The Best Motorcycle Lift for Regular Maintenance
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Big Red Motorcycle Lift -
OTC 1545 Motorcycle Lift -
VEVOR Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift -
Black Widow Motorcycle Lift -
Tuxedo Motorcycle Lift -
Buyer's Guide
Motorcycle lifts are used to elevate your motorcycle into the air for tasks like mechanical maintenance or detailing, eliminating the need to lie on the floor or crouch down. They’re also a must because motorcycles don't necessarily work with normal car jacks. There are two types of best motorcycle lifts in 2022. The first is very similar to a regular car jack, only it has two elongated platforms where your motorcycle sits (as opposed to the single, smallish lifting platform you find on most car jacks). The second is a table lift which are full platforms allowing your bike to be lifted fairly high in the air.
Obviously the type of motorcycle lift you want to buy depends on a number of different factors. Since most people don’t have large, open garages with tons of available space, all the lifts on this list are the smaller, non-table varieties. All of these lifts can also hold at least 1000 pounds of weight, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not the lift you purchase will be able to hold your bike. Finally, each lift below offers some sort of manufacturer’s warranty.
Best Motorcycle Lifts of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Big Red Motorcycle Lift - Best Motorcycle Lift Overall
The Standard Manual Lift by Pitbull is the best motorcycle lift you can buy because of its multiple features. To start, it comes with a tie down capability using four loops when your bike is on the lift which solves leaking hydraulic fluid, one common problem that comes with motorcycle lifts. The frame of this lift is a fully welded "H" style which increases the overall durability by upping the lift capacity of the jack to 1,450 pounds.
Another really cool thing about this lift is the platform is coated in solvent-resistant rubber, so your bike won't get scratched, especially if it has a new paint job. Combined with the protective powder coating which increases the lifts durability, you'll see this jack is built to last quite a long time. The best part is this model includes a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
OTC 1545 Motorcycle Lift - Runner Up
The 1545 Motorcycle Lift by OTC comes with a huge lift range which goes down to 3.5 inches and all the way up to 16 3/4 inches. This wide range means you'll be able to stop your bike at multiple heights depending on whatever you happen to be working on. You can also remove the jacking handle on this lift, which gives you 360-degree access to your bike. This is a valuable factor to have if you like to move around your bike while you're working on it, or are doing multiple jobs on it simultaneously. This lift also ensures operator safety with two tie down straps provided. The OTC lift also has locking rear casters (wheels) and an automatic safety lock to bike and lift stay in place while you're working.
VEVOR Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift - Honorable Mention
The J&S Jacks Motorcycle Lift Air has a high weight capacity of 2,000 pounds which is great if you have a really heavy motorcycle. It’s capable of raising your bike up to 18.5 inches to give you plenty of room under your bike while it’s in the air. It also comes with a T-bar handle which makes the lift easier to use overall. The lift is painted black to resist corrosion and easier to use in hot weather because it won’t get as hot as naked metal. Like the Pitbull lift, this lift also comes covered by a lifetime warranty.
Black Widow Motorcycle Lift - Consider
The Jack, Motorcycle, 1.5 ton by Snap-on features an extra-base lift base to make it more stable than comparable lifts. The lifting platform is lined with two layers of rubber to guard against scratches as well as secure tie-downs for your bike. This jack is also safer to use than other lifts because it comes with an overload valve and safety locks. These safety features ensure sure the lift doesn't go out on you right in the middle of a job.
Tuxedo Motorcycle Lift - Best Motorcycle Lift
Like the Pitbull lift, the K&L Supply Co. Multi-Lift Motorcycle Lift this lift is powder coated to provide maximum corrosion resistance, ensuring the lift lasts as long as possible. It supports up to 1,200 pounds, rises up to a maximum of 17 inches, and includes tie down loops for securing your bike. This lift features pedal-operated valves and locks which are a lot easier to use than hand operated versions. It also has 16 inches of padded contact area to prevent accidental scratches or other damage to your bike.
Buyer's Guide
A good motorcycle lift is an essential item in every garage as it helps in repairing damaged bikes, checking their parts, and providing other maintenance services. However, before purchasing a bike lift, it is important to know all essential factors about the machine, like built material, weight capacity, and more. These factors will help you to understand its strength, durability, and capability, allowing you to select the best motorcycle lift for your garage.
What Are The Key Factors You Should Consider In A Motorcycle Lift?
Material
The build material used to construct a motorcycle lift plays a vital role in determining its strength. Usually, manufacturers use Aluminum or Stainless steel for the process. A lift made of aluminum is portable, light in weight, and suitable for handling light bikes. Whereas lifts made of Stainless steel are heavy, durable, and can handle all types of bikes. If your garage does continuous bike repairs, then a Stainless steel lift would be helpful.
Versatility
Here, versatility means the compatibility of the lift with extensions and other accessories. A lift has a specific height and width that needs to be increased to handle bikes of various dimensions. Side extensions have the feature of increasing the lift's length in front and back, due to which it can easily accommodate long bikes. Hence, make sure to look for lifts that are compatible with such accessories.
Portability
If the lift is not portable, your investment would be of no use. Suppose you get an order from a customer whose bike needs to be picked up, and you have to bring a lift for the process. If the lift is not portable, it would be challenging to pick the bike, and ultimately you will lose a customer. Though motorcycle lifts are heavy, the ones made of aluminum are portable. So, you should always have an Aluminum lift table in your garage for emergencies.
Lifting Capacity
The lifting capacity states the weight that a lift can handle and plays a vital role while buying one. If the capacity is less, say around 300 pounds, then the machine can only handle the weight of a scooter or other light bikes. But, if the capacity is around 5000 pounds, it can easily carry all kinds of bikes irrespective of their weight. While purchasing a motorcycle lift, make sure to check for its handling capacity. It would let you know whether it's suitable for high-frequency work or not.
Height
Every motorcycle lift has a minimum and maximum height, which will help you to work conveniently. To know whether the lift's height is suitable for you, extend it to the maximum and stand under it. If you are able to work properly without going under the bike, then it is perfect. The height of the lift is usually denoted in inches, and you can find it in the product description.
Balance
The lift needs to have proper balance so that the bike remains fixed in its position while you repair it. If the balance is not good, then there are chances that the bike might fall during the whole process and result in serious accidents. Look for lifts that have lock systems to fix the position and provide stability to the motorcycle.
Price
Motorcycle lifts do cost a lot that can hamper your budget easily. Before you purchase a bike lift, check out the prices of different products and fix your price range accordingly. Instead of spending money on an expensive lift, consider getting a durable machine at a moderate price. If the lift is durable and affordable, you won't have to spend much on servicing and maintenance.
Ease Of Use
A motorcycle lift comes in different parts that you need to assemble before using it. If the product is difficult to assemble, it will take a lot of time, and you might even have to call a professional for the assembling process. A lift that has simple instructions and is easy to assemble will save you both money and time. Hence, before buying, look at whether the product is easy to use or not.
Safety Features
Safety should be your topmost priority while dealing with a bike lift. If the product does not have a suitable locking mechanism, rubber coating, or other safety features, it can lead to some major accidents in the garage. Even if the lift is expensive but lacks good safety features, then it's not worthy of the investment.
What Are The Various Types Of Motorcycle Lifts?
Pneumatic Lift
Pneumatic lifts are affordable and have compressed air as their power source. These lifts only require 100 PSI to operate and have a foot valve that allows you to adjust the pressure of the cylinder. They have the capacity to handle 1000 pounds and come with different locking mechanisms for better protection.
Air Hydraulic Lift
Air hydraulic lifts are the ones that use air pressure to force the hydraulic fluid and operate the whole machine. In these lifts, the hydraulic fluid acts as the primary source of power that makes the entire process smooth. They are preferred by most mechanics due to their ease of operation and affordability.
Electric Lift
Electric lifts are expensive as they require electricity to push the hydraulic pump and operate the machine. These lifts are known for their speed, efficiency, and smooth operation. They even come with remote controls for running the lift.
Hand Crank Lift
Hand crank lifts are also known as manual lifts and only need screws to function. When you insert the screws and rotate the machine, you can operate it effectively. These machines are simple to use, affordable, and do not need any power source for running.
Final Words
Investing in a good motorcycle lift is essential for mechanics because if the machine is not good, you won't be able to repair the bikes properly. Additionally, a lift that is not sturdy enough to handle bike weights can result in severe injuries and accidents. Hence, it is essential to research well before buying such products. We hope this article helps you know the nitty-gritty of a motorcycle lift and get your hands on a perfect fit.
Motorcycle Lift FAQ
Q: Would it be wise to invest in a stainless steel motorcycle lift if my garage doesn't get many bike repairing orders?
A: If your garage doesn't get many orders for bike repairs, then it is better to invest in an aluminum motorcycle lift. These lifts are portable, affordable, and easy to use.
Q: How can I know if the height of the lift is suitable for me?
A: To know whether the lift's height is suitable for you, extend it to the maximum and see if you can operate it without having to go under the stand. If you can do so, then the lift's height is perfect for you.
Q: Is a pneumatic lift better than a hydraulic lift?
A: Hydraulic lifts are far better than pneumatic ones as the former has smooth operation and is easy to use. Moreover, hydraulic lifts can handle more weights than pneumatic ones.
