09-16-2019, 09:17 AM
I've used this setup many times and it is very stable. With most of the weight to the front, the two jack stands and the centerstand make a solid platform.
09-16-2019, 09:17 AM
09-16-2019, 10:12 AM
I hate working on the ground. The big advantage of a full-size lift is the height you can get a bike up to. I think the best are/were the Western Handi-Lifts (or US-made equivalent). They made both air and electric models.
For commercial use, the air was faster moving up and down with the big shop compressor. The electric was too slow if you are moving 10 bikes up/down a day, but fine for home, where the air model likely means you have to fire up the compressor.
The Harbor freight ones are fine for home use, not as wide a footprint as the Westerns, but they are a great value. BE SURE to use insert the locking bar, as I've seen some lose pressure overnight and crushed stuff stored underneath.
They have front casters that allow you to move it out out of the way even with a bike up on it, but not super steady. (I have an old Grazziani one from the '60s that these Harbor Freight ones are based on - it's noticeably beefier in all ways.)
The Kendon folding lifts are really nice if you don't have space, but I would recommend the heavy duty model. I have one of the sportbike/dirtbike ones loaned out to a friend (permanently it seems) that will hold 600 pounds.
The platform is too narrow to use the centerstand safely, and there's no space to put tools, or a big drain pan if you are taking side cases off. You have to put a jack under to lift the rear tire. No way to lift the front unless you roll the bike up backwards.
For commercial use, the air was faster moving up and down with the big shop compressor. The electric was too slow if you are moving 10 bikes up/down a day, but fine for home, where the air model likely means you have to fire up the compressor.
The Harbor freight ones are fine for home use, not as wide a footprint as the Westerns, but they are a great value. BE SURE to use insert the locking bar, as I've seen some lose pressure overnight and crushed stuff stored underneath.
They have front casters that allow you to move it out out of the way even with a bike up on it, but not super steady. (I have an old Grazziani one from the '60s that these Harbor Freight ones are based on - it's noticeably beefier in all ways.)
The Kendon folding lifts are really nice if you don't have space, but I would recommend the heavy duty model. I have one of the sportbike/dirtbike ones loaned out to a friend (permanently it seems) that will hold 600 pounds.
The platform is too narrow to use the centerstand safely, and there's no space to put tools, or a big drain pan if you are taking side cases off. You have to put a jack under to lift the rear tire. No way to lift the front unless you roll the bike up backwards.
09-16-2019, 11:11 AM
I had a Handy lift for many years and they are very well made . After buying the CB 1100's I found very little use for it and sold it to a local motor cycle shop mechanic.
09-17-2019, 03:46 AM
(09-16-2019, 08:56 AM)Houtman_imp Wrote: [ -> ]You are right , what is the sense of having friends if you can not use them !(09-16-2019, 06:29 AM)Gone in 60_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I found a great alternative to a lift, considering my limited garage space.You are right , what is the sense of having friends if you can not use them !
Just made friends with someone who has one. Easy peasy. Plus, doing the work at someone else's place gives me access to better tools, and avoid's the wife's "When can I put my car back in the garage?" questions.
My BIL has a lift, but he lives 80 miles away. It takes some planning and execution skills to get something done, but it can work, if the project can be completed in a timely manner.
11-16-2020, 04:05 AM
Nice thread 