Bike Lift Logistics Question

[johnsmith222]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of getting a small bike lift for a single garage. The only potential issue is there is not much space in the garage, as I have a workbench at one side, and racking at the other side.

I have a single sports bike and I was wanting to park the bike on the lift. The bike doesn't have a centre stand, so would be on a side stand.

The lift would be something like this:

https://cdn.manomano.com/hydraulic-motorbike-motorcycle-bike-lift-ramp-service-shop-bench-1000-lbs-450kg-P-3154542-8899056_2.jpg

Is there any issues I might be missing that you think I've not considered, that could make getting the bike parked up a faff?

Some things I've considered are if the lift is wet then it might make it easier to drop the bike. Also the lift is going to raise the height a bit to the floor so I'll need to be careful.

Thanks for your help!

[Polarbear]

I had one (Shaggy has it now).

I used to run the Fazer 600 up it no problems and that didn't have a centre stand as it had been removed for track days.

Anything heavier and I'd either want some one there to steady the bike 'just in case' or I'd get off and walk it onto the ramp.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Islander]

What about an Abba Skylift?

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Only downside I've found is that the drive to the garage is uphill gravel, so pushing the bike onto it needs a good heave to get it started and keeping the momentum going.

Not a fault with the ramp, and at some time in the future I'll be looking at having it sunk into the floor - just want to be certain of how I'm going to arrange the garage before committing to fucking up the floor

It does make life much easier though, my knees and back thank it, and Polarbear
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Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[Pete.]

My mate installed one of those in his garage by cutting a rectangle out of the floor about a foot deep and re-concreting, thus setting the lift so the deck was at floor level.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[ADSrox0r]

I got a Skylift, expensive but bloody brilliant and saves a ton of space when not in use.
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[Grubscrew]

I’ve got one just like that.
Flipping heavy, a bit of a pain if you have to store it somewhere, and it could do with swivel casters both ends, not just one end.
The hydraulic ram is meaty enough, but mine lost oil after a couple of years from the lowering screw in the side of the ram. Took it apart, what a crap bit of machining as the o ring was supposed to seal the thread , smoothed it and all’s good.
Handy bit of kit though. I have a Fiat on mine at the mo.
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FJR1300/CBR1000F

[ZebraDriver]

I have one similar to that. Mine is sunk into the garage floor. To use it I have to lift a panel at the side of the lift and attach the foot pedal. Being sunk into the floor you don't need the ramp but you do need to make a plate that covers the hole that is exposed when the lift is up (its embarrassing when you fall down the hole as you work on the bike).

I also discovered that you have to put wooden blocks (or similar) at the corners otherwise it tips over when you stand on it with the lift down and you have to bolt on the front wheel clamp when you are going to use it, because its a great trip hazard if its left in place when the lift is not in use.