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Bike Lifts?

5K views 32 replies 27 participants last post by  hifiho 
#1 ·
Looking to purchase a bike lift for my 13 RG. Not going to be doing a lot of work on the bike mainly for cleaning and winter storage. Don't want to spend a fortune but don't want a piece of crap. Can't I have both? any suggestions?
 
#2 ·
I bought the Sears yellow jack. Perfect for me. No assembly, only weighs 42 lbs., goes under my '13 RGC while on the jiffystand, makes it much easier to clean and lets the bike sit upright against the front wall of my garage so I can get my Tahoe in the garage also. I got it maybe 2 years ago. The online price was $179 and in a Sears store it was $199. I asked the store manager if he would match the online price to get the sale and he did. Seems to be an item they routinely run on sale so check both online and a store.

You can spend more and get a better jack. I spent all I wanted to and don't need anything any better.
 
#5 · (Edited)
#9 ·
Hi vlgolf; again – you get what you pay for. If you're looking to buy a decent big-twin lift it would usually cost $1000.00+ unless a center jack will suffice. I use a center jack for maintenance and minor repairs. I would choose the K&L Supply Co. "Fat Jack" (retails at $250.00) which I believe give you some peace of mind without breaking the bank. I wouldn't buy a cheap jack/lift for winter storage and I think your insurance company would agree! ;)
 
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#10 ·
I have had the Sears yellow jack for years. It's a decent jack, but I was never confident about jacking my FLTR up too high because the jack would flex and allow the bike to rock fore and aft. Then I saw the J&S video and ordered their jack that same day. Excellent people to deal with, made in the USA.
 
#12 ·
If you are looking for a jack, I would go with a J&S only. I had a Sears red craftsman jack and it worked, but I was always nervous when the bike was on it. It was not very stable.

Lift tables have more selection of decent products. I chose the Redline 1500 for the simple reason it rises to 43". Most others only lift to 36". The extra lift height works better for me. Mine was on the higher end of the pricing scale though.

I have read a lot of positive reviews for the Harbor Freight one and it is very reasonable price wise. I don't trust it long term, but that is just my opinion and not based on any data.
 
#13 ·
I have had the harbor freight lift table for close to 3 years now. I use mine for cleaning, oil changes, etc... So far it has worked great with no problems. I've heard of compaints about the hydraulic jack wearing out but I make sure that once I get it jacked up I use the lock and release the pressure off the hydraulic jack so its not holding the weight. I've had no issues.when I bought mine it was on sale for $299 (which it is right now) and then I was able to also use the 20% off coupon and take another $60.00 off the price. The one thing I did do though was replace the wheel clamp, the stock one SUCKS big time. I went ahead and mounted a condor wheel chock on mine, it works great.
 
#16 ·
I ran into a deal from a small chopper shop going under, they had 4 Direct lifts... I was able to buy all 4 for $400 apiece, I got them to throw in wide scissors jack that goes under the frame of the bike. I kept one lift for myself and listed the other three on Craigslist for $500 apiece, sold 2 to people that called, and sold one to my local Indy repair shop where I buy parts. After 40 of owning and rolling around on the floor fixing bikes, this is the single best piece of equipment I own, it has a drop tail for rear wheel service. I have a couple bikes, and it seems like I always have one the lift, either for service or cleaning. I have a good friend that has a HF lift table... He changed the wheel chock, a bottle jack and all the pivot point bolts to better grade hardware, the table is just a little shaky. Keep an eye and do searches on Craigslist for lift tables, every once in a while there smokin deals out there.
 
#17 ·
I have a J&S jack and a Direct Lift table lift and I am pleased with both. I use them both quite a bit and I wonder how I ever got a long without them before. Neither was cheap, but I never worry about equipment failure when I use them.
 
#19 ·
Don't bother with anything other than the J&S jack. The Sears yellow lift is ok, but still not as good. The J&S has grease fittings on the wheels, superior construction and the stability it amazing! I've had a Sears lift fail on me causing my FLTRU to land on its side in my garage.
 
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#22 ·
Simple answer: J&S. Received two months ago and have raised, lowered and stored the bike at least a half dozen times because it is easy and STABLE. I put the purchase off since 2011 and fought with the awful (and incredibly unstable) Harbor Freight unit. With the J&S I store the bike off the ground and can easily move the lift and bike together as a unit all across the garage floor.

This is one of those purchases that's worth every dime. You'll be happy when it comes time to servicing, storing and moving your bike.

Lprez
 
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