Motorcycle Lifts & Jacks

Things You Need to Know Before Selecting a Motorcycle Jack or Lift

Other than the fun and enjoyable ride a motorcycle can provide, one of its other benefits is its ease of maintenance. Getting motorcycle lifts or jacks can be beneficial additions to your maintenance paraphernalia whether you are a new rider or an experienced one. Before purchasing motorcycle lifts on eBay, consider taking time to get some key questions answered about these crucial gadgets in order to select a befitting tool that meets your needs.

How to select the right motorcycle jack or bike lift

Before choosing a motorcycle lift or jack that is suitable for you, it is wise to take time to scrutinise these essential factors:

  • Size - The size of your motorcycle jack affects its storage and portability. Make sure its dimensions and weight allow you to carry it around without significant difficulty.
  • Maximum lift height - Depending on your height, working space, and the dimensions of your motorcycle, an apt lift height can simplify maintenance work.
  • Total weight capacity - This is the maximum weight that your jack can sustain. If you have a large bike such as a cruiser, you want to ensure that your jack is able to handle its mass comfortably.
  • Material - The material that the jack is made of can affect its durability. Make sure that it is dust and grease-resistant to prevent potential damage.
What types of motorcycle jacks and lifts are there?

Depending on the bike you have, your motorbike lift needs to have a design that can handle it. Each design has its own benefits and can be useful in a variety of applications. These are the common types of affordable motorcycle jacks available:

  • Scissor jack - It has diagonal metal rods that are connected through hinges. It raises or lowers a load when you turn a connecting screw.
  • Floor jack - It functions through a hydraulic mechanism with pumps and pistons. The hydraulic pump can either be operated by foot or hands.
What to look for when purchasing used motorcycle jacks

In certain cases, choosing pre-owned motorcycle jacks can be beneficial. It is, however, important to pay attention to the following elements as you look for a befitting used gadget:

  • External coating - The external coating of your jack can hint at its age and condition. Pay attention to potential red flags such as rust and significant dents.
  • Stability - Ensure that the jack is firm and does not wobble on a flat surface. This can help you tell if the gadget will be able to support the weight of your motorcycle and not roll over.
  • Structural components - Test the functionality of various structural components such as the hydraulic valve to be sure that the apparatus is in working condition.