Bike Lifts And Bench/tables

@Eldon If not to much trouble that would be useful. Also is it heavy and can it be stored on its side.

 

Will add dimensions tonight.

Yes it is heavy, definitely a x2 man carry.
Yes you could store it on its side, can't see any reason why not, but you would want it secured ( hook in the wall, ratchet strap to bench etc).

If just tipping it 90⁰ then a simple pulley system fastened to the wall could resolve the tilt if it was found to be too much for you.

 

I bought one for my 1250GS, but sold it due to the following:

My main use was to move the bike around the garage and use it when cleaning the bike. My garage is 30 years old so the floor isn't perfectly flat so the small hard wheel on the skylift used to get stuck easily, not something you want with 250kg of adventure bike onboard. The skylift also pivots around the base of the hydrolic lift, which is not underneath the bike so it crabs and requires constant input to keep it going in a straight line. When cleaning the skylift gets in the way on the left hand side of the bike.

It takes up more room than the Motea constand dolly I also have.

For moving the bike around the garage and getting it into tight places the constant is much better. It's wheels have rubber outers on them so they deal with imperfections on the floor better than the solid hard wheels on the skylift and as it's central under the bike I find it's easier to move around. The skylift also has the wheels mostly on the end of squate section steel legs which flex on uneven surfaces (i.e. not ballroom floor flat)

the skylift does allow easier access to underneath the bike, but it's not as solid as if it's on a bench lift and the whole lot flexes when undoing stuff so better to undo any bolts slightly that you want to remove before lifting the bike off the ground.
The worst bit for me was attaching the bike, I had my GS slip on 1 side of the connecting points as the adaptor came away from the mounting point on the bike as I raised the bike up. Luckily it fell against the hydrolic lift and didn't do any damage, had it detected from.the other side it would have fallen on it's side. This was probably operator error on my part but I lost all confidence in it after that close call.

Downside of the constand are it needs a centre stand and the front wheel stays on the ground. For heavy bikes it's harder to get the bike onto the centrestand as the bed of the constand is around 15-20mm off the floor, but it's far cheaper than the skylift and takes up far less room, especially when not being used with the bike.

Essentially it's not a bad bit of kit but depending on what you want to use it for and where you're using it there can be cheaper and/or better options available. You just need to work out if it will work best for your situation as ultimately each option has its compromises.

 

If anyone is interested I have CAD plans for a bike lift bench which I intend, one day , to build. PM me with an email address if you are interested. I currently have it as a dxf file but could pdf it if needed.

The lifting of the table is achieved using a simple trolley jack that many will already have in the garage. The design is based upon the table made by Hughie Hanncox of Triumph Meriden fame for his own use.

I have made additional modifications for providing fail safe struts that will allow a wide range of table heights to be attained. The bike that you see on the plan of the table top Is my Ducati SS to ensure that the size if adequate. The width of the table is such that it will accommodate front and rear track stands to be used.

This is a fully dimensioned screen shot of the drawing with all layers turned on, if the file were to be viewed using the AutoCad app, you can turn the various layers on and off.

 

Here you go Joe and all.
Minimum height, there is a generous ramp to get it on.

Mid height, 1st pin hole so not hydraulic dependent.



2nd pin height i.e. highest setting.

 

Table length and width dimensions, let me know if you need anything further?





Although currently in the picture on a paddock stand, you can see, hopefully, how generous the width is so that you can use it in conjunction with the side stand if desired i.e. handy for doing right hand clutches on a left hand sidestand.

 

So in effect @joe mc donald and referring to the pictures above, on it's side it would occupy a footprint of 2200mm long x 165mm wide.

I don't think that's too bad is it, even if space is limited?

If I was tilting it up 90⁰, I would come up with a simple strapping idea to lock the table down first BEFORE moving it to avoid a finger trapper situation. Gravity holds the table down, lifting it by hand only lifts the table top platform, something very much to be aware of!

 

Besides motorbikes I find the hydraulic table useful for other things and can be quite versatile with a bit of thought;
1.
New heavy kitchen solid oak worktops needed treating before installation. Put the table in the middle of the room and walk around it at a convenient height. This could also be used with another bench with the hydraulics providing a means of matching heights.
2
Milling machine from a trailer to a bench height. Reverse trailer to table and match the heights. Use a skid plate and slide it across. Pump up the table and despite it weighing over 150kgs, I could then slide it onto it's new bench single handedly.
3.
Vehicle engine or gearbox work. Slide, drag or lift the item at low level and then pump up to a working height for any further work.
4.
In your case @Plezier it would provide a nice sized working platform of around 760mm height for walking on i.e. fitting out your. workshop, plasterboard, electrics etc.

Just a few simple ideas/examples.

 

Hi, I have a an original red bike lift, have had it for years & still use it. No hydraulics to have seals that blow, some bike have spent half a year on the lift. It can be a bit cumbersome to get the bike on the lift, but once on it's a chinch. Movement is by a screw I use a 1200W mains powered drill. It doesn't take up too much space when disassembled. However, I don't think the Bonne will go on it, it's too low. Link to website:- https://on-bike.com/motorcycle-lifts/motorcycle-jack-lift-retro-classic-trial-original-red.

 

@Eldon Thanks for that its a great help.