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Whether for detailing or mechanical maintenance, at one point or another, you will need to elevate your motorcycle in the air and, to do this, a motorcycle lift is absolutely necessary. With a motorcycle lift, you don’t need to lie down or crouch down on the ground to check for issues.
Now, you may be thinking that you have a normal car jack in your garage, so why not just use that, right? Well, unfortunately, normal car jacks do not work on motorcycles, which makes a motorcycle lift a must-have tool if you’re a biker.
There are, however, motorcycle jacks; tools that are placed under the bike frame or engine block. These are mainly used to remove wheels, but they are not as stable as motorcycle lifts.
A motorcycle lift is your best option if you need to get a good amount of work done on your bike. With a lift, your bike remains stable even when you are working on bolts that require a large amount of pressure.
Motorcycle lifts are essentially steel plates (they come in different designs as we shall see) where your bike is mounted and locked in. The steel plates on the lift typically have a textured surface and the motorcycle’s tires grip on these surface for a tighter harness.
Most lifts also have ramps that make it easier for you to mount the bike on and off; these ramps are usually detachable once you start examining the bike to minimize the restriction of movement.
After you have safely secured your motorcycle, you can then raise the bike to a convenient height using either a compressed air or hydraulic system. The hydraulic lift models mainly use foot pedals to either raise or lower the bike while compressed air systems demand an air compressor.
Different motorcycle lift models also differ when it comes to the amount of weight they can handle and, the more weight a lift can handle, the better.
High-end models will have a jack or integrated center stand which makes it possible to lift both wheels off the ground and remove them before service.
Those are the basic mechanics of a motorcycle lift and, if you feel convinced, the next section will be discussing some of the best motorcycle lifts currently in the market.
We hope you find one that perfectly suits your needs or, at the very least, you acquire sufficient knowledge to help you make an informed decision when you finally go shopping for a lift.
| Model | Dimensions (Inches) | Max Capacity (Inches) | Max Height (Inches) | Min Height (Inches) | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Jack | 17.8 x 6 x 16.1 | 1100 lbs. | 16.25 | 3.75 | • Removable adapters. • Hex Sockets. |
| Dragway Tools Wide Deck | 17.5 x 10.5 x 4.5 | 1100 lbs. | 13.25 | 3.75 | • Wide platform. |
| ZENY Wide Deck Lift | 14.6 x 9 x 4.5 | 1100 lbs. | 17 | 3.5 | • Removable Adapters. • Wide 9 Inch platform |
| XtremepowerUS Motorcycle Scissor Center Jack | 21.6 x 15.3 x 4.7 | 1100 lbs. | 15.75 | 3.75 | • Wide base. • Crank jack. |
| Torin Big Red Motorcycle Jack | 35.4 x 17.3 x 5.9 | 1500 lbs. | 16.6 | 5.2 | • Safety lock. • Foot operated hydraulic pump. |
| PowerZone Hydraulic Lift | 33 x 16.5 x 5.5 | 1700 lbs. | 14.5 | 4.5 | • Safety lock. • T-handle. • Foldable into a compact package. |
Black Widow – Steel Motorcycle Jack
If you are in search of a lightweight and compact motorcycle lift, then this may be the product you are looking for; the lift is small in size and only weighs 32 lbs. The Black Widow motorcycle lift is compatible with both cruisers and touring bikes and has a weight capacity of 1100 lbs.
This unique piece can raise a bike between 3.75 inches and 16.25 inches off the ground. However, it is possible to add to the maximum height with the help of two removable adapters.
The Black Widow is made of high-quality steel that is protected by a powder coating. This motorcycle is also equipped with rubber padding, which ensures that no damage is inflicted on the bike or its frame while it is being lifted.
The padding simultaneously provides for additional traction and prevents slippage. As a bonus, this motorcycle lift comes with hex sockets that make the lifting of the bike an easy process.
Pros
- Highly durable.
- Lightweight.
- User-Friendly.
- Exceptionally sturdy.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
Dragway Tools 1100 LB Wide Deck Motorcycle Center Scissor Lift Jack
This is one of the best motorcycle lifts you will find in the market. Due to its design, the Dragway is capable of supporting numerous bike models; it is exceptionally wide and has a platform that measures 16 by 10 inches.
The lifting plate has a rubber padding layer, which grips the bottom of your motorcycle firmly for added balance and stability.
The lift can effortlessly raise your bike to a height of anywhere between 3.75 and 13.25 inches and can be used on tracks, shops, or personal garages. This versatile lift is also extremely light with a weight of 27.6 lbs. and a maximum support weight of 1100 lbs.
Pros
- User-friendly.
- Has a wide deck.
- Exceptionally sturdy.
Cons
- There have been complaints on lack of durability.
ZENY 1100 LB Wide Deck Motorcycle Lift
This scissor motorcycle lift is a great addition to your workshop because it is quite affordable and extremely versatile. The ZENY is also extremely light, at only 33 lbs.
This motorcycle lift holds a maximum weight of 1100lbs. and has a lifting height of between 3.5 and 17 inches.
Additionally, the lift is made of high-quality steel with a rubber finish that prevents slippage and damage to the bike during lifting. The ZENY has an exquisite red finish that, not only adds to its aesthetics but also prevents corrosion, making this lift quite durable.
Further, this motorcycle lift is quite sturdy and an easy-to-use crank mechanism is what facilitates the lifting of your motorcycle; the lift comes with two screw adaptors that make servicing quite a simple task.
Pros
- Quite affordable.
- User-friendly.
- Exceptionally durable.
- Has a corrosion resistant coating
Cons
- Doesn’t have wheels for easy mobility.
STKUSA 1100Lbs Motorcycle Lift
The STKUSA has received wide critical acclaim from users. This high-quality motorcycle lift comes with a solid steel construction and a blue and black finish that protects it from wear and tear.
With its scissor center jack tool, you can lift numerous types of bikes using 2 screw adaptors and a crank strategically placed on the adjustable deck.
This affordable lift weighs only 7.9 lbs. and has a maximum lifting capacity of 1100 pounds. The lifting height ranges between 3.75 and 15.75 inches and the lift comes with two screw connectors that make lowering and raising height an effortless task. The STKUSA also features a wide base that comes in handy in keeping your motorcycle steady.
Pros
- User-friendly.
- Extremely sturdy.
- Highly durable.
Cons
- The set pin has been reported to break easily.
Torin Big Red Motorcycle Jack/ATV Jack
The Torin Big Red Motorcycle Jack has been designed with durability and strength in mind. The Big Red lifts extremely heavy bikes effortlessly and has a maximum lifting weight of 1500 lbs., enhanced by a hydraulic pump. This lift can raise anything from a minibike to an ATV.
In order to protect your bike, the lift is equipped with a safety lock that holds your motorcycle in place. The Big Red’s hydraulic pump is operated by foot, which makes it possible to support or stabilize the bike with your hands during lifting. The lifts lifting height ranges anywhere between 5.2 and 16.6 inches.
The Big Red has been said to be capable of withstanding lifetime utilization, which makes up for its high pricing. However, compared to motorcycle lifts of the same category and capabilities, the Big Red is quite affordable and has received wider acclaim, which is both a testament to its fairness in price and the quality of the tool itself.
Pros
- High quality
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Easy to Assemble
Cons
- The hand release design can be challenging.
PowerZone 380047 1700 LB Hydraulic Motorcycle
The PowerZone has been built from high-quality steel that is meant to withstand years of wear and tear. This motorcycle lift has a weight of 62.4 lbs. and can handle up to 1700 lbs. of weight.
Its lifting height ranges anywhere between 4.5 to 14.5 inches. The hydraulic pump is activated by foot, which leaves your hands free and allows you to stabilize the bike as you lift.
This heavy-duty lift can be used for anything from minibikes to ATVs. Most motorcycle lift models do not offer this versatility so if you happen to have both motorcycles and ATVs, you will be sure to appreciate this in the PowerZone.
The lift also comes with a T-Handle that allows for a more secure grip but, in case you don’t need it, you can easily detach it.
There is also a security lock in the jack that provides for a firm grip while the rubber pads on the lift ensure that there no damage is incurred on the bike or its frame. The PowerZone may be bulkier than any other lift on our list, but it is surprisingly compact and can be folded into a 5-inch package during transportation.
Pros
- Extremely strong and durable.
- Has a safety lock.
- User-friendly.
- Compact.
Cons
- The wheels do not rotate well.
- Quite heavy.
Buying Tips: What to Consider When Buying a Motorcycle Lift
When purchasing a motorcycle lift, numerous factors should be considered. Some of the most pertinent factors are as discussed below.
Type of Lift
Choose any of the following based on your usage and unique requirement. There are three primary types of motorcycle lifts:
Floor Jacks
This floor jack is quite affordable, which naturally makes it one of the most popular types of motorcycle lifts in the market. Floor jacks are low units that are simply used as platforms on which the motorcycle is placed.
This type of lift is easy to move around because most are equipped with wheels and can be easily maneuvered. They also typically come with a long handle that is used for lifting.
Hi-Lift
Hi-lift motorcycle lift models are used to lift bikes off the ground and they easily balance the weight of the bike on their platform.
Most of these motorcycle lifts come with a security lock that harnesses the bike to the platform after the desired height has been achieved. Hi-Lift motorcycle lifts are usually compact and surprisingly easy to use.
Stand
Stands are not capable of lifting motorcycles but they can be utilized for the transportation of bikes in their upright position.
Maximum Lifting Weight
This is also extremely important to consider when buying a motorcycle lift. Note that the maximum weight that each specific lift can handle is mentioned right along with the specs of the product, so pay attention to that.
The worst thing you can do is purchase a lift a that can only handle up to 500 lbs. when your bike is 1000 lbs.
To be safe, we recommend purchasing a heavy-duty lift that you wouldn’t have to replace in case you ever decided to purchase a heavier bike.
Maximum Height
This refers to how high you can raise the bike on the lift; this is also provided alongside other specs. The lifting height is usually calculated in inches and the height range provided usually indicates the lowest and the maximum limits.
Here, we also recommend choosing the motorcycle lift with the highest limit, which will guarantee that your bike is always lifted to a desirable height, whether you are simply changing a tire or doing some much more demanding maintenance.
Balance and Stability
As we are sure you are aware, motorcycles are two-wheeled and not exactly the most counterbalanced objects in the world.
Therefore, if you are going to lift one in the air, you have to ensure that it is held securely in place to prevent it from tipping over to one side.
The best motorcycle lifts have a security lock or, at the very least, a textured surface on the lifting plates that provides for tire traction, keeping the bike in place as it is lifted.
Moreover, a good motorcycle lift will be equipped with wheels for easy movement and portability.
Pricing
Pricing is also extremely important when purchasing a motorcycle lift and, quite frankly, so is it when it comes to most other purchases. More often than not, higher priced objects tend to be of a higher quality.
While this may not always be the case, you don’t want to be so focused on a bargain that you compromise on quality when you could have added a few extra bucks for a product that will serve you for a lifetime.
Therefore, consider your maintenance needs, understand the kind of lift you need based on those needs, and then plan your budget for the best value product.
Versatility
Most people just want a good motorcycle lift but do not pay much attention to the features. However, if you are looking for a tool that will serve you for years to comes; if you are looking to get value for your money, you may want to consider the versatility of each tool you are looking into.
Is the tool simply for storage and transportation or can it actually lift a bike during repairs? Can it accommodate heavy motorcycles? Can it handle ATVs? Is it user-friendly? How does the lifting mechanism work?
Consider how well each motorcycle lift will serve you in different circumstances that would apply to you and choose the one that has the most functional use.
Space
Another important factor to consider is the space needed to store the lift as well as the space needed for you to lift and work on the bike.
Consider the dimensions of every potential lift as well as the dimensions of your bike and ask yourself if you have enough space in your shop/garage to comfortably store and work on the bike.
Choose a lift with dimensions that will not be cumbersome to you and if you absolutely can’t find one, then there is no point making the purchase until you have found a comfortable space.
Any of the above-discussed motorcycle lifts are a great choice. They all have primarily great user reviews in comparison to similar options of the same category in the market.
Further, they come with a reasonable price tag as well as pretty impressive features.
So, all that is left is for you to objectively analyze your individual maintenance needs and choose a lift that is most practical for you. Good Luck!!
