Bike lifts

Hi,

I am planning to kit my garage out as a workshop with a view to
general maintenance & possibly restoring an old bike or two.

I am therefore looking at motorcycle 'lifts'. Does anyone have any
experience of the different types?

As I see it, there are the full bench style as in the following
example...

www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=020110390&r=2051&g=107

Or there is the ‘fork lift' style as in this example...

www.bikelift.com/eazyrizer.htm

I am trying to decide which style to go for.

I currently favour the 'fork lift' style as it allows both wheels to
be removed and can be stowed away when not in use. however, I don't
think I like the thought of raising my Deauville (or any bike) by its
engine sump, which seems to be the case with this style of lift.

I just cannot get my head around all that weight/pressure being
applied to the sump of the engine (I realise it's not the full weight
of the bike as the weight will be shared with another support, either
at the front of the swing arm or the foot pegs).

The manufacturers are adamant that there will be no problems at all
(Apparently, on bikes where the exhaust pipes go under the engine it
is 'industry standard practice' to lift the bikes by the exhaust
pipes!)

As I say, the ‘fork lift' is currently my preferred option as it
allows unrestricted access to all parts of the bike. And this
particular one seems to get good reviews and be of excellent quality.
I am just fishing for any comments/experiences from others.

Anyone care to give me the benefit of their experiences?

Regards,

Glenn

 

I have a table I bought from Handy Industries

http://www.handyindustries.com/airlift.asp

Since you referenced a uk domain and Handy is a US company, this
particular one may not be available to you.

I prefer the table. It will work with any bike. You cannot lift both
wheels at the same time but the table is wide enough to use a rear or
front stand. The bike is very stable on the table. On mine you can even
move the table around the garage while a bike is on the table.

Tables take more space but I think that the tradeoff is worth it.

Again, if you're in the USA there is a lift that will allow the removal of
both wheels.

http://www.klsupply.com/lift/mc360/

I don't have one of these but I've seen one in action and it works well.
It folds fairly flat when not being used so it won't take a lot of space.

Cheers

 

snip...

YES!!!! That's exactly what I've been looking for.

When you say, "it folds fairly flat" can you be a little more descriptive?
Space is a premium for me.

Also, the website doesn't list MSRP. Any ideas how much one of these cost?

 

I agree with Dale, Handy Lifts CAN'T be beat ! Go look at your local bike
shops , bet you 10 to 1 they have a Handy lift .
Iowa883

 

I got one just like the Machine Mart lift a couple of years back - got it
from a company based out of Portsmouth called Southern Tools.
Very good lift but you'll have to budget for a paddock stand too. I used
this with my FZR and R1 no problems, no experience of a heavy bike tho.
Wouldn't be any good for a Harley either, cos you can't use a paddock stand.

Q.