Bike Lift

[CRXSi90]

Just throw that bike up on a bike stand like we used for our moto-x bikes....

Ha, I knew someone would say that. I probably can do that, but it's not the easiest thing to do. At least for me since my arms resemble ostrich legs.

This is what I use and it does just fine.
Now if you want to change the oil this lift will be in the way.
But my recommendation is get four jack stands and use this lift and get it up high enough to put the jack stands under it and it works great.

I actually did this the other night since I don't have any wheels on mine.

But if no jack stands set on center stand change the oil then put it on the lift. Don't worry just center the stand slide it under and hold the bike upright as you use the foot pump and it will lift straight up.

I have had no problems building two motorcycle with this lift.

[pics]

You of course can find these on sale at Harbor Freight for around $59-$69 and look for the coupons for the discount in motorcycle magazines.

Good Luck

Thanks for the pics. It definitely does look handy. Right now it's $79.99 with the coupon in their email flyer, but I'll keep an eye out.

Hi CRXSi90,
first, this ad from a 1950s bike magazine:-
Now available! The HYMOL-WRIGHT JACK 3-way bike stand, this massively strong fired ceramic device will fit inside most pannier bags, has no moving parts to fail and will hold up your bike at a 3", 4" or 10" height!
Do not confuse this superior product with the common builder's brick that is offered by our rivals.
But these days it's difficult to get my aging body down to the floor level to work on the bike and eff nigh impossible to get back up again afterwards.
What I need is one of these:-

http://www.atlasautoequipment.ca/atlas-cycle-lift-1-000lbs-capacity/

or even the Bargain Harold version from princess Auto.
While what I can afford is to bribe my son with beer and steak to do the work for me.

Ha, that sounds like a better plan. Unfortunately I don't have any off-springs, only loose-marbles.

+1 here. I agree that this and a five gallon bucket or two turned upside down for a seat is all you will need to do everything needed to be done to the bike.

I have looked seriously at getting one of the nice lifts. My neighbor bought one and he uses his 95% of the time for a shelf? One thing to keep in mind is that a nice big lift takes up a lot of room - "it is always there". I researched quite a few of them. The more desirable ones have a lift system that is hydraulic rather than the cheaper pneumatic.

Another thing to consider is that the big lift does not allow you to have the front end off of the ground to remove forks. The smaller one (pictured here) does.

My 2 cents.

Mike

Yes, space is a big issue for me. I could maybe do one of the lifts like CKlamer has, but a full table would definitely not work for me. The KendonUSA ones look interesting, but still bigger than I should probably be getting at this point.

Thank you all for your insight. It sounds like most things can be done without a lift (tires, forks, etc...), but it might be handy and a worthwhile investment just for the convenience. I'll have to weigh the money and space considerations against the convenience to decide if to get one. Or I could just eat my spinach and get a gym membership.

[hamjam]

Sorry Fred didn't notice the Princess auto part in your missive

[CKlamer]

The coupon in the magazines is usually better than their weekly ad.
It has been as low as $59.00.

[Garagamus]

I picked up a similar lift as the Harbour Freight one, (Canadian Tire, 1/2 price boxing week for $66.00). Worked great once exhaust and oil pan off the bike. Raised the bike high enough to take off forks but had to be creative to slide them back in, (read: lots of swearing while holding front assembly with one foot 3 feet away on the lowering handle...sorta like a really awful game of "Twister"). It worked, but the jack wasn't made for all the weight jiggling back and forth....broke the main seal and ended up mopping hydraulic oil off the floor for a good hour. In hindsight, I should have had more help in the garage than my basset hound.

[CRXSi90]

....broke the main seal and ended up mopping hydraulic oil off the floor for a good hour. In hindsight, I should have had more help in the garage than my basset hound.

Ouch, you broke the jack, huh? Yes, I know what you're talking about with respect to being able to use an extra hand sometimes.