Loading your bike onto a lift

[quail_imp]

I purchased a motorcycle lift from Harbor freight about 8 years ago. It has made working my bikes (lawnmowers, snow blowers, welding table, construction table) a whole lot easier. The one thing that still makes me nervous is loading and unloading the bike. Riding it on means you have a moment your feet can't touch anything, and walking it on feels so unnatural because it seems like it wants to leap out of your grasp. When you set it on the centerstand the front wheel almost comes out of the chocks. I am posting this hoping for enlightenment.

If not that at least someone can tell me what oil to use or which tire is the best when I have it on the lift.

[Cormanus]

I'll take a shot at the latter: Dr Dactyl's Omnigrade Motorcycle Oil.

[Frulk_imp]

Quail, prob not telling you anything you don't know but on the web there's a whole cottage industry that's sprung up surrounding the HB Lift. All kinds of home made mods to make it more user friendly and safe. I ride and push bikes on the lift fairly frequently with no issue and have no problem staying in contact with the lift when riding a bike on it. For me the bigger issue is I'd like the see the platform a little wider for dismounting. How tall are you? That could be part of it. There's no getting around the fact that at close to 550 pounds getting the CB up on a lift is somewhat of a hazardous proposition either way. That being the case it's best to have your mother in law do it if that's an option. If not then try one of the mods.

[gmike_imp]

I just bought the same lift and ran into the same problems as you. I welded up a frame using 1 x 1 square tube and bolted a 1 x 8 board on top. I welded a 1" flat to the side of the frame that hooks to the lip on the lift (the 1" flat bent into a U).

I have just rode the bike on the lift using my new "sideboards" once and it felt a lot better. I'm sure it will get better with a little practice. Will have the neighbor come over and spot me for a few more practice runs.

I also got rid of the wheel chock that came with the lift and bolted Harbor Freights motorcycle wheel chock (about $50) in its place. I took the capturing device off the new chock as it was awkward to back the bike out of.

Put some eye bolts further forward to pull the wheel with tie down straps into the chock.

I have pictures I can email but I cant post them.

Mike

[Cormanus]

Quail, seriously this time, see http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8175. Additionally, redbirds can almost certainly help. He's had one a while and swears by it. He's at the rally at the moment and may not be able to respond quickly.

gmike, do you have problems posting pictures on the forum or is there some other reason you can't or don't want to post them? If it's the former, see if this thread helps—http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1913. Using a hosting site is the way to go.

[gmike_imp]

Quail, prob not telling you anything you don't know but on the web there's a whole cottage industry that's sprung up surrounding the HB Lift. All kinds of home made mods to make it more user friendly and safe. I ride and push bikes on the lift fairly frequently with no issue and have no problem staying in contact with the lift when riding a bike on it. For me the bigger issue is I'd like the see the platform a little wider for dismounting. How tall are you? That could be part of it. There's no getting around the fact that at close to 550 pounds getting the CB up on a lift is somewhat of a hazardous proposition either way. That being the case it's best to have your mother in law do it if that's an option. If not then try one of the mods.

I did not think of looking on the inet. So there I go reinventing the wheel again. I will check it out also, thanks.

Cormanus, I will try again to learn this, maybe with the grandkids help. In the meantime Quail I do have pics that I can email.

Mike

[quail_imp]

Quail, prob not telling you anything you don't know but on the web there's a whole cottage industry that's sprung up surrounding the HB Lift. All kinds of home made mods to make it more user friendly and safe. I ride and push bikes on the lift fairly frequently with no issue and have no problem staying in contact with the lift when riding a bike on it. For me the bigger issue is I'd like the see the platform a little wider for dismounting. How tall are you? That could be part of it. There's no getting around the fact that at close to 550 pounds getting the CB up on a lift is somewhat of a hazardous proposition either way. That being the case it's best to have your mother in law do it if that's an option. If not then try one of the mods.

A 28 inch inseam does not put the soles of my shoes on that lift until I clear the ramp. Now that is a harry feeling at 1.5 MPH! ( If I was any shorter you all would be stopping by the house just to toss me around for the hell of it. )

I just bought the same lift and ran into the same problems as you. I welded up a frame using 1 x 1 square tube and bolted a 1 x 8 board on top. I welded a 1" flat to the side of the frame that hooks to the lip on the lift (the 1" flat bent into a U).

I have just rode the bike on the lift using my new "sideboards" once and it felt a lot better. I'm sure it will get better with a little practice. Will have the neighbor come over and spot me for a few more practice runs.

I also got rid of the wheel chock that came with the lift and bolted Harbor Freights motorcycle wheel chock (about $50) in its place. I took the capturing device off the new chock as it was awkward to back the bike out of.

Put some eye bolts further forward to pull the wheel with tie down straps into the chock.

I have pictures I can email but I cant post them.

Mike

I would like to see those photos.

[gmike_imp]

]
[/quote]

I would like to see those photos.
[/quote]

Then I would have to have your email address. Mine is m_mgeraghty@msn.com PM yours if you like

Mike

[Cormanus]

So, after some to-ing and fro-ing (thanks gmike) here are the pictures ...

[gmike_imp]

I've been PUBLISHED !!!!!

Thank you cormanus for your tenacity, for that you will receive 1/2 of the procedes. The Ferret will get 3/8s and guth 3/4.

Wait a minute.

Anyway, I will learn to do this someday.

Mike