I was wondering if any of you guys use a motorcycle lift for working on your bikes, if so would you mind giving your thoughts on your lift. I would like a lift that would bring the bike up to a suitable work height and may also provide a bit of table space to set tools ect. on as you work.
Thanks
Paul
Paul,
I purchased a lift from Harbor Freight early this year ($300) with a manual hydraulic lift. Greatest tool I ever bought, especially since I have gotten older. No more bending over. Works great if you have an adjustable stool.
Plenty of room to dissamble a JP and leave all of the components on the lift table.
They also have a pneumatic model for an additional $100.
Tony
Paul,
My dad and I both have purchased lifts in the last year or so and I highly recommend it. I'm sure dad would tell you that it was a great investment too. Sure does make it alot easier on the back without all the bending over. My dad got a Harbor Freight unit like Tony mentioned and mine is a Kendon Stand-up. Give my dad or Bob a call and I'm sure they can answer any questions you might have about the lift he bought. Happy Holidays !!
Dave McCullough
I wish I would have bought a lift 10 years ago. I bought one of the Kendon lifts last year and it is the best money I ever spent on my bikes. My boss bought one of the Harbor Frieght ones this summer. It is table model where the Kendon is more of a rail type. After being around both I prefer the Kendon. The rail allows you to get a little closer to your work and still has plenty of room to set tools or parts on. They make extra work trays you can buy but it is easy enough to make your own. Removing a rear wheel has never been easier. Raise it up to about belly high, put a small bottle jack under the motor and pick the wheel up just enough to spin free and pull it out. When you put it back you can sight right down the chain without bending over. I rarly do anything to a bike now without putting it on the lift.
Dennis Jones
Everyone,
Thanks for the information.
Dennis,
Why do you prefer the Kendon? What model did you get?
Paul
Paul I think I was adding more to my post when you asked why I prefer the Kendon. For the money the H-F unit is a nice tool but the Kendon is a little better quality, takes up less space, and has a wheel chock that will grab and hold your bike up while you put a couple tie downs on it. Although I never do it (cause it always has a bike on it) it is made to stand on it's end and be stored against a wall. There are a lot of other options out there depending on what you want to spend.
Dennis Jones
Paul,
Check out this link.
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Motocross-Lift-p/ht1007.htm
I bought one of these earlier this year, and while I felt that it needed some "refining", it works fine.
Because I have the capability to make the refinements, I went ahead and did them.
Dane
Paul
I bought a Handy-Lift probably 15 years ago, best addition to the garage other than heat in the winter time. Here is a website to look at.
http://www.mile-x.com/index.htm
Merry Christmas and Happy New year, you do celebrate Christmas in Mars, right?
Rod
Hello Paul. Ifor one woke up and said enough of this bending over on my knees. To old for that . I have purchased a Handy lift with side extentions for four wheelers and garden tactor,s air operated it,s the best thing i ever bought. Don Howard
Paul,I use a motolift which clamps the frame down,perfect for a full restoration.It bolts to the floor and only comes in contact with the bike in the middle.It's a little pricey but well worth it.Go on Motolift.com and check it out.You can pull off everything to a bare frame. Bob
Thanks everyone for your information, I know one thing for sure from what everyone has said, I am gonna wish I had bought this awhile ago.
Rod,
Of course we celebrate Christmas in Mars, that red glow from Mars is from our Christmas lights:)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you fine folks.
Okay just one more for the list Paul. I bought 2 of these, www team hog racing.com lifts and the pros and cons..
They dont take up much floor space in the garage or truck.
They're light (70lbs)and portable.
The bikes handle bars go over your head (36"lift)
and they're under 200 bucks delivered.
The one draw back I found is the older shorter suspended bikes need to be lifted unto the lift, I have a hard time with my GS 400 and the 4 stroke flat tracker. The new bikes walk right on.
Raymond
Down East Pentons
Well, speaking of bike stands. Here are some display stands I'm working on. These particular models are NOT designed to be used as work stands. The program is to get 20+ different bikes displayed on pedestals, etc., some may even be wall mounted. Object being to get the cycles above the heighth of the automobiles, so the collection can be seen and absorbed as a whole from any location in the room. Otherwise they're hidden behind cars, also frees up floor space.
Definetly not for everyone, but the opportunity I've been given to development these stands, better helps me understand how to design ways to display show bikes, or make specialized work stations for people with limited space.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/BobWardlow/Dscf0386.jpg)
^ Steens Hodaka ^
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/BobWardlow/Dscf0373.jpg)
^ Steel Tank Penton ^
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/BobWardlow/Dscf0385.jpg)
^ 72-75 Penton ^
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/BobWardlow/Dscf0372.jpg)
^ Honda CT-90 ^
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/BobWardlow/Dscf0381.jpg)
^ H.D. Z-90 ^
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/BobWardlow/Dscf0389.jpg)
^ H.D. M-50 ^
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/BobWardlow/Dscf0316.jpg)
Bob
Rob, You are the Master. The stands look beautiful. If only I had some wall space left over.
Lew Mayer
Rob,
I am a buyer if they are ready in time for my displays...GREAT JOB. Let me know.
Ron Carbaugh
Raymond,
That lift looks exactly like the one that I got from Greg Smith Equipment Co. Are these made in the US or off shore?
The one I got from Greg Smith Equipment Co, is made in China by a company whose name at the moment, I can't remember. The company is a world wide organization that makes stuff for Sears too.
Dane
Rob, those display stands are awesome! I've been looking for ways to mount some of my bikes for display, but it looks like your way ahead of me. I'd like to come up with a mounting setup that would allow me to mount bikes to the ceiling horizontally. I'd gladly pay you for your time to come up with something if your interested???? Oh yea....MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone:D
James Jorgensen
Red Bud, Michigan
74 1/2 Mint Enduro
74 1/2 Mint MX
74 Scrambler 250
My search is over, and I appreciate all of the feedback. One of our POG members had a Handy lift that he wasn't using much and he offered it up if I was interested. I went last night to Randy Kirkbride's and picked up the lift. Chad and I unloaded it at the shop this morning and it sure works fine.
Thanks again Randy, not only for the lift but also for the fine hospitality. I found out a bit more about Randy's Penton racing history and found it quite interesting.
Paul
Paul,
It was a pleasure having you visit last night. You are welcome here anytime. I hope the lift will work out OK for you. I know you'll give it a lot more use than I was.
Everyone else,
How cool was this... Six Day Rider & Penton hero standing in my garage listening to my racing stories. Thanks Paul.
Ron, and James ,
Thanks for the + (pos) feedback - I'll call you in the next day or two.
Bob
Dane, The Team Hawg Lift is the same as the Greg Smith model only $160 cheaper! Both are made "across the pond"
Rob,
Sounds good...Saturday probably the best for me.
Ron Carbaugh
Ron,
Okay, talk to you on Sat.
Bob
Hi Bob. I'll be at the shop from 10am to 7pm. I'd have called you already, but I can't recall where I put your phone number......stupid brain. [:o)] Just in case your organizational skills are a match for mine, here's my number. 269 683-1600.
James Jorgensen
Red Bud, Michigan
74 1/2 Mint Enduro
74 1/2 Mint MX
74 Scrambler 250
Hi Bob. I'll be at the shop from 10am to 7pm. I'd have called you already, but I can't recall where I put your phone number......stupid brain. [:o)] Just in case your organizational skills are a match for mine, here's my number. 269 683-1600.
James Jorgensen
Red Bud, Michigan
74 1/2 Mint Enduro
74 1/2 Mint MX
74 Scrambler 250
About a year has gone by and besides the Handy lift I bought from Randy I also bought a Harbor Freight lift last winter. I went past a Harbor Freight store and just had to stop, for less than $ 300.00 I bought a lift for my basement work area, the Handy lift is at the other shop, love them both. The Harbor frieght lift has the foot pump and it works great for the $$.
I just recieved a Harbor Freight sale paper which made me think to post this, if you need a Christmas gift these lifts are wonderful...
1000 lb. motorcycle lift lot # 91764 Reg. $ 349.00 sale $ 296.00
word of warning, have some help to unload the lift as they are heavy...
Thanks again for all the information.
Paul
Hey Paul,
35 years ago I built a table 6'6" long by 2'6" wide, and 18" high to work on my bikes. I use a ramp to get the bike up on the table, and then I have used either a milk crate or a bike stand to support the bike. The entire engine is about 4' off the ground, so it is very easy to work on anything you have to. It is easy to make, and will last a life time!
Motor on!
James
Pep Boys has the same lift as Harbor Freight on sale while supplies last for $199. Check it out.
Tony
i have one of these and i love it. price is right too sometimes it can be found for less than 100$ on ebay, brand new
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTORCYCLE-MOTOCROSS-SCISSOR-LIFT-STAND-CRF-YZ-CR-RM-KX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35580QQihZ024QQitemZ370004219966QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
chi jer
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTORCYCLE-LIFT-DIRT-BIKE-STYLE-79_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ107063QQihZ008QQitemZ180193280001QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
here's another for less money. jerry
Gary Ellis has 2 of these in his shop, and they work great. I plan on getting one soon. They have a shop in Indianapolis, Newark DE, and Norcross GA, where they can be picked up to save shipping. Mike
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=021&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=310007423121&rd=1
Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S