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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Luap McKeever on August 25, 2017, 06:43:10 PM

Title: HF lift
Post by: Luap McKeever on August 25, 2017, 06:43:10 PM
On sale this weekend for $279. Couldn't pass it up. Had to do a little front chock modification on it to suit me. I enjoyed saving $150 today. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170825/e45b9c3a64a9f8ef93e3203815e23239.jpg)


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Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Guzzi Gal on August 25, 2017, 06:57:40 PM
Good for you!  I don't wrench enough (yet) to warrant one.   :thumb:
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: SED on August 25, 2017, 07:08:13 PM
Good price.  Mine's been super useful.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Lannis on August 25, 2017, 07:26:47 PM
My HF lift is the only HF thing more complicated than a cold chisel that I've ever bought and been satisfied with.

And to be honest, I don't think there's been a week gone by in 10 years where that lift wasn't on sale for $299, so you did good saving $20 .... They delivered mine on a big truck to the garage included in the price ....

I have a Condor chock on mine now.

Lannis
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Pop on August 25, 2017, 07:54:36 PM
A lift has been a savior for me. I can put the table at the perfect height to ease lower back strain. I even added a HF cheap winch to pull projects onto the table.
Pop
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Joe A. on August 25, 2017, 08:00:53 PM
Good for you!  I don't wrench enough (yet) to warrant one.   :thumb:

it's worth it just for oil changes, if nothing else, but then again I'm and old guy!
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Gusable on August 25, 2017, 08:02:20 PM
I got mine last year with a scratch n dent discount for 320.00 I think? I got the optional chock for it which I recommend.  It just now "leaks down" if I leave it up and use it as a workbench. It will drop a foot over a week I think.  I haven't looked into it.  The EV is on it now with the safety bar in it. Good deal! Good luck with it. 
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gQRfHQ/IMG_0115.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gQRfHQ)

upload pictures (http://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Socalrob on August 25, 2017, 08:33:42 PM
On sale this weekend for $279. Couldn't pass it up. Had to do a little front chock modification on it to suit me. I enjoyed saving $150 today. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170825/e45b9c3a64a9f8ef93e3203815e23239.jpg)


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How big of a box does this thing come in?  Cross trek Subaru or do I need to fire up the old 3/4 4x4 Suburban?

Can my 24 yo son & I muscle it in and out of the car?
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Luap McKeever on August 25, 2017, 08:35:39 PM
How big of a box does this thing come in?  Cross trek Subaru or do I need to fire up the old 3/4 4x4 Suburban?

Can my 24 yo son & I muscle it in and out of the car?

It's a big box. At least 6' long. It's heavy too. My son in law and I managed to unload and set it up pretty quick.


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Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Socalrob on August 25, 2017, 08:42:21 PM
It's a big box. At least 6' long. It's heavy too. My son in law and I managed to unload and set it up pretty quick.


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Sounds like it will take the Suburban.

My 2001 Suburban is technically "my vehicle", but it is also the spare work truck for my company.  As I moto commute pretty much 52 weeks a year, its lucky to get 4,000 miles a year on it these days, which is good as it has a 8.1L engine and is only good for 12mpg.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on August 25, 2017, 08:48:59 PM
I have three, but only one with any sort of real chock on it. I like not having one so that the front wheel can be more easily removed. I have added two more sets of tie down points.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: leroysch on August 25, 2017, 09:14:48 PM
Getting the heavy bikes out of those chocks has always been my Achilles heel....
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: pete roper on August 25, 2017, 09:38:13 PM
Looks very similar to my second string lift. I'd be cagey about using it for something as heavy as your MGX Luap.

Pete
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: jazzamoto on August 25, 2017, 09:54:43 PM
Luap,
FYI I'm getting a Malwarebytes "website blocked" pop up on your post.

Jazz

BTW I've got the same setup on my HF hoist. Have a hell of a time getting the bike off the chock.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: wirespokes on August 25, 2017, 10:53:51 PM
It just now "leaks down" if I leave it up and use it as a workbench. It will drop a foot over a week I think. 

It's not good practice to use a jack as a jack stand. It's one thing to use the jack as intended, but they're not designed to permanently hold things up. If you jack up your car, place jack stands under the axle or frame and then back off the jack. Let the stands do the work. Same with the lift, get it to height, lock in position and back off the jack.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: John A on August 25, 2017, 11:33:50 PM
Looks very similar to my second string lift. I'd be cagey about using it for something as heavy as your MGX Luap.

Pete
u




Yep they will fall over, I had a Centauro strapped on mine, I turned around to grab a tool and the whole damn thing fell over as soon as my back was turned. So there it is laying on the ground with the Centauro safely tied down to it. What a mess! In its defense I had loosened the pads that screw down so I could move it slightly.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: LowRyter on August 25, 2017, 11:37:09 PM
they're putting up a Harbor Frieght in my town.  Going to be handy vs driving 20 miles to The City.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: jumpmaster on August 26, 2017, 06:09:59 AM

I've been on the fence for years on HF lifts - even one time when I had a coupon for $259.  For various reasons, the most important of which is limited storage space, I'm leaning towards a Kendon tilt-up lift, despite the price being 3+ times the HF one.  Anyone have experience with the Kendon one?





Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Luap McKeever on August 26, 2017, 06:20:15 AM
Luap,
FYI I'm getting a Malwarebytes "website blocked" pop up on your post.

Jazz

BTW I've got the same setup on my HF hoist. Have a hell of a time getting the bike off the chock.

Not sure about the malwarebytes thing.  The site is scanned daily, so I'd bet on a false positive.

Yes, it's rough getting the bike out of that chock for sure. That's why I cut the chock in half. Much easier.

Yep they will fall over, I had a Centauro strapped on mine, I turned around to grab a tool and the whole damn thing fell over as soon as my back was turned. So there it is laying on the ground with the Centauro safely tied down to it. What a mess! In its defense I had loosened the pads that screw down so I could move it slightly.

Yikes.  You just convinced me to create some braces for the sides that will lay on the ground, kinda like down-riggers.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Gusable on August 26, 2017, 07:31:25 AM
It's not good practice to use a jack as a jack stand. It's one thing to use the jack as intended, but they're not designed to permanently hold things up. If you jack up your car, place jack stands under the axle or frame and then back off the jack. Let the stands do the work. Same with the lift, get it to height, lock in position and back off the jack.

I had no weight on it.  Just some hand tools and a rag or two
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 26, 2017, 08:11:58 AM
Luap.. take a few minutes and go over it for security and *missing* fasteners. Mine came with a missing nut on one of the scissor arms. (!) As with Guzzis, thread locker is your friend. I also had to completely fill and bleed the cylinder. That said, it has been a great investment at 300 bux.
It's had no problem with the Mighty Scura, but you can tell it's a load. IDK what the MGX weighs. I'd be cautious at first..
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: sidecarnutz on August 26, 2017, 08:12:29 AM
My wife bought me mine three years ago for Fathers Day. A very good basic lift. One bike stays parked on it all the time to save space. It really saves my knees a lot of pain. It is a huge box as it is mostly preassembled. About 300#. I could pick up one end. But not the whole thing. Got it home in the cargo van and slid it onto the driveway. Unboxed it and used a dolly to help drag it into the shop. Bolt the casters on and assemble the rear ramp and place the pedals on it and you're almost done. Use the stock sort a chock or use a better one to finish it. With a bike on mine, it'll leak down a few inches a day from a three foot boost. I only place  the rod thru it if I am actually wrenching that day. The normal sale price is $299. Anything below that is gravy if you catch it at a good time.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Luap McKeever on August 26, 2017, 08:20:52 AM
Luap.. take a few minutes and go over it for security and *missing* fasteners. Mine came with a missing nut on one of the scissor arms. (!) As with Guzzis, thread locker is your friend. I also had to completely fill and bleed the cylinder. That said, it has been a great investment at 300 bux.
It's had no problem with the Mighty Scura, but you can tell it's a load. IDK what the MGX weighs. I'd be cautious at first..

Mgx weighs 800#. The lift is rated at 1000. Believe me, caution will be exercised.


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Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on August 26, 2017, 09:01:02 AM

Yep they will fall over, I had a Centauro strapped on mine, I turned around to grab a tool and the whole damn thing fell over as soon as my back was turned. So there it is laying on the ground with the Centauro safely tied down to it. What a mess! In its defense I had loosened the pads that screw down so I could move it slightly.

I've had all manner of Guzzis strapped down to mine and have climbed up onto the lift with some of them, and have never even come close to one falling over.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: n3303j on August 26, 2017, 09:15:54 AM
Kept looking at the HF Lift. There are two models of that lift that HF sells. The discount is always advertised on the lighter of the two lifts. The ad always states the image is NOT the lift you are buying.

The lift they are discounting has a few reviews stating the rig collapsed due to strut deformation. The reviewers beefed up their stands to handle the load.

I'd rather buy a stand with no collapse history. But I'm too cheap to spend the $1,800 to get a good lift. So at 71 I'm still on my knees or back for certain cycle repairs. It keeps me flexible and compliant.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on August 26, 2017, 09:32:08 AM
Kept looking at the HF Lift. There are two models of that lift that HF sells. The discount is always advertised on the lighter of the two lifts. The ad always states the image is NOT the lift you are buying.

The lift they are discounting has a few reviews stating the rig collapsed due to strut deformation. The reviewers beefed up their stands to handle the load.

I'd rather buy a stand with no collapse history. But I'm too cheap to spend the $1,800 to get a good lift. So at 71 I'm still on my knees or back for certain cycle repairs. It keeps me flexible and compliant.

My newest one is the same as the discounted one they currently sell. I don't know what these people are doing to make them collapse or the struts deform (maybe bike close to the max. weight rating?) but I've never had the slightest hint of any issue. But, the heaviest bike I normally lift is something like an (original) Eldorado, in the 600 lb. range.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Lannis on August 26, 2017, 09:34:18 AM
Even with the Triumph or Stelvio (tall heavy bikes) on the HF lift, it never even comes close to being tippy, if the bike is centered and tied down.    Mine is 10 years old or so now, but doesn't "leak down" noticeably.    When I've got a load on it for a while, I put the safety bar in and lower it onto that.

Only time you have a problem is if you do something dumb like shove a 3-gallon bucket of used oil or something under the lift to get it out of the way, and then lower a loaded lift onto it ... not that I'd know or anything .... :rolleyes:

Lannis
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: John A on August 26, 2017, 09:46:07 AM
As I remember it the bike was being prepared to take it off the lift and had got out of shape somehow that I didn't notice. It was still raised and surprised me by flopping over. Otherwise it was as stable as it needed to be. Just be careful and you'll be ok.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: not-fishing on August 26, 2017, 01:13:02 PM
I ended up buying a used Kendon for $450.  It's nice because I can stand it up and roll it around.  I did have to refill the hydraulic oil, $7 or so from O'reilly Auto.  I found the trick to stopping the lift from leaking is to turn the valve back off after you're done with each operation and for storage.

I think the seller sold it because he thought the lift leaked and he had a new air over hydraulic Kendon.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Psychopasta on August 26, 2017, 01:17:40 PM
Luap,
FYI I'm getting a Malwarebytes "website blocked" pop up on your post.

Me too. It just started today. I think it's something to do with the image hosting service. Everything seems to work just fine, so I just let Malwarebytes get on with its job.

- P
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Psychopasta on August 26, 2017, 01:36:44 PM
Malwarebytes complains about thumb.ibb.co. No idea what that is.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: jumpmaster on August 26, 2017, 02:02:24 PM
Look at this way. If you park the bike on your lift it really takes up no more real estate than the bike itself. When your out riding who care how much floor space  takes because you cant be at two places at once. The Kenda fold up may actually cost you more real estate. When its folded up and tucked away against the wall and the bike parked on the floor in front of it the overall combined length is longer than the HF lift.

Also the HF lift does have wheels and move around on concrete pretty easily (unloaded). Its your money spend it how you will but IMHO its hard to beat a FF lift w/ a Baxley wheel chock for 1/2 the money.


Your observations are true enough, in general.  However, I've got a corner storage spot just ready for something like the Kendon lift.  Other considerations are that I don't relish having to load/unload a bike off the lift every time I want to ride it, or play musical chairs when I want to work on one of the bikes not currently on the lift. Last, but not least, 146 lbs vs 350+ lbs (unloaded) is a big consideration for someone like me who has chronic back issues.

Thus, my interest in hearing from Kendon lift owners, since owners' experiences may tip the balance one way or the other.  HF lift owners on other forums have reported a long list of issues that they had to deal with in order to make their HF lifts durable - having a practical, durable, reliable product right out of the box is of some value, at least to me.  Is it worth 3 X the price?  That's the question I have to answer for myself.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Lannis on August 26, 2017, 02:21:38 PM
If I had felt like I could spend a few extra bucks (and maybe I should have, although my HF has given me no problems and is perfectly steady) I'd like to have bought one of these:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/eFut6k/16000_2_64189_1412907645_380_500.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eFut6k)


But oh well.   Maybe next time.

Lannis
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: WP2 on August 26, 2017, 03:04:39 PM
u




Yep they will fall over, I had a Centauro strapped on mine, I turned around to grab a tool and the whole damn thing fell over as soon as my back was turned. So there it is laying on the ground with the Centauro safely tied down to it. What a mess! In its defense I had loosened the pads that screw down so I could move it slightly.

Same thing happened to me with my '02 Stone. Luckily I had the big Cal II crash bars on it and the only damage was pride, bent crash bar and bent brake lever - all an easy fix.

After alot of head scratching I figured out that I did not have the screw down pads firmly set which allowed a bit of tippy movement that went too far. My bad. Anal about them now with no tippy issues.

As far as the chock goes - difficult to pull the bike out. I use two of them side by side for parking the bikes in the garage (saves room) and find it takes a bit of tug to get the bike out. Would be difficult for me to back the bike off the lift by my self if that were my lift chock.

Walt
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Dukedesmo on August 26, 2017, 04:21:24 PM


Quote

Quote from: Gusable on Today at 02:02:20 AM (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=92042.msg1452668#msg1452668)

>It just now "leaks down" if I leave it up and use it as a workbench. It will drop a foot over a week I think.  I haven't looked into it. 


I've got a 'Clarke' lift which looks to be the same (probably just a UK version), although mine also has a pneumatic lift to make it easier/quicker to get the bike up.
Anyway, mine developed an oil leak which made it progressively harder to lift and then would drop, until eventually it wouldn't lift at all. I bought a seal kit containing various 'O' rings, gaskets etc. which cured it. Can't remember how much the kit was but it wasn't much.   


Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 26, 2017, 04:27:33 PM
I was going to make a screw type vise for mine.. had the pictures and everything.. but found an ok one for 100 bones. It would have cost me 50 to buy the material.
For those that want to work on the front wheel.. just back the bike on the lift and clamp the rear in the vise. Works for me. <shrug>
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Dukedesmo on August 26, 2017, 05:27:59 PM
Mine had a large vice type chock supplied that clamps both the bottom and the front of the wheel which works very well, I had to re drill the mounting holes to get a 180 rear wheel in though.


If working at height with the front wheel in the chock I use a rear paddock stand, or centre stand on the Guzzi to stop the bike twisting around the steering and falling over.


 
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on August 26, 2017, 06:47:26 PM
For those that want to work on the front wheel.. just back the bike on the lift and clamp the rear in the vise. Works for me. <shrug>

Struggling to push a customer's police Eldo (or something even heavier) up a ramp onto a lift is not my idea of fun. Did it once with a Breva 750 and nearly dropped it.  :shocked: It's bad enough pushing the heavy metal on forward! Really no big deal not having a chock, just the stop plate, since everything gets tied down any way. <shrug>
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Zinfan on August 26, 2017, 08:30:59 PM
If I had felt like I could spend a few extra bucks (and maybe I should have, although my HF has given me no problems and is perfectly steady) I'd like to have bought one of these:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/eFut6k/16000_2_64189_1412907645_380_500.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eFut6k)


But oh well.   Maybe next time.

Lannis

I found a used one on craigslist but even then it was twice the price of a new HF lift.  It is nice of course.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: jazzamoto on August 26, 2017, 09:56:38 PM


Yes, it's rough getting the bike out of that chock for sure. That's why I cut the chock in half. Much easier.

[/quote]

Damn, didn't notice that. Great idea!  :thumb:
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Tom H on August 27, 2017, 12:33:09 AM
Luap,

After reading the posts on this lift. May I suggest:

Make sure all parts are there and properly installed. WITH HELP, put bike on lift and strap down. Lift maybe a 1/4 of the way and see how stable it feels.

It it feels wobbly with your bike, maybe consider adding some bars to make the base wider and more stable. Maybe retractable for easier storage.

HF stuff can be good stuff, or not so good stuff. I bought their fancy wheel chock for when I needed to work on a bike without a center stand. The reviews mentioned adding shims/washers to make the parts fit better. Assembled without shims and was wobbly. Added shims and not it holds bikes rock solid.

Just my dos centavos.
Tom
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: pehayes on August 27, 2017, 01:05:11 AM
Lift maybe a 1/4 of the way and see how stable it feels.

I have a clone version of the HF stand.  because of the parallelogram nature of the undercarriage, I find that the system is least stable when partly raised.  Get it to full height and it becomes far more rigid and stable.  I am reluctant to use it in partially raised circumstance.  Perfectly happy at full height.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: ken farr on August 27, 2017, 11:07:56 AM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/kvAXhQ/DSCF0001.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kvAXhQ)


I built up these boxes out of 2x4's and plywood.  Handles and wheels at each end, to make moving easy.
I store my tire changing stuff and misc. seldom used stuff in them.
I can ride up the ramp and park with confidence, since I have somewhere to put my feet.
Park with the side stand or put it up on the center stand without any problem.
Real nice addition to the lift.

kjf
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Luap McKeever on August 27, 2017, 11:11:17 AM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/kvAXhQ/DSCF0001.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kvAXhQ)


I built up these boxes out of 2x4's and plywood.  Handles and wheels at each end, to make moving easy.
I store my tire changing stuff and misc. seldom used stuff in them.
I can ride up the ramp and park with confidence, since I have somewhere to put my feet.
Park with the side stand or put it up on the center stand without any problem.
Real nice addition to the lift.

kjf
Great idea.


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Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Tom H on August 27, 2017, 12:52:24 PM
 :1: :1:

Tom
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Pop on August 27, 2017, 02:22:28 PM
Sounds like our fold up treadmill. Takes up less room when folded, but holds just as many articles of clothing as the old rigid one. HA HA I made a funny.
But, I did have my Yamaha up on the table but forgot to reset the wheel bar on the condor for the larger tire. I loaded her, raised the table and turned my back to get some tools. I heard the tires squeak, turned to see the bike sagging, but being a condor it didn't worry me. The next second, she was over. Completely upside down. I have had worse days, but this was darn close.
Pop
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Robert on August 27, 2017, 08:29:08 PM
 I fired up my angle grinder and rounded every sharp corner that I might encounter, with my body parts or feet or whatever.

Then smoothed them up with a file.

Saves on bleeding and Band-Aids and the like.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Rusnak_322 on August 28, 2017, 09:12:33 AM
I finally got one this weekend. I had been using a table I made with two coffee tables as a base for 20+ years. I never had any issues using a ramp to get a bike up on it, so pushing a bike onto a 7" tall table is no big deal.

Now that we have 4 street bikes, I needed to make room and be able to store a bike on the lift is nice. But I am losing a lot of storage space under it, and the heavy wood table was nice as I could mount a vice to it and it withstood a lot of bashing.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170806/bf3f8102f77e6ccc5c13e30b0c546735.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/a0fddf7dc4c7eddb3be21b1dd5c8b0f3.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/c9f3d71ccb7e2cb313948c4d4972f8fd.jpg)


Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Lannis on August 28, 2017, 09:32:58 AM
One thing I've always noticed ...

Both in the adverts for the HF lifts, and in photos of people's shops, the ramp is shown still hanging on to the lift platform even when the lift is raised.

Me, as soon as the bike is on the lift, I take the ramp off and put it out of the way.   My (perhaps misplaced) sense of mechanical sympathy makes me believe that hanging that ramp with that sort of bending force on those two little pins can't be the right thing to do.    They're obviously under a strain that it doesn't look like they were designed for, and I can just see one or both of them bending into uselessness or popping the weld, besides which the ramp is in my way when it's hanging there.

Anyone else have my same torqueophobia?   Or have people been hanging that ramp there for 10 years and it's been fine?

Lannis
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 28, 2017, 09:45:00 AM
Quote
Anyone else have my same torqueophobia?

That would be me. Besides being really hard on those pins, the ramp does nothing while the bike is in the air, and is in the way to boot.  :smiley:
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Mike Crenshaw on August 28, 2017, 09:52:59 AM
After reading this thread and a few others that endorse the HF lift, I finally pulled the trigger this weekend.  Picked it up yesterday and  set up in the garage. I'm not too keen on the stock wheel chock as it's an inadequate design.  I didn't care for the choices at HF either, so this morning I ordered a wheel chock from the Derek Weaver Company.  https://www.derekweaver.com/bikers-garage/motorcycle-lift-parts-accessories/w-vise-motorcycle-vise-tire-clamp/  Fortunately the warehouse is only about ten miles from my house so I can pick it up this afternoon.  Looks like I'll need to drill some mounting holes in the lift but I don't anticipate much problem with mounting.  So far I'm pleased that it doesn't take up any additional room and I can store a bike on the lift.  And like Lannis, I can't see leaving the ramp just hanging there.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Rusnak_322 on August 28, 2017, 09:53:55 AM
there is a 17 page thread on advrider on these lifts and there have been people with them for years. No one had mentioned any issues with the ramp.

My pic above, I JUST got it assembled and was putting bikes on and off. If I was using it for maintenance, I would remove it as it is just that much farther to walk around. I was also thinking of a way to support to make the table longer and give me a place to put the seat and tank on when working on the bike.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Rusnak_322 on August 28, 2017, 10:00:40 AM
After reading this thread and a few others that endorse the HF lift, I finally pulled the trigger this weekend.  Picked it up yesterday and  set up in the garage. I'm not too keen on the stock wheel chock as it's an inadequate design.  I didn't care for the choices at HF either, so this morning I ordered a wheel chock from the Derek Weaver Company.  https://www.derekweaver.com/bikers-garage/motorcycle-lift-parts-accessories/w-vise-motorcycle-vise-tire-clamp/  Fortunately the warehouse is only about ten miles from my house so I can pick it up this afternoon.  Looks like I'll need to drill some mounting holes in the lift but I don't anticipate much problem with mounting.  So far I'm pleased that it doesn't take up any additional room and I can store a bike on the lift.  And like Lannis, I can't see leaving the ramp just hanging there.


I bought the $57 (plus 20% off) wheel chock at HF for my table. I have never used, or seen the need for, one of those chocks that supports the bike like the Condor. I am very surprised how well they work. I don't see any benefit to the vise that you are buying. You have to put the bike on the kick stand, strap the bike down so it is upright and then crank the wheel vise tight?? The condor style chock allows you to have the bike held upright while you put on the tie downs.

Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on August 28, 2017, 10:14:12 AM

I bought the $57 (plus 20% off) wheel chock at HF for my table. I have never used, or seen the need for, one of those chocks that supports the bike like the Condor. I am very surprised how well they work. I don't see any benefit to the vise that you are buying. You have to put the bike on the kick stand, strap the bike down so it is upright and then crank the wheel vise tight?? The condor style chock allows you to have the bike held upright while you put on the tie downs.

My first/oldest HF lift came with the same type wheel vise that Mike has bought. It works pretty well - just roll the wheel into the vise, crank it down and it sort of holds it upright until I can strap it down. No kickstand use necessary. Still not really capable of securely holding the bike up by itself. Opens up wide enough that a Guzzi wheel with dual-discs can pass through.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: kirb on August 28, 2017, 12:21:59 PM
If I had felt like I could spend a few extra bucks (and maybe I should have, although my HF has given me no problems and is perfectly steady) I'd like to have bought one of these:

(http://thumb.ibb.co/eFut6k/16000_2_64189_1412907645_380_500.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eFut6k)

But oh well.   Maybe next time.
Lannis

That lift is the single best motorcycle investment I have ever made, including the actual motorcycles. I've had it 13+ years and it has never let me down. I use the wheel clamp that Handy sells and the scissor lift/rear stand depending on application.

They make well made products and the lift was very reasonable delivered... they have increased in price over the years, but they are worth it. Try to find a used one- no one gets rid of 'em. They are the first things to go when a bike shop closes down.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: sign216 on August 28, 2017, 12:23:04 PM

It's a big box. At least 6' long. It's heavy too. My son in law and I managed to unload and set it up pretty quick.

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How did only two people unload and set it up?  Specs are 272 lbs.

I can't imagine lifting out of the truck and moving it.  The weight issue has been holding me back on this.  My workshop is in the backyard, so it would be a carry of over 20 yds of lawn. 
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Lannis on August 28, 2017, 12:27:21 PM
How did only two people unload and set it up?  Specs are 272 lbs.

I can't imagine lifting out of the truck and moving it.  The weight issue has been holding me back on this.  My workshop is in the backyard, so it would be a carry of over 20 yds of lawn.

I could never have picked mine up except with a pallet jack.

A semi-trailer delivered it to my house, and backed it up to my garage door.   I put a big old ratty 10 x 12 piece of carpet on the ground, tied the box to the garage post, and he drove the truck out from under it.   Then I skidded the box to where I was setting it up, cut the box away from around it, and I was off.   Once it's up, you can wheel it around anywhere ....

Lannis
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Rusnak_322 on August 28, 2017, 12:48:23 PM
My neighbor helped me get it out of the SUV. It didn't want to slide on the carpet, but it isn't that bad.

I assembled it in the drive where it came out of the truck. Put the wheels on it and rolled it into the garage
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Ted N on August 28, 2017, 01:16:23 PM
I built a  2 foot by 4 foot 7 inch tall (probably longer would be better but heavier to move) wooden step that sets on the left side of the lift when loading and unloading bikes. It gives much you better control when you step up on it and allows a place safe to open side stand while you attach straps to the right side when working by yourself. Then you flip it up on its side and and you have a seat when working on the low areas of the bike. Similar idea to the boxes in another post. I have been doing it this way problem free for about 10 years. Paid $199 new for my HF lift back then! Best would be to cut the floor and recess it 7 inches though.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Lannis on August 28, 2017, 02:01:09 PM
I built a  2 foot by 4 foot 7 inch tall (probably longer would be better but heavier to move) wooden step that sets on the left side of the lift when loading and unloading bikes. It gives much you better control when you step up on it and allows a place safe to open side stand while you attach straps to the right side when working by yourself. Then you flip it up on its side and and you have a seat when working on the low areas of the bike. Similar idea to the boxes in another post. I have been doing it this way problem free for about 10 years. Paid $199 new for my HF lift back then! Best would be to cut the floor and recess it 7 inches though.

Good description of the "catwalk" and good pics above.   If I'd thought about that before installing the "Condor" chock I might have been out in the shop building one.

However, with the Condor, there's no deploying the side stand, no bending over holding the bike with one hand while you grope for the tie downs with the other ... you just roll the bike into the chock, ca-CHUNK, and you can walk away, fetch the tie downs you forget, whatever ....

Lannis
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 28, 2017, 02:11:46 PM
Quote
Best would be to cut the floor and recess it 7 inches though.

I considered that, but I like the extra height.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: steveford on August 28, 2017, 04:13:45 PM
This lift deals with my 1400T with no problems. It weighs a sight more than Luap's MGX.  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Nortman54 on August 28, 2017, 06:41:06 PM
When I saw these lifting on the crate of my HF lift, I did wonder what I might find inside.




(http://thumb.ibb.co/mw6SHQ/image.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mw6SHQ)
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Mike Crenshaw on August 28, 2017, 07:59:05 PM
Removing the lift from the bed of the Ford Conestoga wasn't too difficult.  Had a buddy come over to help me lift it out of the bed.  We used a couple of furniture dollies to wheel it up to the garage then opened the box and wheeled it in.  I'm thinking condor chock referred to is the type with the pivot that holds the front wheel.  For me, that would be easy to get the bike into, but might be difficult to lift it back out again, especially with the bike an additional 7" higher than normal.  My observation of professional shops is that most all of them I've been in use a vise type chock.  If the vise is open enough to wheel the bike into, then spinning the crank should go pretty quickly.  Someone mentioned earlier that setting the front stabilizing pins is critical to keep the lift from rocking and that should be done before loading the bike onto the lift.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: tris on August 29, 2017, 02:00:19 AM
How did only two people unload and set it up?  Specs are 272 lbs.

I can't imagine lifting out of the truck and moving it.  The weight issue has been holding me back on this.  My workshop is in the backyard, so it would be a carry of over 20 yds of lawn.


What you need is beer and mates

Just make sure that the beer is where you need the ramp
Title: HF lift
Post by: Luap McKeever on September 02, 2017, 06:14:12 PM
2.0... I had an extra hour today to get it all set up and do some testing.

I immediately realized I needed two planks on each side for my feet. This motorcycle is taller than it looks. Also the surface was very slick so I began peeling out. Luckily I had some double-sided traction tape to put down. Lastly the access panel the rear wheel sits on is not very strong so I'm going to have to reinforce that.

Now that all the kinks are worked out I'm very happy with it.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/13df45f51e5eb330337c093528dd41ad.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/e706891dc4a9e6bbd7e3c30ddc655b74.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/04f02cbab2223c9b833ad6fc5e9b3b87.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/5e59743d50ef5b75322c736e6ff3ace3.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: swooshdave on September 03, 2017, 09:42:22 AM
Removing the lift from the bed of the Ford Conestoga wasn't too difficult.  Had a buddy come over to help me lift it out of the bed.  We used a couple of furniture dollies to wheel it up to the garage then opened the box and wheeled it in.  I'm thinking condor chock referred to is the type with the pivot that holds the front wheel.  For me, that would be easy to get the bike into, but might be difficult to lift it back out again, especially with the bike an additional 7" higher than normal.  My observation of professional shops is that most all of them I've been in use a vise type chock.  If the vise is open enough to wheel the bike into, then spinning the crank should go pretty quickly.  Someone mentioned earlier that setting the front stabilizing pins is critical to keep the lift from rocking and that should be done before loading the bike onto the lift.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4393/37001143245_2f157b3679_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4344/37001143595_58f69a8507_c.jpg)

I just had a small redhead with a pickup. We just dropped the crate out the back, assembled and rolled into garage.

Wife wasn't amused with the additional labor worker but it got the job done.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: ken farr on September 03, 2017, 10:56:28 AM
Luap:

  I have the same lift set up as yours.
  You may want to consider:
  With the original forward stop in place, I used a plumb bob ( nut on a string would work just fine ), to mark where the center or the
  front wheel was, and marked this on the lift.  ( Blue tape and marker ).
  I then did the same on the new chock and then lined the two up, and bolted as such.
  This way the front wheel is where it should be for balance fore and aft, and your rear wheel shouldn't be so far back.
  I have parked my B1100 on the panel for a number of years, and no problem at all.


Best of luck.


kjf
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Luap McKeever on September 03, 2017, 11:03:04 AM
Luap:

  I have the same lift set up as yours.
  You may want to consider:
  With the original forward stop in place, I used a plumb bob ( nut on a string would work just fine ), to mark where the center or the
  front wheel was, and marked this on the lift.  ( Blue tape and marker ).
  I then did the same on the new chock and then lined the two up, and bolted as such.
  This way the front wheel is where it should be for balance fore and aft, and your rear wheel shouldn't be so far back.
  I have parked my B1100 on the panel for a number of years, and no problem at all.


Best of luck.


kjf
It's really as far forward as can be safe. It's working out nicely.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Rusnak_322 on September 03, 2017, 11:40:13 AM
2.0... I had an extra hour today to get it all set up and do some testing.

I immediately realized I needed two planks on each side for my feet. This motorcycle is taller than it looks. Also the surface was very slick so I began peeling out. Luckily I had some double-sided traction tape to put down. Lastly the access panel the rear wheel sits on is not very strong so I'm going to have to reinforce that.

Now that all the kinks are worked out I'm very happy with it.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/13df45f51e5eb330337c093528dd41ad.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/e706891dc4a9e6bbd7e3c30ddc655b74.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/04f02cbab2223c9b833ad6fc5e9b3b87.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/5e59743d50ef5b75322c736e6ff3ace3.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


It is crazy how big bikes have gotten. I thought they looked big on the ground, but compared to my 850T, that is huge. I have several inches behind my bike when on the lift, probably almost a foot from the center of the rear tire to the end of the lift.

Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: John A on September 03, 2017, 12:11:34 PM
Just be aware that its the most dangerous thing you can do with the bike, it'll kill you if it falls on you. don't turn your back on it or it may bite you in the ass, especially after you get used to it not being any trouble at all.
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Lannis on September 03, 2017, 12:51:48 PM

It is crazy how big bikes have gotten. I thought they looked big on the ground, but compared to my 850T, that is huge. I have several inches behind my bike when on the lift, probably almost a foot from the center of the rear tire to the end of the lift.

It's working out for Luap, but I wouldn't use that lift for that bike, just because.   I'd be in Handi-lift or ProLift territory.   My 580-pound Stelvio is all my HF lift wants.

It IS incredible how big bikes have gotten.   Just reading the "Rider" test of the Yamaha Star Venture, and it lists the "wet weight" of the bike at 963 pounds.   No way, no how, for me.   Funny thing is, it has a LOWER load capacity (based on the maximum GVWR of 1390) than either my Stelvio or my Triumph Trophy .... !

That's a world that's behind me now, and no regrets either  ...

Lannis
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Psychopasta on September 03, 2017, 01:42:31 PM
I agree Lannis. I have a Triumph Thunderbird, which is >700lb. Now when its moving it is just great, but get it below 5mph and I just don't feel secure on it any more. It's a real shame, lovely bike, but I think it's gonna have to go. Mind you, I get to replace it with something... :evil:
Title: Re: HF lift
Post by: Socalrob on September 03, 2017, 02:07:38 PM
It's working out for Luap, but I wouldn't use that lift for that bike, just because.   I'd be in Handi-lift or ProLift territory.   My 580-pound Stelvio is all my HF lift wants.

It IS incredible how big bikes have gotten.   Just reading the "Rider" test of the Yamaha Star Venture, and it lists the "wet weight" of the bike at 963 pounds.   No way, no how, for me.   Funny thing is, it has a LOWER load capacity (based on the maximum GVWR of 1390) than either my Stelvio or my Triumph Trophy .... !

That's a world that's behind me now, and no regrets either  ...

Lannis

Just put my old BMW GSA on my new harbor freight lift yesterday for the first time.  BMW is a 600 lb bike.  Don't think I would be comfortable with a bigger bike on it.