Hunting for a bike lift that works

I have the Handy Bob 1500 lift. Made in Iowa. Had it ten years. It is the Boss.
 
I wanted to find an inexpensive way of getting the R3 off the ground at first to replace the Headstock bearings and to perform all the maintenance/servicing but leave the sump drain plugs accessable.

I came up with this idea, far from a new one but this is easily fabricated with one length of steel box and some off cuts of 1/8" plate steel.





It is made of 1" thick wall box section steel.
The steep cut away on one side is to enable the stand to pull the bike off the side stand to the upright position and then over-centre untill the handle locates with the ground. The handle is about 4ft long which gives a one handed operation regulated with the front brake, on and off the lift.
It is fitted by locating the fixed bolt in the frame lug left side and insert the other bolt (one with the nut attached) through the right lug.
The handle extension is then used from a vertical position with a gentle push towards the rear of the bike with one hand and up she comes.
The lug pivot point is over centre and makes the stand very stable.
The front wheel can now be lifted with one hand easily, using axle stands on the footrest rails, leaving the fragile sump well alone.
Only special tools required are an angle grinder and an arc welder, although a large mig would do the job.
The steel came from a mate in a fabricating firm but would probably cost about £10 for the full length.
Only downside was first time I used it managed to whack myself on the side of the head (no damage there) because I didn't regulate the speed with the front brake, hence it's painted bright yellow so I can't miss where it is.
 
And some pics of it in action.

Pulls the bike upright from the sidestand.

The catbox mysteriously fell off just after this was taken. (shame).

Guide it down with the front brake or that handle can hit your head. Don't ask!

Measurements can be supplied.
 
Jess the bracket big Marty mentioned is easy to make and sits on one of the legs of your ATV jack if interested send your e-mail in a PM and I will send some pictures and instructions on how to fabricate it
 
This has been working for me for 9 years and two motors. Mine also has an air hook up that saves using that foot pump. Cost was around $400 back then through Harbor Frieght.

Motorcycle Lift Table, 1000 Lb. Capacity

Best Regards,
1olbull
 
I am using a specially made Lifter for the Rocket. Very easy to handle. The bike stands solid on the ground and with a double wheel (I put additional wheels in the holes on the other end) I can move the bike forward and backward.

I understood that the producer has a brother in Amerika. He sells this or similar things in the USA.

Link Removed
 
I'm with you on this one Madel.
My interpretation of a bike lift is to get the thing off the ground enough that you don't
have to bend down to do anything.
The big blue is the sh1t mate...
I reckon I can get my bike in the air now as quick as it take a mate to get his on his table, tied down and up
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    277.6 KB · Views: 274
Go with the big blue bike lift from: www.oneup.com.au

A bit of a fiddle to set up but once the bike is mounted, up you go and the bike is rock solid.

Please tell me where the lifting pouints are with this lift and R3 adapters. The photo seems like the rear lifts on the CAT. I have no CAT. What about the front?
I cannot visualize how it works.
Thanks
 

I've been in touch with their US distributor. $685 for the lift. If you want to do it alone, you need the front wheel "Grabber" ($160) to hold the bike upright before setting the lift under it. Then $20 for the R3 adapters + shipping and handling = $965.00
Pretty stiff!...It does look good, however. I'm just not sure I do enough of my own maintenance to justify that kind of money.
 
After tonight I have decided to either find or build a bike lift that you can use that you can "safely" lift your bike, and be able to work on it without pulling it over, If anyone has found one would you please let me know

Craftsman Motorcycle/ATV Jack - 9-50190

I've got this one and have had my Roadster on it with both tires removed. It didn't tip over and was up on the jack at least a couple of days. If I just want to change one tire the other tire stays on the floor. Vice verus front and back tire.