Road Glide banner

Motorcycle Lifts

28K views 53 replies 37 participants last post by  BajaPaul  
#1 ·
I’m asking for experience feedback and recommendations on heavy duty motorcycle jacks and lift tables. I’m most concerned about sturdiness so my 900 lb RG doesn’t go free-falling off the jack or table. Thanks!
 
#2 ·
#12 ·
#3 · (Edited)
I have tried several different brands, including the HarborFreight. The current, and last one is from J&S Jacks. It took over 12 weeks to receive it. This was after payment. I was frustrated waiting for it to arrive. But was very happy when it did arrive. It supports my Road Glide with no problem and he’s very steady.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Scottch
#5 ·
Plenty of recent discussion on J&S jacks. I have both JS and Harbor freight Pittsburg jack. Both work and are rated for a minimum of 1500 lbs JS is 2k I think. I have used the HF jack with no issues. Easy enough to take 3 minutes and strap it down if you want security when the bike is lifted. Bottle jacks are bottle jacks and JS does not make their own. HF has a foot pump to raise and another to lower JS is a hand valve to lower but works well. Casters are better on JS if you want to move your bike around while lifted HF jack is about 1/5 the price of JS
 
#6 ·
I use a Titan 1500XLT lift table. The thing that sold me on it was the height. It will lift the bike 45-inches. I am not a fan of the Harbor Freight table with a heavy touring machine, but some do use them.

 
#7 ·
I've been happy with my Titan Lift table. Picked it up used on craigslist. I have the extended ramp for loading the bike and the side extensions making a much more stable place for your feet while loading/unloading the bike. It's easy to maneuver around the shop when empty and comes in very handy for unloading those heavy items from the back of my truck without a forklift. You would probably be happy with a table from any of the major manufacturers though.

Image
 
#10 ·
I have a j&s jack. It is great. I have done cams and fork lower changes on it. As well as oil changes. But there seems to be issues with getting one of these Jacks (I picked mine up 2nd hand). But I have several friends that have pit bull jacks. I think they are as good as the j&s.
 
#14 ·
Main reason I chose The Big Blue. Just stripped the front end in about a half hour. No need for another jack on a table and less space than a table. Depends on how much and what you plan on wrenching
Image
 
  • Like
Reactions: Scottch
#15 ·
I recently purchased a used J & S motorcycle lift. The bottle jack was leaking from the pump piston, so I changed the hydraulic jack oil with some of the 'good stuff' and it seems to be working just fine. The structure of the made in the USA lift is high-quality workmanship; however, the bottle jack was made in the Far East............
 
#16 · (Edited)
Thanks for all the great input. So there seems to be a lot of responses in both the J&S Jacks and the Big Blue camps, and Harbor Freight. J&S website says expect 8-12 weeks for delivery, not sure how long the wait is for the Big Blue lifts. My main use of the lift will be for standard maintenance tasks like oil changes, etc, washing and detailing, accessorizing, etc. Here in southern Tennessee I can ride nearly year round so really no need to keep it lifted for extended period times over the winter. I can narrow down my choices now, thanks again for the input.
 
#18 ·
Thanks for all the great input. So there seems to be a lot of responses in both the J&S Jacks and the Big Blue camps, and Harbor Freight. J&S website says expect 8-12 weeks for delivery, not sure how long the wait is for the Bug Blue lifts. My main use of the lift will be for standard maintenance tasks like oil changes, etc, washing and detailing, accessorizing, etc. Here in southern Tennessee I can ride nearly year round so really no need to keep it lifted for extended period times over the winter. I can narrow down my choices now, thanks again for the input.
Mine just took 20 weeks
 
#22 · (Edited)
I think Handy does "production runs" spring and fall on the lift tables, for their inventory. When I ordered mine it was in the fall just before they started one of these runs, and I got lucky as I didn't have to wait but 2-3 weeks for delivery, and getting it in any color didn't delay the process for painting. So you'll have a "fresh" lift. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I have come really like their "airbag" design.

I also added a set of these retractable tie downs to the lift table.... what a great great idea, makes a one person operation so smooth too... highly recommend them for any table lift.
 
#19 ·
I've been using this K&L Multilift for 9 years now, not even a drop of hydraulic fluid, I can push the RG around while raised to the 17" position (also has 4.5") and steady as a rock even while the motor is running. It is heavy duty and has great casters (with locks) and wheels:
 
#23 ·
Another Handy lift owner. I called and talked to the owner, I found he will bring the price down for a homeowners garage, as they mainly sell to businesses.
Iam not gonna comment on the other brands, as I sure they serve their owners well.
If you look in a m/c repair shop, you'll find they use Handys lineup for a reason.
If your buying new and don't run across a deal, I believe you can't go wrong on a Handy for your $30k bike. And the airbag lifting method is sweet
I saved $100 per month for my lift and when it was time to buy, I bought mine for $300 more than the imported lifts by picking mine up at the trucking terminal.
Good Luck in your search
Image
 
#26 ·
That Big Blue looks awesome. I have a HF drive on now that works but I am debating welding some square tube under it for support and to add a wing to my lawn tractor to fit. Big Blue might reduce the need for that and allow me to store one of my bikes off the ground which would be great. I can't find pricing or how to purchase though. ???
 
  • Like
Reactions: Scottch
#28 ·
Consider me one of those "weenies" @hellinabasket mentioned. I've been using my harbor freight lift table for about 7 years now without any issues. I do basic oil changes to engine swaps on it and it's never let me down and I always strap the bike down when it's on the lift for safety because you're stupid if you dont no matter what brand you own or buy. Theres good and bad stories on everything so good luck with your decision
 
#29 ·
I love my lift table. I bought a "cheap" one, something in between the HF and Handy lift. Doing oil changes and tires swaps are a breeze, and having the platform to set your tools is great. If you have the room for it I would say go with a lift table, if space is an issue then that big blue is very interesting but for the price you are almost at a high quality table 🤷‍♂️