Air/Hydraulic Lift Recommendations

[Murrgh]

Hey all, finally got the go-ahead to purchase a lift after my wife got concerned of my Valkyrie falling on me while installing my baffles.

Does anyone have some recommendations? I was looking at this one:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200715978_200715978

Looking around ~$1500. Thanks!

[Rams]

Hey all, finally got the go-ahead to purchase a lift after my wife got concerned of my Valkyrie falling on me while installing my baffles.

Does anyone have some recommendations? I was looking at this one:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200715978_200715978

Looking around ~$1500. Thanks!

Had one just like that but the Harbor Freight version.   When it worked and that was most of the time, it worked great.   Every now and then I would have to bleed air out if the system.   Never figured out why.   Even bought a new pump for it and that didn't fix the problem.   I assume some O Ring was bad but didn't have enough issues to bother with.  Sold it to a guy that said he could fix it.   Didn't matter to me, he was willing to pay me what I paid for it and I was tired of it taking up needed space in my shop.  As I said, mine was a HF version so, that may be an indicator.

Rams

[Murrgh]

Thanks Rams. Figured many on this board would have experience with them. Just want to make sure I am making a good investment.

[sandy]

Look at MC service shops. My local shop sells their every 3 years and gets new for tax reasons. He offered me one for $700 and it was a Handy brand. Sadly my 2 car garage doesn't have the room. You might look at a lift with an adapter. Harbor Freight's $179 aluminum lift is very good. MarkT's adapter looks like a good one too. When I use mine, I remove the seat and side covers and use a tie down strap over the frame to secure it.

[old2soon]

          H/F M/C yellow jack. Built the wood adapter from plans on this board. I believe that jack is now sold in grey. And id do NOT take up a lot of room. RIDE SAFE.

[baldo]

If space is an issue, consider a Kendon scissor lift rail lift. It doesn't have the big table and it folds up against the wall when not in use.

https://www.kendonusa.com/stand-up-motorcycle-lifts/

I've had mine for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with it. Sometimes I wish I had more room to lay tools and parts on, but the optional shelves kind of make up for it.

[Rams]

If space is an issue, consider a Kendon scissor lift rail lift. It doesn't have the big table and it folds up against the wall when not in use.

https://www.kendonusa.com/stand-up-motorcycle-lifts/

I've had mine for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with it. Sometimes I wish I had more room to lay tools and parts on, but the optional shelves kind of make up for it.

Never seen one of those before.  May consider one in my next shop.   
Now that I've figured out how to safely use my two post auto lift to raise my Valkyrie up off the floor, I'm tickled pink and happy.  But there is no assurance my two post lift will follow me to the next shop.
Thanks for bringing that version to my attention.   

Rams 

[msb]

If space is an issue, consider a Kendon scissor lift rail lift. It doesn't have the big table and it folds up against the wall when not in use.

https://www.kendonusa.com/stand-up-motorcycle-lifts/

I've had mine for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with it. Sometimes I wish I had more room to lay tools and parts on, but the optional shelves kind of make up for it.

I've been on the verge of pulling the trigger on one like this for the past year, but I just always wonder about the narrow footprint and how stable it will be. You mention that you've been pleased with it, so I assume you've had no reason to  be concerned in that regard?

[baldo]

If space is an issue, consider a Kendon scissor lift rail lift. It doesn't have the big table and it folds up against the wall when not in use.

https://www.kendonusa.com/stand-up-motorcycle-lifts/

I've had mine for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with it. Sometimes I wish I had more room to lay tools and parts on, but the optional shelves kind of make up for it.

I've been on the verge of pulling the trigger on one like this for the past year, but I just always wonder about the narrow footprint and how stable it will be. You mention that you've been pleased with it, so I assume you've had no reason to  be concerned in that regard?

Stability is not an issue at all. I had my bike in the air for about 5 months a couple of years ago, no problem.

The front wheel chock is kind of tough to navigate, even with help. I took the clamp off then reinstalled after it's all cinched down with straps. It's rock solid when done.

The new style now is 11" wide, I don't know what mine is. Just a bit wider than the tire.

If you've been thinking about one for space limitations, I think you'll be happy. It's nice to have it stowed up against the wall. It also makes a great helmet or coat rack when stowed.

[shortleg]

   I know it sounds like a lot of work, but helped a friend cut the slab in 2 car garage
and put lift down level with floor.
   This way we can just ride up on lift and the raise the lift. Also
allows you to drive over the lift when not in use.
    Made the chock removable  to help in process.

[baldo]

   I know it sounds like a lot of work, but helped a friend cut the slab in 2 car garage
and put lift down level with floor.
   This way we can just ride up on lift and the raise the lift. Also
allows you to drive over the lift when not in use.
    Made the chock removable  to help in process.

Now THAT would be sweeeeet....

[baldo]

If space is an issue, consider a Kendon scissor lift rail lift. It doesn't have the big table and it folds up against the wall when not in use.

https://www.kendonusa.com/stand-up-motorcycle-lifts/

I've had mine for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with it. Sometimes I wish I had more room to lay tools and parts on, but the optional shelves kind of make up for it.

Never seen one of those before.  May consider one in my next shop.   
Now that I've figured out how to safely use my two post auto lift to raise my Valkyrie up off the floor, I'm tickled pink and happy.  But there is no assurance my two post lift will follow me to the next shop.
Thanks for bringing that version to my attention.   

Rams 

No problem....

Now lifting a bike with a two poster.........that's a Youtube moment in waiting.....

[JimC]

RAMS

I know you are still recuperating, but when you start to get around easily, could you take a video of the two post lifting the motorcycle.

Take good pics of the arms and where and how they attach to the bike please, I would like to try it with mine. I do not have room for a separate MC lift without issues.

Jim

[msb]

If space is an issue, consider a Kendon scissor lift rail lift. It doesn't have the big table and it folds up against the wall when not in use.

https://www.kendonusa.com/stand-up-motorcycle-lifts/

I've had mine for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with it. Sometimes I wish I had more room to lay tools and parts on, but the optional shelves kind of make up for it.

I've been on the verge of pulling the trigger on one like this for the past year, but I just always wonder about the narrow footprint and how stable it will be. You mention that you've been pleased with it, so I assume you've had no reason to  be concerned in that regard?

Stability is not an issue at all. I had my bike in the air for about 5 months a couple of years ago, no problem.

The front wheel chock is kind of tough to navigate, even with help. I took the clamp off then reinstalled after it's all cinched down with straps. It's rock solid when done.

The new style now is 11" wide, I don't know what mine is. Just a bit wider than the tire.

If you've been thinking about one for space limitations, I think you'll be happy. It's nice to have it stowed up against the wall. It also makes a great helmet or coat rack when stowed.

Thx!  11" seems OK for the bike ramp itself, I was more worried about the footprint of the base/wheels...if it would withstand some heavy torquing or an inadvertent bump or two. I have enough space for a more traditional sized lift, I would just prefer to have the option of folding it up and out of the way, as it would be nice to keep that part of the floor clear for other use. From what you say, sounds like my concerns may be unfounded...I have a couple similar options up here available to me so I'll probably give it a whirl. You can always fly up and help me with any repairs should a mishap take place, since I'd be going ahead based on your expert recommendation....right???

[baldo]

If space is an issue, consider a Kendon scissor lift rail lift. It doesn't have the big table and it folds up against the wall when not in use.

https://www.kendonusa.com/stand-up-motorcycle-lifts/

I've had mine for a few years now, and I'm very pleased with it. Sometimes I wish I had more room to lay tools and parts on, but the optional shelves kind of make up for it.

I've been on the verge of pulling the trigger on one like this for the past year, but I just always wonder about the narrow footprint and how stable it will be. You mention that you've been pleased with it, so I assume you've had no reason to  be concerned in that regard?

Stability is not an issue at all. I had my bike in the air for about 5 months a couple of years ago, no problem.

The front wheel chock is kind of tough to navigate, even with help. I took the clamp off then reinstalled after it's all cinched down with straps. It's rock solid when done.

The new style now is 11" wide, I don't know what mine is. Just a bit wider than the tire.

If you've been thinking about one for space limitations, I think you'll be happy. It's nice to have it stowed up against the wall. It also makes a great helmet or coat rack when stowed.

Thx!  11" seems OK for the bike ramp itself, I was more worried about the footprint of the base/wheels...if it would withstand some heavy torquing or an inadvertent bump or two. I have enough space for a more traditional sized lift, I would just prefer to have the option of folding it up and out of the way, as it would be nice to keep that part of the floor clear for other use. From what you say, sounds like my concerns may be unfounded...I have a couple similar options up here available to me so I'll probably give it a whirl. You can always fly up and help me with any repairs should a mishap take place, since I'd be going ahead based on your expert recommendation....right???

I was concerned at first about the base, but found that concern was misplaced. It's rock solid when in lift. Just be sure to anchor the bike to it, just like any other.

[Wizzard]

I have one I bought at Menards for 140 bucks 10 years ago. use it all the time and in winter I jack up the bike and roll into a corner for storage. Exactly like this one   https://www.sears.com/craftsman-motorcycle-atv-jack/p-00950190000P?ef_id=Cj0KCQiAvqDiBRDAARIsADWh5TfcXo9yNQNI8t1BAdEMCzZcM3Kass2CJhRzoAjPYig4SHNcxu3Q0ukaAqbIEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8592!3!317853285778!!!g!525640641980!&sid=IDx01192011x000001x1651384318&utm_campaign=9016198&utm_group=62569197599-317853285778&utm_term=pla-525640641980&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvqDiBRDAARIsADWh5TfcXo9yNQNI8t1BAdEMCzZcM3Kass2CJhRzoAjPYig4SHNcxu3Q0ukaAqbIEALw_wcB

[sandy]

I have one I bought at Menards for 140 bucks 10 years ago. use it all the time and in winter I jack up the bike and roll into a corner for storage. Exactly like this one   https://www.sears.com/craftsman-motorcycle-atv-jack/p-00950190000P?ef_id=Cj0KCQiAvqDiBRDAARIsADWh5TfcXo9yNQNI8t1BAdEMCzZcM3Kass2CJhRzoAjPYig4SHNcxu3Q0ukaAqbIEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8592!3!317853285778!!!g!525640641980!&sid=IDx01192011x000001x1651384318&utm_campaign=9016198&utm_group=62569197599-317853285778&utm_term=pla-525640641980&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvqDiBRDAARIsADWh5TfcXo9yNQNI8t1BAdEMCzZcM3Kass2CJhRzoAjPYig4SHNcxu3Q0ukaAqbIEALw_wcB

I had the Crafstman that Wizzard has and it was good, BUT I have used the aluminum one and it's much stiffer and stronger. Loved it.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-1500-lb-motorcycle-atv-jack/p-00950191000P?rrec=true

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I had the Crafstman that Wizzard has and it was good, BUT I have used the aluminum one and it's much stiffer and stronger. Loved it.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-1500-lb-motorcycle-atv-jack/p-00950191000P?rrec=true

I have the yellow/aluminum Craftsman one, and I've had it for over 10 years. No complaints, no leaks, no problems. I'd love a bike lift, or an automotive one for that matter, but space is a problem until I build a new shop (hoping to before I perish, anyway).

[Murrgh]

Ended up pulling the trigger on this one with the side extensions:

https://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-lift-tables/p/BW-PROLIFT-HD/

[The emperor has no clothes]

Ended up pulling the trigger on this one with the side extensions:

https://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-lift-tables/p/BW-PROLIFT-HD/

Looks very high quality 

[msb]

Ended up pulling the trigger on this one with the side extensions:

https://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-lift-tables/p/BW-PROLIFT-HD/

I like that one...24" is a nice width for the platform and it appears that when not in use it would still be easy enough to move to the side and not take up too much space. mmm...another option now, Thx for posting that

[Murrgh]

Ended up pulling the trigger on this one with the side extensions:

https://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-lift-tables/p/BW-PROLIFT-HD/

I like that one...24" is a nice width for the platform and it appears that when not in use it would still be easy enough to move to the side and not take up too much space. mmm...another option now, Thx for posting that

Thanks! I'll post pictures once it gets delivered.

[Rams]

RAMS

I know you are still recuperating, but when you start to get around easily, could you take a video of the two post lifting the motorcycle.

Take good pics of the arms and where and how they attach to the bike please, I would like to try it with mine. I do not have room for a separate MC lift without issues.

Jim

Jim,
If I remember correctly, it was Robert that clued in me as to how to do this safely.   Using two of the lift arms under the crash bars and one on the other lift arms under the transmission or in my case the belly tank, you have a very stable lift platform.   The bike is kind of angled in there versus straight (hope that makes sense).   Good access to the majority of the places a person wishes to access.  

May be a while before I can provide pics.  Have another surgery scheduled in Feb and then there's that rehab time.   Come on down and we do it together.  

Rams  

[Murrgh]

Being delivered Monday via a full size tractor trailer... not really sure how I will get it into my garage since they can't fit down my street.  

Edit: Called them and they will send it on a smaller truck!