Instructions for a Motorcycle Lift

A well-built motorcycle lift is a vital tool in a motorcycle technician's arsenal. By design, a lift holds the motorcycle in an upright position and raises it off the ground, allowing the technician a greater degree of accessibility to the machine without having to kneel or stoop. While the lifts are relatively easy to use, extra care must be taken to properly secure the motorcycle to prevent the risk of serious damage or injury if it falls from the lift.

Things You'll Need

• Tie-down straps

Instructions

1. Position the motorcycle in front of the lift's loading ramp. Stand to the left of the motorcycle and lift it into an upright position. Push the motorcycle onto the lift using the ramp, stopping when the front wheel is seated within the lift's wheel clamp.

2. Hold the motorcycle upright and grasp the wheel clamp's manual hand-operated crank lever. Tighten the wheel clamp around the motorcycle's front wheel with the lever.

3. Secure the motorcycle with tie-down straps to provide additional stability. Attach a strap to each handlebar and hook them onto the side of the lift.

4. Locate the lock handle on the side of the lift. Lift the lock lever up to release the lift's locking mechanism. Using the upper foot pedal, raise the lift to your desired height. Listen for a clicking sound, signifying the locking mechanism engaging as the lift rises. Depress the lower foot pedal to settle the lift onto the locking mechanism.

5. Depress the upper foot pedal to slightly raise the lift after completing your repair or maintenance work. Release the locking mechanism with the lock handle. Depress the lower foot pedal to lower the lift to the ground.

6. Release the tie-down straps from the motorcycle and lift. Stand to the left of the motorcycle and support it against your body. Loosen the wheel clamp using the hand-operated crank lever. Roll the motorcycle backwards and off the lift. Lower the motorcycle onto its kick stand once both wheels are on the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not load a motorcycle onto a lift if you are not comfortable pushing a motorcycle. Ask for help to prevent dropping the motorcycle.

• Never load a motorcycle that is heavier than the lift's maximum-rated weight capacity, to prevent an overload that could result in damage or injury.

References

• "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
• Direct-Lift: Procycle 1000 lb. Motorcycle Lift Manual (PDF)
• Harbor Freight: 1000 lb. Motorcycle Lift Set Up and Operating Instructions (PDF)