I'm getting a lift!

[joevano]

I'm getting the Handy Lift (http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/product_view.asp?idProduct=1153&D=6&S=0) on Saturday. It's the best lift I can get for the amount of money I can spend but I have two reservations.

Will I regret not having the drop tail? I suppose if I need it I can cut it out and make a plate.

Will the 80" length be cramped?

If the answers to the above are yes, I won't be happy spending the money only to come up short. The alternative would be to get one from HF, but I'd rather support the home team!

[Allred]

Don't have answers to Joe's questions, but I've just about decided to order a 1,000 lb capacity, Panther lift, complete with front tire clamp, side extensions, front extension, rear drop panel, and accessory frame jack, on sale now for $850. It will cost $195 to have it shipped to my location.

Check out http://www.pantherlifts.com Click "motorcycle lifts". Stock # PMC 1000FP.

Anyone familiar or have experience, feedback on or with a Panther lift?

[LAF]

You wont miss the drop tail unless you work on other bikes. For the LT there is no need for it.

Your gonna love having things at waist level to work on.

[bigbear]

Joe,
the 80" length is more than enough for an LT. If you work on stretched choppers it would probably be to short.

An option for the drop tail especially if the bike is smaller is to park the bike on the center stand with the rear wheel very close or hanging over the end of the lift. I would not try this with a bike the size of an LT though.

Enjoy your lift, and see if you make "new" friends now.

Roy

P.S. I looked at the Harbor freight 1,000 lb lift yesterday and in my opinion there is no comparison in structural strength to the Handy Lift.

[joevano]

Don't have answers to Joe's questions, but I've just about decided to order a 1,000 lb capacity, Panther lift, complete with front tire clamp, side extensions, front extension, rear drop panel, and accessory frame jack, on sale now for $850. It will cost $195 to have it shipped to my location.

Check out http://www.pantherlifts.com Click "motorcycle lifts". Stock # PMC 1000FP.

Anyone familiar or have experience, feedback on or with a Panther lift?
Now you've got me second-guessing my decision. I can get the Panther at a local distribution center for only $50 shipping which makes it cheaper than the Handy, and has a drop tail and longer table.

Decisions, decisions.

[NOGILLS2]

If you have a Cycle Gear nearby check the lifts they offer: 1500Lbs, $650.00, and can be stood in a corner while not in use! I think it is a Kendon brand.


CLICKYYYY (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=5008&L2=35&L3=&L4=&item=KEN_BLC-107A&tier2=308#)

[GolfGuy]

I'm getting the Handy Lift (http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/product_view.asp?idProduct=1153&D=6&S=0) on Saturday. It's the best lift I can get for the amount of money I can spend but I have two reservations.

Will I regret not having the drop tail? I suppose if I need it I can cut it out and make a plate.

Will the 80" length be cramped?

If the answers to the above are yes, I won't be happy spending the money only to come up short. The alternative would be to get one from HF, but I'd rather support the home team!

You made the right choice....there is a reason every motorcycle shop in the world uses them. :D
Matter of fact....pick me up one and bring to Mankato. :D :D

[joevano]

Bob

You can pick one up in Kasota!

[GolfGuy]

Bob

You can pick one up in Kasota!

Where in Kasota Joe?

[joevano]

I'm going there tomorrow, unless I change my mind to the Panther Lift.

I've got the number at home, I'll PM it to you when my honey calls me back with it!

[dmatson]

I just bought a used Handy a few months back and the owner gave me a 2'X2' piece of very thick stainless that the centerstand of the bike goes down on. He was a manager of a local BMW dealer and he said all the mech's do this to keep the lifts from getting torn up.

[hschisler]

Your lift (whichever way you go) will be one of the best investments you make in your shop.

A drop tail feature can be useful even with an LT. For example, if you have a trailer hitch (especially a Unigo) the drop tail means you don't have to remove the hitch before removing the rear tire. Granted, the Unigo hitch is only 4 bolts but I've found it's a royal PITA to put the hitch back on. Another way to go would be one of those heavy-duty screw jacks. They can raise the rear of the bike very nicely.

[joevano]

I've decided it will be the Handy Lift (http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/product_view.asp?idProduct=1153&D=6&S=0) .

I really wanted to get a red-blooded American lift and this being in the price range I decided to forgo the drop tail to get the Handy. I imagine I can cut a hole in the back and fabricate a plate to cover it if I miss the hole. You can always add one!!

[Dick]

I've decided it will be the Handy Lift (http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/product_view.asp?idProduct=1153&D=6&S=0) .

I really wanted to get a red-blooded American lift and this being in the price range I decided to forgo the drop tail to get the Handy. I imagine I can cut a hole in the back and fabricate a plate to cover it if I miss the hole. You can always add one!!
Hey, Joe - maybe the RS needs the dropout section of the lift (dunno), butt the LT doesn't. My Handy Lift is circa '99 and sans the dropout; no problem on pulling the wheel out the back of the bike at all. (Assuming that is what you're thinking).

[joevano]

Howdy Dick

The RS will be easier than the LT, but I also have a Yamaha Virago 1100 I got "for the wife" wink.

The Virago is another story, but I'll give you a tease: it's a'95 with 300 actual miles on it. I just had to have it!

Her first bike was a Virago 750 and she loved it. She had a R1200CLC last year and loved the looks and ride but it was too heavy at low speeds to get comfortable on it. She likes the LT also, can't wait till she tries it with the low seat, I might have to fight her for it!

[Dick]

Howdy Dick

The RS will be easier than the LT, but I also have a Yamaha Virago 1100 I got "for the wife" wink.

The Virago is another story, but I'll give you a tease: it's a'95 with 300 actual miles on it. I just had to have it!

Her first bike was a Virago 750 and she loved it. She had a R1200CLC last year and loved the looks and ride but it was too heavy at low speeds to get comfortable on it. She likes the LT also, can't wait till she tries it with the low seat, I might have to fight her for it!
OK, Joe - I get it now. Wuzn't sure about an RS's wheel makeup.

Yikes - 23 miles per year on the Virago!!! Dang thang must be 'bout worn out!!! :rolleyes: ;) ;) Sure wuz a great find, Joe. :thumb: We prolly got some envy runnin' around on the forum 'bout now!! No doubt your wife is gonna enjoy it mucho!

Does the Virago have a centerstand? Or can you rig sumpthin' up that allows the rear wheel to drop? Doin' a cut out and mod'ing the lift platform sounds just a tad risky to me; butt that's just me. Good luck on whatcha end up doin'.

BTW - good on ya for going Handy. You're gonna love it, I'm sure. And the timing on the pricing sounded perfect. Lemme (us) know what you do for graption treatment of the surface - that powder coat finish gitz mighty slickery, just on it's own. Drop some oil or lube, or a Latte on it, and it's Icecapades time!! :eek: ;)

[joevano]

We have rolls of 3M anti-slip tape. I'm planning on running a strip down the center and a patch where the sidestand lands.

[Dick]

We have rolls of 3M anti-slip tape. I'm planning on running a strip down the center and a patch where the sidestand lands.
That'll do it, Joe. Enjoy!

[Jim]

We have rolls of 3M anti-slip tape. I'm planning on running a strip down the center and a patch where the sidestand lands.

You also might want to run some across the ramp itself. Helps traction when running the bike up and using the brakes on the way down.