The BEST Motorcycle Lift ?
When we are asked (on a regular basis) what does one need in the best motorcycle lift?
Every workshop whether it be a professional high volume dealership or a specialist independent has very specific needs. Realistically there is no ‘one size fits all’, but there are a number of basics to look for.
Structural materials, key components, well designed fixtures, quality moving parts, safety features, power pack, standard of finish, accessories, after sales and warranty to list but a few.
Quality
Number one should be buying the best you can afford – this is not always the most expensive. always look at the origin of the lift, the design and materials used for the lift and its components. While many lifts from the far east make claim to use top grade steel, this may not be the case.
Approvals
Buyer beware – Virtually all insurers insist that a lift used in a commercial environment is CE or TUV certified, many now require LOLER checks to validate their policies. Always ensure your choice of lift has been approved and can continue to meet health and safety requirement
Form over Function
- Having a lift that looks ‘the business’ may not mean it makes the grade.
- Can it lift adequate weight safely
- does it lift high enough
- Does it have a built in safety
- how high is it when closed
- what accessories are available for it
Service and support
Many workshops have chosen motorcycle lifts where spares and servicing has been challenging. While some parts maybe universal or interchangeable if a major component fails they find dealing with a factory on the other side of the world, in a different time zone and possible language issues has led to a lot of wasted time and money. No one wants a lift to be out of commission for any length of time.
So what should you look for
- A quality product that is tried and tested
- Deal with a reputable company that actually knows what motorcyclists need
- Ask if the reseller can service any warranty issues and do they carry spare
- Do they offer on-site engineer attendance? – no one wants a return to base warranty.
- A lift that matches the bikes you deal with – why by an 800kg lift when even the heaviest production machine is less than 500ks, wet!
- Referral and recommendation – if main dealers prefer their lifts, if training academies choose a certain brand – they probably have good reason.
- do they have a range of lifts?