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gregj
08-28-2007, 10:07 AM
Looking for a good bike lift for the ST, the table kind with air lift. I have a lift jack that I used a lot on my VTX, but thought I'd look around for a lift table. I know there are always some on ebay, and have found a few on the web and elsewhere, but wondering what folks here use and like.

(I searched, but only found one thread on the subject.)

Gonzo
08-28-2007, 11:15 AM
I'd like to have one, but I have some concerns. Those I've seen look dangerous at best, expensive too.

What I would want is a table type lift that can be raised with electrical or air power, allows the bike to be tied securely so it won't tip over, and can be mounted to the floor.

The jack types look like an accident waiting to happen.

gonzo

HOG SLYR
08-28-2007, 11:22 AM
Handy Industries makes a great & safe lift.

http://www.handyindustries.com/

Dketchum
08-28-2007, 12:31 PM
I have this Direct lift Model. Have been very happy with it.

http://www.directlift.com/procycle.htm

Highrider
08-28-2007, 01:24 PM
There is a good selection out there if you search the net. I spent about 3 weeks looking for best choices. Delivery is a significant cost if you go that route, up to an additional $200 for shipping. I ended up buying the HF 1200 lb table lift. It is slightly smaller than some of the higher cost units, but the price was right -$465 plus shipping($65). It's perfect for my Ducati and it handles the ST without a worry.
I highly recommend getting the removable rear panel that will allow you to remove the rear tire without pulling the fender. That feature knocks out about 1/3 of the available units that don't have the panel.
I think I have a pic of the ST on the lift that I can post when I get home tonight.
Sometimes a good deal will show up on Craigslist, I since seen a couple of good units listed for about $500.

Here's a shot of the Harbor Freight 1200 pound lift.

wrk101
08-28-2007, 02:51 PM
Get the Handy. It will last you forever, and it is the standard of the industry.


bill k
stoc 973

gregj
08-28-2007, 08:03 PM
I like the idea of a HF, they are fairly close to my work, so I should be able to get one shipped to the store and pick up there. Hopefully. Thanks all.

ChucksKLRST
08-28-2007, 08:20 PM
How is this. Go to http://rides.webshots.com/album/555716082eFrbzQ
for more pictures

hawkeyeST
08-28-2007, 08:21 PM
Handy Industries makes a great & safe lift.

http://www.handyindustries.com/

I bought a Handy Air Lift about 10 years ago. Picked it up from the factory in Marshalltown. It's a GREAT thing to have. Versatile, heavy duty, well made, serious piece of equipment.

ST1300A
08-28-2007, 08:52 PM
I use a Lift Rack (http://www.liftrack.com/). Works very well, is easy to move around the garage, no ramp needed, and delivery didn't cost an arm and a leg. :rolleyes:

Randog
08-29-2007, 10:54 AM
Don’t mess around with your baby; I wouldn’t trust my bikes to anything made by Harbor Freight. I paid the money for the Direct Lift. I paid for extra for the small scissor lift jack and the side ramps. I sold the side ramps to my buddy; he doesn’t like push his bike on the lift, he rather ride it up. The side ramps are and option and are for ATVs.

I found a distributor in my area and when and picked it up in my pickup and save the delivery cost. I think the whole thing with tax was about a grand. I know that’s $500 more than the Harbor Freight model but trust me; the professional models like the Direct Lift and Hardy lift are worth the extra piece of mind. Think of like this; would you use Craftsman wrench on your baby or some Chinese knock off? There you go…

nuke_mech701
01-03-2008, 07:40 AM
How is this. Go to http://rides.webshots.com/album/555716082eFrbzQ
for more pictures

That's a good idea of using boxes on the side of the lift for ease of unloading/loading the bikes. What did you use to make it? I know when I unload/load the bike on the lift, it gets a little interesting when the bike is on the table and trying to put your feet down/kickstand down on a narrow amount of table top left.

Bob

ChucksKLRST
01-03-2008, 09:39 AM
That's a good idea of using boxes on the side of the lift for ease of unloading/loading the bikes. What did you use to make it? I know when I unload/load the bike on the lift, it gets a little interesting when the bike is on the table and trying to put your feet down/kickstand down on a narrow amount of table top left.

Bob

I used 2x4's on edge and for the top a peice of 5/8's plywood and decking screws. Five foot long and one foot wide. Total cost about 20 bucks and 2 hours work with the saw and the drill. Works great and there is no angst in dropping the bike.

Papa Bear
01-03-2008, 10:09 AM
A little over a year ago I bought a lift (air over hydraulic) similar to the one from HF, in Canada it's Princess Auto. While it is a different design than a friends more expensive Brand Name lift, it is no less stable and effective for a lot less money. I am very happy with mine and wish I had bought it years ago. It sure is a lot easier on the knees and back when working on my bikes.

PB

ernest62
01-03-2008, 04:08 PM
I have the "Princess Auto" lift table. Its foot over hydraulic. It works great. I bought it before I had the ST but it lifts it just fine. I'm going to build some of those blocks too. Great idea.

Lowrider
05-28-2008, 07:24 AM
I bought Chinese junk about 8 years ago and the hydralics failed last year. I can't find parts, so I use jack stands and a floor jack when I need to lift it.

I gotta agree...buy a good lift to begin with and not worry about the hassle!!

hawkeyeST
05-28-2008, 07:42 AM
Handy Industries makes a great & safe lift.

http://www.handyindustries.com/+1 on the Handy Lift. I would hate to part with mine.

ligito
11-13-2008, 08:05 PM
I've had my Handy Lift for about 28 years now, I updated the front wheel vise to a new model and gave the old vise to a friend, for whom I had found another Handy Lift.

I added the ATV wings and lots of gritty tape to all surfaces. This especially helps when backing off the ramp.

I no longer fear riding the bike onto it, as I have plenty of room for my feet and tools.

Wouldn't be without it and like the history and quality of this lift.