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Hydraulic lift or hoist, what do you use?

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    #1

    Hydraulic lift or hoist, what do you use?

    I just read about an injury and MC damage due to a bike falling off a hydraulic lift, the kind that you roll onto. I have had a big one given to me free, and sold it. I couldn't get up close enough to the bike. I also had a smaller one given to me that lifts by the frame, sold it too. Good luck with it, wow, that was sketchy. It fit zero bikes that I tried it on. I rely on a $50 Harbor Freight 1-ton chain hoist. You need a strong beam, but I've had no problem with the big 1100s, etc, with my 2x4 garage beam, which is supported on either side by 45-degree angled 2x4s tying it up to the main roof beams.

    With a strong sling (yeah, HF purple one, $10), and/or some ratchet straps, I can lift from front, back, or the whole bike, and get in close, micro-adjust, and rotate 360 as needed. I can't see lifts as being as simple, cheap, or effective. Maybe the only downside I can see is that you may need to take the seat and tank off if lifting from the middle to hoist the whole bike upright.
    Last edited by oldGSfan; 10-26-2025, 11:30 PM.
    Tom

    '82 GS1100E Mr. Turbo
    '79 GS100E
    Other non Suzuki bikes
    Tags: None
    • Likes 1
    #2
    I use the same system you do. I found a small 1/4 ton chain hoist. I use it for front end work, removing front wheel.
    It would be nice to not have to sit on the floor while working, but a hydraulic lift takes up too much space when not in use.
    I would want to use a chain hoist for backup safety if I had a bike up on a lift.
    Last edited by Buffalo Bill; 10-27-2025, 09:46 AM.
    1982 GS1100G-
    1990 GSX750/1127
    1987 Honda CBR600F Hurricane
    1985 Kawasaki GPz750

    Comment

      #3
      Originally posted by Buffalo Bill View Post
      I use the same system you do. I found a small 1/4 ton chain hoist. I use it for front end work, removing front wheel.
      It would be nice to not have to sit on the floor while working, but a hydraulic lift takes up too much space when not in use.
      I would want to use a chain hoist for backup safety if I had a bike up on a lift.
      I usually can lift mine high enough to sit on my or stool. Have to be careful with the chains, I put a moving blanket on the bike when adjusting. It's also great for doing chain maintenance for bikes with only a sidestand. I put the straps on the upper shock mounts, if possible. If not, the frame rails under the seat work too.

      Reading responses to the poor guy, others are showing pics of their dropped bikes and telling of injuries or near misses, well, near hits, per George Carlin..

      This guy really went to town, belt and suspenders, and then some. Seems like overkill and also a PITA to get up close to the action.

      Tom

      '82 GS1100E Mr. Turbo
      '79 GS100E
      Other non Suzuki bikes

      Comment

        #4
        About nearly ten years ago I bought a decent bike lift.
        Best thing I ever purchased, however I found it a bit narrow to comfortably ride the bikes up and off again, so I made a set of side extenders and a proper on-ramp which aid in getting on and off with plenty of room to put a foot down and are removeable easily enough.

        DSC_0003.jpg
        Dave
        '79 GS850GN '80 GS850GT
        Only a dog knows why a motorcyclist sticks his head out of a car window
        • Likes 1

        Comment

          #5
          And with the long approach ramp...

          ply ramp complete 03.jpg
          Dave
          '79 GS850GN '80 GS850GT
          Only a dog knows why a motorcyclist sticks his head out of a car window
          • Likes 1

          Comment

            #6
            I wish I had so much room in the garage.
            1982 GS1100G-
            1990 GSX750/1127
            1987 Honda CBR600F Hurricane
            1985 Kawasaki GPz750
            • Likes 1

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by Grimly View Post
              About nearly ten years ago I bought a decent bike lift.
              Best thing I ever purchased, however I found it a bit narrow to comfortably ride the bikes up and off again, so I made a set of side extenders and a proper on-ramp which aid in getting on and off with plenty of room to put a foot down and are removeable easily enough.

              DSC_0003.jpg
              That's clever, you can remove the extenders and get in close.
              Tom

              '82 GS1100E Mr. Turbo
              '79 GS100E
              Other non Suzuki bikes

              Comment

                #8
                Originally posted by oldGSfan View Post

                That's clever, you can remove the extenders and get in close.
                Also, should I ever buy a snowmobile or lawn tractor it will fit.
                Dave
                '79 GS850GN '80 GS850GT
                Only a dog knows why a motorcyclist sticks his head out of a car window

                Comment

                  #9
                  I use my center stand and a one ton bottle jack to keep it from tipping fore/aft depending on which end of the bike I'm working on.

                  IMG_20250212_151014683_HDR.jpg
                  1980 Yamaha XS1100G (Current bike)
                  1982 GS450txz (former bike)
                  LONG list of previous bikes not listed here.

                  I identify as a man but according to the label on a box of Stauffers Baked Lasagne I'm actually a family of four
                  • Likes 1

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Dang Kawa ZRX has "no center stand". A real PITA just for something as simple as taking off either wheel. WHY, WHY, WHY??????
                    1983 GS1100E, 1983 CB1100F, 1991 GSX1100G, 1996 Kaw. ZL600 Eliminator, 1999 Bandit 1200S, 2005 Bandit 1200S, 2000 Kaw. ZRX 1100

                    Comment

                      #11
                      I use either a 2 ton hoist, (removing engines) or a newly acquired harbor freight used lift. I gotta say I like the HF lift at my age, the back doesn’t hurt so much useing it.

                      V
                      Gustov
                      80 GS 1100 LT, 83 1100 G "Scruffy"
                      81 GS 1000 G
                      79 GS 850 G
                      81 GS 850 L
                      83 GS 550 ES, 85 GS 550 ES
                      80 GS 550 L
                      86 450 Rebel, 70CL 70, Yamaha TTR125
                      2002 Honda 919
                      2004 Ural Gear up
                      • Likes 1

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Just so happens I'm replacing tires dating back to the 1990s, so I have the front end hoisted up.

                        49B883Z.jpg
                        1982 GS1100G-
                        1990 GSX750/1127
                        1987 Honda CBR600F Hurricane
                        1985 Kawasaki GPz750

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Buffalo Bill View Post
                          Just so happens I'm replacing tires dating back to the 1990s, so I have the front end hoisted up.

                          49B883Z.jpg
                          Nice. I like that color scheme on the 750s.
                          Tom

                          '82 GS1100E Mr. Turbo
                          '79 GS100E
                          Other non Suzuki bikes

                          Comment

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