Motorcycle lift

looks like fun with a tub hanging off the side!
need 2...$600

Just FUI, I have plans (instructions) to build a really nice lift. Very heavy duty and will easily last you a lifetime. Requires a welder, chopsaw and drill. Basic welding skills will do fine. E-mail and I'll send them to you.

I use a Bulldog lift (less than $200) with extensions on the lift bars. Lift both the bike and the car (R1100GS/Ural)

Hmmm...fascinating.
I wouldn't mind checking that out, gettin tired of layin on the ground.
I just sent you an email...

I've got a low priced lift similar to the one at Harbor Freight and The wheels can be slipped outward some, to give a wider track for more stability. My question is: I wonder if a rail could be attached for the sidecar wheel and be safe? I guess it would depend on how far the lifts wheels could be pulled out. Any input on this? My lift is rate at 800lbs. My rig is an 80' CB750K with what I think is an early California Companion sidecar. It looks like a Companion. It has a spoke wheel, coilspring over shock, no brakes, small sporty looking body with a slim fender (that's part of the body) and a chrome tubular frame. Thanks, Later on, Bill

The sidecar sounds like an American Spirit or American Eagle with the plated frame.

Lonnie

I looked at something similar to this at a car show in Minneapolis last summer. It only had one safety stop, at the uppermost setting and just seemed awful wobbly. Basically you needed to use it either all the way up or all the way down. They only had a small sportbike on it but it just didn't seem that strong to me. I did think about getting one to set alongside my Handy for the sidecar, but decided against it. Trying to raise or lower it in tandem would be a headache.
I have a second hand Handy Lift that came with the wheel vise and trike wings for about the same money. It's made out of heavy gauge steel and has 4 positive stop settings. I'm not afraid to roll it across my shop with the Valkyrie on it and raised to it's highest setting. I was first introduced to them when I worked in the motorcycle shop. We used them as cycle benches, but would also roll one behind a pickup truck and raise it, then roll a bike into or out of the truck, using it like a lift gate.
Much easier than pushing a Harley or Goldwing up a ramp. :0)
I decided to just look for a second one for the sidecar. It would be very easy to connect them together with easily removeable pipes and a single air supply.
Disclaimer: It looks the same as the one at the car show, but may be all together different. Let the Buyer beware.

Is this a lift table, or one of those little things that fit under the frame? If it's a table, I would like a copy of the plans. sidecarmike @ charter.net

I had wondered about using one of those HF lifts in conjunction with one of their $49.95 electric winches hooked to the garage rafters. Attach the winch cable via a cloth sling to the sidecar step, wheel, or whatever. Pump the lift and hit the winch switch to raise the entire mess. When it is up, have a jackstand made of 2x4's or whatever to put under the sidecar.

Oh yes. I know those winches are for level pulling and not direct lifting but they are rated for 2000 pounds pull. What would they be lifting? 150-200 pounds max? Probably a good bit less as the one side of the car would be supported/lifted by the hydraulic lift. I suspect the winch could handle it.

Sarge

P.S. Harbor Freight now offers a second lift for about $430. It is both footpump and air operated and has a better front wheel vise.

That's a good idea Sarge, I may try that myself.
Meanwhile, go to ebay and search for 4637634935. I can't get Tinyurl.com to work today.
The Viking looks a lot like my Handy, but mine goes up higher and has wheels on all four corners.

Hi,

Your lift, I'm assuming it's a ATV type lift, you say that you extended the lift legs so you can pick up the sidecar and bike at the same time, is there any tipping issues because of the sidecar being so far off center?, it sounds like a nice solution to lifting and not much to store.

Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

Ted

the bad part about using my ATV lift is it goes under the engine to lift, and I cannot change oil or filter while it is on the lift. a table lift would solve that problem but my ramps also solve it.

One of the members on the KZ forum came up with an inexpensive lift table that just might be adaptable for sidecar use. If you scroll down until to see plywood, you'll get the picture. No pun intended.

http://kzrider.com/component/option,com_joomlaboard/Itemid,/func,view/catid,9/id,121251/#121251