Do You Need A Motorcycle lift in Your Life ?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Im sure the answer is yes you'd like one ! But is it worth the investment?
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I watched your excellent video, "Safe Operation of a Motorcycle Lift" about a year ago and then bought the Clarke CML3 lift bench. Your vid gave me the knowledge and the confidence to use the bench safely and properly. I have two bikes in my garage and the bench gets used all the time for basic maintenance and cleaning, and one of the bikes is also parked on it all the time as space is tight. My number one purchase in terms of making my life easier and saving my back and knees!
Thanks D&P, keep up the excellent work.
Rob
Wow Rob, that is a great success story mate, so glad it worked out for you, and just why we load the videos up in the first place!... keep at it mate and always play safe, too many straps is never enough.
I have had my lift for almost 18 years now. Have built, serviced, restored or repaired about 40 bikes on it. What I really like about this one is when I'm not using it I can stand it up on end with it's wheels and it stores standing up and out of the way.....Nice feature. Good video Del.
What a wonderful feature that is in a lift, I've seen them a few times and some just as beefy as the ones I have, simple and effective and a game changer for project builds!
I decided a lift was needed and I've never regretted getting it. I've got a manually operated one because it was what I could afford. My garage is rather small so my lift is also the parking spot for my bike. The arrangement is perfect for me.
Thanks so much for sharing that mate, a perfect example of how most guys do it.!
I invested in a Handy Lift many years ago. My BEST garage purchase ever! Gets used for bikes, lawnmowers, snowblowers etc. I don't have the wide version but I built side walkways from wood for walking my Road King onto the lift. They still see use for my Versys. I have found that as I get older the bikes get heavier. 😁 As for garage space, as you said, something is always parked/stored on the lift. I love how you have built your shop. Cheers Del and Penny. ❤👍👍
That is awesome Rick, i love the idea of the side walkways, simple and effective for sure, and once you can use it for all sorts of other work, it double pays for itself.. Take care and stay safe over there.. D&Pxx
During lockdown I bought a Switzer table lift to work on my 1800 and 1100 Goldwings. Game changer! But you're right about the width when riding the bikes on to the lift. So I made up two floor-standing running boards since the additional width is only needed to aid getting the bikes on and off the lift. Also, although the table is rated for 1,000lbs, and copes with the GL1800 no problem, I place 4 lengths of fence post place under the corners of the table when it's raised to make for a more secure and solid platform.
Hey buddy, that is a fantastic practice to corner prop the table, you can never be too safe working with vehicles at height... thank you for sharing, hope other people have read this and would consider it.
I started out exactly the same way with the little lifts. Now i have a pneumatic bike lift and its been a game changer i love it and my mates come over and we work on bikes together, worth every cent.
Love these videos
Thanks for sharing mate, sounds like some great bloke time!
I got a hydraulic lift ( foot operated, gives me some exercise 🤣) several years ago as I was getting to an age where I did not want to be kneeling or lying on the ground. The lift was the best thing I could have bought as I have used it many times when working on my wife's bike or my bike, so much easier working on bikes when you can sit or stand next to them. I got mine at a considerable discount so well pleased. My workshop is a 20ft steel shipping container which has a few shelving racks in it so, being able to park one of the bikes on the lift table helps to save some space.
Good going Jim, I totally agree, using the lift as one of your bike's parking spots is a great solution and a shippong container is possibly one of the most secure spaces you could have lol
Instead of having side extensions I made a plywood box the same height as the lowered lift.. It fulfils the same functions when riding a big bike on to the lift but can be removed so I’m closer & don’t have to reach across side extensions when working on a bike which saves a LOT of lower back ache.
Thing with a lift......the ground clearance is still as if the bike in on the ground......so oil changes are still not easy access.
All I do.....I made 2 wood ramps......give me 4 inch of lift......that means my sump plug and oil filter are 4ins further above ground.....I can now lay under my engine if I want....get my oil drain trays under with ease......need a wool block of the correct height to drop the side stand down.....and a long block same Hight as the ramps for the ctr stand.
I can push the bike on by myself or a helper can push with me.
Don't need it any higher......I dropped my motor down out of the bike a few weeks ago.....east....wheel a trolly jack under the engine.....block up the motor so stable......lower it.....wheel it out.
For working on the bike and lower part of the motor.....I sit on an old milk crate bike on ground or on wood ramps.....never struggled.
Granted.......big monster bikes could be a different matter....I dont know.
Dont think a bike lift would help me......they sure look cool.
Interesting video....but cant find link to safe operation of bike lifts.
The link for the operation video is in the description below the video.. but here's a direct link for you anyway..
th-cam.com/video/voNak5eqRzg/w-d-xo.html
I put off purchasing a bike lift for years. But eventually i got one and what a difference it makes when you work on your bike. Things are so much easier to work on when they are at a higher height. Plus as i get older i dont want to be crawing on my knees when i change brake pads!!!
Totally agree mate... game changer aye. !
My first bike bench i made from wood basically a table and a ramp, well good and used it a lot. Now go an air lift bench never failed me. So worth getting one.😊
Good stuff, I think I made my first lifting apparatus from some chunky wood, I still own it today, use it for all sorts of things!
I found a lift was a must with my knackered knees! I have the wide pneumatic Draper one, it can lift up to 680kg so I also use it for quads, ride on lawn mowers etc. I also use mine as an extra work bench and I can quickly bolt a spare vice to it. To save space a bike is always parked on it. My days of grovelling on cold concrete floors are thankfully over!👍
Totally agree Simon, mine too, long sinse past crawling about on the floor to work on bikes.. Thanks for sharing!
I have one of the 4 wheeled motorcycle jacks and can honestly say that these things will pay for themselves literally the first time that you use one, considering the cost of labor at a dealership. Just remember to strap the bike down when you lift the wheels off the ground, in case someone puts their weight on either end without thinking about it, or you will get to see a stationary wheelie or stoppie if you're lucky, or a bad accident if you're not. Some day, I hope to save enough to buy a full-sized lift, but I am just too busy buying fuel :) Enjoy your weekend, D&P! ... Now I'm off to call my son about my newest, 1 day old granddaughter!! She already screamed at me over the phone last night :)
Ha ha AWESOME... 1 day old and perfect i bet.. Congratulations brother.. what a wonderful gift. and yeah, great words of warning there, those four wheel jacks are pretty easy to overbalance, specially when taking a wheel out of one end, like when when Grandpa gets up off one end of the picnic bench and the others end up laying on thre lawn..lol! block and strap everything, too many is never enough. Have fun and God Bless the little one... D&Pxx
@@Moonfleet41. Hi Del ( and Penny of course, great filming and editing as usual)…..been a subscriber for years, and I’ve learnt SO much from you mate, so thank you! I bought a 2005 Harley Dyna Low Rider in 2010, so the 1450 engine….that’s when I found your channel in around 2011 ish, as I was trying to find out how to do maintenance on my Harley, you came to my rescue! Anyway, my question is…..when you guys in this comment, refer to “the 4 wheeled motorcycle jack”, are you referring to the ABBA Skylift / these type of things, and they can be unstable, etc? Reason for asking is I think I need something to get my bike off the ground for maintenance, etc, and trying to decide between and lift like yours or one of these 4 wheeled jack ‘ able to move the bike around when it’s on it type things….fortunately I do have a reasonable amount of space in my garage for either….I’d really appreciate your advice / thoughts Del…..Cheers mate, and all the best to you and Penny….Andy
@@andybolam6639 Hi Andy, thanks so much for your long term support, it's great to hear from you! I think the simple answer to your question is that a table lift is always going to be the best... the 4 wheel jacks, skylift and all those others, are fine and stable enough as long as you follow safety procedures and their benefits lie in other areas, such as space and convenience (of of course, cost!)........ But I wouldn't want to use one on a big super heavyweight bike if the alternative of a table was available... I hope that makes some sense and, perhaps, helps guide your decision.... Thank you again from us both, D&Px
I’ve had a lift for ten years or so, a harbor freight I got for $200 with discounts and promotions. It was scary to get my Roadking on and off until I put extensions on it. If I had to replace it I would definately get a wide lift with either air or hydraulic pistons. What’s two grand vs dropping $25,000 on the garage floor.
Great video as always.
I totally agree with you Mike and couldn't put it better myself! $2k vs. $25k, but don't forget the horrorifying thought of a Road King falling on you... that would be a bad day for sure...
Bought a lift for my tiny garage - best thing ever. I can't imagine the tomfoolery I'd have had to have done to do even a simple dog-bone link service without one. Plus it's so nice not to have to work on the floor all the time!!
Couldn't agree more mate, nothing worse than grovelling round on the floor, specially in winter!
Yeah, at 60 yrs and rebuilt knees you can bet that I think about a lift almost every time I do any work to the bike....needs to move right up there on the priority list!! Thanks for another great video!!
Sounds like it's high time for a little investment then sir.. in all my time working on bikes, and making this suggestion to guys.. not one of them has ever regretted the decision to go for it., .. Take care and have a great Sunday.. D&Px
Same like all reviews, I’m game ! Purchased handy lift off eBay so 20 years ago, been so handy along with mowers, lawn equipment and motorcycles…. Additional extra work bench. I chanced eBay and had truck delivery, paid $550 USA. Best Buy I ever made. It’s worth it. Bought floor lifts as well. Just wished I had a bigger garage!!!!
Sounds like you got a good deal and you've had many uears of use so far!
One thing people forget is the head room you need above the lift , a standard UK garage doesn't normally have quite enough to make a lift worthwhile imho
Quite right, you have to work with what you've got, but with a small crawler stool, (rather than standing up), you can still work on the bike at chest height, and if you wanted to go a step further, you can hire a skilled builder to make you a floor recess to drop the lift into, so that when lowered it's totally flat and level with the floor, way easier and safer to roll the bike onto, and in your standard (cramped) UK garage, you don't then lose a parking space either..! Just a thought.
This This This Video is the one I wanted.... I wish tho you had talked about the difference between Hydraulic and Pnumatic lifts and the advantages and disadvantasges of one and the other. I am about to watch the other video I hope it is in there... But if not perhaps in the future you could do a pro's and con's of each style if you are able to or even in reply to this comment.... Otherwise THANK YOU so much for this video! I am just building a new shed and it is almost double the size of my old shed and a Motorcycle lift is one of my planned purchases!
The easiest proof that both options work is that they are both available... to be specific, my grey lift is actually hydro-pneumatic, the red pump that I tread with my foot has a pneumatic ram which I can plug in to an air line and use to operate the hydraulic ram... it really isn't something worthy of a specific video, what's far more important is the weight rating of the lift and the quality of it's construction... buy one way beefier than you'll ever need and you'll never be putting yourself at risk.
I like the idea of breaking out the concrete slab and recessing the lift so it’s level with the finished floor.
Good idea but you will lose that much depth off the working height of the lift, so it's a trade off!
@@Moonfleet41 which is a benefit if you’re headroom challenged. Seriously if you recess the table you don’t have to dance around it all the time when it’s flush with the floor, no additional side rails and the paddling around on the bike is a lot easier. For me the best bit is the ‘parked’ lift just forms part of the floor level.
@@AaaaandAction Yeah, ive had a couple done over the years... if it's your first one, and you have the facility, i can highly recomend getting a central soak away drain in the hole...even a kicked over bucket of wash water will mean lifting it out to clean up the mess..!
A lift is a great help. You don't want to crawl on your knees ;-) But then you need space. The one I inherited took up too much space in my tiny garage, so a Guzzi friend got it and loves it. Whoever has enough space - buy one. Once you got it you will use it extensively, which justifies the cost. Günter/Nürnberg
Absolutely right Günter, I never knew a single person who regretted it!
I agree with you that this should have come before the parts cleaner.
Do I need a full size electric motorcycle lift? Probably not. Would I like one? Hell yeah, as they say in 'merica!
Exactly that mate, we can always get by without it, but what a glorious luxury it is to have it in your life!
Was recently thinking of buying one of those small sub £100 lifts the other day because there's a couple of service jobs on the cx500 that involve having the engine out.
With it in a trike is much easier, of course, not having the worry of having a bike topple over on you. Like you, Del, I often work on my own.
I also want to service my forks as they will be getting a greater hammering with the increased load placed on them!
Great idea Marc, they are affordable and available, so why not treat yourself! Have a great weekend and be safe, D&Px
I bought mine years ago. What price keeping your back and knees in good shape?
Totally agree mate!
Bought a foot operated hydraulic lift absolute game changer no more sitting on the floor etc.everything is done at a sensible height oil changes general maintenance. Fantastic.👍
Great investment aye buddy.. i never heard a single rider regret the investment..!
My workshop lift was one of the best investments for my workshop.
I started off with a cheap one then built up to my electro hydraulic one I have had for 10year.
The front wheel clamp makes it easy for one person operation,top vid 👍
With you on the front wheel clamp, life would be a lot harder without it, specially with the biggest of bikes!
Gotta love that whiteboard! Every penny is certainly justified on those lifts in you’re garage (no pun intended)
i bought the cheapest one i could afford, and regret not have chosen a wider one for the side stand !
I still use my little jack lift that I bought for servicing my FXSTC over 12 years ago (thanks in no small part to the confidence your videos gave me!). Best 50€ ever spent then. Also, forgive the OT: can't wait to see you get your hands on some R1100gs or a K100, those are quite interesting bikes to work on! Have a fantastic evening Del!
Thanks so much for sharing buddy, am glad you found it a useful, wise investment, just like I did... have fun and be safe!
I am knocking back a shot of whiskey everytime you say the word "safety"
Great video pal,I bought a jack lift like the second one you showed for my bikes a year ago but I think there only for harley ,is there anyway I can adjust it to lift my bandit or kawasaki vn, it the jack with wheels ,or will I have to buy the first one you showed
It is an interesting dilemma as the rail jack needs cruiser bike style equal frame rails at the bottom, so it is pretty impossible to use immediately on bikes like a Bandit... but I have seen guys make a wooden jig to fit under the bike, so basically a 1" plywood board about 2ft x 1ft, and then wooden blocks screwed to it to reach up past the exhaust to contact the frame rail, while the exhaust hangs down between... am sure you get the picture! You can glue inner tube rubber to the wood and it's pretty safe if you make it solid, just a thought?!
@@Moonfleet41 thanks pal 👍
I have one of those on wheels so I can maneuver the bike after I get it up on the jack. It wasn’t too expensive, but is also not the most stable thing. I really want a lift, but haven’t been sure about how much I would really use it. And I am getting close to retiring and selling this house, so maybe in the next house I will do it.
Totally understand your reasoning mate, perhaps if you intend to use it in your retirement it's a worthwhile purchase for the future... Good luck with your move!
needed a lift that could get out of way in garage when not needed. purchased the Big Blue for my Harley. it's a quality and versatile lift, made in UK....excellent product
Thanks for sharing, sounds like a great tool!
Have one round at my brother's shed, 😂😂 still not got round to putting it together in over ten years!!!! 😮😮😮😮😮😮 Bought it from Machine Mart. 😊😊😊 Is this a Record????
Dunno.. maybe ask your back and your knees in a few years time..lol😂😂
@@Moonfleet41finally going to put it together in spring, the amount of times my poor back and knees have suffered doing stuff at his. Got my own shed to do bikes in too. Maybe one of those easy risers would be ok for me, not enough room for the ramp type. 😟😟😟😟
Yeah there are some great options apart from tables, certainly if space if tight... and yeah, we're none of us getting younger aye..lol!
More great Shop Tips 🙌.
I've pondered a lift purchase for a long time. Just couldn't justify the cost, and I didn't have a suitable space for it.
I do now,, but my bike fleet is substantially smaller than it was back then.
But,, Facebook Marketplace to the rescue 😊. Found a used good condition lift (second one you featured) for $60usd. Jumped on it quickly. No more wrestling with the 2 BIG machines that I currently have.
As always,, safe travels to you and Penny 🙏🏻.
Cheers 🍻, G.
Great idea mate.. i never heard a single rider regret the investment, even when money was the biggest hurdle.. sounds like you found a bargain too... good old market place aye. .!😊. Have fun and stay safe.. D&&Pxx
Hey I have another question about motorcycle lifts.... Do you bolt them to the floor? You... Not in general.... If not have you ever had an occasion where you have have thought maybe I should bolt it down? Is there a chance of the lift toppling at the end's, not the sides, due to a bike being too long or the weight being in the wrong position. Is there a chance of the table falling sideways??
I imagine you've never felt the weight of a lift... when I placed these two in my garage I had to use an engine hoist to pick them up and as I said in the connected video about the safe operation of a motorcycle lift that they MUST be sited perfectly level in both axis... Also, in safe operation it's essential there are no side forces ever placed on a lift... many don't come with bolt holes because if you use them safely they shouldn't need bolting down, but that doesn't mean it's wrong to do it if you choose to!
@@Moonfleet41 Thank you I appreciate that answer... Makes sense... I have one in mind locally and while I would link it for you too see if I am overkilling it (I TOTALLY AM) LOL silly TH-cam doesnt like links it seems....
Badly my friend, badly. My butt is sore from lying on the ground so much. Cheers brother.
Best thing I ever got was a bike lift so much easy working on me biks plus it save your knees and back in the future aswell
Sure thing Dwayne, never an unwise purchase!
Can you recommend a table lift for a 240kg GSA? Are the Sealey lifts good quality?
The Sealey lifts i have a totally reliable and safe, never had a single complaint with them in all the years.. both are rated for way more than your bike's weight, so perfectly appropriate, hope that helps.
My wife got me a table lift a while back, don’t know how I managed without it now. Would never be without one
Good to hear it mate.. seems a unanimous opinion aye !
I have a Bursig lift for my 00 Honda CBR 929. It's all i can fit in my garage. I haven't worked on my bike with it yet, but i like it so far💪
Sounds great, and when the time come to use it im sure it'll make life easier.
Been thinking about getting a Bike lift for the past 6+ months.. as I'm currently rebuilding/ refurbishing my Bandit... Looking at the one on MachineMart for £538.80
Just haven't got the money to buy out right and the Finance options are 19.9% APR
Sure thing mate, I know they're expensive, but I don't know a single rider that's every regretted the investment and started using it!
I dont have the space for a full lift. I am working with the four wheeled motorcycle lift. When the kids move out I am moving out of the city and going to buy a large garage with a couple of bed rooms attached.
Sounds like the perfect plan sir.. i can see the projects staring already..!
@@Moonfleet41 Ya I am toying with the idea of a 2003 Hayabusa, but it has no engine. Asking $2000 about 1200 pounds. Ideally I would prefer a runner that needs love but there isn't many available.
@@killerdublin Check the price of the engines first, I've seen them selling for over £2k here! They get used in racing a lot and are pretty sought after, just a thought!
@@Moonfleet41 Thanks man. Been looking on eBay. working on what the budget should be and if it would be worth it.
Del, concise commentary and curating. Penny, professional level camera work. Thank you both.
Wow, thank you so much for your kind words, keeps us motivated for sure!
Yes I need one, I’d have one tomorrow…… but I need a garage or a big enough shed to put it in 😩
Video Suggestion: Don't know if make sense but a little talk about OEM Service Manuals. If they are good enough for hobbyists and what are the tips an tricks when consuming Service Manual content for motorcycle maintenance at home.
As a man with an arthritic knee I couldn’t do without mine.well worth the investment
We all feel the years upon us in the end my friend, you're right, a worthy investment!
Yup, would have been cheaper to get a motorcycle lift and wouldn't have torn my bicep from my forearm. Cost to reattach bicep 38k and 4 months recovery time. Do yourselves a favor and spare no expense for a proper motorcycle lift. Over a year later and still have limited strength in my dominant arm. Didn't stop me from completing my 2001 Thunderbird restore, just took a bit longer to wrench with my other arm!
Sounds like a nasty accident mate and perfect proof that the right equipment is a good investment... hope you're all better now.
I love these videos - so much wisdom.
And when you don't have a bike on it... It is a nice table from which to work.
I have exactly this issue with my lift in that my feet when placed down are wider than the lify width so I'm going to look at whether mine will accomodate these add ons.
Good idea, i left a linlk in the description to some lifts if it helps.
I made mine out of scrap and its doing fine I would like to replace it with a proper one Also Sorry I ALWAYS strap bikes down on the lift ALWAYS I was running a bike on the side stand had hands in carbs and the side stand folded So now they get strapped down
Great decision on the straps, there are some nasty accident stories out there and probably most of them preventable.
I would to get a lift at some point. I've always used paddock stands but at 52 don't want to be crawling round on the floor anymore 😂
I think most of us guys in our 50's feel the same aye.. creeky knees and aching backs.. time for an easier life aye !
Great discussion points, I got the basic entry level table and it is a 2 person effort to use it. Enjoyed the video Del, cheers and thanks!
Good going mate, doesn't matter which one you get, they're always a benefit!
I had a lift but I found it very hard to get my 1250 bandit on it so I sold it and I work on the shed floor!
I`d love a bike lift, but our garage is too small, plus, it`s a flat roof garage, i would`nt be able to lift it very high before it would be touching the roof. That said, in the next year or so, we`re going to have the garage lengthened and widened, so i might be able to raise the roof by a couple of feet or so.
Sounds like a good plan mate, all you actually need is about 7ft head room and you can get it high enough to do pretty much any job!
My back justified the purchase price of my Abbastands Lift 😃🤣🍻
Amen to that.!
More tool videos please Del! Love these and it's been ages since you did a hand tool review
Thanks for the nudge mate...More to come!
I'd love to have a lift and you hit on both of my concerns, cost and space. I clicked on your lift link but it's under maintenance, do you have links for both the UK and the USA?
Certainly mate, this link will ship to the USA, and the full range there is you need a variant model for space etc.. let me know how you get on. Good luck with it.!
www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=motorcycle+lifts
I am so done with working on the concrete floor. Back and knees are taking a hammering. Just cannot afford one 😢
Really thought provoking video, I could use one of the smaller ones in my garden it would be really practical for me but never really give it a thought until now, Well done guys as always a great bit of info
I think most people could probably find a use for one Andy, there are links below in the description if you fancy a browse!
Just ordered a small one, 500kg can't wait as my centre stand has just broke, the welding has cracked
Your videos are amazing as well. Thanks for your help!
Glad you like them, thank you!
Cheers Del. Yet another enjoyable video. With regards tp your quote at the beginning of the video, It's so true! I'm glad you're doing well mate. All the best....
Thanks Vince, glad you approve mate, what a wonderful community it can be sometimes aye?!
Nice video Del I’d love a lift think wait till move if few years get my new garage with space for that
Good plan mate.. you'll never regret it.!
The question is..
do you need a sore back and sore knees in your life
Good point, well made!
Nice video Del & Penny, hope all well over your side of the pond. Had my bike lift for year, would not be without it and I have the side extensions, don't know if that's a good thing as my mates Harley trike is on it more then my bike LOL. Just like you I have the other two little lifts as well, also handy to have. Hope the weather is still holding out for you, starting to get more sunshine over this side now, happy days. Take care, ride safe and have a great weekend. Cheers
Thanks mate👍, yeah mixed weather now, usual autumn turn, mild with wet and dry days... clocks change in a couple of weeks and it's all downhill from there.!! have a great weekend mate and stay safe aye.. always good to hear from you.
Interesting video Del - food for thought!
First comment hi Del lol
Always brilliant Del keep up the good work
Thanks, will do!