Lift or stand???

[Cruiser]

Well, I took my centerstand off. It looked like it was going to hit my new Mac 2-1s, and the durned thing has been broken for a long time anyway. I just got tired of hauling that dirty broken old thing around with me everywhere. . . .

What do you guys do for checking oil w/o the centerstand? D'ya use a lift or some kind of a stand? I was thinking of taking the old centerstand, chopping it down some and using that to lift the bike when it's in the garage, for oil changes, or whatever. The thing of it is that stooping down to work on the bike is hard on my back, and making a short stand may well be time wasted if I end up buying something else anyway. . . .

Thoughts?

Cruiser

[gdjohnson]

Here's a nice unit that might be what you're looking for,
www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=91764

Greg

[Cruiser]

gdjohnson said:

Here's a nice unit that might be what you're looking for,
www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=91764

Greg

That's a pretty nice lift. I'm not sure I'm quite ready for that level of commitment, though. Something like that would take up a lot of room in my garage.

How do the smaller units like www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2792 work? Do they hold the cycle securely, or are they too tippy to really do the job? I'm thinking that it might be better for changing tires, working on wheels. . . .

thanks for your comments,

Cruiser

[Polamnus]

I've got one of these, and it's not perfect, but does the job well enough for me. Of course, I use nylon tie-downs once it's up for any serious work. The most annoying thing is the exhausts end up supporting the weight of the bike if you're not careful.

A few blocks of wood really help reshape the lifting platform, and once it's up and tied, it's plenty stable. The wood also has the benefit of raising it up a little more, which is a good thing, IMO.

Yeah, there are better ones out there, but for the price, this one is hard to beat. Makes a great engine stand/dolly when not holding up the bike. I'd buy it again, but don't expect it to be perfect out of the box.

Best,
Pol

[Cruiser]

Thanks for your comments, Polamnus.

I've seen this same type available at Sears, Harbor Freight, and a local auto parts store. Is there anything in terms of features that I should be looking for? Or, are they pretty much all the same?

Cruiser

[Polamnus]

I picked mine up at a local Harbor Freight about a year ago, but I've heard that the Sears model(and likely any others) is the same thing in a slightly different paint job. I don't know that for a fact though, as I've looked but never seen this at my local Sears(it's relatively small for a Sears). Sorry I can't be any more specific. I'd *love* a nice table-style lift, but compare the utility cost to that of a new pair of VM34 carbs and I know where my money would be better spent.

If you're curious, here's a pic of the lift in "action"


Good value for the price!

[OldBlue]

My Sears stand is way different, it is black. It is also, uhmm, uhhm... Well kinda the same I guess.

Jokes aside, my Sears stand is "exactly" the same as the one in the picture. It has worked well for me. I used the straps to stabilize the bike so I don't worry about it tipping if I pull a wheel off. I don't think I had any problem with the pipes hitting the stand on my 76 XS. I think I paid 100 bucks on sale.

I remove the handle and it stands on edge along the wall and takes up very little precious space in the garage.

[50gary]

Sorry no pictures but I made my pit stand for the rear swingarm. I used 1.25" conduit (very cheap) and rollerblade wheels (very cheap) and it works better than my brother's store bought model. For higher up work I made (from scrap square tubing, very cheap) awork platform 18" off the floor and 18" wide and used a ramp to push the bike up on it. It's more work to build these things but I really don't like spending money on things I can easily make for my purpose.
Cheers, 50gary

[Cruiser]

Thanks for all the comments, guys. It really gives me something to think about. I'm kind of leaning towards the Sears/Harbor Freight hydraulic lift right now. I think it provides the most versatility with least expense for the kind of work that I do.

Cruiser