Bike Lift Is it safe to use.

I received a bike lift for X-mas. It is the kind that has two arms. One that goes into the engine case at the rear. I believe where a center stand would be mounted. That one I am not worried about. The other lifts the front of the engine right at the base of the front cylinder. Right where the barrel meets the case. Is this part of the barrel strong enough to hold the weight of the bike? Or is there a chance of cracking it. Is the material thin from internal water jacket or oil return passage? Thoughts or opinions appreciated. Does anyone on here use this type of lift?. Thanks Ken.

I assume you are referring to the Easy Riser lift. I love mine. They are indeed, safe. I just wish I hadn't waited 2 years to finally buy it. I hemmed and hawed over it or a traditional table; sometimes I overanalyze. While I hemmed and hawed I built a wooden table to see how that would work and I use it very seldom.

I have had no problems of any kind with the lift. They are very stable and easy to use. My Monster is currently on it while I do a massive cleanup/maintenance/mods. My SP3 has spent a bit of time on it as well. I got different set of brackets so that my Monza can go on it too. Getting the mounts/bike lined up the first few times is a bit time consuming (take your time) but after a short time it is second nature. I would buy another without hesitation.

I use my 18VDC cordless drill to run the lift up/down and it takes maybe 20 seconds. Just keep the threads cleand and nicely greased and it is smooth sailing. I have pics if you want to shoot me a PM with your email address.

How is access to the various sides and areas of the bike. I looked at the brackets for Ducati, how do they actually mount up on the lift to hold the bike? Do you need a side stand to make it work? Do you have some pics you could post or e-mail? TIA

Access to the left side is obviously more limited than the right but it is not a problem for me yet. I currently have the Monster up and had the entire rear end off (swingarm, peg brackets, etc.). This meant I could not use the side stand for extra security, but it was not bad at all. It will "wobble" a small amount but you'd REALLY, REALLY have to try hard to knock the bike off. Using the Ducati specific mounts, the bike sits on rubber sheathed arms (one front, one rear) with the addition of a pin that inserts into the unused hole at the rear of the cases. The pin is about 4 inches long if memory serves, so the bike cannot tip over. With the side stand clamped the bike is completely retrained.

The reason I finally decided on it instead of a normal table is that I would have needed more space for a table, tables (that lift) are FAR heavier, they don't get my wheels free without additional tools/stands, and quality lift tables are more money. Like I said, I spent over two years debating the pros/cons and I'm happy with my decision. The only way I would buy a lift table is if I had a large shop and did a lot of work for others or if I had a large shop with entirely too many slow moving projects of my own.

I have a race bike with no side stand. Is it possible to use this lift without a side stand at all? All the info on the site shows the side stand in use. Can you send some pics? TIA

To expand on the side stand issue, the pin keeps the bike from tipping/falling. If you removed the original pin (grind off two welds) and installed a longer one, it will be even more stable though a little more difficult to get the bike one. Not having a side stand will actually make things easier to line up, I think. If you have any fab skills and tools, you could modify or make your own mounts to your liking. I think that the stand is sold without brackets anyway; you choose whick ones you want (or none).

By the way, I sent you both pics. Each of you got a different one. If you want to post them, feel free.

Hi Guys,

I am interested in the bike lift that you are discussing, it seems the ideal piece of kit for checking/servicing steering head bearings and removing swing-arm/forks/yolks etc.

If you don't mind, I have a few questions:

1. How high off the floor does the device lift the bike - distance from tyres to the floor?

2. What kind of price is the device?

3. Do any of you have pictures of it in use that you can post and/or a web-site address where I can go and check it out?

Thanks in advance,

Spinoli

http://www.drivengear.com

These are a great tool. All you need is a electric drill to lift/lower the bike (I use 16.8v cordless drill and it works just fine).

There are new mounting options for a Ducati Superbike. I use the conventional Ducati front mount and the new footpeg mount for the rear for better stability. When I just want to clean the body work, I just use the wheel mounts (quicker and easier).

Their old site have more detailed information about the Ducati mounts:

http://www.bikelift.com/ducati_popup.htm


Modified by auxo at 10:08 AM 1/10/2005


Modified by auxo at 10:12 AM 1/10/2005

It is an Easy Riser. Made in the UK just like my Norton. Love them Limeys.
I was just a bit concerned having all that weight resting on the cylinder. I know that the engine is a stressed member and the cases are more robust than some of the other designs. I just wanted to check here to see if anyone had experienced problems. I used it this past weekend to change out the front tire and it did work well after a bit of set up. Re-using in the future should be much easier as it is now adjusted. Thanks for all your replies. Ken.

Ken,

Mine is a Easy Rizer too. Driven Gear is the official distributor for them here in the USA.

I have used the mount in question for the 11th time now without any problems.