Handy Parking Stand

[JeffB]

Greetings all,

I have been lurking here (well actually the old site) for a few months now and the info contained helped me decide to purchase a used '03 LT. Although my list of required and wanted (is there a difference) farkles has gotton quite long from my readings, I need to solve the garage parking problem first. I need a way to slide the bike sideways about 6 feet to make room for a cage.

The best thing I have found so far is the Handy Industries Parking Stand (http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/product_view.asp?idProduct=933&D=0&S= (http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/product_view.asp?idProduct=933&D=0&S)=) and wonder if anyone has tried it or found something else to do the job.

I've found 6 or 7 other similar products, but I liked that this looks like the center stand can be used to support the bike and it also puts casters on the wheels. I submitted a capacity question through Handy's web form over a week ago, but never got a response so I don't know if it can hold the beast.

Any information apprecitated. Thanks.

-Jeff

[Dochatley]

Hi Jeff,
Says it will hold 900 lbs. in the description.
NEW SALE PRICE $199.00!

Maneuver in any direction effortlessly with eight swivel casters (2 locking). This stand accommodates motorcycle with wheelbases up to 80" long and 900 lbs

Can't you just roll the bike in place?

[JeffB]

Wow, they must have updated the web site since I read it a week ago. Guess I should have read it again before I post a question. Maybe they did see my inquiry. Anyway, thanks for being my eyes. Still wonder if anyone has had any luck with it.

-Jeff

[JeffB]

Oh, and to answer your question. I wish I could just roll it in place. The garage is wide enough, but with work bench, tool chests, and other stuff, there isn't enough room to move it to a place and still allow room for the cage that has to share the space. Unless I find a better solution, I'll probably buy one.

Thanks again.

[JetDoc]

The garage is wide enough, but with work bench, tool chests, and other stuff, there isn't enough room to move it to a place and still allow room for the cage that has to share the space.

Jeff, perhaps you should look at this 'problem' from a different angle... Is it really necessary for the cage to be in the garage?

My wife's car hasn't been inside our garage since I brought the LT home. Even during the coldest Idaho winters, the motorcycle and tools and stuff are all nice and snug in the garage while her car (and my pickup truck) sit outside in the snow and ice.

Of course, it helps that her car has a remote start function that allows her to warm up her car in the mornings before she goes out to get in it. ;)

[JeffB]

Yea, I thought about that one JetDoc. We have 2 garages, a 1-car and a 1.5-car, at least I get the larger one. They're not only for the cages, but mine is the space the other half allows me to use for a workshop. There is usually some project in the middle of the garage and I would like to tuck the piglett into a protected corner to prevent problems with things like falling 2x4s and such. Also, while I don't mind leaving the cage outside when it's cold, I rather not when I have to spend the next morning digging out. But then maybe I should look at getting the wife a remote starter, move the bike to her garage, and keep my garage for the workshop. She is understanding, but I'm not sure I'd get away with that one.

Thanks for your comments!

[jsralston]

I had the space problem also - I got one of these, and after you get the hang of it is works pretty slick. http://www.cyoma.com/

[TonyWilliams]

My wife's car hasn't been inside our garage since I brought the LT home. Even during the coldest Idaho winters, the motorcycle and tools and stuff are all nice and snug in the garage while her car (and my pickup truck) sit outside in the snow and ice.


My wife wouldn't let me do this in San Diego !!!

Currently, one 2500HD GMC crew cab, one Chrysler minivan, BMW-LT, and Yamaha PW50.

If I want to work on something, I usually just roll the neighboring vehicle out. It does help to have a four car garage.

[CharlieVT]

Leaving cars outside here in VT in winter, that's a non-starter. ;)

There are some pretty nice prefab buildings that would make a good workshop, motorcycle garage, etc. so long as you have the space and permit to place one.

Home Depot makes them available. In New England there are businesses, large and small, that will custom build one to your specs and deliver it on the back of a truck.

example: http://www.kloterfarms.com/page.cfm?p=347

[JeffB]

jsralston: I looked at that, but it kinda scared me when I thought about doing it with an 800# bike that wants to curl up on its side anyway. It also required a little extra space in both directions so you can get it up on the main stand.

Tony: I really like your 4-car garage solution, but I'm going to have to move for that one. Ideally one position would be a high bay to accomodate the bike on a lift, maybe another with a pit for the cages.

Charlie: I like your handle best since I'm here in Virginia. Whenever I see it I don't think Vermont, I think Virginia Tech (GO HOKIES!). We are already looking into replacing the lawn shed, but unfortunately a lawn shed is the only detached structure allowed and it has to hold all the yard equipment--I'll have to check what the size limitation may be. If we stay in this house, we're talking about a new addition that includes a new garage, but that doesn't solve this winter's problem.

Thanks for all the suggestions folks.

[Hog]

Thats to easy Jeff I'm afraid the wife will get mad at me and roll my bike down the road.
Dave in Reno
05K1200LT
05R1200GS

[jackd]

I need to solve the garage parking problem first. I need a way to slide the bike sideways about 6 feet to make room for a cage.

Any information apprecitated. Thanks.

-Jeff

Well, I don't have any suggestions but I am very appreciative of the links.:cool:

I just upgraded from a compact pickup to a full size pickup and I had to get rid of a large workbench just to be able to pull my new truck in enough to close the door. I'm missing the workbench a lot and I think I have found a configuration that will allow me to put my LT in front of my wifes Explorer but it needs to go across the back of her side and that would have been an issue getting it in and out.

This tool looks like it might work for me also. It might make it relatively easy to get the LT in and out with just moving her truck. Mine is an issue because I have 8 foot doors and an just shy of an 8 foot truck.:(

Her's is much easier to move in and out. I also like the option of having it up on the center stand and be able to work on it during the winter months without having to leave one of the trucks outside. I can just push it back and continue next weekend.. :D

[dwillie]

I have a Cycle Slider that I'm very happy with. I found it used for $100. on another board. When you need something like this because of space limitations, nothing could be easier to use. I store my bike right up against the far wall of my garage, out of the way. When I want to work on it, clean it or whatever; slide it out, and back in again when I'm done. I ride straight into the garage onto the Slider, kickstand down, and roll it into place against the wall. If you decide to get this unit, let us know how you think it works out. d. (Ignore the display pictures if they offend you. I think they're unnecessary.)
http://www.cycleslider.com/pictures.htm

[meese]

I think your .sig says it all:

Moving to Western Nevada :)

[JeffB]

I've learned so much in so little time reading this forum I thought I would close out this thread with a summary of what I found after searching multiple lists and the web, hopefully saving someone else the trouble. I'm not saying this is an all inclusive list, but includes the ones I bookmarked. Standard disclaimers apply.

-Jeff

The Handy Industries Parking Stand (http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/product_view.asp?idProduct=933&D=0&S==) is what I will probably buy for the LT. Currently on sale for $199, 900# capacity, bike can be put on the center stand, and it supports the wheels.

The Wunderlich easy-park XXL (http://www.wunderlich.de/shop.php?rubrik=G&produkt=677&art_id=1961) center stand dolly can move the bike in any direction and is rated for 400kg. Santa Cruz BMW is the US importer and sells it for about $250.

The similar Telefix Moto-Boy (http://www.telefix-products.de/rangier/motoboy.htm) is only rated to 350kg

The Turning Point (http://www.turningpointcycle.com/) clamps on the rear tire. It looks fine for longer term (as long as your tire does loose too much air), but one has to crawl around to get it hooked up. ($360)

The Motorcycle Dolly (http://merrickmachine.com/autodolly/cycledolly.htm) ($300-320) and Cycle Slider (http://www.cycleslider.com/) ($450) are similar and look reasonable if one wanted to keep the bike on the side stand.

TailSwinger (http://www.cyoma.com/) is another tail mover, but looked a little scary. Probably great for a smaller bike. Less than $100 delivered

[wcarter]

I attended the Cycle World motorcycle show in Atlanta in January; BMW Santa Cruz had a display at the show (I think they followed the show from city to city). I looked at the Wunderlich stand and could have saved the shipping charge (these things are heavy) by buying at the show but I wasn't sure I could secure the beast on my LT.

If BMW SJ is at the Atlanta show again this winter I might try picking one up.

[hgreensp]

Jeff,
Did you buy one?

Harry

[jorawro]

I used a piece of 3/4 inch plywood (8 ft long and 3 ft wide) and mounted 7 small diameter good quality swivel wheels under it - 3 on each side and 1 in the centre. It only sits 2 inches off the floor. At each end I piano-hinged 1 ft of the plywood so that I had an "on/off ramp". When I varnished it I added some fine sand to give it a non-slip surface. It has lasted through three bikes so I guess that it's paid for itself and it certainly allows me to put the K tight into a corner. **You do need a fairly smooth floor for free movement**

[RonKMiller]

I built a 200 sq. ft loft in in my 500 sq ft. garage by taking normal floor loading standards and doubling them. A fold up ramp is attached to haul the heavy stuff up there. A lot of non-essential gear that I need nearby along with seasonal things are parked there.

Supported by small steel I beams (wrapped in foam pipe insulation for protection) and 2X4's on 12 inch centers, the floor of the loft is 1/2" marine quality plywood. Way overkill but I just could not see thousands of pounds of gear collapsed on top of my cherry RX7 and bikes.
I can drive the cars in under the loft, still stand up when I get out, and have room in the front to park the scooters.

Still have to roll a car out for big projects, but a really good car cover is perfect for a few days.

[RonKMiller]

I used a piece of 3/4 inch plywood (8 ft long and 3 ft wide) and mounted 7 small diameter good quality swivel wheels under it - 3 on each side and 1 in the centre. It only sits 2 inches off the floor. At each end I piano-hinged 1 ft of the plywood so that I had an "on/off ramp". When I varnished it I added some fine sand to give it a non-slip surface. It has lasted through three bikes so I guess that it's paid for itself and it certainly allows me to put the K tight into a corner. **You do need a fairly smooth floor for free movement**

NICE! :)

[emsweeney]

Check this out, http://www.motoswivel.com, I have had one for a year now and it works flawlessly. If you check the old form under Motoswivel you'll see some photos I posted of it and how it works. You can get the bike 1/2 inch from the wall if you so desire.

Gene Sweeney

[Reid]

I had the space problem also - I got one of these, and after you get the hang of it is works pretty slick. http://www.cyoma.com/
That tail swinger looks like the real ticket! How much?

[airborneod]

I used a piece of 3/4 inch plywood (8 ft long and 3 ft wide) and mounted 7 small diameter good quality swivel wheels under it - 3 on each side and 1 in the centre. It only sits 2 inches off the floor. At each end I piano-hinged 1 ft of the plywood so that I had an "on/off ramp". When I varnished it I added some fine sand to give it a non-slip surface. It has lasted through three bikes so I guess that it's paid for itself and it certainly allows me to put the K tight into a corner. **You do need a fairly smooth floor for free movement**

How about a few pictures...TIA

[was]

This is a motorcycle lift at Harbor Freight (harborfreight.com). Not sure how well this would work to move the bike, but it appears to have casters that would allow it to roll. I'm more interested in the lift capacity.

[airborneod]

This is a motorcycle lift at Harbor Freight (harborfreight.com). Not sure how well this would work to move the bike, but it appears to have casters that would allow it to roll. I'm more interested in the lift capacity.

I looked at one at Harbor Freight. I would not put my bike on it. It IMHO is not very well made. Very light weight material.....I might put a light weight dirt bike or something similar but not an LT.

[was]

I looked at one at Harbor Freight. I would not put my bike on it. It IMHO is not very well made. Very light weight material.....I might put a light weight dirt bike or something similar but not an LT.
Good to know. Thanks.

[JeffB]

Sorry for the delay in responding, but didn't know this thread was active again.

I haven't bought one yet Harry, cleaning the garages to make room while moving stuff in from another home has slowed the process down. The bike space should be ready in the next week or so and I currently plan to purchase the Handy Stand (but see below) once it's ready. Supposed to get a light snow tonight so running out of time.

I like your idea Roy. I thought about making one with bigger wheels and a lowered deck, but it started to get too complicated. Raising the deck a few inches and putting caster(s) under the load sounds like a good compromise.

Thanks for adding the motoswivel Gene, I saw it at one point but couldn't find it when putting together the list of links.

I tried to find something like what Bill posted, a lift on casters, but had no luck. I went "WOW" until I read the next post and Airborne burst my bubble. For those of us who are space challenged, getting more use out something this large would be great. I wonder if a Handy Lift could take casters.

Just when this house is just about finished, I start thinking about that place with a four space high bay garage, attached work shop and storage room.