How to Build a Motorcycle Jack or Lift

Build your own jack or lift for your motorcycle to raise it to make repairs.

The purpose of a jack or lift on your motorcycle is to raise the vehicle when it requires repairs, such as a tire change or to replace an axle. It is important to have this component at the ready for general maintenance on your bike. You can build your own jack or lift using a few tools and some mechanical skill.

Things You'll Need

• 4 inches by 8 inches by 3 feet piece of wood
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Electric drill
• 1-inch and 1 3/8-inch paddle bore drill bit
• 3/16-inch wood drill bit
• 3/4 inch by 4 feet piece of galvanized pipe
• 4 lag bolts
• Small pipe wrench
• Goggles

Instructions

1. Measure with a ruler to find a spot on the piece of wood that is 3 1/2 inches from its center line. Mark this area on the wood with a pencil.

2. Use the 1 3/8-inch paddle bore drill bit to drill into the wood. Drill deeply enough into the wood so that the outer part of the flange will fit tightly within the hole.

3. Remove the 1 3/8-inch paddle bore drill bit and replace it with the 1-inch drill bit. Continue drilling through the wood. The smaller hole you are drilling will allow you to have additional support while lifting and lowering your motorcycle.

4. Mark four dots or lines on the wood with your pencil to distinguish where to place the lag bolts. Drill the four holes with the 1-inch drill bit.

5. Insert the flange from the bike into the 1 3/8-inch hole you drilled into the wood block. Secure the four lag bolts into the holes you made with the smaller drill bit. Tighten the bolts using a small pipe wrench.

6. Insert the 3/4-inch by 4-foot galvanized pipe into the first one-inch hole. Thread it into the flange and tighten it with the wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• To use your motorcycle lift properly, place it directly beneath the frame beneath the engine.

• Be sure to wear protective goggles while drilling to avoid wood chips from getting into your eyes.

References

• Homemade Motorcycle Lifts