Motorcycle Lifts

Discussion in 'Clothing & Gadgets' started by Fork Lock, Jan 7, 2026 at 8:51 PM.

  1. Fork Lock

    Fork Lock Crème de la Crème

    I had a very nice Craftsman motorcycle lift. It was the kind with a foot treadle that you pumped up with a little hydraulic jack that was part of the lift. I actually never used it to lift my Victory. I never had a need to. I did use it to lift my riding mower to access the blades or clean the underside of the deck. Unfortunately, it did not fit under the Speedmaster. I could have jury rigged it by riding up onto a couple 2X6 boards and putting another down for the kickstand to raise the bike up, but that was pretty dodgy. I sold the riding mower and hired a lawn service (getting lazy). So, once I bought the Speedmaster, I then sold the lift, as I had no more use for it. I need to be able to lift the rear tire of the Speedmaster to make it easier to clean and lube the chain. Also, for adjusting the chain. I tried one of those lifts that hooks under the rear axle and lifts the bike with a fulcrum action, but the Speedmaster was just too heavy, and I nearly tipped the bike over trying to lift the rear. I ended up selling that thing too. So now, I'm looking at the one pictured. Anyone have any experience with this type of lift? Is it safe? does it hold the bike steady or do you need to ratchet strap the bike. Where does one position this lift so as not to damage anything on the underside of the bike? I'd appreciate any insights.


    lift.jpg
     
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  2. Eldon

    Eldon Crème de la Crème

    Nov 14, 2018
    9,076
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    North Yorkshire
    I have one and find it quite useful.
    The important bit for you is where is your point of balance?

    I use it for as you suggest, lifting the rear, but also for lifting the front for head bearings and fork work by anchoring the rear down to the bench.
    In terms of how to use, remove any belly pan plastics and then using plastic or wooden packers, mate it up to the sump.

    A good piece of equipment to have.
     
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  3. Fork Lock

    Fork Lock Crème de la Crème

    Thanks!!
     
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  4. zvezdah1

    zvezdah1 New Member

    Nov 16, 2025
    11
    3
    georgia
    Can you change the oil with that lift? I'm using a paddock rear stand and also have a front stand as well.
     
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  5. crispey

    crispey crispey creme de la creme

    Nov 6, 2014
    7,303
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    This is mine, works great til you take the front wheel off and remember you should have tied it down to compensate for it!:tired_face:
    stand.jpg
     
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  6. Eldon

    Eldon Crème de la Crème

    Nov 14, 2018
    9,076
    1,000
    North Yorkshire
    Yes a very important point @crispey , I don't actually use mine @Fork Lock to lift both wheels off the floor at the same time if intending stripping wheels out etc.
    Imbalance due to changing weight distribution is a real risk if you do intend using it as in crispeys picture unless you're just intending doing cleaning for example.
     
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  7. Fork Lock

    Fork Lock Crème de la Crème

    Thanks, all. I went ahead and ordered it.

    I'm mainly interested in easier chain cleaning/lubrication and chain adjustment.
     
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  8. Eldon

    Eldon Crème de la Crème

    Nov 14, 2018
    9,076
    1,000
    North Yorkshire
    Which bike?
    Obviously some yes, some no, in reality you don't need anything other than the side stand to change the oil, do you, but more equipment makes things easier.
     
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  9. zvezdah1

    zvezdah1 New Member

    Nov 16, 2025
    11
    3
    georgia
    trident 660
     
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