Improve Your Motorcycle Lift |
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ม.ค. 2023
- I have been using my Harbor Freight motorcycle lift for at least 5 years and I have made a number of improvements over the years to make it more stable, safe, and easy to use.
This video is not sponsored. Some product links are Amazon affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this.
Products in the video:
Anti Slip Traction Tape - amzn.to/3qexxwx
Motorcycle Scissor Lift - amzn.to/44PT9hY
Don't know why I watched this whole video....something peacefully, relaxing about it. Good job bro...I'll be doing this to my lift!
Wow! Well I have a self proclaimed title of “garage therapist”… No I am not that conceited, actually your “humble garage therapist 😏 J. Clark, I really like the friction surface on the lift, I think it looks pretty good too. I recommend it! Thanks for watching and hope you subscribe, could really use the help.
@clemgriffis3446 just subscribed bro!
It’s his voice bro
You sure have smart subscribers Clem. Nicely executed. I had one of my kids help line mine up. Then he used my heat gun to get the stuff to really stick to the lift.
Jason, yes… I will have to break out my heat gun. Great idea to overcome the extreme cold. I was a little impatient to wait for warmer weather.
Clem - I really appreciated your video and your ideas are exactly what I am doing to my lift. Recently I changed my oil and filter and it was somewhat difficult getting the Street Glide Special without assistance onto the work table. The tape installation will go a long way to improve getting the bike onto the table. Excellent work thanks!
Thanks for the comment. I have recently found that the surface is not totally bullet proof. Oils and general dirt can be washed off with a bucket of dish soap and water and the use of a bathroom style scrub brush… no problem. But I had a DOT 4 leak down on the surface when I was flushing the hydraulic clutch line and after pulling the bike off the lift and sliding the front tire on the surface, the tape disintegrated. Luckily none got on the bike or I would be talking about my ruined paint. I plan to remove and replace a portion of the tape again.
Contemplating snagging one of these lifts up. Appreciate the video!
Go for it! Just do your due diligence and inspect the welds and moving parts after you get it together and hold HF Freight accountable to replace anything that may be questionable. With that said, I think it will serve you well and make your motorcycle maintenance much more enjoyable! Hope you like the video and subscribe.
I sold my lift . Didn't use it enough to justify the loss of space in the garage . I want one again now after seeing this 😆.
Jason, my garage/shop is now over-stuffed with woodworking equipment, project lumber and two Harleys. I understand what you are going through and I am planing to add on a 3rd door garage space. I am sure it will fill up too but something has to give…
Fantastic video - Great tips!
I will be doing the grip trick to my lift. Thanks Clem!
Thanks for the kind words. Really enjoy making the videos and publishing something that other folks find helpful. Hope you will subscribe as I work hard to make similar content.
Exactly what I was looking for, thank you.
Jeff, You bet. I am working other improvements and repairs to the lift now and hope you will look for these when they get posted soon.
Nice video. Thanks for the easy to watch explanation of your lift upgrades.
Cheers! Hey really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. It is folks like you that appreciate what I am trying to do with the channel that keep me making more content. Hope you subscribe!
I really Like the Grit tape idea. excellent thought
Thanks! I really like it.
Just bought the same lift today from harbor freight. Also bought the same wheel chock that you have after looking at a bunch of videos. So glad I came across your video since I was thinking this lift needs some grip tape. I've got a softail that I baby as much as you do with your bikes and wouldn't want to take chances getting it on the lift. Also being retired military, I appreciate your attention to detail laying it down. Oh since you named your bikes I'll share that my bike is named "Henry" after Henry David Thoreau's poem life in the woods....feels like I'm sucking the marrow out of life every time I ride it. Cheers brother!
Thanks for the comments. I guess names are how we make them our own and part of the family. Actually Roxie will not let me sell the 🐝 to get space for another bike so I guess I will need to add on to the garage. Hey, the only issue i had with the lift is the piece the hydraulic cylinder connects to buckled over and took the whole lift back for a replacement. Bought in Ohio, moved to Utah and swapped out there. They were pretty good about it. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing… i hope!
Thanks, great video, great info!
Thanks for the kind words my friend! Check out the more recent update on the wear surface… a follow-up to this video!
Thanks for the informative video.
You bet. Check out the follow up video released 2 days ago. th-cam.com/video/sB2wlqx3ilw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=iwyEFEBH_CdF7nxM
Hello Clem, thanks for taking the time to produce the video. I've had this lift for about 15 years. The heaviest bike so far has been a 540lb Moto Guzzi. I just bought a 2016 Road Glide Ultra and it's good to see the lift work with a heavyweight, but like others have posted having problems with the weight don't know if I'll use it or go bigger. Darn thing are narrow but you make it look easy! Bumble Bee 🐝 is a sharp bike. Cheers.
Thanks for the kind words. I do used the lift for the typical preventative maintenance and accessory work. I always attach the strong straps on the front and thus far no issues. The only issue I have had with the lift thus far is where the hydraulic cylinder attaches to the triangular weldement where the weld failed. I had to take the lift back and demand a replacement. I have limited space in my little garage area and I have two bikes. I would love to have a larger lift if I had space and used the lift constantly to make a living. I am sure I will do more structural enhancements over time, just because I love spending time in the garage and working on “things” when I can’t be out riding.
Awesome video, I've been doing my research on that lift when I came across your video and I love the idea of that grip tape on the lift and yours looks great. I actually ordered it through the link you put in the description. Thanks
Great, I am still happy with the wear of the tape on my lift. I am glad the link was useful. I do not have enough subscribers to be monetized or have affiliate links. Still building the channel. Hope you subscribe if you haven’t already. Thanks my friend for the feedback.
Subcribed
Great idea,great execution.
G’ 49, thanks for the nice comment and sharing your thoughts on the video and the concept! Please subscribe if you are not already. I appreciate all the feedback. Hey where are you from?
Good video nice job planning on picking up the same lift this spring also
Thanks Jeff, I think it is great value for those of us who do basic maintenance on our bikes and want a little more convenience without breaking the bank. Thanks for watching and I hope you decide to subscribe and come along for the “video ride”!
Thanks for the links! Looking to start my Honda CB550 restoration project soon!
Hey Stormie, glad to be of help! I would so much like to find an older CB 4 cylinder to restore. I am jealous you have one! You will have so much fun working on it! Thanks for watching and commenting, hope you subscribe.
Man great videos well done 👏
Ron, glad you like them. I hope I can put my own little “twist/bent” on the various things we do to work on our bikes and add value not only to our motorcycles and motorcycle related equipment but more so to our lives that bring us pleasure in our non-work related pursuits; “Garage Therapy”. Hope you are a subscriber… if not I would really appreciate your support, “likes” and sharing what we are doing with your friends that might be interested in this type of content. Your comment is much appreciated. Thanks Again!
Great video, thinking on getting this lift this weekend. Will add the scuff prior to using it. Thanks for sharing. Gave you a sub.
Awesome Frosty, thanks for watching, commenting and sharing your thoughts. Really appreciate folks like you who share similar interests and engage in the discussion! Take care my friend… oh and where do you hail from?
Roll on truck bed liner would probably work well, too.
I just bought a used one, in great condition, and you got me to thinking about improving mine now.
There are a ton of useful improvements you can make to the lift and again that many shown on TH-cam that are a waste of time and money. Believe me, I have made mistakes too!
I nice video I'm def doing this to my lift when it comes in. I've seen some people add a truck ramp to the side of the lift for more space for when getting off the bike plus id imagine it would add more space for tools not sure if ill do that but I'm gonna add the upgrades you did for sure. sweet video thank you for sharing
Thanks for the kind words. I am working on a new video as we speak. I have some surface repair I am doing and adding another simple feature to make the lift more comfortable when working the bike up in the air. Be on the lookout 👀 for the next video. Thanks for subscribing!
Thanks Clem, this weekends project.
Have fun!
I like your mod you did on your ramp I've been thinking about getting one too but the thing that caught my eye is that's the name of my motorcycle too is the bumblebee so welcome to the club lol have a nice day and keep on doing
Dean, my two bikes are part of the family. Roxy would not let me sell the Bumble Bee when we bought the new Limited. I hope to build another slot on my garage in the spring because bikes and wood working is sucking up my space!
Was given one of these lifts in exchange for a transmission rebuild on a Dyna. You're very kind with your comments about the original chock. It's a pos! Good job on the non-skid, looks professional.
Tom, you were quite kind by only using an abbreviation for your characterization of the original wheel chock. You are also quite correct in your assessment. :) I really appreciate you taking the time to comment to the post. It is folks like you that make me want to keep producing content; thanks for watching and subscribing!
Love your videos man , really helpful I’m going to get the same lift tomorrow and plan on doing the grip tape on it also , I’d hate for the back tire to slip off ! Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for watching and subscribing. If you find the content helpful, please share a link with your riding buddies. See you on the next video
Check out the other reviews like this one: th-cam.com/video/R500OH028JM/w-d-xo.html
Walk your bike onto the lift. Under power, if necessary. Its far safer for both you and your bike.
New subscriber 04/18/23. Going to purchase this HF lift before the end of the month since it's on sale. Plan to install the grip tape on the ramp. Thanks for the link for the tape and your informative video. Great job!
Welcome aboard Trace! Hey thanks for watching and subscribing. It is a good lift for the money, especially when you catch it on one of the many sales the HF has. Hey where are at; city, state, country? If you like my library of videos, please share a link with your riding buddies. Take care and please keep commenting and asking questions.
@@clemgriffis3446 I live in a little western town called Santa Ynez.... About 2 hours north of Los Angeles, CA. It's also wine country here with miles of country roads to ride. I'll be sure to share your channel. Thank you for your reply.
Thanks for the feedback. I like to hear from folks and where they are from. Let’s me know I am not posting videos out with some folks finding value!
Scooped me up an used Harbor Freight lift today at a great price. Ordered the same grip tape to mimic what you've done to yours. Good idea sir.
Glad to hear it. You know I am working on a new video to talk about other changes and the wear and tear on the surface for the past 9 months. Hope you subscribed to see it when it comes out. Take care brother!
@@clemgriffis3446Subbed. I did decide to cut a 5" center strip and take the tape all the way to the edges. Your point about the center section being the highest wear area is definitely a nugget of knowledge most wouldn't think about 👍
Great idea to add the tape.
Thanks for the Kind words, glad you took the time to watch and comment! Take care my friend and hope you decided to subscribe!
Looks great 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
I'm a new sub, 3/29/23. enjoyed watching this as I'm in the market for a table lift. Two things that I have consistently heard for improvement on the HF Lift, is the wheel chalk you installed, and reinforce the front and rear underside of the lift with a piece of angle iron in order to reduce the table from flexing or twisting when under load. I was really interested in the amount of space you had for your feet when driving up and backing off the ramp. Wonder if HF has table side extensions for this lift? Thank you. Nice job on the non skid and wheel chalk install.
Thanks for the kind words Rodney, I like hearing from folks who find value in the videos. Hope you feel it is worthy of your subscription if you are not already a subscriber. I have been putting long hours in my day job but hope to release a new video in the coming days about a new ramp to take my Harley’s into the back of my pickup. See you on the next video!
NICE JOB!!!
Thanks J, please subscribe if not already.
Some good ideas
Thanks Daniel for watching and commenting. It helps me and Roxy to grow the channel! Take Care and Happy Riding!
Nice one Clem!
Bob, Every comment I receive is much appreciated. I will always take the time to reply to all of them as they help in may different ways. I don’t want to “drone” on with content that is of little value in some way. All of your feedback helps me think long and hard before I put a pencil to paper and ever turn on the camera. Thanks again I hope you are subscriber. Give us a thumbs-up and keep commenting!
Definitely going to put the grip tape on when I get it. Hopefully I can do it as nice as yours. Sweet looking bumble bee. Cheers
Thanks for the kind words, BBBKG! Check out the follow-on ~1 year video where I talk about how well it holds up. I do agree it was an important improvement to the lift and recommend this or a similar texture/coating for these lifts. Hope you decide to subscribe and keep watching!
I'm looking to get a lift and have been eyeing this one since the price is right. My bike is big, but yours is bigger, and the lift seems to have no issue with it. I think the non-skid (that's what we called it when I was in the Coast Guard, anyway) surface is a great idea.
MP, for the money and the casual garage use, I think is a good lift. I can see buying a $2-3k lift. I only had one issue with the triangular welded gusset at the end of the hydraulic cylinder that buckled and I took the whole lift back for a replacement. Thanks for taking the time to comment! Really appreciate it!
Nice job. I’m concerned with how dirty that tape will get over time and how difficult it is to keep clean. (I see you do keep things very clean and orderly) Nice work on the details and I love that bright Bumblebee!!
JH, yes, it is already dirty and cuts scraped into it. It is a wear item and if it stays too clean, then I am not using the lift properly… :)
I like the wheel chock.the tape looks good.that’s like skateboard tape.not that your’s is a bad idea.but personally I would of used the rhino lining truck bed paint.if the cost wasn’t too high.or maybe it’s called line x.thanks for sharing.some good ideas especially the wheel chock.
R.H., Thanks for the comment. Yes, I have Line-X in my pickup and it is extremely durable. Like many of us, I probably spend more time and money on my equipment and various forms of related gear than is necessary. I tend to buy tools, power tools, equipment and raw material just so I can build nice methods of storage for all that new equipment I just bought, 😀… you know kind of like buying dog food on sale and then realizing I need to go buy a dog. I joke but I am smart enough to know that I do what I do truely for the therapeutic value and then pleasure I get out of it… that why I call it “Garage Therapy”.
I think you are right that a permanent coating is likely quite expensive and push the cost of the lift into the higher ranges of those professional lifts. I suspect I will go many years before I have a need to replace the tape. Thanks for being a subscriber!
Factory trained Harley Davidson tech
Not everything has to be expensive if it works. The only thing I do is beef the lift up. 💯 really cool 😎 lift
Viper, thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I am all about functionality, safety, and value! I am not a snob when it comes to my money! Hope you subscribe and give us a thumbs up. We appreciate folks like yourself that have a passion for the bikes and the garage therapy that comes from working on them! Cheers!
Great Video - first of yours's that I've seen. Have the same lift, same wheel chock, but mounted just a little more forward than yours. Awesome Bikes Clem!!! Love the idea of this - but wonder about getting the paper oily while servicing the bikes. Heck even rebuilt an engine of one bike while on this lift and couldn't help the antifreeze getting everywhere. The hatch under the rear tire I read (I think in the instructions) is for access to the hydraulics of the lift. Saw other videos where they suggested to run screws through this plate, so it doesn't kick out under engine power. Also says in the instructions to walk the bike up (not ride) lol - but we all ride it up. The rear most U-Bolt (to hold straps) holes I've used to hold removeable wood (a 2x4 on the lift, and a 2x8 on top of the 2x4 that extends past the rails of the lift) and made pins out of long bolts to sink down through the holes to easily give me leverage and height to getting the bike out of the wheel chock. Great attention to detail sir, you made a subscriber out of me.
Charles, thanks man for the comments and great suggestions. I fully expect the tape to get warn out quick, either by scraps, oil, something. I guess the real challenge should be removing it for a replacement. I suspect I will continue to spray it down with brake cleaner as the grime builds-up. Not sure how the break cleaner will affect the surface.
@@clemgriffis3446 I bought tape for mine, haven't installed it yet, actually have my lift dismantled at the moment due to a leaking jack. I have bought myself an 1/8 x 25 x 40-inch piece of aluminum to put down after a bike is on the lift to protect the tape.
I was a little disappointed when I flipped my lift over and found many bolts loose and/or mechanical mechanisms not in the best shape. I almost have to be thankful that the jack leaked for me to dive into truly servicing this lift.
Yes, you may find a number of things that are substandard. I actually have my second lift after the first lift broke where the cylinder bent the triangular metal it attached to underneath. I took it back and they replaced it with a new one.
@@clemgriffis3446 Wow! I would've never saw that coming. Hope all is still good though? I wound up doing extensive modifications to mine and converting it to a remote control electric winch, it's working good so far.
Ive been thinking real hard about this little lift. I think im ready to pull the trigger. Ill probably convert it over to air. My plan instead of the grip tape is simply to spray the entire top with roll on bed liner. It should have adequate grip and a more permanent adhesion.
I am sure the spray-on liner will be just fine. I was thinking it may require some sand-blasting or real rough sanding to put a rough surface on the metal to allow the spray-on surface to adhere well. Thanks for watching my friend!
As an alternative to the friction tape, have you thought of applying a coating of that paint-on pickup truck bed liner? It comes either in aerosol can and also in regular liquid paint cans. I think I'd use the liquid - you can apply it with a roller or with a brush, and it comes in a selection of colors also. You can also touch it up if it wears off, say, on the ramp part.
You bet! Check out my latest update on the lift. Hope you subscribe to the channel. Really appreciate your comments and input. Cheers! th-cam.com/play/PLmgpxt96CnshH9Om1yCadKPHN-AdI6aBN.html&si=2cvwX-J4p-rsfpXQ
Doesn't work good. Tried it
@@chrisc6874 thanks!
I had to do something very similar because I was slipping. I bought a roll of skateboard grip tape that was about 12 in wide and put the strip right up the center.
I really like it. Once I go through a few oil changes and swap oil filters, it may get a little messy. I recommend it. yea, hope you subscribe. Really working to put good content out there. Thanks for watching.
I like the idea of improved traction in the lift, I think I will try pickup truck spray bed liner.
I think the bed liner is a great alternative. There are several ways to accomplish it. I did an update video this week we’re I talk about the various bed liner alternatives. Check it out in the link and I hope you subscribe to the channel. th-cam.com/video/sB2wlqx3ilw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=MJgXYmBAu03fxYjp
I've bought the bed liner from harbor freight ($49) on sale. I've done the floors of 2 of my trailers and it works great. I'd do the whole surface of the lift.
@@bigdaddysshop8180 Awesome, I will have to check it out!
i have the same lift. i also added the black tape but i also added side extensions. 2 1/2 feet on eah side used the same mesh that is on the back of a ramp trailer. sure makes it safer to not only rideup but to also take it off. i am always afraid fo tipping it or fallingoff the bikei use it on my 2018 gold wing. andmy 1100 shadow sabre. but i also off to buy another one tomorrow so i have both my bikes off the ground for winter
That makes your lift… what… 2.5 feet + 2.5 feet + lift at ~27”…over 7’ wide?
You can also throw some painters sand in some paint and paint a coat or two on the surface.
Now that’s an idea.
That will feel really good on the knuckles when the wrench slips. Hahaha
Don’t I know it!
A more permanent solution is a thick coat of gloss paint with silica sand sprinkled in it when wet. then vac off the surplice when dry.
James, I see that recommendation several times in the comments. I
May very well go that route in the future. I recently posted a follow up video called “1-year Later” with how it has been wearing.
Thinking about doing the same to my lift. I’m currently upgrading to an air lift system so I don’t have to jack it up with the foot pedal. I saw another apply the grip tape and after it was applied they used a heat gun to cause the grip tape to fully adhere to the checker plate.
I am going to add a pneumatic cylinder as well. Which cylinder did you use… what size… any welding involved?
I'm building my own ramp and I thought the antislip tape is a good idea. However, it is liable to lift and oil spills could cause some damage.
I've come up with another idea which is to paint the platform surface and sprinkle some fine seaside sand on it while the paint is still wet and leave it to dry. Once fully dries, spray a light coat of paint over it to give it a nice finish. If need be I can put some more dsand in any patchy areas that need a little more to more or less even it up.
Has anyone tried this? If so, what is your opinion?
i shall be filiming the build and will put up a video once it is finished but it will probably be a couple of weeks.
ProfG, sounds like a great idea and a more permanent approach. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing your build.
i have used it on the deck of boats to great effect.
Just wanted to ask if the tape has held up. I'm getting ready to do the same setup and wanted to check. Thanks again for the video.
It is still holding up very well. The only scars are where a bike was very low and scraped the surface of the lift going up and cut a spot in the tape.
Great video and instructions. I have one small suggestion; I noticed when you jacked up the lift and put the security bar in you didn't remove the pressure from the bottle jack placing the weight on the bar. Doing this will prolong the life of the jack and should keep it from failing when it is in storage with a bike on it.
You absolutely correct. I typically relieve the pressure on the jack by using the bar as mechanical stop. Thanks for the reminder and thanks for commenting and hope you subscribe.
How’s the sand paper holding up? Thinking about using rustoleum truck bed liner on mine. Makes a hard grip surface and it’s about $22 a can at Walmart. Not sure though.
The anti-slip covering is holding up very well. As long as I can keep the oil off of it, I think will last a long time and n to get too nasty. Check out my latest video, I cut down my wheel chock to get more room under the bike. Reclaimed some great space. th-cam.com/video/YKgm5guaAgY/w-d-xo.html I have thought about various coatings but so far the abrasive doing the job! Hope you subscribe and thanks my friend for watching and commenting! Give us a thumbs up 👍 if you like the content.
Bought this lift about 7 years ago. Used it for my 06 Royal Star Venture and two late model Ultra Limiteds until last week. I really liked it although the 1000 lb rating seemed a little wobbly when those big bikes were up and the platform was pinned.
Last week I was getting ready to service my 2021 FLHTK Ultra and had the bike set and secured to the platform. I pumped the foot lever and realized nothing was moving. I depressed the release lever and tried pumping it up again to no avail. I walked to the other side and I could see the right side frame rail was bent outwards. WTH? I put the ramp back on, removed the tie-downs and backed my bike off really carefully.
When I lifted the inspection plate I could see the problem.
The weld where the flat triangular plate welds and meets the ram on the jack had split and in the process of me pumping to lift the bike it all went sideways and bent just about all the mechanisms and linkage.
Like I said, I liked that lift but it just seemed a little too wobbly for the big touring bikes and I won't be getting another one.
I bought a motorcycle jack instead. It doesn't lift as high but it's very stable and I can spin and even remove the wheels now.
I had the exact same problem on the original lift I bought from HF. I took it back about 18 months from new and convinced them to replace it since I was a ITC HF member.
I own a 2020 Ultra Limited. I have more money invested in this Harley than any vehicle I have ever bought. I feel the same about those Harbor Freight lifts. They are fine for light weight cruisers and dual sport bikes I own, but not for big bikes like Harley baggers and Goldwings. I bought a Handy Industries lift, which is made in Sully, Iowa. There is no better made motorcycle lift on the market, not at least what I have seen so far.
Shoot that came out nice
Thanks man. It did come out pretty good. A year later I put out an update. Check it out. th-cam.com/video/sB2wlqx3ilw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=YDP-PHMa_bQrX2qe
Thank you Clem. What is your review on the Lift after an year. Any thoughts ? Any recommendation.
Here is my 1-year Follow-up th-cam.com/video/sB2wlqx3ilw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=XidHMe7tvW2O9SWA
Hopefully the oils you get on will come out. I just placed my non skid on the ramp and the leading edge. Now the oil is cleaned up easy and not on the tape. Let us know after 2 or 3 services on you bikes.
Great point. Next change will come up soon. Thanks for the tip.
I would like to know how the tape is holding up over time. I tried just some of the rubber self adhesive strips but they flew right off. I use my lift as a almost daily parking pad also. I thought about some roll on nonskid also . (I have a channel also, would love you to check it out :) )
BTR: the tape is holding up quite well. The only scars so far is when I worked on a smaller bike that was lower then mine, scraped the top of the ramp. I am very pleased with it. It is holding very well. I cut down my wheel chock to give me more space under the bike. See my latest video. Thanks for watching and commenting and I hope you subscribed. I will definitely check out your channel my friend! Take care.
never used the grip tape but i might put some on the ramp only
Chris, I expect that the tape will be a wear item and will get dirty with oil from changes… Harley oil filter changes always leave a mess. Eventually have to replace after a while. Hey are you a subscriber? I would appreciate it if you would since we are working hard to build the channel. Thanks
You must be a pretty tall fellow. I noticed when you rode the bike back on, you could touch the floor(!) with your feet! At 5'9. I don't have the leverage or the leg strength to fool around with those teeter-totter wheel chocks. Got rid of them and went with the WheelDock. Roll in, roll out. Easy-peasy now.
5’10”. It can be a bit of a hassle but I manage on my lift as well as in the back of the truck. I will have to check out the chock you mentioned. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Have you considered adding the harbor freight Eighteen inch magnetic tool bholder to the side of your table?
Great idea… I have several of these magnets I bought on sale and am always looking for new places to use them where they will be useful and safe. Thanks for the recommendation!
I would like to what you done with the wood in the wheel choke, does it make it easier to get the bike out
David, I have tried a number of simple things that I have seen others try on videos and things I have read. The small section of plywood in the chock is one of those trial and error things. I have a ton of scrap wood since I spend so much time building furniture in my shop. I know this is a long way of saying, it does almost no help “for me” although others seem to think works for them. I would recommend you waste your time on this one. Very marginal benefit. Thanks for watching and asking about it!
What front wheel chock did you use? I'd like to get the same.
Tom, it is just your standard Harbor Freight chock. Catch in on sale all the time. www.harborfreight.com/1800-lb-capacity-motorcycle-standwheel-chock-61670.html
bet that stuff is hard to get oil off of? i added 2x6 sides to my lift to put my feet on and to get mowers and atvs on it as well,
take a 15mm socket ad cut out 2 notchs in the sides then you can use it on a drill to raise and lower the front stabilizer feet faster
Do you have photos or video to see what you have done?
How is the tape holding up? I saw where one guy used a heat gun to help it stick better
I haven’t had any problems with it adhering very well to the lift. You will notice in the video I use brake cleaner spray and cleaned the heck out of the red painted surface before I laid down the abrasive tape. No problems. It has been holding up very well! I still recommend it even though I have no affiliation with the product or Amazon.😁
I have the Central Pneumatics motorcycle lift table from Harbor Freight, (the predecessor to the Pittsburgh) that came with the air/ hydraulic jack. After about 12 years of frequent use, the pneumatic pump gave out and I manually pumped it up for about a year. I eventually converted it to a hydraulic cylinder powered by an electric pump. It was a good lift. Now it's a great lift. I'm in the process of converting my other HF lift.
Here's the link to the video on the mods I did.
th-cam.com/video/T6eHjhZNkXw/w-d-xo.html
Wow, you have an awesome history with these lifts. I had a predecessor HF lift that had the knuckle at the end of the hydraulic cylinder fail (bent in half). Luckily local HF allowed me to return the whole lift and replace it with new. If I can ever retire and use the lift more often, i would consider a nicer lift with an actuator that doesn’t require a foot pump. Thanks for watching and I hope you are a subscriber.
Use a hair dryer or heat gun to help adhere the non skid.
Thanks WW, you are correct, I did use my heat gun in a later 1-year update video on the lift as I removed and replaced some damaged Nonskid. Thanks for watching and giving tips. Really appreciated!
Clem: You did not show removing the bike from the lift. I have the same setup, looks like the chock components are in the same holes as mine. I can not get my roadking out of chock without a 2nd person help push off. Do you have this problem?
Actually, I do a little rocking back while using my hand brake each time to it get a little farther back. It takes about 4 to 5 pulls, back on the bars to work it up to the top and roll out of the chock. Hopefully this makes sense what I am describing. If not, let me know and perhaps I can film this part. Thanks for watching and please subscribe and like if you appreciate what I am doing.
How is that anti-slip tape holding up in a long run?
Check out this video as a follow up on its performance. th-cam.com/video/sB2wlqx3ilw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=m33c2tRtF795Mz09
Well nice job although I think you're going to have a hell of a time trying to wipe oil and crap off that rough surface but if you're happy that's all that counts 👍
Rodney, I had the same concern. I tried a couple of different ways and the best is a little Dawn soapy water in a bucket with a brush cleans it quite nicely.
Might be hard to clean off an oil spill on the grip tape.
Just a plastic brush and some dawn liquid soap in a water bucket. Check out the “1 year later” video. Thanks for taking the time to comment, really appreciate it!
That sucks that you have to put your bike away for the winter. I am in Florida, so I get to ride my bike all year round.
I lived in Florida for 7 years between 82 & 89, I also grew up in southeast GA. Road to Daytona Bike week a few times and took the warmer weather for granted. I had go where the $’s were at. Life is full of trade-offs. Thanks for watching and hope you are a subscriber. If not, please subscribe.
Seems like a good idea now, but if it's a HD it's probably going to leak a little oil, then what?
Randall, checkout starting at 1:32 of this follow-up video HF Motorcycle Lift - 1 YEAR LATER- th-cam.com/video/sB2wlqx3ilw/w-d-xo.html
Is it hard to get the bike back off that wheel chock?
Yes, it can be a little difficult, mostly with the Limited “Black Pearl” since it is a bit taller bike than my street glide. I just have to pull/rock it back, catch the front brake, rock it back again and catch the front brake, repeat, repeat…
Where u get the wheel chock set up at
Chad, this is a wheel chock from Harbor Freight. I have two; one is mounted to the bike lift and the other I mount to some two x four lumber and use it in the back of my pickup. Check out this video where I modify the chock for the lift. th-cam.com/video/YKgm5guaAgY/w-d-xo.html
Don't forget to subscribe if you have not already. THANKS!
@Clem Griffis thanks brother I jumped the gun seen it after love the content 👌 subscribed
Chad, the chock is on sale at HF right now for Inside Track Members... $74.99 down to $54.99. 6.8.2023
so after you have had time using the 80 grit non slip, hows it holding up? is it still stuck down good? and still has grit where the tire rides?
Butch, it is holding up very well. Maybe I need to put out a follow up video and show the wear and what I am planning to do next to the lift. I still highly recommend the adhesive anti slip surface. Although I think the “black” tape looks good to me, it really did not have to cover so much of the lift near the front.
I ended up painting on hurculiner truck bed stuff on mine. Just got the 2nd coat on today. I just did a foot wide on the ramp and the whole back plate that comes out so far
I've not even had my bike on the lift yet
I'm wondering if I need some up front for my feet so I can pull the bike out of the wheel chock
Depending on how heavy your bike is, you may need something to push your feet against. I certainly do, especially when I have the Limited “Black Pearl” on the lift.
Electra glide standard here
@@butchchiochon7791 Yes, I would make sure you have a place dedicated with non-slip of some type that will allow you to push backward based on the bike you have. Great questions... keep'em coming.
What lift is the other bike on?
I have a simple Harbor Freight motorcycle jack. www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-steel-atvmotorcycle-lift-60536.html it goes on sale from time to time. It is good for lifting the bike a little bit off the ground. Thanks for watching and asking good questions. Please subscribe for more motorcycle content I am producing.
Does your alarm go off when the bike is upright and the key fob is inside the house?
FG, No it has not been a problem to have the bike on the lift upright, and the alarm go off if the key is not close. It has been a problem just when I go out to pull it off the lift and I have to pull back pretty hard to get it out of the wheel chock if I don’t have the fob on my belt. Thanks for the question.
Hey, where are you located? In the states? Just curious, i see your question was recent and it is quite late where I am at.
@@clemgriffis3446 WA STATE. Thx for the key FOB tip.
Thanks for watching from WA! I have taken only a single trip up to your state a few years back. Shipped the bikes from UT to Oakland and then road up the coast crossing into Canada from Port Angeles. Check out the video if you have a chance.th-cam.com/video/zFsHlbkmpnI/w-d-xo.html
Duradeck...for boats. Super super good stuff. Non slip epoxy stuf.
I recently had some DOT 4 brake fluid drip on the surface of my lift and it basically ruined my abrasive surface after my tire rode over the affected area. Oil and dirt are easy to clean but beware of some chemicals. Luckily my painted surfaces of the bike were protected from the spill.
Very nice work on that lift. I have over $39,000 invested in my 2020 Ultra Limited and use a Handy Industries motorcycle lift whenever I service it. The Handy Industries lift is made in the USA in Sullu, Iowa. I also have the side extensions, wheel vise, and the dolly to move my lift when needed. Yeah, I paid a hell of a lot more for my Handy Industries lift, but I paid a hell of a lot for the motorcycles I own. Besides, being MADE IN USA is extremely important to me. I support American people and their jobs whenever possible. I do not trust the Chinese at all. I have yet to see a motorcycle dealership use a Harbor Freight lift in their shops. It's not worth the risk of damaging a customer's bike if the lift fails. My father-in-law has a Harbor Freight lift he uses to service his Honda Valkarie. It does not feel stable when lifting his heavy bike. I don't want to take any chances with mine.
D.T., more power to you. I never advocate that every motorcycle owner should buy HF products. I certainly am not advocating that every motorcycle dealerships that raises their lifts up and down multiple times per day over a thousand days per year for several years should go out and them either. Yes, I would wager you never will see a motorcycle dealer with an HF lift in their shop. With all that said, I really wish I only had $39K in my limited… but that is a different subject for a different time. I don’t use a broad brush to paint all Chinese as untrustworthy having lived and worked in Beijing for 5 years as an Engineer advising on Power Boiler design and manufacture, but again, another story for another time. I produce videos with motorcycle content because of what you and I likely agree on… we have a passion for riding, maintaining, improving our bikes and sharing ideas and great experiences we have surrounding this passion. As most Americans, we will defend each other’s right to have the freedom to choose for ourselves how and where we spend our hard-earned dollars. Unfortunately, millions in China are not afforded that privilege. I tried to buy a Fat Boy from the Beijing Harley dealer while there and the cost in 2014 was $58K and I was not allowed to import the Road King I owned back in the states at the time. Again, I will argue forever your right to buy a Handy lift and I may very well go a similar route in the future but as of now, my lift works quite well as a hobbyist for home use. Thank you for the kind words about the work I have done to the lift and hope we can share more thoughtful conversations like this in the future. Please subscribe and check out some of the other touring videos and maintenance videos I have out there on mine and Roxy’s Channel. Cheers!
it's called diamond plate not checker
Toby, I really appreciate the focus you provided on this video and the fact that you are looking to help me provide correct terminology in my video, thank you. It is true that steel "floor plate" has many names that it is referenced by; diamond plate, checker plate, etc. If we are going to be absolutely correct with its name, we should say "floor plate". The actual name per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) under code ASTM 786 is "floor plate". Description from the Code; "ASTM A786/A786M, 2015 Edition, November 1, 2015 - Standard Specification for Hot-Rolled Carbon, Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and Alloy Steel Floor Plate"
You, me and most everyone else commonly refer to it as checker plate and diamond plate... most everyone knows what we are referring to. Thanks again and most of all, thanks for watching the content we produce and taking the time to comment! Appreciate you brother!
👍🏻🇨🇦
Steve, thanks for watching, I hope you find it useful!
“Limited space” he says…
The only person I know of that seems to have unlimited space is Jay Leno... Don't we all wish we had his garage space!
I would have just done one strip right down the middle for $15 ...
John, I hear ya. Thanks for watching and commenting. Always appreciate viewers thoughts and recommendations.
how much more STUFF do bored people need to change your oil? just ride the thing
Dennis, yeah… ride it till it breaks… and then change it… Cold climate folks are always finding ways to stay engaged in the winter and save our backs. We really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Totally understand your thoughts on the subject.
Get ready for a lot of skinned knuckles!
Be safe and your knuckles on top this bars.
Not to be adik.. but you wasted a lot of time and money. You don't need to do the whole table. I have an 18 gold wing and I only have a4 inch strip only half way up the table.
Thanks for your thoughts! I think I got as much therapy out of working in the garage and making the video as I got from making the lift improvement… “to each his own”. Thanks my friend!
Good luck cleaning any oil spillages off that stuff. If it was me I would juts put it on the ramp and the first couple of inches of the lift bed .
Midas, checkout starting at 1:32 of this follow-up video HF Motorcycle Lift - 1 YEAR LATER- th-cam.com/video/sB2wlqx3ilw/w-d-xo.html