What You Need To Know About Motorcycle Hoists

What Is a Motorcycle Hoist

Motorcycle hoists, also known as lift tables, are essential tools professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts use.

The lift table uses either hydraulic or pneumatic power to raise the motorcycle until it reaches a comfortable working height. It is designed to safely raise the front of the bike off the ground so it can be serviced, repaired, or stored. It will allow you to perform various maintenance tasks such as changing tires, repairing brakes, and even cleaning and detailing your ride.

Types of Motorcycle Hoists

There are two main types of motorcycle lifts: manual lifts and power lifts.

Manual lifts use a hand crank system to raise and lower the bike, while power lifts use electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motors for extra convenience.

Generally speaking, manual lifts are much cheaper than power lifts but require more effort to operate, whereas power lifts cost more but provide greater ease of use.

What To Look For in a Motorcycle Hoist 

You should consider several factors when shopping for a motorcycle hoist:

1. First, ensure that the lift table is strong enough to support your bike’s weight without sagging or tipping over when in use.
2. Additionally, ensure that the lift table has the correct accessories to accommodate different sizes and shapes of motorcycles and other types of vehicles, such as ATVs or snowmobiles.
3. Finally, check if the hoist has safety features such as mechanical locks just in case something goes wrong while operating the device.

The Benefits of Motorcycle Hoists and Why You Need One

Cost-effective

A motorcycle lift or hoist is an incredibly cost-effective tool; it will save you time, money, and energy in the long run. It’s cheaper than buying a jack or stands that can only be used once or twice. A good quality bike hoist will last for years with minimal maintenance required.

Safety

When it comes to working on motorcycles, safety should always be your top priority. Using a jack to lift your bike can be dangerous and impractical—especially if it’s not the right size for your bike or doesn’t have enough grip. 

With a motorcycle hoist, you can rest assured that your bike will stay securely lifted off the ground while working on it.

Easy Access/Convenience

Having a motorcycle hoist also makes accessing certain parts of your bike much easier.

For example, if you need to change the oil, remove wheels or check the brakes quickly and conveniently. It allows you to work on any part of your bike without worrying about straining yourself or having difficulty reaching certain areas due to limited mobility. 

When done with the job, all you need to do is push a button and store your bike away until next time!

Storage and Space

Motorcycle hoists also save space in smaller garages or workshops because they don’t take up much room when not in use. Not only does this make more room for other tools and equipment, but it also makes it easier to move around without having bulky jacks taking up valuable floor space.

Allows use of specialist tools and equipment

Lastly, using a motorbike hoist allows you to use tools that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach when using a jack - such as wheel chocks or other specialist tools like torque wrenches that require extra height clearance for use. It means less time spent struggling with hard-to-reach places on your bike!

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Hoist for Your Needs

With so many different types of hoists available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a motorcycle hoist.

Capacity

The first thing to consider when choosing a hoist for your motorcycle is its capacity. If the hoist isn’t rated for your bike’s weight, it won’t be able to lift properly or safely.

Look for the largest capacity that fits your budget, giving you the most flexibility for future uses.

Versatility

Another important factor is versatility. You want a hoist that can accommodate different types of bikes, including dirt, road, and cruisers. Look for a model that suits your particular motorcycle.

Ease of Use

Finally, make sure you choose a model that is easy to use even if you don’t have any mechanical experience. A good hoist should include instructions on how to use it properly and how to secure your bike once lifted safely so there is no risk of damage or injury during maintenance or repairs.

Final Thoughts

A motorcycle hoist is an important piece of equipment for any serious biker. Not only do they make it easier to work on or clean your bike, but they also help you keep your garage or workshop organised.

If you are considering purchasing a motorcycle hoist, research the options available and find one that fits your budget and needs. And don’t forget to purchase from a reputable company like Tufflift, which offers top-quality products. Contact us today to get started!

About Tuff Lift

When purchasing a hoist, it is important that you have peace of mind and that you are dealing with a company that has been operating for nearly 30 years. Tufflift is a leading international hoist manufacturing and distribution company based in Australia with over 60 years of combined experience in sales, installation, and service.

We pride ourselves on our quality, product range, and customer service to ensure you choose the right hoist for your requirements. All our hoists come with a comprehensive step-by-step installation guide that allows easy assembly by one person.

Tufflift also offers an installation service in most states. Contact our team to get assistance in helping you arrange installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Lift a Heavy Motorcycle by Yourself?

When lifting a heavy motorcycle, it is essential to use the appropriate tools. A motorbike hoist or lift can make the job much easier and ensure your safety when lifting a bike of any weight capacity. Motorcycle hoists require you to attach straps around the frame at specific points and slowly raise the platform with an air compressor or electric control until you reach the desired minimum height. Once at this point, wheel clamps are typically added to ensure stability and a platform that will securely hold your motorcycle while you work on it.

What Is the Proper Way to Lift a Motorcycle?

The proper way to lift a motorcycle depends on its size and model, as each bike needs different levels of support for service or sale accessories. For dirt bikes, small ATVs, ride-on mowers, and other smaller vehicles, it is best to begin by lifting from their front wheels onto a platform table with maximum lifting capacity that fits their size.

It is important to remember never to exceed this weight limit, even if your hoist isn’t positioned at its minimum height setting yet. For heavier motorcycles, hydraulic lifts are recommended due to their higher load capacity and greater range of motion for multiple models like sports bikes and touring bikes that may have various configurations, such as sidecar attachments or luggage cases attached.

Can a Motorcycle Jack Lift a Car?

No, motorcycle jacks or hoists are not suitable for lifting cars since they typically have lower weight capacities than vehicle jack stands, which are specifically designed for this purpose and usually come in pairs with adjustable heights tailored for various car makes and sizes on today’s market.

What Table Sizes are Available for Motorbike Hoists on the Market Today?

Motorbike hoists come in various table sizes to fit different models of motorbikes, ATVs and ride-on mowers. The table size must be considered when purchasing a hoist, as it should be large enough to fit the bike with wheel stoppers installed comfortably. Many professional motorbike hoists feature platforms that can be adjusted from narrow to wide width, providing versatility and accommodating larger and smaller bikes. They also come with adjustable heights, so you can choose the one that meets your specific requirements when lifting your bike.