Disco
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Posts: 4895
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« on: March 31, 2008, 11:29:38 AM » |
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I've read the tech board, but am looking for local personal experience. TIA.
I'm a fan of Craftsman's warranty (plus, the "Professional" lift is yellow!). As with everything else these days, I'm sure it and it's alternatives are made in china. Is this a price-point decision?
As for lift adapters:
Large wooden? Cheap to build and more forgiving with the wood/metal interface.
Large metal? Heavy duty and will last almost as long as a Valkyrie, but metal on metal. Of course, can add rubber.
Mounted metal? Always with the bike, but puts the lift directly on the engine.
How about a combo mounted adapter + wood for home use?
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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SideCar
Member
Posts: 1493
Bikers don't need shrinks!
Colleyville, TX
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« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2008, 12:12:15 PM » |
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I use a craftsman with a wooden adapter and have not had a problem with it. If I were going to use it more frequently than for service, like for frequent cleaning, I might consider a metal one.
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2008, 12:38:19 PM » |
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I use the craftsman lift and the plywood and 2X4 adapter with no problems at all. I did make an adjustable block to limit the rate of desent to a very slow rate which really aids in trying to stab an axle back in place by yourself. I do like the foot release as it allows both hands on the bike going up or down.
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godfire
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Posts: 1321
Republic of Texas
Living the dream in Sharonville, OH - with Sharon!
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« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2008, 12:54:50 PM » |
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Craftsman with wooden adapter, works great, and was easy to make.
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Ride Safe
Ride Often
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cutter
Member
Posts: 575
First Company in... Last Company out! VRCCDS0234
Plantersville, Texas
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« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2008, 07:05:11 AM » |
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I just use a 2x6 with the lift and it works fine. Too lazy to build the wood/metal adapter. Cuts into my riding time!  |
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On your tombstone there is a dash between the day you were born and the day you die. Make that dash count.  |
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2008, 09:00:36 AM » |
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I hate like 7734 to admit it, but twice I have lifted my bike with a block and tackle.
Had the windshield off and wanted the front end in the air.
Wrapped 2 straps around the handlebar, one on each side. Got the rings together up above from the straps and put the hook from the block and tackle in them and pressed the button.
Presto, the front end was about 2 foot off the ground......
Lifted the rear once the same way using the trailer hitch from Hitch Doc and the front wheel setting in a LA Chock so as to keep the front wheel in check.... Had a flat tire, due to running over a piece of re rod in the alley. This was all done at the Kid's shop cause my lift was at home in my garage........
The LA chock keeps his Chopper out of the way at the shop.
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« Last Edit: April 01, 2008, 09:02:10 AM by R J »
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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Shaman
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« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2008, 09:05:55 AM » |
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The Dunwell is a great lift, built like a tank, and made in USA, but unfortunately is no longer made. I also have the Craftsman, and it has served well, but is not quite as stable--excellent lift for the money, though. (BTW, if you have two lifts, you can use the second to support the rear wheel during removal and replacement, making that an easy one-man job.) The Spoonland adapter is solid, very stable, and easy to use--not sure about the ones currently for sale on E-bay. Whichever adapter you go with, be careful to ensure that it does not press against the kickstand spring bolt while the bike is being placed on, or is on, the lift. This has been a source of its premature failure.
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That's all the motorcycle is, a system of concepts worked out in steel. ~Robert M. Pirsig  |
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4895
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2008, 02:30:51 PM » |
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I appreciate your time and perspectives.
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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BeeSharp
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« Reply #8 on: April 01, 2008, 03:31:24 PM » |
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I've used this lift from Harbor Freight many times with the old Goldwing and several times with the Valkyrie. I think I have a 15% off coupon too that I wasn't planning on using. I think good till April 5th if you want it. I haven't made an adapter yet, on my list of things to do. Jim http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2792 |
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98 Valkyrie - The Black Pearl, a fine ship-n-crew, arrr matey!
77 GL1000 The Mach5
83 GL1100 Top Gun Project
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4895
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2008, 08:50:42 AM » |
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Thanks for all the input, guys. I bought a Craftsman lift and am going to build a wooden adapter.
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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godfire
Member
Posts: 1321
Republic of Texas
Living the dream in Sharonville, OH - with Sharon!
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« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2008, 10:29:25 AM » |
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Good choice  |
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Ride Safe
Ride Often
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Wanderer
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« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2008, 10:49:38 AM » |
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Wood is good!  |
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More Valk Pics...had a couple of Valks once upon a time 2004 DRZ400S 2005 GS1200 1978 CB550K 1977 CB550F
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Wanderer
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« Reply #13 on: April 03, 2008, 09:08:40 PM » |
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That 2x2 is poplar. Does that count?
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More Valk Pics...had a couple of Valks once upon a time 2004 DRZ400S 2005 GS1200 1978 CB550K 1977 CB550F
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4895
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #14 on: April 04, 2008, 02:11:07 AM » |
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Wanderer, your lift adapter is different than the picture/plan I've downloaded. What are the notches and clip/pin on the right side?
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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Wanderer
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« Reply #15 on: April 06, 2008, 09:11:29 PM » |
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The larger notch opposite the duplex nail is to avoid hitting the kick-stand spring pivot bolt with the adapter. The other radius turn next to the duplex nail is to accommodate some special after market oil drain plug which hangs down a little lower than the stock drain plug on someone's (his initials are Terry Smithey) Valk.
The nail is to hold the adapter on the bike while you are positioning the jack. You are welcome to a pattern off mine if you want, but it ain't brain surgery. ~Jeff
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More Valk Pics...had a couple of Valks once upon a time 2004 DRZ400S 2005 GS1200 1978 CB550K 1977 CB550F
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