Looking for recommendations on a Lift / Jack for the Valkyrie

[valk2128]

Looking for recommendations on a Lift / Jack for the Valkyrie. 
I want something stable, that I can work on the Valkyrie and not have to worry about the bike falling off when strapped down. First uses will be to replace the Stem bearings, and checking the U-joint.

Safety and Price are both considerations.

Thanks

[F-106]

I have the Sears Craftsman jack for up the off the ground work. Also have a Condor stand for everything eles. Works great, I put the valk in the Condor first and then I can put the jack under the bike without having to balance the valk as I place the jack under it. Also safer with one person.  

[Bone]

I use the Sears Craftsman jack on my 98 Tourer. Made one of the wooden jack adapters and the bike straps down tight.

[Sodbuster]

Here is what I've been looking at. Yeah, they're not cheap. Made in the U.S.A. and you don't need no stinkin straps.

http://www.pitbullmotorcyclelifts.com/

[R J]

Sure hope the jack works better than their web site.

[Thunderbolt]

I bought one from him years ago. It bolts to the bike, then to a bike/atv jack.  I bought mine from Sam's Club, Larin is the brand, a Chinese jack I think, but it works fine.  You can take either wheel off without strapping anything up or down anywhere.  Just have to remember to take the adaptor off when finished.  Put a  flag on from the adaptor to the handle bars to remind you it is there.  Some of us have forgotten to take it off.

[PAVALKER]

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.     

[Valkpilot]

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.

[Sodbuster]

I have the lift adapter that bolts to and stays on the bike all the time.  As for the lift, I have a Yellow MC/ATV lift from Harbor Freight and they work well.

Do you have a website to link to for the adaptor ???

Thanks

[PAVALKER]

Got it from Ebay....    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VALKYRIE-LIFT-JACK-ADAPTER-STURDIEST-STAYS-ON-BIKE_W0QQitemZ170409378301QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item27ad30c1fd

There ya go....

[MP]

+1 on the mounted adapter. Works GREAT!

MP

[Colin]

I have just bought one of the Chinese ones off eBay they look the same as those expensive ones in the link above and cost about 10% of those prices. I made a wooden adapter as I am still waiting for my welder to get the right steel in for a metal one and it is fine. My Valk has been sitting on it for 10 days so far without issue and it is likely to be there for another couple of months till I have finished the restoration. You don't have to go expensive unless you want to.

[hubcapsc]

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

I've been wanting to hear from others who have this set up... in that you leave it on all the
time, it doesn't drag in the curves or anything? - no downsides that you can think of? Works
with quad horns?

-Mike

[MP]

Mike:

I t is tucked up enough it could never drag.  BigBF put his quad horns on down there, with the adapter on, at Inzane this year in CO.  Love the horns! Much better than air horns, IMHO. 

All I do is slide the Craftsman jack under, line up with the adapter, and lift.  Works perfect.

MP

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

How much does that adapter on ebay weigh?  Any other pics of just the adapter not mounted?  Hard to tell what it looks like by that listing.

[Sodbuster]

Thanks for the heads-up on the e-bay adaptor .... going to order one.  So, looks like there's Craftsman, Larin, HF .... Anyone have a Pro-Lift Jack ?? Click HERE

Starting to look like the Pitbull is not a good option.

Also, after reading some posts on other forums sounds like a number people are having trouble with leak down with the craftsman jacks, any comments on that ??

[roboto65]

I have a Craftsman jack and yeah it leaks down but minor problem in my book.  If you are going to work on your bike that long and you have the adaptor you will be going past the first locking notch anyway and at that point it does not matter if it leaks down I do like the Craftsman jack since I do not have to bend down to release it foot pedal for both up and down !!!

[Misfit]

Thanks for the heads-up on the e-bay adaptor .... going to order one.  So, looks like there's Craftsman, Larin, HF .... Anyone have a Pro-Lift Jack ?? Click HERE

Starting to look like the Pitbull is not a good option.

Also, after reading some posts on other forums sounds like a number people are having trouble with leak down with the craftsman jacks, any comments on that ??

I am on my second Craftsman red jack. They replaced the first one and now the new one leaks. The problem I have is it will sometimes allow you to jack it up to the saftey lock but after a day or two in the air there is not always enough oil in the jack to get it above the saftey again to let it down. I would not waste my $$ on a Craftsman red jack.

[Sodbuster]

Here's a pretty good low down on jack comparison
Click HERE

[MP]

I have a yellow Craftsman jack, and it has never given me any trouble.

MP

[daytona]

Unless you just want the best there is! I'd say these are about the best for the $. Low enough and real sturdy. I got mine for $130.00. Didn't need the shipping, which can be on the steep side. The cheapy's are not to be used with the Valk!! IMO! http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc1545.html

[BF]

I've been using the red Craftsman lift/jack for about a year and a half along with the red lift adapter from ebay that you take off and on when you want to use it.  It's not that hard to use, but you do have to put it on and remember to take it off when you're done. 

I did forget to take it off once     and won't forget to do that again.  However, it's made me reconsider buying the one that permanently mounts to the bike. 

The Craftsman works well and I haven't had any problems with it.  It works great.  I've had the bike on it for several days at a time several times already and haven't had any bleed-down issues with it at all. 

I've also considered buying a lift/table.  However, space is a premium in my one car garage, so I need something that can store away easily. 

I've been looking at this one.......

http://kendonusa.com/lift.htm

Kendon Stand-Up™ Trailers

[hubcapsc]

Mike:

I t is tucked up enough it could never drag.  BigBF put his quad horns on down there, with the adapter on, at Inzane this year in CO.  Love the horns! Much better than air horns, IMHO. 

All I do is slide the Craftsman jack under, line up with the adapter, and lift.  Works perfect.

MP

OK... I just ordered one off eBay... Cheap too...

-Mike

[BF]

There seems to be 2 different permanently mounted type adapters on ebay. 

This one.......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170413472170&category=35557&_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D10%26ps%3D63

...and this one.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190353942535&category=35580&_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D10%26ps%3D63

What's the difference between the two....and which one is recommended? 

[X Ring]

There seems to be 2 different permanently mounted type adapters on ebay. 

This one.......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170413472170&category=35557&_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D10%26ps%3D63

...and this one.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190353942535&category=35580&_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D10%26ps%3D63

What's the difference between the two....and which one is recommended? 

The 2nd is the original.  I remember the pic of the guy sitting on the valk when they first came out.

Marty

[Kelm1]

I have the red (steel) craftsman jack - $89.99 on sale and the bolt on adapter off eBay - about $35. They work great together and I  haven't used the straps yet (they come with the jack), although they should be for any serious wrenching. This combination is very stable for cleaning, carb work, or light wrenching.

[frosty]

I have seen the mounted adapters and this one is the better choice. Is sturdier and has a durable finish.   Works with all m/c jacks and all exhausts.                                                                                                                                                                            http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170413472170&category=35557&_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D10%26ps%3D63

[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.

And if you sign up on www.harborfreightusa.com with your email address, you will get a 20 or maybe 15% off coupon sent to your email address.... but I am not sure if you can use both coupons (I seem to recall that you can).







1500 Lb. Capacity ATV/Motorcycle Lift
Heavy Duty All Steel Construction
Foot-activated pump leaves both hands free for positioning and stabilizing your ATV or motorcycle.

    *
    * Collapses to just 4-1/2" high for easy storage
    * Wide, low profile base with rear-mounted ball bearing swivel wheels
    * Rubber grip pads on lift saddle protects motorcycle frame
    * Four lockable work heights from 4-1/2" to 16"
    * Rubber grip foot paddle prevents sliding
    * Two-hand wheel brake prevents lift movement
    * Return spring for automatic release
    * Professional quality power unit and rust inhibit coating on ram and pump piston for long life
    * Extra long handle for easy lifting


Capacity: 1500 lbs. max.; Lift range: 4-1/2" to 16"; Overall dimensions: 4-1/2" H (collapsed) x 15" W x 32" L; Pad dimensions: 2-3/4" W x 13-1/4" L x 1/4" thick; Ram travel: 5-1/4" L; Casters: 1-1/4" W x 2-1/2" diameter
Shipping weight: 75 lbs.

ITEM 2792-AAA

[frosty]

But, I have tried them all and I do think that this one is the Sturdiest especially if removing wheels and etc.                                                                                                                                                                                                   http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170410724093&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT

[Sodbuster]

Not having the opportunity to use a lift yet on my new to me Valkyrie .... does the lift/jack lift on the bottom of the motor and the adaptor ??

[PAVALKER]

Not having the opportunity to use a lift yet on my new to me Valkyrie .... does the lift/jack lift on the bottom of the motor and the adaptor ??

Yes, you should use an adapter of some sort.  One leg of the jack rests on the bottom of the engine and the other leg lifts on the adapter area near the kickstand.

[hubcapsc]

But, I have tried them all and I do think that this one is the Sturdiest especially if removing wheels and etc.                                                                                                                                                                                                   http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170410724093&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT

Yeah, that's a good adaptor, I had one. They're not suitable for morons, though, I almost killed
myself with it by riding 70 miles through the mountains with it hanging under my motorcycle...

-Mike

[PAVALKER]

I had that Red one that clips under the Valk and has to be removed after you are done.  It is much heavy and awkward to put on and I didn't find it all that  sturdier than the permanent one I installed.  I sold the heavy red one to someone that forgot to take his off and it came off while he was riding..... and it took a chunk out of his bag I think and almost killed him too.  He said the bike bucked a few times as he ran over it he didn't realize what happened til he went to jack up his bike to check out damage and ah.... couldn't find his adapter (then realized what fell off and almost killed him).   Now if by chance I am at a buddies house or on the road and need to jack up the Valk.... I can do it without having to get an adapter... it's already there.   To each their own tho.....

[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.

[Spirited-6]

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.

I have the same lift, Sears, plus adapter, and have never had a problem with tipping as long as bike is strapped to lift. My Tourer sat on the lift for about 60 days when I first bought. Changing tires, fluids, ect. and never had a bleed off because of lock out on jack.  Granded, the apapter is a pain in the ass to put on with only two hands,   but can be done. Lifts like this are a "must" if you plan on doing your own maintance. Other wise you are at the mercy of "OTHERS"  

[BF]

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. 

[MP]

I have the lift, and it works great, the Craftsman. 

However, poster is right.  IF you remove a wheel, you need to block the other end up.  I use bags of fertilizer, or some such under the wheel, or it will overbalance, and upend, even while strapped down.  It takes the jack with it.

MP

[Sodbuster]

Now if by chance I am at a buddies house or on the road and need to jack up the Valk.... I can do it without having to get an adapter... it's already there.   To each their own tho.....

It's looking like that's where this thread is going .... "To each their own".  But, I think it makes sense as others have mentioned that if you're removing the wheels (front or rear) that you support the opposite end with a scissor jack or something similar for support.  Also, I found that a "Wheel Chock"  setup works just fine for cleaning, washing, & light wrenching.  You might even get away with a scissor jack under the swingarm to lift the rear while the front is in the "Wheel Chock".  And I do like PAVALKER's idea of the permanent adaptor always with you when away from home !!



There's also the "Cheap Bastard" lift that could incorporate a "Wheel Chock" for support.
Lots of possibilities ..............

[rmrc51]

Very interesting post!!!!

I have a Valkyrie Trike. ( Motor Trike kit )

I'm also assuming that I'd need and adapter to lift the Trike which I would leave on die to not having any cornering issues. I'm considering the Pitbull lift at present. Any suggestions?

[Spirited-6]

I have the lift, and it works great, the Craftsman. 

However, poster is right.  IF you remove a wheel, you need to block the other end up.  I use bags of fertilizer, or some such under the wheel, or it will overbalance, and upend, even while strapped down.  It takes the jack with it.

MP

Again , I have not had this problem with Sears Jack. You do need to make sure you have bike centered on lift. It is possible to lift with bike too far to the back of jack. I had both wheels off with tire change and could rock bike back and forth with no danger of tipping. Again , strapped down tight to lift.