Recommendations wanted – Motorcycle lift

[ToyQuest]

Looking to purchase shop grade motorcycle lift with the ability to put on extensions if needed. No real preference for Air, Hydraulic or Electrical operated

Will use it for FJR, sport bikes and potentially atv work.

Currently looking at the K&L as well as the Handy brands. K&L has tons of extra fixturing jigs though most of the extras are pricy.

Any feedback / recommendations? Hobby/toy lifts need not apply ;-)

Thanks in advance

Eddie

 

[FJRay]

I have a Handy and one I bought from Gregs equip. The handy is an older air lift that has been bullet proof but is doesn't have a drop out panel for getting rear wheels off and it only goes 30" high. The unit from Gregs has the panel and lifts 48" which is great if you have back issues. This one is air or manual . Both have extensions which in my world are a must have. Make sure you get a good wheel vise for the front and a flat jack for lifting things safely. Speaking of safety, I never lift anything without tiedowns.

 

[dcarver]

This is the one I'm looking at -

Product Description Qty Unit Price Total Price

B.O.B. 1500 Air Lift - IN STOCK Model: 14472
$1,435.00 $1,435.00

CV-17 Cycle Vise Option Model: 14476Option For: B.O.B. 1500 Air Lift - IN STOCK
$145.00 $145.00

B.O.B. 12 Inch Side Extension Option Model: 14473Option For: B.O.B. 1500 Air Lift - IN STOCK
$369.00 $369.00
B.O.B. 1500 Air Lift DetailsThe B.O.B. 1500 Lift solves numerous challenges in today's professional workshop. The lift raises to 40" for taller mechanics, lifts 1500 pounds for the fully- dressed motorcycles, trikes, and quads, and has a drop-out for convenient tire changes.

The lift is a full 7' long and 28" wide. To further customize the B.O.B. 1500, you can add 12” Side Extensions, a 13” Front Extension, or a Trike Extension. It is CE approved, if option 16355 is included. Made in USA.

• Capacity - 1500 lbs.
• Length - 7 ft.
• Width - 28"
• Max Height - 40"
• Min Height - 10"
• Work Surface - 84"
• Air Source - 90-100 psi
• Weight - 560 lbs.
• Ramp Length - 31"

Available Colors: Standard Gray Top w/Black Frame, Red, Orange, Black

 

[rmcobb]

I just got rid of the Harbor Freight lift I had because it was totally hydraulic. My only suggesstion would be to get one that is both hydraulic and manual. Being I just had this in my garage (not having a dedicated shop a such) I didn't leave my compressor constantly on and charged, so once I had a project going with the lift raised, if I wanted to change height, I had to connect compressor, charge compressor, then adjust height. Kind of a pain. If I get another one, it will either be totally manual or have both.

The Harbor Freight lifts worked fine, never had any issues, and for only $300 on sale, it was a great purchase. Of course, it didn't have extensions for extra width so your choices of Handy or K&L are probably accurate.

 

[Bounce]

I have a Handy air lift and love it. Long term usability with the drop panel for the rear and front wheel clamp.

https://www.handyindustries.com/products/bob-1500-air-lift

I added the side extenders and the trolley/handle. I wondered about the need for the trolley handle until I needed to move the whole thing to work on the garage door opener. Even with the FJR on it (and some tools on the extensions) it let me move the whole thing within its length. Niiiice.

 

[Niehart]

Richard Fairlainer to the white courtesy phone ... forget what King Richard has but it's nice and was priced right.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

I never found what I wanted in a bike lift that would fit all my needs, so I made my own. Very happy with it and it cost about $300 in materials and components. Swivel casters all around and I can roll it out of the way as needed.

 

[ToyQuest]

Thanks all for the feedback. Looks like Handy wins. I'm a little surprised at the lack of K&L representation. I definitely have to have a drop panel for the rear tire.

This K&L lifting arm kit does look like the trick for the sport bike/track bike service/rebuilds - https://www.klsupply.com/SHOPLIFTEQUIPMENT/KLLIFTINGARMKITS.aspx (see video tab)

FJRay - What is the reasoning behind the comment "Both have extensions which in my world are a must have"? Is this true for non-atv work?

NMRoadRuner - Got any pics? I have the ability to design/construct one. I just don't know if it make sense if I fact in my time. What were you looking for that you could not find in a commercial unit?

 

[Bounce]

I like my extension even without ATVs. It gives me a place to put my feet down when I ride the bike onto the lift. It also gives me places to set my tools while working.

 

[ToyQuest]

Makes sense. My only concern would be that it puts you further away from the bike while working on it requiring more outstretched arms/rolling over of shoulders. Do you experience that? Are the extensions something that can me removed easily once the bike is loaded/lifted?

 

[wild1]

I don't remember the brand I bought but it looks the same as the bob lift. Came with the front vise, extensions for a quad or sled and has the drop out tail. I enjoy working on the bikes, quads and sled now. Life is so much better with one!! Don't cheap on them.