Yet ANOTHER jack question

[Walküre]

Went to my "local" (3+ hours away!) Harbor Freight, with the purpose of buying their motorcycle lift, currently on sale for $80, with another 20% off on a coupon. they didn't have any...just my luck! However, they DID have this one on sale, for $149, and less the 20%, takes it to $120.



Link to it:  http://www.harborfreight.com/lightweight-aluminum-motorcycle-lift-94715.html

I did a search, and couldn't find anyone using this particular lift - I saw some very similar Sears ones, but not this exact one.

Does anyone have any experience with this particular lift? It seems well enough constructed, and I did see how some people had some "sway" with the Sears version. I figured I could make some outriggers, that would all but eliminate that problem should it prove necessary. I also bought the bolt-on adapter, that stays on the bike. Could build one, but for the money, not worth the effort...

Any pointers/advice, good or bad, on this lift, is appreciated. I have some time to return it, if there's REALLY bad experiences.

Thanks,

Roger

[sandy]

I recently used the Sears version of that jack. It looks EXACTLY like that HF in your photo. I think it's the best low cost jack I've used. It's stiff and stable. My friend's jack was bought on Black Friday last fall for $100. Half price of Sears list. I said "low cost" because I have a Dunwell which was $325 when they were made. No longer available.

[Spirited-6]

Went to my "local" (3+ hours away!) Harbor Freight, with the purpose of buying their motorcycle lift, currently on sale for $80, with another 20% off on a coupon. they didn't have any...just my luck! However, they DID have this one on sale, for $149, and less the 20%, takes it to $120.



Link to it:  http://www.harborfreight.com/lightweight-aluminum-motorcycle-lift-94715.html

I did a search, and couldn't find anyone using this particular lift - I saw some very similar Sears ones, but not this exact one.

Does anyone have any experience with this particular lift? It seems well enough constructed, and I did see how some people had some "sway" with the Sears version. I figured I could make some outriggers, that would all but eliminate that problem should it prove necessary. I also bought the bolt-on adapter, that stays on the bike. Could build one, but for the money, not worth the effort...

Any pointers/advice, good or bad, on this lift, is appreciated. I have some time to return it, if there's REALLY bad experiences.

Thanks,

Roger

Roger, why no "rain check " ? I have the Sears Model and I like the wider stance over the one shown. 

[Walküre]

I like the light weight, and I heard a few things about the "cheap" HF jack. Serious leak-downs, weak joints, and a few other things I can't recall. This one is plenty wide, I think. I do like being able to lift it with one hand...   

I was going to reinforce and modify the cheap one, anyway. I can always take this one back, if I'm not happy it.

I'm also 1 1/2 hours from the closest HF. So, any difference in cost, is made up for in the weight, and the extra trip.

Was just wondering if there were any "known issues" with this particular jack.

thanks,


R

[groundpounder01]

 I have a clymer service book and in the pic you can see they are lifting the bike with a lift like this and a board on the bottom of the motor. It looks like they are just lifting the bike just enough for it to sit straight up with the rear tire still on the ground. Is that really a good Idea?

[F6Dave]

I have one of the old Larin lifts from Sam's Club.  It works fine, though I've found that a pair of automotive jack stands placed under the crash bars make it much more stable.

[Walküre]

I have a clymer service book and in the pic you can see they are lifting the bike with a lift like this and a board on the bottom of the motor. It looks like they are just lifting the bike just enough for it to sit straight up with the rear tire still on the ground. Is that really a good Idea?

not sure what your question is - the wood, or the height? The wood is fine. You can find a wooden one, in "shop talk" section, if I recall. I'm getting the steel one that stays on the bike, linked above, so that I can lift it no matter where I am. But I lifted it with 2 X 4's just to see, and it works just fine. As for the height, can't fall very far...of course, you should ALWAYS secure the bike safely. Over-cautious is the rule with a quarter-ton+ in the air...

R

[Printer Mike]

I believe an adaptor is necessary to use a regular MC jack with a Valk. I'm confused as to exactly what I need to make or buy to lift my Valk... I have a cheap lift and some jack stands. Thanks for any help.

[Bone]

Bought my current bike (98 Tourer) in 2005. No center-stand. So reading these pages I bought a Sears lift. Saw the adapter in the link below and thought before welding up a bunch of metal I would make the wooden one and see what's needed to safely lift the Valk.

5 years later I'm still using the wooden adapter it works. Follow the instructions after reading the whole article and looking at the pictures. My bike is very stable on the Sears lift. Use a strap or 2 if your going to do any wrenching on the bike. Those long handled pipe wrenches exert a lot of force


http://www.herberts.org/wayne/valk/lowtechlift.htm