Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience (UPDATE)

particular brand? http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/ ... _200326249 BikeBandit sent me an email because they have them ON SALE for $158, so I got to looking and Home Depot has the same one for $129. Good ol' Northern. I also looked at the Craftsman but every customer review on their own website said it was a POS. I've been considering it hoping it will make maneuvering 3 bikes around in a teeny garage more feasible this winter.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

I had the same problem with lack of space. I bought 8 XS650's in one swoop and by the time you add my 650 Maxim to the mix they take up a ton of room.

Solution.......... I took my cherry picker/engine lift/manual man-saver crane and picked up every other XS (after draining the crankcases) turned them upside down and set them on top of the other bikes. I tied them to each other with nylon web tiedowns and Eureka! 8 bikes now take up the floor space of 4!!!!

Two side comments:
1.) I probably wouldn't do this with functional motorcycles although I don't think I caused ANY damage to either the upper or lower bikes.

2.) I really wish the mix had been 8 Maxims and 1 XS!

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Yeah, I wouldn't try that with functioning bikes either...

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

I've never tried one of those lifts, but I've heard they are no good for bikes with exhausts like ours. You can't get the jack on the frame without hitiing the pipes. Just something to consider.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

You are right Ace, those style of jacks don't work with most bikes from the XJ era. I have one and it is mostly usles for the bikes I have unless the exhaust is removed. My XJ has stock exhaust and the XS has an aftermarket setup, they both are in the way for that type of jack. The jack gets used mostly for car repairs, but once in a while for the bikes. If you need to get both wheels off the ground use the center stand and a small jack under the front of the engine.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

I purchased one of those stands, thought it was crap and took it right back the same day! IMOP, I'd say don't waist your time nor efforts!!!

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Yeah, I know about the exhaust/frame clearance issue, and adapter plates are available (at least with one different brand) to alleviate that. Like I said, I read the reviews of the Craftsman on Sears' OWN SITE and every one called it crap. I was looking for the same type of evaluation from you guys on this one and I got it, thanks. Anybody found/know of a GOOD one?

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

ya, they won't work well on the xj bikes without the adapters. i find a couple pieces of strategically placed 2x4 work well.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Has anybody have a actual motorcycle lift like the shop has. I was looking for one the has like a channel the tires fit into and then it has hydraulics to lift the whole thing up for easy servicing. Been looking around but have not seen one yet for sale. Snap on has one I guess but its big dollars.

Guess I'm getting old I don't like to work down on my knees anymore

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Depends on your definition of "big dollars." Looky here, these guys have one that starts at $349 http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-lifts.htm but if you WANT to go "big bucks" http://www.handy-lift.com/index.cfm?mf= ... tCatID=977

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

i saw a how-to somewhere one time too, on how to make your own using a fairly cheap floor jack, and a properly balanced ramp. roll the bike onto the ramp, lock it into the braces, and pump on the jack, lifts the whole platform. didn't look very complicated, but at the same time the finished product didn't look very professional either. No idea on the longevity of it. If there's interest i'll see if I can dig up the link again.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Switch,
I am interested. Was it a sissor type lift? Or was all the weight on the jack (jack lifts vertical or pushes a frame which does the actual lifting?)

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

I got one from harbor freight for about 40 dollars that will lift the bike ,but you have to take off the exhaust. you have to balance the bike real carful though. they have them on sale once in awhile.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

Plans for a full table lift are here:

http://www.afabonline.com/table_lift_plans.htm

and they also have plans for a jack-style lift

http://www.afabonline.com/liftplan.htm

I am really tempted to go the full table lift route unless someone can talk me out of it...

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

hack, that first link is similar ... but the plans i saw were free. i'll see if i can find the link

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

I got a set of these plans and priced out all the raw steel. I work for a tool and die shop, and even with their discount it would have cost me almost $500 in steel alone. I was in Harbor freight today, they have a full table lift with a foot-pump hydraulic lift for $398. I had to leave quickly before I did something rash... :wink:

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

the closest i can find is this:

http://www.customfighters.com/forums/sh ... lift+table

I have NO idea why i cant find the other one i found, like shown in this post on another forum:
http://detroitbros.com/forums/index.php?a=topic&t=1101

I had the entire plan set bookmarked, as i was going to build my own this winter, but the link is dead and it is completely not to be found (by me at least) on the internet without paying.

 

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Is this it, Switch:

Plywood lift

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

that's it, yeah, but i swear i saw the full plans posted for free somewhere. i'm bound and determined to find them again now!

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

Why the need for a lift?
Space?
You could just build a box frame out of 2x4's.
Nail plywood on the top.
extend 2 2x4's, cut at the proper angle, down to the floor.
Cover with plywood for a ramp.
Push the bike onto the table.
Made from scrap you got laying around.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

My motive for a table lift is not having to work on these bikes on my knees. Would rather have it up high enough to work on sitting on a stool or standing up.

Think I might build one this winter but tempted to look at Harbor Frieght

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

This popped up on Craigslist today:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/890192456.html

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

I have one of the motorcycle lifts like you asked about. I bought it at Harbor Freight for $59. It works really well. The major thing you have to be concerned about is making sure the bike is balanced before lifting. If you plan to remove either wheel it is a good idea to off-set the bike a bit to counter-balance the weight that you plan to remove. By all means, USE TIE DOWN RATCHET STRAPS.
The are not desirable to move the bike around on because they are a bit wobbly. They do great if you want to get the bike up to stay off you knees.
I don't have any trouble with the exhausts. I have picked up heavier bikes than the XJ with the lift under the exhaust. The pipes are stronger than you think and won't bend. The major problem with it is sometimes you have to use spacers or 2X4s or whatever, to level the bike. It may take several attempts to get the bike where you want it.
My Nephew bought a table lift from Harbor Freight. He went after the foot operated one but found they had the air over hydraulic on sale. He told them he would take one and they could not find it and had to order one. He wound up paying $325 for the air over hydraulic table. When he finished his bike he didn't have room for it so he told me to take it home and use it in my garage .

Ride Safely,

Ed

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

You have the actual Torin? I wasn't going to try to use it on the XJs I wanted to pop my Norton up on it so I can shove it around the garage this winter whist I work on my XJ project bike. No room for a table lift.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Fitz are you just wanting to move the Norton around? I have seen dolly that you park the bike on and can move around. I think Harbor Freight has those too.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

Bill,

I have seen those at Harbor Freight also. They are like a piece of 6" channel with a "T" on the side for the side stand to rest on with small wheels. You roll the bike on it and push the whole thing around side-ways or front to back.
I thought about getting one. It sure would be handy to move a bike around on in tight places. As I recall they were about $60-$70. I just did not have the extra $$$$ to spend.

Ride Safely,

Ed

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Are you talking about this? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=95896
I'm actually considering building something (if I can't find it) that would be akin to the simple "side lifts" but would just be a rolling platform that supports the bike from underneath leaving the wheels off the ground. Still mulling solutions...

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

FOUND ONE!!! A tad bit on the expensive side, probably a copycat out there somewhere, but this looks COOL for someone like me with multiple bikes/projects and not a lot of room... http://www.legalspeeding.com/products.htm

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

Bigfitz,

Don't get excited about this. This looks pretty neat but too much money. I may be able to make it (See Sig).

Ride Safely,

Ed

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Yeah no kidding. I was thinking the same thing, there HAS to be a similar product out there cheaper, it's so simple you can't really patent the idea. A 16" square frame of tubing with angle gussets in the corners to attach casters to and four chunks of thick-walled 1/2" ID tubing of some sort welded to opposing sides near the corners (for support bolts to slide into) would do the trick. A dolly built this way would be able to support the bike by the frame rather than the centerstand. Looks like theirs is simply two REALLY THICK stampings bolted together, I don't see how/why they want so much for it. I'm still looking/thinking...

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Harbor Freight has 4 wheel (caster) dollies made for cars. They go on sale from time to time for 30 to 40 bucks a pair. With a 4 wheeler you jack up the vehicle and set the wheels in the scooped out portion of the dolly. It's actually quite similar to the one on the speed xxxx website except you woud want to add on a pair of outrigger wheels. The scooped out portion of the dollie is probaly lower than the one on the speed site.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Are you talking about these? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... mber=32052 I saw those; I'm gonna stop at our local Harbor outlet and look at 'em in person. I'm thinking a flat plate tack-welded into the curve to create a flat surface for the centerstand and allow elimination of one of the side brace "stringers" to clear the stand's "deployment foot" might be the ticket.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

OK, then I saw THESE: http://www.turnabike.com/center_stand.html Which are also a neat idea, but way too expensive as well. But they made the mistake of showing a close-up pic of the underside, and now I have my solution: Five of these ball casters http://www.reidsupply.com/detail.aspx?R=ACC-7402 bolted to a circle of 3/4" marine-grade plywood should support 1000 lbs. and work just fine. Pics to follow once I get the casters. Stay tuned.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

I have one in the garage useless for our bikes, It does pickup my bud's 97 harley well as there is a big open space where it can contact the frame.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Well here's one from Harbor Freight I haven't seen before. I don't think it will work for my bike though.
But some of you twisted guys might find "other" uses for it. :lol:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... ion=Search

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

Maxim82,

No workey. No such item found. Bigfitz, These are nice rollers for a perfectly level floor but if your floor has any defects they will give you fitz, I mean fits. :lol: .

Ride Safely,

Ed

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

The're a 1 1/8" diameter ball, the ones on the $185 "Turn-a-Bike" have to be smaller yet since it's only 1/2" thick. My garage floor is reasonably smooth; I figure if one caster comes off the ground I've still got 800lbs worth of support. The casters came yesterday, looks like this should actually work quite well. I'll post pics. If it works like I think it will, I'm gonna build another one, especially since it looks like the total cost of materials is going to be around $45.00.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Well that bites that my humor was lost on an incorrect link.
The moment is gone now but here's the link anyway.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... 3065_26044

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Without "adapters" of some sort that one's an exhaust-masher too. I MAINLY need a way to roll the bikes around in the garage more effectively than just using their wheels. With a completely multi-directional rolling platform under the centerstand I should be able to turn the Norton sideways and shove it flat against the back wall which I can't do now.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Hey Fitz - how high will your surface be off the floor? The idea looks good. It would solve a problem a friend has in storing his bike and would be great around my garage too. Would work great to move project bikes around.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Probably around 2" for the "prototype." If this works like I think it will, I'm already thinking about building another one with smaller casters but more of them. I plan to put it together this weekend I'll post pics.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

Fitz,

A 2" height is not a good idea. It will be a bear to get the center-stand down on a 2" platform. If you use the center stand now I am sure you know how hard it is to put the bike on a center stand. By having a 2" platform under it, I don't think it will be so easy to use. I lowered my V65 Magna 1-7/8". To get it on the center stand, I have to put the rear wheel on 2 2X4 boards. Otherwise I have to have help to get it on the stand. The lower you can get it, the better it will work. Something about a half of an inch would be better.

Ride Safely,

Ed

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

if you just want to get it up against a wall or move it sideways a little get a old record album 33 1/3 kind, remember those, get the label off and put the tires on it, slides like it's on ice

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

I'm beginning to agree. For the Norton, I need the added height because the rear wheel still drags when on the stand and I usually pop it up an a 2X4 anyway. So I am going to go ahead and build V.1 anyway, for the Nort. BUT: I found another source for ball casters that are only 3/4" tall, but only support 100lbs so I figure 8 would do it. If I use something stronger than plywood (like a steel plate or hard industrial-strength nylon, or ???) but thinner, I can get it down to around 1" or so. That will be V.2 (I ordered the casters already, 8 of them were cheaper than the 5 of the first ones.) Stay tuned.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Go with something like this, you can make on as well like this too.

http://www.legalspeeding.com/Park-n-Move.htm

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

For V2 you could also bend a steal plate like this: (warning, poor ASCII art to follow...)


----\____/-----

The center stand would fit in the lower section (and would be prevented from slipping). When you put the bike on the stand the platform would 'roll' under the bike. That could be a bad thing, I'm not sure.

You could then put your casters around the edges in two rows.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

Yea but it's $200 Got to be cheaper to build one.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

I love it. This thread has gone in a circle. At one point I had spotted the "drop center platform" one but finding it way too expensive, was looking for alternatives. Found THIS: http://www.turnabike.com/center_stand.html Which looked even cooler but at $185 and being made of plastic, made me start looking for a way to duplicate it. Which is how we got here.

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with this

heres your low casters
mcmaster-carr #
6421K67

 

Re: Motorcycle Lifts does anybody have any experience with t

Was just on the Snap On Tool Site and for a mere 4500.00 Bucks you can own a table lift.
I'm still working on a design with a channel that the tires fit into and then can move up with a hydraulic cylinder. I wish I knew someone who could do a cad drawing of this. It would be easy to make several as easy as it is to make one. I like the Snap On design of the legs but I think it should be narrower so you can get closer to the engine. If you want to check it out go to www.snapon.com and go to motorcycle lift