Motorcycle: Lifts and Jack

Well, to set things clear at the very beginning, motorcycle jack and motorcycle lifts imply the same. To avoid confusion, I will be using the word lift in this article.

What is a Motorcycle Lift?
A motorcycle lift is ideal for some maintenance activities like changing fluids or just washing the motorcycle from tail to tip. Lifts are gaining a lot of market as more bikers are taking responsibility of maintaining their bikes. As a result, various models of lifts are now available. There are different models for sports bikes, street bikes, race bikes, cruisers, choppers and custom bikes. The main difference between the lifts is the weight capacity that it supports and the style of the wheel frame, which has to be considered very carefully as using an incorrect type of lift could scratch your bike or could also damage the brakes with the wrong type of wheel secure.

The two types of motorcycle lifts available are:

• Air Lift
• Hydraulic motorcycle Lift

The air lifts are far cheaper than the hydraulic versions. Some of the points that you should keep in mind before purchasing a lift are:

• How high you want the platform to rise
• Where will the lift be used
• How long will you be leaving the bike on the lift
• What type of security you require
• How big is the bike

People with a lot of experience with lifts believe that the best types of lifts for motorcycles are table lifts that have a strong and secure base with an electric screw to raise and lower the table. It should also have a chock to firmly attach the front wheel and eyebolts or some alternative method to secure the bike to the lifts with straps. And mostly importantly, a mechanism should be in place to lock the lift in place when raised.

How to use a Motorcycle Lift?
The best way to use a motorcycle lift is to first slide it under the motorcycle, lock the revolving rear wheels and press the pedal of the hydraulic jack, which lifts the motorcycle. It is generally agreed that the lift works best when the motorcycle is in such a position such that it is positioned vertically with the rear end up on a swing-arm stand. However, if you do not have a swing-arm stand, then make sure that the motorcycle is parked nearly vertical with something like a piece of wood under the side stand to minimize the lean. After ensuring that you have enough clearance on the right side for the exhaust, the lift can be pushed under the engine from the side opposite to the side stand.

It is important to remember that if any leverage is added to the front or the rear of the motorcycle, then the lift or the motorcycles will most likely tip. Anchoring the motorcycle to the lift may seem to be a good idea but this will not prevent the tipping. As a matter of fact, in this scenario, both the lift and the motorcycle will tip together.

To return the motorcycle to it normal position, you will have to tighten the jack valve and pump the lift jack until the safety bar is released. Place the safety bar in a locked position and slowly release the valve thereby lowering the motorcycle to its parked position after confirming that the side stand is down.

Finally…
Internet is a good place to look up the various types of lifts that are being offered from various companies. Reviews of them are also available on plenty of sites. You can even place the order online. The cost usually is inclusive of delivery charges. Also, various discounts are offered at varying times. Keep an eye out for them. Some of the reputed companies that make lifts are:

• AC Racing
• Alpha Sales
• Cycle Dry
• Cycle Lifts
• Derek Weaver Co.
• eTrackStorage
• Handy Industries
• KD Motorcycle Lifts
• Kendon
• Komo Creations
• Kowa Tools
• Liftrack
• Lift Buddy
• Moto-Jack
• Titan lift

Remember that when you are thinking about purchasing a lift you should always think safety, strength and reliability. I agree that cost is an important factor too, but that should not force you to compromise on the quality. Your bike and your safety while you are under it are far more important.