Motorcycle lift

[lawnmowerman]

Not sure if this is in the correct category - apologies if not.

I am looking to buy a motorcycle lift - the full length one with the removable panel at the rear so you can get the rear wheel out. I do not have a compressor yet so a pneumatic one is out, although if there are considerable advantages I will buy a compressor too.
Any suggestions to the best make or makes to avoid. I have seen a Seeley and a Clarke advertised.
I need to get one soon before my back gives out and I end up with a case of "Farmer Giles" from sitting on a cold concrete floor 

Jim

[Humble Pie]

I just use old steel milk crate :)

[lawnmowerman]

Been there and done that when I had a dirt bike with no centre stand (and was a lot younger) but I wouldn't fancy lifting about 4 hundredweight of A10 on and off a crate now 

Jim

[Goldy]

I think that any of the main makes are ok, after all its only a scissor with a hydraulic jack underneath. One thing that I would do  is to ensure that it has a manual lock, dont just rely on it sitting on the hydraulic jack.

[wackyone]

I have a clarke bench which seems ok, Its the best bit of kit I have had in a long time.
Bike work is just easy now   400kg lift and I have used it for my XJR 1300 my Brothers Vmax
And the A10 restoration is on it now

[LJ.]

Oh I agree, a bike lift is an absolute must! Work on the bikes becomes 'much' more enjoyable if it is easy to get at. I have a stool to sit on, radio, heater etc, it is actually hard to tear myself away from working on the bike sometimes when everything is just so. Make it a priority to get one asap.

I've no idea what make mine is but is inexpensive and came from the old Triumph Factory between Coventry and Birmingham.

[chaterlea25]

Hi All,
Yes, a bike bench is absolutely essential
I made my first one from scratch and it uses a smallish trolley jack to raise the bench
Recently I adapted an old hospital bed with hydraulic lifting mech to make a second one ????
Cheers
John O R

[Brian]

I started a post about these things some time back now, brilliant inventions.

http://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php/topic,570.0.html

The ones I have are made in China or Taiwan or somewhere like that. Since I bought mine they have improved with full length versions and probably other improvements. I have two so I can use one to restore a bike on and the other for servicing or any quick jobs.

Over the years I have bought lots of equipment but these are the best single piece of kit I have ever bought, I consider them a neccesity, must have.

[terryk]

Your sounding like a pom Brian lol should it be best bit of kit not piece?

[NickSR]

Hi Jim
I have the Sealey MC 365 (365kg) lift which is about the cheapest new lift available, you will need a centre stand or means block up the frame as the removable ramp is non load bearing (not to be used with a paddock stand).

With the Super Rocket strapped down well I find it easy to move into the corner when not working on it.

If I had the room I would think about a KD Bench type,  longer base,robust construction and a trolley jack as the hydraulic lift, any promlems buy a new jack.

Can any one remember the Viking GB bike lift, very light weight in constuction and  uses a trolley jack as the lift, can be stored vertical when not in use, some times appear on Ebay but make good money.

What every you buy its better than working on your knees.
Regards Nick

[kiwipom]

hi they have them on ebay,
Sealey MC390 Hydraulic Motorcycle Motorbike Lift Ramp
     Â£419.95 +£19.95

[lawnmowerman]

Thanks everybody for the good advice.

There seems to be three main manufacturers for bike lifts, Clarke, Sealey and Draper. I was watching a used Clarke CML3 on ebay and it went for £340 yesterday and had to be collected - they are £379 + £35 delivery new on ebay with a warranty so I have opted for a new one. In comparison with the other manufacturers the Clarke is slightly cheaper and is rated at 450kg whereas the Sealey is 390Kg. There are other Sealeys but the equivalent Clarke rating is quite a bit more expensive.
Bike lifts seem to hold their money well as there is a demand for good used ones - If I were to use it for a few years and sell it I will only lose less than £100 - money well spent for the comfort it gives and makes working on the bike even more pleasurable.
Another good use will be being able to use it to work on the mower at a covenient height and even getting a corner of the car on it to work on at the lower heght.
Just waiting for it to arrive now so I can get the bike on it and sort out the current problems.

Jim

[lawnmowerman]

My Clarke lift arrived yesterday and I unpacked it and assembled it today. I am very impressed with it and it seems really well built with a very sturdy front wheel clamp - should last for years.
It is, however, damn heavy. It came really well packed in a plywood box strapped to a pallet.
The bike is now on it at a comfortable working height - no more backache and cold bum on the concrete floor 

Jim

[t20racerman]

My Clarke lift arrived yesterday and I unpacked it and assembled it today. I am very impressed with it and it seems really well built with a very sturdy front wheel clamp - should last for years.
It is, however, damn heavy. It came really well packed in a plywood box strapped to a pallet.
The bike is now on it at a comfortable working height - no more backache and cold bum on the concrete floor 

Jim

 I got exactly the same for Christmas - best present I ever had. I have four bikes with no centre stand and the Clarke lift with the front wheel clamp is just the job. I can't believe how much easier it has made working on my bikes. You'll love using yours. 
Why-o-why didn't I get one years ago! 

Only one thing left to sort out - what the heck to do with the huge plywood box and pallet that came with it!