Home made bike lift

[Rocky]

Home made bike lift

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In another thread I mentioned a bike lift I made for working on my British bikes. It's so much easier on the knees and back to work at waist level.
This is a pic of the lift with the BSA on it getting some TLC.

Edited DaveM - Here are the plans for this one

 

[CarlS]

That is a cool lift. Do you have plans for it? I'm very interested.

 

[Rocky]

I got the idea from an elderly fellow on the internet about 5-6 years ago. He built it from scratch years ago and all I had as a guide was a picture he sent to me.
There are no plans, but he gave me enough data and measurements so I was able to figure it out for myself as I went along. I was quite hard to build without plans and get right so the moving parts would operate in synch. I don't think I would do it again.
He has since passed away and I don't have his photo anymore. I didn't keep any notes either.
These days there are many quality steel lifts on the market for a reasonable price and that would be my choice now.

 

[Doug]

I have something very similar exept it's made from steel.The wood looks so much better though!

 

[Rocky]

Wood does make a good job of it and the rig is fairly easy to move around alone, but steel is stronger. That's why I limit my use to the 300-350 pound vintage bikes.

 

[CarlS]

I have a lift that is good for 1500 pounds; but yours goes up higher.

 

[The Seeker]

I'd like to build one like that from wood also!

I too have a heavy duty steel lift, but it has two padded rails that are supposed to go under the center of the bike's frame. With my Trophy and Ninja being fully faired, I can't use that without removing all the fairing (it would crack the plastic and the fairing's bottom is "V" shaped"). It also doesn't go low enough to fit under my chopper.

I could really use something that lifts both wheels like that. Could you possibly take some more detailed pics Rocky? The hydraulic lift section is the part that looks the most complicated.

 

[Rocky]

I probably have some shots taken during construction. I'll take a look and scan what I have.
Keep in mind that this thing is only made of 2x4 and 2x6 spruce and is only just so strong. I wouldn't trust it with a heavy sport bike or anything in that weight range. It was only ever intended to hold the lighter vintage Brit bikes.
I use a 2-ton floor jack for power. The lifting arm bears on a greased steel plate behind the front legs. Max height is about 24".

 

[devo]

very nice job Rocky :y115:
hmmmm.......brain in working mode here
I think you would be surprised just how strong it all is rocky,
the jack would want to be a quality item tho, not some el cheapo brand with dodgy seals but.
a pic of the lifting area would be a help.
:y18:

 

[Geoff587]

I knew when Devo saw that he would be taking his stubby pencil from behind his ear and drawing up plans :happy:

 

[CarlS]

Devo, if you draw up plans, please share.

 

[devo]

[quote author=Geoff587 link=topic=4397.msg26644#msg26644 date=1236887421]
I knew when Devo saw that he would be taking his stubby pencil from behind his ear and drawing up plans :happy:
[/quote]

I'll have you know my pencil is pin sharp, just like me :ya2:
:y18:

 

[Rocky]

Well guys, we're in luck. I found all my drawings and info from the bike lift. I thought they were long gone as it was 2002 when I built it and I haven't seen them since.
Sometimes it pays to be a pack rat :ya2:
I'm going to post a pic of the front rails and lifting system in a new thread.
I can scan my material, but maybe we should take this off the forum and I'll send the "stuff" by email to those interested.
Or maybe if I send it to Dave he could put it in one of the folders.

 

[devo]

[quote author=CarlS link=topic=4397.msg26645#msg26645 date=1236887647]
Devo, if you draw up plans, please share.
[/quote]

I wont actually draw up plans as such Carl, but IF I do build it, I will certainly share.
:y18:

 

[CarlS]

Rocky, I think it should be posted in Workshop and Tools. That way anyone who come along and is interested will have access to it. If they aren't interested, they don't have to read the thread. I sure am glad you found your notes. :y115:

 

[CarlS]

[quote author=Devo link=topic=4397.msg26648#msg26648 date=1236888290]
I wont actually draw up plans as such Carl, but IF I do build it, I will certainly share.
:y18:

[/quote]

'Preciate it, Harry.

 

[Rocky]

Yes Carl, that was what I was thinking. I'll scan the material I have and send it to you in an email. You can be the judge then.

 

[The Seeker]

I just realize that I'd have to make one EXTRA long if I'm going to raise the chopper on it. That front-end seems like a mile long! It's actually quite a bit lighter than the original Bonneville it was built from.

 

[CarlS]

Eagerly awaiting the material!

 

[DaveM]

[quote author=Rocky link=topic=4397.msg26647#msg26647 date=1236888181]
Or maybe if I send it to Dave he could put it in one of the folders.
[/quote]

Send them along I will post them in the workshop section :y18: I have also made an areas in the Gallery for Workshop and Tools. I moved this one over into that area