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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | A buddy brought over his Tour Deluxe today and we decided to check tire pressures before going out for a ride. After rolling around on the (cold, dirty) bricks in my courtyard groping for the rear valve stem on both his bike and my Vision, I decided I need a lift.
So: What's a nice lift that will fit the Vision frame nicely? It would be great if it fit Yamaha and HD heavy cruisers as well. I have both air and electricity in the garage, so air over hydraulic would be fine, although a foot pump would work as well.
Other criteria - stable, stable, stable - preferably no strapping, big tires for easy rollaround.
Thanks!
--jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 172
Prescott, Az | Harbor Freight- under $500, hydraulic operated w/ compressed air. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Necktie - 2010-02-15 8:43 PM
Harbor Freight- under $500, hydraulic operated w/ compressed air.
Thanks. I did a little 'Googling' and found a frame jack/lift that has both a foot pump and a pneumatic cylinder:
http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-jack.htm
I'll measure the Vision frame underneath and see if the 13 1/2" wide by 12" long lift base will work with the Vision. My buddies can climb under their bikes and measure themselves. :-)
--jim
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Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | This one I own and has served me well, with cruisers and my Vision.
http://www.jacksandlifts.com/otc/otc-1545-stinger-motorcycle-lift-r...
I would highly recommend it. Shop for best price too. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | I purchased and used four different lifts before I found out about the lifts from this place http://www.pitbullmotorcyclelifts.com/
Since then I've sold the other four lifts and I only use my Pitbull lift. True, they might be a bit pricier than some other lifts but they are well worth every penny. Wouldn't want to drop my bike off a lift because I cheaped out on a lift. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | How do you Jack the vision up by the frame!?!? |
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Tourer
Posts: 354
20 miles west of Chicago. | When you get down there to measure the frame it will become immediately apparent that that you'll be lifting using the bottom of the engine case. It's OK, the engine is a stressed member. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Lotzafun - 2010-02-16 6:19 AM
I purchased and used four different lifts before I found out about the lifts from this place http://www.pitbullmotorcyclelifts.com/
Since then I've sold the other four lifts and I only use my Pitbull lift. True, they might be a bit pricier than some other lifts but they are well worth every penny. Wouldn't want to drop my bike off a lift because I cheaped out on a lift.
Their website said shims are required for Victory, although they didn't mention what model of Victory. Do you have to shim yours?
Thanks to all for the recommendations! That's exactly what I was looking for.
--jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Mudge - 2010-02-16 9:30 AM
When you get down there to measure the frame it will become immediately apparent that that you'll be lifting using the bottom of the engine case. It's OK, the engine is a stressed member.
Good point, thanks.
Anyone have a good landmark for the balance point? Just color me chicken...
--jim
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | I really like stability - so for me it is Pro-Lift |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Webhair - 2010-02-16 2:54 PM
I really like stability - so for me it is Pro-Lift
I 'Googled' that one and think I found the manufacturer or importer, but haven't as yet found anyone selling the motorcycle jack.
http://www.shinnfuamerica.com/Products/Product_Categories_Descripti... lb Motorcycle Lift/Pro-Lift/Specialty Lifts & Scissor Jack
Still looking, tho.
Thanks,
--jim
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Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | I had a few ones that lifted the bike up by the motor but I never was happy with any of them. The newer Vics don't balance well and I was always concerned my repair bill would exceed the cost of a good lift. I finally broke down and bought a real deal motorcycle lift and have never looked back. I also use it to work on my snowblower, lawn mower and everything else.
I bought the ProCycle DT ($625) and added the XLT ($169 side extension kit) while you have the credit card out you might as well get the Blackjack 1000 ($99) so you can raise the rear tire up to change it or whatever. You can find it at www.Greg Smith Equipment.com
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 26
minnesota | If you are handy with a welder or know someone that is you might look at these plans for a lift: http://www.afabonline.com/table_lift_plans.htm or http://www.afabonline.com/liftplan.htm.
I am thinking about building the table lift this summer. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Big Vic - 2010-02-16 3:37 PM
I had a few ones that lifted the bike up by the motor but I never was happy with any of them. The newer Vics don't balance well and I was always concerned my repair bill would exceed the cost of a good lift. I finally broke down and bought a real deal motorcycle lift and have never looked back. I also use it to work on my snowblower, lawn mower and everything else.
I bought the ProCycle DT ($625) and added the XLT ($169 side extension kit) while you have the credit card out you might as well get the Blackjack 1000 ($99) so you can raise the rear tire up to change it or whatever. You can find it at www.Greg Smith Equipment.com
Thanks. I'm hoping to get away with using a frame lift, so that I can spin the wheels for cleaning, inflation, etc. A table lift would certainly be more stable, tho.
--jim
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | I have not tried this yet but I was thinking with the Vision in Nutral and laid on her tip overs would the rear tire be easier to inflate ? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
| I plan on getting this one. http://www.jsjacks.com/products.htm |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 26
minnesota | My son-in-law has the J & S Jacks lift for his Ultra Classic. He really likes it - especially being able to push the bike over to the side of his garage. I have not tried it on my Vision yet. Once the snow is gone, I'll have to try it out on the Vision. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | audioguy - 2010-02-16 6:03 PM
Webhair - 2010-02-16 2:54 PM
I really like stability - so for me it is Pro-Lift
I 'Googled' that one and think I found the manufacturer or importer, but haven't as yet found anyone selling the motorcycle jack.
http://www.shinnfuamerica.com/Products/Product_Categories_Descripti... lb Motorcycle Lift/Pro-Lift/Specialty Lifts & Scissor Jack
Still looking, tho.
Thanks,
--jim
I am sorry, I should have a been a bit clearer and included the link...
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Motorcycle_Lifts_s/2.htm
I use a table lift with the blackjack scissor lift (at the bottom of the page).
I use to have a little scissors jack - My VTX 1800 (lighter then the Vision) fell off and pinned me once - that was enough for me.
I went with the Pro Cycle-DT I have had it for three years now and love it - it great for changing out tires and just generally working on the bike.
Edited by Webhair 2010-02-17 8:30 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 40
Bellevue, NE | Trekwolf164 - 2010-02-17 3:23 AM
I have not tried this yet but I was thinking with the Vision in Nutral and laid on her tip overs would the rear tire be easier to inflate ?
I read somewhere on the VMC site quite awhile back that someone was doing that to not only check air pressure but also to clean the wheels.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | +1 on the Pro Cycle DT with Blackjack scissors lift. This is what my dealer has and this is what I bought. It is really easy to move into a corner and takes up less space than you would think (2' X 8' of actual floor space) The only downfall is your friends will want to use it too. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725
Reno County, KS | I can't recommend a particular lift but I have the craftsman pro scissor lift and I'll tell you that it's NOT stable with the Vision. The bike tends to rock and feels like it is going to fall over constantly. If I could take it back I would. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Thanks for all the great replies, tips etc.
And the winner of my money at least is J&S Jacks:
http://www.jsjacks.com/products.htm
Their stability video impressed me. I'll post back to this thread once I've had the chance to check it out.
--jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 189
Baltimore, Md | internet_red - 2010-02-17 7:38 AM My son-in-law has the J & S Jacks lift for his Ultra Classic. He really likes it - especially being able to push the bike over to the side of his garage. I have not tried it on my Vision yet. Once the snow is gone, I'll have to try it out on the Vision. It works fine with the Vision (I have one). Though due to the bracket on the right rear engine case, you are better off using a small shim on the rear jack arm. The company has tried their lift with a Vision and they sent me the piece to use as a shim. A couple of photos:
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | I mentioned the fact that I had a Vision to them, but I was emailing back and forth with an admin, not the shop guys. Do you have a picture of the shim you're using?
Thanks,
--jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
Midlothian, Va. | This is another option that I like and have owned one for about 6 years. Of course you need a jack to get it up off the floor but once on the stand it's rock steady. I use it also in the driveway when it's bath time and of course getting to everything is easy to get to. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
Midlothian, Va. | This is another option that I like and have owned one for about 6 years. Of course you need a jack to get it up off the floor but once on the stand it's rock steady. I use it also in the driveway when it's bath time and of course getting to everything is easy to get to.
http://www.pepsx.com/ |
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Cruiser
Posts: 189
Baltimore, Md | audioguy - 2010-02-18 12:59 PM I mentioned the fact that I had a Vision to them, but I was emailing back and forth with an admin, not the shop guys. Do you have a picture of the shim you're using? Thanks, --jim The shim is a piece of rubberized compound measuring 2" X 4" and is placed or attached on the rear jack arm at the outside edge. Here are a couple of shots of it and the area that needs the shim vs. the bracket. The last one was taken with temporary cardboard in place before the shim arrived. It keeps the bike even across the jack arm. 
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | flint350 - 2010-02-18 2:04 PM
audioguy - 2010-02-18 12:59 PM I mentioned the fact that I had a Vision to them, but I was emailing back and forth with an admin, not the shop guys. Do you have a picture of the shim you're using? Thanks, --jim ? The shim is a piece of rubberized compound measuring 2" X 4" and is placed or attached on the rear jack arm at the outside edge.? Here are a couple of shots of it and the area that needs the shim vs. the bracket.? The last one was taken with temporary cardboard in place before the shim arrived.? It keeps the bike even across the jack arm.
Thanks! I appreciate the pictures.
Assuming they don't send anything, I'll find a piece of heavy rubber or something and make one up.
--jim
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | Trekwolf164, I am at least one of the people using the tip overs to check/inflate my tires, and clean the rims, and bottom of the engine, etc. Works very well, and really quite easy. Kinda freaks out the neighbors, tho. They always want to help me 'right the bike'. -----Metalguy
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | metalguy - 2010-02-18 9:42 PM
Trekwolf164, I am at least one of the people using the tip overs to check/inflate my tires, and clean the rims, and bottom of the engine, etc. Works very well, and really quite easy. Kinda freaks out the neighbors, tho. They always want to help me 'right the bike'. -----Metalguy
You going to have that bike with the clean wheels over here this spring? I chickened out on the early winter rides, but have put on 300 miles or so late winter. Picking her up after the 500 mile service and an S1L1 exhaust install at the dealer tomorrow. (Kennewick)
The buddy I sold the Tour Deluxe to would be six shades of green if he went on a ride with TWO Visions.... ;-)
--jim
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Aargh! I need a (motorcyle) lift!