one that normally sells for about $120, I got it on sale for $59.99. I also have the ebay lift adapter that stays on the bike the black one that fits between the kickstand mount and crossmember. By the way, I got the coupon out of the February 2012 issue of Rider magazine.

Has anyone had problems with this particuliar M/C lift?  Chinese products worry me because of the material and quality of the welds. Has anyone changed out the bolts for grade 8? The lift is rated at 1500 lbs. I'm tempted to use it to lift up the back of my Ranger PU just to make sure it is strong enough. Am I worrying too much about this?

[JC]

I've got the same lift. Works okay going up, but it only comes back down at one speed, FAST. I've got to make sure I'm holding the handlebars to keep it balanced as it comes down. As long as you're ready for it you should be okay, but there are better choices.

[indybobm]

That's interesting, the 'manual' says it has two speeds. Push the pedal halfway down and it lowers the lift fast. Push the pedal all the down and it lowers it slowly. I know there are better lifts, I really wanted the aluminum one but it is $180.00. At $59.99 it was hard to pass up, as long as it does not dump my bike.

[salty1]

Ditto what JC has to say.  I have two of them and have not had any problems to speak of. Do not trust leaving the bike jacked up for an extended period of time as the cylinder may slowly bleed off. I have come back after 12 to 15 hours and bike has lost some elevation, not serious. As you know the jack has a locking mechanism. Enjoy. 

[old2soon]

My bike is on the identical lift you describe.  This is the second time i'm servicing my Valkyrie with this lift.  Raise it up where you need it and release pressure so the mechanical locks are supporting the weight and not the bottle jack.  A couple of 1 inch ratchet straps from the bike to the jack are also a good idea.  When you're ready to let it down try to put the realease pedal thru the floor and it SHOULD let down nice and easy.  BEFORE you let the bike down off the lift MAKE SURE your side stand is DOWN.  If i can be of any assistance P M me and i'll get back to you as quick as i can.  Hope this helps you.  RIDE SAFE.

[John U.]

I have been using the same lift for about 4 years. It works well for me. I have found that pressing the release pedal all the way will slow the bike's descent. It seems backwards and is a bit of a leap of faith after a few high speed descents but it will work, if you can remember to push the pedal hard.

[CASABROKER]

I HAVE ONE AND i JUST GET ON THE BIKE AND USE MY FOOT TO RELEASE , NO PROBLEM BUT I'M 6 2 .  BIKE WAS UP ON THE JACK FOR 5 DAYS NEVER MOVED.  I WAS AT HF AND LOOKING AT THE JACK AND A GUY SAID HE HAD ON LIKE NEW SOLD IT TO ME FOR 40 BUCKS LIKE THOSE KINDA DEALS...

[nerider2]

Had one for years, no problems.  I always use the lock when it's got the bike in the air.  I did not know all the way down would go slow. 

[olddog1946]

My neighbor and I went together and bought one of those. Use it on both Valks, I think the release is backwards as well...but it does work well and we've had no problems at all with it.  I have another Brand rated at 1500 lbs and it won't lift the  Valk high enough to get the front wheel off the ground.

[Fritz The Cat]

That's interesting, the 'manual' says it has two speeds. Push the pedal halfway down and it lowers the lift fast. Push the pedal all the down and it lowers it slowly. I know there are better lifts, I really wanted the aluminum one but it is $180.00. At $59.99 it was hard to pass up, as long as it does not dump my bike.

That's nice to know. I cuss mine every time I use it because it lowers way too $%#&@ slow.

[sugerbear]

i believe i'd try the pickup tail first and see if the lift WILL let down slowly.  be good practice.

[JC]

I always use the lock when it's got the bike in the air.  I did not know all the way down would go slow. 

Ditto! Love this board, I'm always learning something. Maybe next time I should just read the instructions 

[Jruby38]

I have the same jack, works great.  Lifts high enough to replace front and rear tires. It will go down slow if you depress the foot release down hard.  Mine will bleed down slow over several days, use the LOCK and keep kickstand down for safety.

[MarkT]

I bought this jack years ago.  Used it for awhile, then gave it away after I bought the Sears Craftsman jack for about $75 on sale - WAY heavier built, more solid, more options including tiedown straps and screw-down anchors to prevent jack rolling, much better jack for not much more money.  If you're on the fence - Sears put the jack on sale regularly, I think you can find it on their online sale ads. You'll probably be happy with the H-F jack until you look closely at or use the Craftsman - then you'll give away or sell the H-F.

[F6BANGER]

I looked on their site and found this red one and a blue one.

[cajundood]

yeah....i bought the yellow one as well. wasn't sure if it would be heavy enough to lift bike. turns out it lifts great. it actually lifted it enough for me to change tire on the rear. i built the low tech adapter out of wood as well and it works great as well.