Taking care of your Hog is half the fun. But don’t get into the habit of propping up your bike with whatever comes to hand. Is that any way to treat your precious Harley?
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Our Top 3 Motorcycle Lifts
While you can work with a makeshift motorcycle lift, there’s a better way to raise your bike. Consider investing in a motorcycle lift.
In this article, we’ve listed a few affordable and easy-to-use lifts for your Harley Davidson bike.
| NAME | Load capacity | Lift range | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIVOHOME | 1,500 pounds | 4 to 15 inches | Hydraulic |
| Black Widow BW-1500AO-V2-MC | 1,500 pounds | 6.75 to 33.5 inches | Hydraulic |
| BIG RED T64017 | 1,500 pounds | 5 to 16 inches | Hydraulic |
| APlusLift Falcon MT2200 | 2,200 pounds | 6 to 47 inches | Electric Hydraulic |
| Orion Motor Tech | 1,200 pounds | 3.75 to 13.4 inches | Crank |
| Apextreme | 1,100 pounds | 3.75 to 14.6 inches (without dolly), 5 to 17 inches (with dolly) | Crank |
| ZENY | 1,100 pounds | 3.5 to 17 inches | Crank operation |
1. VIVOHOME – Best Motorcycle Jack for Harley
The VIVOHOME hydraulic lift jack works with a wide variety of vehicles, including motorcycles, tractors, snowmobiles, watercraft, and even ATVs. It has rubber lift pads that prevent the bike from slipping while you’re doing repairs. You can secure your vehicle easily with the adjustable locking screws and 3-position safety lock mechanism.
Even though Harleys are known for being the heaviest bikes on the market, that’s not a problem for this lift jack. It can effortlessly take a load capacity of 1,500 pounds. You’ll find it a snap to move the lift around with its swivel casters. Its handle and foot pedal make operation a breeze. It also comes with a secondary jack for lowering the bike.
The VIVOHOME uses a manual lifting mechanism that can be operated with the help of a foot pedal. It has a wide base that gives the jack more stability. The lift kit has a detachable handle, two tie-down straps, and two adapter bars.
We recommend this jack for its versatility, compact size, and ease of operation. It offers the best price for this load capacity.
Features
- Durable solid steel body
- 30-day warranty
- Ideal for heavy vehicles
- Compact size
- Available in classic black and red
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Sturdy
- Compact
- Smooth lift lowering mechanism
- Easy for one person to operate
Cons
- Faulty safety bar
- Confusing user manual
2. Black Widow BW-1500AO-V2-MC – Best Motorcycle Lift Table for Harley
With a foot pedal and wheel clamp mechanism, the Black Widow lift jack provides super convenient hands-free operation. It allows you to do hassle-free oil changes and maintenance. This lift table has a removable ramp that can be taken out when you want better access to the rear wheel.
The threaded levelers at the front of the table help stabilize the table on uneven surfaces. A built-in wheel clock also holds your bike in place. Its diamond-plate surface gives your bike the best traction while integrated dolly wheels make the lift easier to move around the garage.
We definitely recommend this lift to owners of the biggest bikes, thanks to its 24-inch loading ramp and wide platform surface. You can also leave your bike parked on it long-term.
Features
- Lift type: pneumatic compressed air
- Low-maintenance pneumatic lifts
- Foot-operated pedal control: 90 psi
- Built-in wheel clock
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Good for bikes with longer wheelbases
- Highly stable
- Smooth lowering mechanism
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Need to buy hydraulic fluid for pump separately
- Does not have tie-down hooks
- Expensive
3. BIG RED T64017 – Harley Jack
The BIG RED lift jack has a manual foot pedal that supports a variety of motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles. Corrosion isn’t an issue, thanks to its sleek powder-coated steel finish.
Moving this lift is easy. It has six locking positions, two locking swivel casters, one bottle jack, and one pulling bar. This wide load-bearing jack allows stable long-term storage for your bike during the off-season.
The BIG RED T64017 is recommended for Powersports enthusiasts and those working on light motorcycle repair regularly.
Features
- Manual foot pedal
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- 6-position locking mechanism
Pros
- Affordable
- No assembly needed
- Good undercarriage clearance
Cons
- Tie-down straps not provided
- Issues when getting jack centered
- Bleeding jack problems
- Poor wheel locking system
4. APlusLift Falcon MT2200 – Heavy Duty Harley Davidson Lift Table
The Falcon MT2200 comes with a drop-out tail to provide access to the rear wheel. It also has a detachable ramp that allows vehicles to be rolled on and off effortlessly.
Do you have a bike with a longer frame? You will appreciate this lift’s front extension and adjustable table length. This lift has the highest upper height ranges on our list. It also has a 7-position automatic safety locking mechanism that secures the bikes onto the lift.
This lift is recommended for dealership storage or garage use. Given its weight, it might be too cumbersome for personal use.
Features
- Power unit weight: 150 pounds
- The automatic safety locking mechanism
- Electrical requirement: 110 volt & 60 Hz, single phase
- 2-year warranty on all parts
Pros
- Front extension
- Drop-out tail
- Removable ramp
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
5. Orion Motor Tech – Harley Motorcycle Jack
The Orion lift jack has a highly durable solid steel body. Its anti-corrosive coating prevents damage from oil, grease, and dirt. The thick scissor lift design increases the bearing capacity of the jack despite its small size.
The Orion lift is much safer to use with its built-in braking system, which ensures lowering and raising go smoothly. To raise your bike, simply rotate the T-shape crank handle. The non-skid cover is made of premium rubber that allows more stability while you work.
The lift kit includes a removable crank handle, a pair of gloves, and an instruction manual. It comfortably lifts cruisers, street bikes, and touring motorcycles. It is a good choice for working on low-riding Harley motorcycles. However, it is not recommended for heavier snowmobiles, UTVs, ATVs, or dirt bikes.
Features
- Lots of undercarriage clearance to access all the parts
- C45 carbon steel build
- 14-day return policy
Pros
- Low cost
- Heavy duty
- User friendly
- Perfect for minor fixes
- Large contact area
- Better balance
- No complicated assembly required
Cons
- Poor quality screw bearing
- Not suitable for vehicles weighing more than 500 pounds
6. Apextreme 1100 Lb Harley Lift Jack With Dolly
The Apextreme has a powder-coated steel body that repels dirt, grease, and oil. It also has a galvanized coating on all its parts to keep the parts rust-free for a long time. The lift works by rotating the crank handle. It has a scissor design that increases the bearing capacity greatly. The rubber surface desk also comes with stripes on it to help prevent slipping.
This lift jack, with its 4 steel caster wheels, is easy to transport and store. The wheels are connected to the dolly, which is detachable from the lift, so the structure itself remains stable. It is compatible with most dirt bikes, jet skis, snowmobiles, street bikes, cruisers, and ATVs.
Features
- Manual crank handle
- Galvanized coating
- Solid black color
Pros
- Detachable dolly with wheels
- Portability
- Great price
- Simple design
- Increased height range with dolly
- Quality and practicality
Cons
- Can’t be used with power tools
- Dolly doesn’t handle the weight as good as the lift
7. ZENY Lift Jack Hoist Stand – Best Budget With Smallest Lower Height
The ZENY lift jack has a removable hand crank operator, two variable screw adapters, and a sturdy scissor lift mechanism. It also has saddles on the top surface which can be turned using the threaded rod that supports them. The saddles can also be removed off of the lift completely.
It can be reduced to a compact size that won’t take up too much space in your garage. The lift also has a textured rubber padding base that helps prevent scratches and slips.
The ZENY offers the best lower height range, which is perfect for low-riding bikes, cruisers, trikes, Can-Am Spyders, and ATVs.
Features
- 12 cm removable crank
- Solid steel body
- Red and black finish
Pros
- Fully assembled
- Compact
- Easy to store
- Heavy duty
- Affordable
- Allows you to raise the front or rear end separately
Cons
- Not ideal for long term off-ground storage
- Needs a separate socket to raise the bike
- Turn wrench doesn’t work as well
- Small width
Buyer’s Guide
Before you purchase a lift for your Harley Davidson, you must understand the features and functionality of this essential tool. Also, list your needs and preferences beforehand to make it easier to compare your options.
Lifting Mechanism
Manual Lifts
These lifts operate on foot pedals and cranks, which require manual operation and can be time-consuming. That’s a good trade-off if you have a tight budget. One of the best examples is the Black Widow lift jack, which uses a pneumatic mechanism.
Air Hydraulic Lifts
These raise the motorcycle by pushing hydraulic fluid into the lifting cylinder. They are much more stable than manual lifts. However, expect to pay more for lifts with this feature.
Electric Hydraulic Lifts
These use electric hydraulic pumps to lift the motorcycle. They offer greater benefits like faster operating speed and handheld controllers. It’s no wonder they are the most expensive of your options.
Weight
Are you planning to move the lift jack a lot? Do you work with large vehicles? In both cases, the weight of the lift becomes the deciding factor in your purchase. While a lightweight jack like the Orion Motor Tech is easy to move, it might not be the best choice for someone looking to lift heavier bikes.
Compact
Buying a compact lift jack is the best solution for those with small garages who still wish to repair bikes themselves. Scissor jacks are your best. They get the most compact when folded while still providing the durability and power you need to get the job done. When choosing a compact lift jack, pick one that’s easy to store and use in a limited space. Examples are the ZENY and Orion lift jacks.
Height
Maximum upper height is not a good choice when looking at the lift height. What you should check instead is the lowest height range. For example, the ZENY lift jack accommodates some of the lowest riding bikes. Take note that this is only necessary if you have a low-riding motorcycle.
For those who need to work on heavier bikes, a good upper height like that of the APlusLift Falcon MT2200 will help you access all parts without straining. Height also matters when considering undercarriage clearance.
Load Capacity
When looking for a lift, determine the bike weight you need the lift to support and then look for the lift that has a bigger loading capacity than the bike’s weight. For those looking to store their bikes for months at a time, it is best to go with a heavy-duty lift like the APlusLift Falcon MT2200.
Remember that a flexible loading capacity translates to a more expensive unit. Buying the best in this category might not be required for everyone.
Width
The width of the lifting pads should accommodate the wheels to keep the bike from slipping. The best on our list is the Black Widow because of its diamond-plate surface.
Safety Locks and Stops
Choose a lift with top-notch locks and tie-down straps to support the bike. It’s also a good idea to invest in tools and parts like rubber gloves and rubber pads. This helps protect the bike and the person working on it. Don’t stint on your safety.
Extensions
Some lifts have extension panels in the front, rear, and side that can be removed and adjusted as needed. These panels ensure that the lift is compatible with more bike types and sizes. Some lifts also have a removable panel that sits under the rear wheel for even more convenience.
FAQs
After you’ve locked your motorcycle, make sure you’ve placed the lift on a stable surface and that it is locked in place. Then, start loading or rolling your motorcycle onto the lift. Strap or lock the motorcycle securely, then use the lifting mechanism to elevate it to the desired height.
The hydraulic lifts might be easier to use but they do come with issues like fluid contamination and leakages. If you have a hydraulic lift, maintenance is key.
It’s possible, but I would not advise using products other than those that come with the lift. This way, you can avoid seriously damaging the lift jack.
Yes, depending on the lift mechanism of the product. Check the user manual for more details.
Hydraulic lifts are usually easier to use than manual ones, which may involve using foot pedals. However, hydraulic lifts tend to be expensive and require more maintenance.
Yes if the lift is designed for long-term storage. It is best to store a motorcycle upright when not in use, especially during the winter.
If you’re still wondering if it’s worth the investment, consider the advantages of owning a motorcycle lift.
● Stabilizes your bike on uneven surfaces
● Raises your bike at a comfortable height
● Lift storage prevents loss of air pressure in tires
● Reduces wear and tear
● Safer to use than makeshift lifts
● Provides access to all sides and parts of the motorcycle
● Easy to store if they can be lowered to the ground
● Makes it more convenient to transport your bike
● Frees up space in your garage
Conclusion
These are just some of the options you can use for your Harley Davison. Take note that there are even more types of lift jacks out on the market.
While hydraulic lift jacks are appealing to personal use bikers, expect some drawbacks. For one thing, you have to deal with high maintenance needs and costs. That is why some bikers prefer manual jacks. When it comes to tools, expensive does not always mean the best option. It all boils down to the lifting mechanisms. That is what you should focus on when buying a lift jack.
Hopefully, this list helps you make the best choice.