Motorcycle lift table project

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Track T 2411
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Motorcycle lift table project

#1

Post by Track T 2411 »

I've always wanted a lift table and watched the HF ads closely, hoping they'd go on some super sale when I actually had some 'expendable' cash. Trouble is there's always something more pressing to eat up those dollars, and I've had and successfully used my trusty little lift on all my bikes for years. I even picked up a second one (free!) and repaired it (sort of) so Josh and I weren't fighting over using it.
Well, after crawling around for hours getting the '86 Aspy road ready, My poor body decided it was time for a table. And now the HF tables are $600!?! Time to put my semi- retired butt to work!

The starting point...

(You can kind of see the old screw jack I used to replace the bad hydraulic jack. It worked, but not well.)
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"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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ericheath
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#2

Post by ericheath »

:popcornx2 :popcornx2 :popcornx2 :popcornx2
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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Track T 2411
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#3

Post by Track T 2411 »

After lots of cypherin', a little dumpster diving, and a lot more cypherin', I took the leap...
20210110_153929.jpg
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I'll say right off the bat that I'm no welder, and I've got the most rinky-dink setup...
20210111_120129.jpg
20210111_120129.jpg (154.63 KiB) Viewed 1357 times
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#4

Post by Track T 2411 »

I set out with a few goals: first, the table needed to raise as close to 30 inches as possible. Second, it needed to be less than eight feet long in the lowered position. Third, it needed to cover the jack area in the front to minimize my clumsy feet from tripping on it...

Nearly all the steel I used came from unused store displays that were meant to display stone cladding samples. It's some heavy stuff!
16557712835397616092081642100506.jpg
16557712835397616092081642100506.jpg (241.83 KiB) Viewed 1354 times
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#5

Post by Track T 2411 »

Here's the base. 69 inches long.
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The modified uprights. I added steel tubing for the pivot bolts so they can get greased.
16557717172613167730055058993167.jpg
16557717172613167730055058993167.jpg (200.43 KiB) Viewed 1353 times
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#6

Post by Track T 2411 »

16557723153865543822729183696290.jpg
16557723153865543822729183696290.jpg (200.94 KiB) Viewed 1351 times
16557724274144504760832944399006.jpg
16557724274144504760832944399006.jpg (208.38 KiB) Viewed 1351 times
The table top. 86 inches long. The uprights are just over 45 inches apart, with 20 inches of overhang in the front. It almost covers the jack...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Posts: 8482
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 9:37 pm
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#7

Post by Track T 2411 »

20220619_175732.jpg
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20220619_175704.jpg
20220619_175704.jpg (144.81 KiB) Viewed 1350 times
The first test assembly. I still need to finish up some welds, add another cross brace in the middle, and figure out a better way to mount the hydraulic jack.
The surface will be plywood.

Height in raised position, 29 inches. Overall length when lowered, 95 inches. Lowered height, 8 inches.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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ritalz
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#8

Post by ritalz »

Looking good. Are you using a pattern of some sort?
Al

2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... ans/ritalz
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Whiskerfish
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#9

Post by Whiskerfish »

Very Nice!!! I have a table but not a lift table. I am fortunate to have a overhead chain fall and use that to lift bikes up onto the work table. Maybe someday I will do something like this with my lift.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
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Track T 2411
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#10

Post by Track T 2411 »

ritalz wrote: Tue Jun 21, 2022 12:43 am Looking good. Are you using a pattern of some sort?
Nope, no pattern, just a conglomeration of YouTube videos, Pinterest articles, and trial and error.
I should mention that another goal was to make it small enough so it's easy to store. I can take it apart in about ten minutes...

A few more things... when lowered, the table overhangs quite a bit in the rear. I will add a pair of 'feet' to prevent the weight of loading a bike to lift the front of the table. I'm also trying to figure out if I need 'out-riggers' on the base. It's 16 inches wide, and the top is 24 inches.
I also purchased a mid- priced wheel chock to ease loading and tie down.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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ericheath
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#11

Post by ericheath »

I like the idea of outriggers as they are tippy, but even with flat stock, I know I’d be tripping over them. Another option is a strap(s) above to the ceiling. It might still tip, but keep the bike from going down.

Judicious use of materials. Thumbs up.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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5speed
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#12

Post by 5speed »

I don't posses the welding skills to make my own so I waited until one went on sale at princess auto. (our harbour freight)
I'm not sure of the exact measurments of the base and table but it's very steady when the lift is up all the way.
One thing you make want to consider is a "locking bar" on one of the up rights. Mine has 4 holes drilled thru the up rights on one end and there is a 1" thick metal bar that you slide thru to prevent the table from lowering on it's own should the hydraulic ram fail. I put the bar thru and lower the table until the bar is resting on the frame. It makes it a bit more stable.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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ritalz
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#13

Post by ritalz »

Outriggers are a good thing. Don't want this to happen, would probably ruin your day.
lift table.jpg
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Al

2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... ans/ritalz
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Track T 2411
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#14

Post by Track T 2411 »

Thanks for the input!
The lift will be used in various places as I don't have a garage, so the strap idea won't work. The outriggers would probably be only 3 to 4 inches a side, with screw type adjustable feet to level/ lock it in place. The original jack has swivel casters on one end, and I plan on adding two to the rear.
The original jack also had detent locking mechanisms on the jack end, and they worked, but not great. I plan on reworking those as well as adding something similar to the rear. Some of the homemade tables I've seen tend to sag otherwise, and I'd like to avoid that. No way do I trust the hydraulic jack by itself.

Al - UGH! That's the very same wheel chock I bought! Of course I don't see any tie downs on the bike, either. The first thing I always do is get a couple of straps on it...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Whiskerfish
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Re: Motorcycle lift table project

#15

Post by Whiskerfish »

True story. Tipping a bike over cost me a house once. Our fist house when we moved back to Virginia (1990 I think) was a 70 year old very nice 2 story colonial. We had gutted every room and redid the entire thing over a period of about 15 years. Wiring, Windows, plumbing, doors, insulation, floors, etc etc.... It was paid for and it was beautiful but did not have a driveway or garage. It was fine for a while, then about a year before I retired from the Navy I got back into bikes. I had to ride up the neighbor's driveway and across about 60 feet of yard and through a gate of a chain link fence then up a ramp into my shed every time I rode. Being Vertically challenged I did not have good footing on the bike and managed to drop it several times while getting it in or out for rides. I had already hinted a few times to the Better Half that I needed a decent garage and driveway. One morning getting ready for a trip to SC I dropped it again and managed to hit the windscreen on the side of the house and snap it off. I was livid and over the entire situation. I went storming into the house full of anger and she looked at me and told me to start looking for a better place. I found my current house 4 blocks away on the Computer that night. I went and looked at it the next day, took the Wife the following day, and put in a bid the day after that.

Last House
P9300122.JPG
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And this was the first project when I bought this house
Driveway.jpg
Driveway.jpg (134.87 KiB) Viewed 1304 times
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
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