Decent, affordable, bike scissor lift?

[edelweiss]

Can anyone recommend a good and affordable manual (foot pump) hydraulic scissor lift? I need to work on a 72 CB500.

Thanks!!

John

 

[Tim]

Do you have a pic of exactly what you're looking for? Do you mean a table, or one of those generic lifts that slides under the bike?

For my money, you can't go wrong with a simple scissor jack that slides under the bike with extendable, adjustable arms that reach up to the frame of the bike. Your CB500's pipes will get in the way of more typical jacks that just have a flat surface that lifts up.

A wheel chock is good to have as well, to hold the bike upright for oil changes (if you have removed your center stand - many of us do to reduce weight).

If you're dead set on lifting the bike to a more comfortable height, then a table is your best bet. Harbor Freight has about the best prices on any of this stuff new, or keep your eyes on Craigslist.

 

[Tim]

Oh and investing in the scissor jack and/or wheel chock is never a waste as they're both indispensable on a table lift.

 

[edelweiss]

I am taking off the stock pipes and putting on a 4-1 Carpy exhaust. I hope the the 4-1 exhaust will clear this type of jack.

The Team Hawg-type jack looks really cool, but not sure if they sell it anymore:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ugw8ahWMSU

 

[edelweiss]

I also see a lot of lifts at Sears. This one looks nice and simple:

http://www.sears.com/rage-powersports-black-widow-motorcycle-scissor-jack/p-SPM7115298607?prdNo=44&blockNo=44&blockType=G44

 

[midlyfcrisis]

got the harbor freight motorcycle lift for 330 on sale.had it for a few months and it has made life much easier.

 

[Rich Ard]

If you buy the HF lift - or any lift that depends on a hydraulic jack - do yourself a favor and make sure (a) that the bottle has enough hydraulic oil in it, and (b) use the locking bar rather than having the jack hold it up. Not doing either or both guarantees a shorter lifespan for the lift, and possibly your limbs'.

 

[hillsy]

Another option if you are working in a garage or under a house is to hoist the bike up front and rear with a couple of ratchet straps attached to beams or joists overhead. This will also be your best clearance option when you are doing an exhaust swap.