Motorcycle lifts are essential when it comes to maintenance – repairs and servicing – of a motorcycle. It becomes more crucial when dealing with big bikes like Harley Davidson or BMW, mainly while positioning them in various positions. Whether you are a professional bike repairer or even a DIY, here is the best motorcycle lift for Harley Davidson (shortlisted).
Best Overall (Value) – Black Widow 1500 or OTC 1545 Low Profile
Premium Multipurpose – APlusLift MT1500X or AP-MT1500 or BW1500
Standard – Titan Ramps Motolift or K&L 37-9885
Budget Friendly – ZENY 1100 or VIVOHOME VH049 or Orion ZX09-08
Types of Lift Available for Harley Davidson
Air Lifts
Like its name, airlifts operate under compressed air. Such lifts only need 100 PSI to function, with most of them having a lifting capacity of 1000 lbs. Airlifts include various locking positions on different working heights.
Hydraulic Lifts
Most hydraulic lifts run when a hydraulic fluid makes its way into the lifting cylinder. They run only by air or electric mumps.
Scissor Jacks
Scissor jacks are the most portable ones. When the piece is in the contracted position, they become compact. Such lifts easily fit into small spaces and are easier to carry.
Best Harley Lifts – Touring, Sportster, Softail, Dyna, CVO, EVO, Trike
Harley Davidson Lift Table Pricing
Cheap ($0 to $300)
Airlifts are the popular ones in this category. Airlifts are simplest and highly portable, making them ideal for those after portability and affordability.
Standard ($301 to $999)
In this price category, hydraulic lifts are the popular ones. Even though hydraulic lifts lack sophistication, they are pricier than airlifts.
Premium ($1000 to $2000)
If looking for sophisticated lifts, this is the table section to use. Electric hydraulic lifts are available in this section. Some include a remote control which adds to their convenience.
Top Harley Lift Brands
Black Widow – Black window brand is the best overall when it comes to the ideal lifts. Black Window Company boasts of many years of success, since 1968.
K&L Supply – Another great brand is K&L Supply. If looking for a model compatible with your bike, K&L has versatile lifts to meet your lifting needs.
Guide to Choose the Right Motorcycle Lift Table for Harley Davidson
Lift Type & Design
Lifts come in various designs and shapes that affect how they work. For instance, airlifts and hydraulics work differently. When thinking of design, choose the one that meets your storage and portability needs.
Material
Materials used on the lifts affect their performance and durability. Most include a sturdy steel construction. Others include coatings for steel protection and boosting the appearance.
Elevation Height
Every Harley owner needs various heights while performing any task like cleaning or repairs. As such, it’s crucial to get a lift with adjustable heights for various lifting tasks.
Dimensions & Weight Capacity
Consider a lift’s weight capacity to know the amount of weight it can hold. Choose the one that is about one and a half heavier than your bike. As for dimensions, make sure they go well with your bike.
Stability
Make sure you check the lift tables and specifications to confirm their stability. If a lift includes wheels, make sure they are stoppable while moving. Does the lift have a locking system? In the case of a free jack, can you find shut-off valves? In short, there is stability.
Safety Measures
An ideal lift includes safety features as you work on your bike. Make sure the lift can hold the bike and prevent it from falling as you work.
Paint Protection
To keep the paint intact and in good condition, choose the lift with coating. Coating not only boosts its appearance but also makes it durable.
Portability
From various sizes and types of lift tables, consider the portable ones to make moving and storage easier.
Automatic or Manual – Best Motorcycle Lift for Harley Davidson?
Being automatic or manual is tied to a product’s price. Most of the expensive lift tables have automatic pedals for raising or lowering a motorcycle. Most hydraulic ones are automatic. On the other hand, lifts on the lower side of the price table are manual lifts. However, even though they are manual, they are equally effective in getting the job done. Manual lifts also work with the aid of a hydraulic system or similar.
Lift or Load a Harley Davidson – Steps & Security Tips
- Almost all lift tables will include a built-in ramp to give way for access to the main part. To begin with, you need to make sure you place the bike in neutral gear for easier moving.
- Steadily roll the bike on the platform as you secure it with the available safety features. You can find bindings or wheel clamps.
- If the motorcycle is very heavy, you can manually roll it on the table depending on the lift you use. When using a lift, you can lower it flat on the floor and ride onto the platform. If the lift cannot fully lower the bike, ask a friend to help you push the bike in place.
- As you lift or load the bike, make sure security is intact. Check the wheels and any other locking system to make sure they function well. In case a motorcycle slides in the process, you may get hurt.
Harley Lift Maintenance – Tips for Long Performance
Motorcycle lifts are prone to wear and tear, considering the tough work they perform. By performing frequent maintenance, they can last longer. However, if you are not familiar with such maintenance, you can hire a professional. Below is a guide on how you can successfully maintain your Harley lift.
- Make sure you get genuine replacement parts in case of a repair
- The bolts should always remain tight
- Constantly raise the lift as you clean the floor
- Check on any damage before use
- Perform regular lubrication on the hinges, at least once a month
How High Can a Harley Lift Table Go?
Motorcycle’s lift height depends on the type of lift you use. Various lifts come with different maximum lifting heights. Always check on the lift’s specifications to choose the one with your ideal height.
How Can You Pick Up a Fallen Harley?
As soon as the bike falls, the first thing should be to turn off the engine but leave the gear on. Killing the switch prevents the motorcycle from falling back or forward as you lift.
To pick the bike, rest your bottom on the seat, put one hand on the handlebar and the other one on the fender. Using your legs muscles, rock and push the bike up gently. With the motorcycle partially up, move to the seat and push it back with your legs. Your motorcycle will steadily return to an upright position.
Concluding remarks
Motorcycle lift is an excellent tool for any motorcyclist or a repair shop. Your life gets easier since you only need to lift, hold and get a safer working environment. When buying a motorcycle lift, make sure it is durable and sturdy. Never forget to consider the weight for better performance.
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