Ducati Monster Forum

I am looking to get a motorcycle lift for general maintenance and was wondering what you all suggest?

thanks

There are plans for a platform that you use with a ramp on the forum.

I've seen and used one, and for the investment is a really good alternative to a hydraulic lift.

Yep I made it...works super well!!!!  But I am looking for a true service lift for now.

I just bought a Handy Lift.  It's the base-line professional series with the tire clamp on the front.  Used the same kind (older model) at the Reseda shop but I needed a new one for my home-based-shop so I went with the same that I knew & loved.  Still love it.  Solid as hell, and an air-cylinder that's likely off of a PeterBilt somewhere...  IT'S HUGE!

Ran me a little over $1000 w/the clamp...

where did ya get it?

Local distributor.  Carlson company I think it was.  I happened to be driving by so they waved the shipping and loading costs.

Hey Stew, What model? Standard?

+1 on the Handy.

I've had mine since...feck...'91.
Not in daily use for that whole time, but they're virtually bomb-proof.

Dont know if this is close to the quality you want.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91764 (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91764)
And a link to a coupon that gives a discount.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl4.html (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl4.html)

Foot pump.......seems like hard work.
Don't know much about this model, i've been looking for a stand.

I've been using one of those for about 2 years now.  I bought it based on some reviews on TOB.

Do you have a link for this?

It's the standard lift but I bought the wheel clamp.  Lift was around $850 and the clamp was a little over $100 + tax.

Half way down in this link (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6180.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6180.0)) I show the diagram and the built piece.  works very well and breaks down nicely.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6180.msg524504#msg524504 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6180.msg524504#msg524504)

Another vote for the Handy ... I've got a buddy that has a Handy that it works great. 

If you're being cheap you can get the Harbor Freight for about $250, but if you can swing the Handy that would be my first choice.

Cheers,
Adam

+1 on the Handy...I've had mine for about 3 years and LOVE it!!!  I would recommend the side extensions.  Great place to put tools and stuff and doesn't make it stupid wide.  Here is a pic o mine with old crappy track bike that i don't even own anymore
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3443995732_edb55e9f31_o.jpg)

Anybody tried this one?  looks like it has amazing accessories included like poles for holding the bike without wheels, etc.

http://www.asedeals.com/ATV_motorcycle_lift.html (http://www.asedeals.com/ATV_motorcycle_lift.html)

If you arn't putting bike(s) up and down everyday/all day, there is really no point (IMHO) to buy the handy lift or any other high dollar lift (unless you just want to spend the $$).

I bought the HF/chinese/whatever lift from CL for $100.  I've had it for a year now, and it works great, does everything I want it to do, and I've also got $750 more left in my pocket for other stuff.  Would I use it everyday in a shop setting?  Maybe as a backup....but for putting a bike up or down occasionally for service, it works perfect.

my .02

true that many diff lifts will work...i just had the broad that hit me on my bike pay for mine

+2

I got a smoking deal on an "Italia" lift that they no longer carry.  Very similar except that is has a full perimeter footprint in 4" stock.  It's stable enough for me to climb up and stand on the lift with it raised.

Another great Handy product is their stand packages.  Front and rear, AND if you mention it, they'll through in a headstock lift for something like $29 if you order the package.  IIRC, I paid $109 for all three several years ago.

I have been looking for lifts for a while, just couldnt find a decent one for the right price . I now found this   http://www.directlift.com/MotorcycleATV-Lifts-C15.aspx (http://www.directlift.com/MotorcycleATV-Lifts-C15.aspx) ... It looks pretty strong and not too expensive ... I also looked at Handy lifts , and the Direct lift comes with a wheel vise and is a bit longer and cheaper ... I found both on the Northerntools web, but the store only had the Handy lift, so couldnt really compare it ... http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=motorcycle+lifts&Nty=1&D=motorcycle+lifts&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=motorcycle+lifts&Nty=1&D=motorcycle+lifts&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial) ... They are $100 more than the manufacturer ... I could order it and have it shipped but thats another $230  :-\

I bought a Pro Cycle lift from these guys a couple years ago. I think it was a bit cheaper then also. Still a good deal.
I wish I would have bought one years ago. The single best tool I have ever purchased.

http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/Motorcycle_Pro_Cycle_Lift_With_Tire_Vise_p/motorcycleprocycle.htm (http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/Motorcycle_Pro_Cycle_Lift_With_Tire_Vise_p/motorcycleprocycle.htm)

Great now i found another one at harborfreight... i didnt see it before, and its electric which i assume is better  ???    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66247 (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66247)

Any thought ? Anyone ?

Slight jack, just typed 'motorcycle' into Harbor Freight's web site.  They've got a lot more moto items than last time I looked.  Swingarms spools, front and rear stands, nice little wheel balancer. 

I've purchased lots of tools there in the past and still get some now, but lately have been trying to get better quality stuff.  I usually end up using things far more than I expect.  I never regret getting high quality stuff, often regret getting low qulaity since I wear it out or break it.

Scott

I ended up getting a Handy...sweet lift.  Love it  [thumbsup]

That's what (s)he said.

This is what I have: Cruiser/Harley Kendon Bike Lift. I have had it for a year. Since I work almost 10min away I just picked it up roll-call. You can crank with via hand or compressor. It folds up nice too and gives you lot's of room to work around the bike.  When I bought it, they sold it to me with a small scissor jack. I since have bought a larger red (pictured) jack for better stability.

Got it here:
http://www.cycleaccessorystore.com/category_s/7.htm (http://www.cycleaccessorystore.com/category_s/7.htm)

These are current pics of my build. I'm in the wiring process at the moment:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4419774595_a424f37d7a_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4420541006_218da7ac47_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4419778093_02f706fdce_b.jpg)