Speedy Moto is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Every once in a while, your motorcycle will demand some close attention, whether you are an experienced biker or a novice on your first bike. It could be servicing, detailing, change of worn-out parts, or general inspection of the state of the bike.
We will look at why and how a great motorcycle lift will bring the bike closer to your sight level, providing an ergonomic viewing angle. This will save you from the back-breaking gymnastics that would otherwise be required.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Lifts
- OUR TOP PICK: Trackside MX Lift Stand
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Drag Specialties Center Jack Scissor Lift Stand
- BEST MOTORCYCLE LIFT TABLE: YITAMOTOR Adjustable Lift Stand
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Lifts
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
What is a Motorcycle Lift?
It is a table or platform designed to elevate a motorcycle from the ground when work needs to be done. It allows you to work on it without having to get down on the ground. The work ranges from simple maintenance like cleaning the bike and changing the oil to repairs and replacing parts.
Lifts can be found in repair shops or garages and backyards of motorcycle enthusiasts who prefer to work on their own bikes. They differ in strength, size, and the technology applied, but their main function is universal.
When Would I Use a Motorcycle Lift?
For Storage
Lifts provide great storage options for storing your motorbike if you don’t plan to use it for a while, like through the winter season, or it is up for sale. It mitigates the loss of air pressure in the tires and ensures the bike will be in the same condition it was left for the next ride. Having the bike on the lift also creates extra storage space in your garage or yard.
Performing Safety Inspections
Most leakages will come from under the fuel tank or engine oil tank. Small leakages that only occur when the engine is revved up may not be noticeable without scrutiny. Elevating the bike gives a closer look from a better viewing angle.
Regular Maintenance
This usually involves checking the oil levels, changing the oil and filters, among other things. Oil drain plugs are mostly located at the bottom of the bike frame. To let out the oil, you need to unplug it, which is easier to do if the bike is raised. To protect the environment, that oil should not be grained on the ground. It is harder to slide an oil pan below the bike when it is on the ground.
To Create a Comfortable, Safe Working Environment
Performing an overhaul on your bike while on your knees or back is uncomfortable, inefficient, unhygienic, and risky. The weight of the bike alone is enough to break a limb before we consider the exposure to oil and other debris. The standard of your work will also be compromised if you are uncomfortable. Motorcycle lifts can be adjusted to the optimum height to facilitate the work.
Are All Motorcycle Lifts the Same?
They perform the same task but greatly differ in capacity and technology used.
Lift capacity ratings vary greatly, with some having a loading capacity as low as 330lb to as high as 2,000lb. Some lifts were made with small bikes in mind, while others were made for big machines. These are generally more expensive since their utility also covers the small bikes.
In terms of technology, there are three main differences: paddock stands, hydraulic, and scissor types. Paddock stands us a form of lever and pivot technique to lift your bike. Scissor lifts have a jack that is turned by hand to raise or lower the bike. Hydraulic lifts are easier to use but also take up more space and are more expensive.
Our reviews below will explore samples of these motorcycle lifts.
Best Overall:
Trackside MX Lift Stand
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It Is a reasonably priced great lift compact enough to move around yet strong enough to hold your bike. Getting it together the first time was a struggle for many as they had to figure it out in the absence of a manual.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It features a reinforced steel lift plate padded with heavy-duty rubber secured by aircraft rivets that protect your bike from damage and mitigate slipping. The platform surface is 10 ½” by 12”, enabling it to lift both wheels of the bike off the ground in its raised position.
It can lift 350lbs to a raised height of 17 ¼” while the lowered height is 11 ¼” using a foot pedal, which gives you leverage for easy handling while freeing your hands to hold the bike in place. It balances well on a wide 14” by 15” H-shaped base giving you peace of mind during repair and maintenance.
Bottom Line
It is a very practical motorcycle lift that will fit snugly in your garage with a very simple lifting mechanism that requires little energy exertion. For the best results, use it on a hard flat surface.
Best for the Money:
Drag Specialties Center Jack Scissor Lift Stand
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The steel's strength is impressive, especially for heavy bike owners, and they could leave their bikes on the lift for long periods. It also maintained position naturally due to tension in the worm gear, and they did not have to worry about a locking mechanism.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is designed for heavy lifting with a load capacity of 1000lb and a 15” by 5” platform for the narrow deck and 15” by 9” for the wide deck option. This makes it ideal for big bikes, yet it can still be used on your smaller motorcycles. The platform is covered with heavy-duty rubber to protect the bike and prevent slippage.
It has a maximum height of 14 ½” and a lowered height of 3 ½”, meaning it doesn’t take up a lot of storage space. It uses an efficient heat-treated hex drive control with a 15/16” wrench to lift and lower the bike, locking itself in place at your desired height.
Bottom Line
This is a sturdy yet affordable scissor jack for lifting motorcycles for servicing or cleaning or routine maintenance. You get full value for your money as it can hoist the heaviest bikes on the market.
Best Motorcycle Lift Table:
YITAMOTOR Adjustable Lift Stand
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Assembly is very straightforward, and it works well with smaller bikes. They, however, felt the height adjustment was a bit limited. It was only sufficient to lift one side of the bike off the ground.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It has a compression shock, which slowly eases the motorcycle down so that it is not on a free fall to prevent damage. Its recommended weight is 330lbs
The 11” by 6.9” deck is lined with a durable anti-slip pad to prevent bike slippage and can be rotated, so the bike faces the optimum side for you to work on it. Its height adjustable range is from 9.92” to 18.11,” which covers your regular bike sizes.
Its large adjustment lever is safe and convenient to handle and has a locking mechanism that ensures it stays put when raised for safety reasons. The deck is secured with a lock nut.
It is very strong and durable; high-grade powder-coated steel construction makes it corrosion resistant and tough. It is also very easy to assemble.
Bottom Line
This is a decent functional lift for smaller frame bikes that are durable, safe, and easy to operate. Its multiple adjustment options provide a wonderful user experience.
Best Motorcycle Lift For Harley:
VIVOHOME Steel Wide Deck Scissor Lift
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It is very simple to use despite the ability to haul heavy bikes and maintains its original sheen for a long. They also found it to be very stable, giving them peace of mind to leave their bikes on it for long periods.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It has a strong bearing capacity of 1,100lbs, which means it can handle any motorcycle, including heavy Harley Davidsons and snowmobiles.
It employs a crank with a rotating handle and interior runners that make the raising of loads and height adjustment easy. Its maximum lift height is 14.5.”
It has a 14.4” by 9.0” platform covered with a durable rubber pad with striped veins that prevent slippage while protecting the bike from scratches.
It is very durable because of its solid steel construction and powder-coated finish. It comes in an aesthetically appealing black and red paint that is oil, grease, and dust resistant.
Bottom Line
This is a heavy-duty lift designed for smooth handling that is durable and wear-resistant. It is easy to clean and maintain the new sheen longer. It can be used for a wide range of motorcycles and is worth the investment.
Best Motorcycle Lift Stand:
VIVOHOME Steel Hydraulic Lift Stand
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There is consensus that it is a great lift worth every penny spent. It is easy to assemble and works exactly as expected. Concerns were, however, raised about the packaging as some units arrived with missing or broken parts. The sellers promptly replaced these.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It uses a hydraulic system and is raised by pressing a footplate and lowered by pressing a secondary one, freeing the hands. There is a safety latch to lock it in place when you attain the desired height for peace of mind. It goes to a maximum height of 15.”
It has a high load-bearing capacity of 1,500lbs, meaning it can hoist any motorcycle, you will bring its way, and has a wide base for stability at 27.5” by 14.”
It is easy to transport as it comes with swivel casters that turn in any direction, with a handle to pull it around. The loading platform is lined with non-slip pads to avoid accidents and protect the bike from scratches.
Bottom Line
It is a compact hydraulic lift on which a lot of effort has been put to guarantee security with super hauling strength. It can be used for all kinds of bikes, which makes it a great investment.
6. Bursig Center-Lift Stand
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A significant number struggled with setting it up initially but once done, they were happy with the convenience and stability it provided. They love that you don’t need to rearrange the garage to fit the bike anymore as it can be pulled conveniently into any space desired without breaking your back.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is both a paddock stand and a frame lift that allows you to turn your bike in whichever angle necessary to move it around, so it fits where you want it to. This is made possible by its complete set of castor wheels that turn in any direction. They allow you to work with minimal space.
It lifts the bike vertically so you can service, clean, repair, and do other maintenance that does not require the removal of the frame.
The finishing by galvanization and powder coating gives it the desired toughness and durability backed by a lifetime factory warranty.
They come with adapter plates so you can custom fit your specific bike. You can procure different adapter plates to use on your different bikes if you have more than one.
Bottom Line
It is a great investment for any biker with all-around usage that will cover you when you are doing general maintenance on the bike and your daily routine if you need it to fit in a tight spot.
What Makes a Great Motorcycle Lift?
A good Motorcycle lift will have a combination of certain attributes listed below in varying proportions.
It is Durable
The assembly should be professional, with quality material that is corrosion resistant and tough. It should be a one-time investment that gives you service for many years.
High Bearing Capacity
The higher the load rating on a motorcycle lift, the wider the spectrum of bikes that can be handled by it. It allows you to use the same lift for different bikes.
Sufficient Height Adjustment
The higher you can raise the motorcycle, the more angles you have to work on it. This helps you maintain good body posture, protecting your back, and you can work longer.
Adequate Carriage Space
The platform on which you place the motorbike should be long enough and wide enough for the bike to balance. This also helps with stability as you proceed with your work.
Compact Storage Size
Most motorcycle lifts are designed to fit snugly in small places when not in use so that they can leave an allowance for the bike and other vehicles in the garage. They are either collapsible or foldable by design.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Motorcycle Lift?
Before investing your hard-earned money in a motorcycle lift, there are a few things you should know that we shall highlight in this article:
Price
You need to find the best lift that is within your budget and offers the best service for your type of bike. An expensive motorcycle lift is not necessarily a guarantee of efficiency. Look out for what properties it has that make it worth the value and whether these are beneficial to you.
Maximum Height
Motorcycle lifts usually come with a chart that will indicate their height and weight capacities. A bigger height adjustment capability is preferable as it will give you more options when working on your motorcycle.
Weight Capacity
The lift should be able to bear the weight of your motorcycle comfortably. It is recommended to get a lift with a capacity higher than the weight of the bike for ease of mind. The higher the weight capacity, the more types of bikes can be hoisted by it.
Construction of The Lift
The material used, how they have been assembled, and the finishing determine how strong the lift will be, the ease of use, and durability. High-grade steel is recommended. This can be powder coated for more strength and corrosion resistance. Rubber pads are sometimes added to prevent chipping of the delicate bike paint.
Types of Motorcycle Lifts
Scissor Lifts
These hoist a working platform that lifts the motorcycle at the center so that both wheels are off the ground. They enable you to work on both wheels or the general suspension at the same time.
Table Lifts
These are large working platforms that hoist the entire motorcycle to a greater height so you can work on them while standing. They also offer space to place your working tools as you continue. They are more expensive than the scissor lifts.
Hydraulic Lifts
These are raised and lowered using a sealed hydraulic ram into which air is pumped gradually or released. The lifts use a hand pump, a foot pump, or an electric pump to achieve this, and they have the advantage of gradual motion, which keeps your bike safe.
Screw Lifts
These lift your bike by winding a threaded rod through the lifting platform that forces it up and down using tension. It is as manual as they come and will need more energy engagement.
Paddock Lift Stands
VIVOHOME Steel Wide Deck Scissor Lift
These use lever technology to lift the bike and are usually connected to one wheel at a time. The wheel is mounted through a wedge onto the platform, which has its own wheels or castors, and the bike can then be moved to a preferred spot.
Motorcycle Lifts - Comparison Overview
Motorcycle Center Stand vs Lift
Some bikes come fitted with a center stand, which should be sufficient to perform most basic maintenance like oiling the chain or basic tire work. The bike needs to be strong at the center to support its weight for this to be effective.
Sportbikes are usually very delicate at the center, and you would rather support them using a more stable structure. The lifts come in handy for these situations.
Pneumatic vs Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift Tables
Pneumatic lift tables are powered by compressed air, which transmits force and energy to lift the bike. They require less maintenance because there is no chance of hydraulic leakage, which means they are more durable.
Hydraulic lifts use both hydraulic fluid and compressed air. The fluid is contained in a tank within the pump housing and helps it to move easily, so a hydraulic pump will be smoother than a pneumatic one. It is, however, subject to leaking under extreme conditions and should be handled with care.
How to Use a Motorcycle Lift
- Get the lift to the center of the bike as much as possible, so the bike balances easily as you hoist it.
- Ensure the lift is not obstructed by uneven parts of the bike like the exhaust pipe or the kickstands. These may be damaged by the weight of the bike and will also cause it to lose balance.
- Constantly hold on to the bike's handlebars as you pump the lift so it is stable.
- Keep monitoring at every level if the bike is stable, and whenever possible, engage the safety latches. They help take the pressure off the hydraulics of the lift.
- Repeat this process until you get to the required height to work on your bike. Confirm that the bike is stable.
- The kickstand should remain engaged as you will use it when you lower the bike.
- There is usually a separate foot pedal to lower the lift you will engage in when setting it back down. Start by raising the lift to disengage the safety latch before lowering the bike.
- For a more detailed illustration you can check out on using a motorcycle lift, please check out this video.
Conclusion
Your best motorcycle lift is highly dependent on the kind of bike you ride and your budget. While high-end lifts will give you all the advantages, your purchasing power could be limited, forcing you to settle for an alternative that is within budget. Knowledge of available options and what to look out for is critical.
People Also Ask
Still, have questions when it comes to purchasing the best motorcycle lifts of 2020? We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions and have included the answers to provide you with even more valuable information.
How High Does a Motorcycle Lift Go?
It can only go as high as the manufacturer recommends. There are motorcycle lifts that are specifically made to go high, like the high position motorcycle lift from central hydraulics, which rises to a maximum height of 30.”
How Can I Lift My Motorcycle Without a Stand?
Lighter machines like dirt bikes can be lifted by hand and placed on an elevated platform. Heavier bikes will require mechanical aid. You can use a car jack under the frame to lift it. Ensure to lock the wheels before hoisting it up for safety.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Lift Weigh?
This is dependent on the type of lift, its mode of construction, and the material used. The weights vary from as low as 15lbs for simple lifts to 100lbs or higher for heavy-duty hydraulic lifts with hydraulic fluid tanks.
How Do You Lift the Front End of a Motorcycle?
By positioning your jack under the front skid plate, there is more weight distributed to the back. Ensure the jack is not pressed against the exhaust as it has not been designed to carry the bike's weight.
How Heavy Are Motorcycles?
Motorcycle weights vary depending on the type of motorcycle. Components such as the engine, fasteners, exhaust and braking systems, wheels, and batteries have a lot of impact on the weight. Motorcycles with higher cc have bigger and heavier engines, for instance. The mean weight will be around 300 pounds, but dirt bikes are lighter at around 100 to 200 pounds, while sport bikes can weigh up to 500pounds.
How Much Clearance Does a Motorcycle Lift Need?
It usually needs around 4” to get under the frame of your bike, applicable if the frame is the lowest part of your bike. You may need to hoist the bike using the kickstand if there is a lower part before sliding in the lift.
