626. Abba Sky Lift | Garage Video

The third video about the stands I use with my bikes. This one shows the Abba Sky Lift, which is ideal for working on a bike when you want to lift it for long periods.
ConStands Motorcycle Wheel Chock - • 621. ConStands Motorcy...
MUSIC:
Title: "I Will Not Let You Let Me Down (Instrumental Version)"
Artist: Josh Woodward
URL: www.joshwoodwar...
Artist Site: www.joshwoodwar...
License: Creative Commons

[@spotty_cat26]

What a great toy, Santa obviously looked after you!! It's like grown up meccano, I want one!

[@CalmBiker]

+SpottyCat666 Ha ha!

[@LambChopRides]

Very nice, just got one myself and going to do a review also! Great bit of kit just love it

[@CalmBiker]

+Lamb Chop Rides Cool! Send me a link once it's up.

[@Bimble]

Oooooh! I want one of these, simply so i can lift my bike up & watch it float back down to the ground again, psshhhhhhh! Would be followed by maniacal clapping & laughing every time! :) Brilliant bit of kit.....made us wait long enough tho, you bloody tease! ;)

[@CalmBiker]

+BimbleBoy Blue Ha ha! I know what you mean. It's very satisfying.

[@garethphillips1842]

You might have already worked this out but if you use the lower of the 3 holes to mount the ram in, you will get another few inches when in the "wheelie" position so your tyre does not foul on the under arm of the lift. Check out the setup video from Abba.

[@CalmBiker]

Yep. I tend to use all three holes depending upon what I'm working on at the time. Great piece of kit.

[@thor_bc5929]

Great vid CB. So much better on the back to bring the work up to your level. As they say work smarter not harder ;) Cheers and RS sir!

[@CalmBiker]

+Thor_BC Absolutely. Should be a lot better than lying on my back on the ground for some jobs too!

[@GingeRbiker82]

Green screen would be fun lol all that pumping..... I think some photo shop would have been done on a hangout lol

[@CalmBiker]

+GingeRbiker82 Haha! You might be right!

[@wyvernbiker]

Awesome bit of kit. Just need to build my self a garage ;)

[@CalmBiker]

+wyvernbiker Haha! Not sure it can help with that.

[@toshtwentythree195]

I want one....I WANT ONE...I WANT ONE...I WANT ONE...I WANT ONE...I WANT ONE...Cheers mate great vid

[@CalmBiker]

+Tosh twentythree (tosh 23) It sounds like you want one ;-)

[@RevvedUpBiker]

Even how sturdy I would feel very nervous about lifting my bike. If it says 450kg max then 99% of bikes will be able to be lifted no probs. Great video. Ideal lift for removing your front forks. Have you ever had the need to drop your engine out of the bike? Just wonder how easy it would be, can see myself doing it one day.

[@CalmBiker]

+RevvedUpBiker I've not had to take an engine out yet, or do the forks. I should be ready though :-D

[@robertanthonyfarrell]

"so that's the strap-on. now start pumping." :D

[@CalmBiker]

:-D

[@Srmal-kv1tn]

Great video CB. A minor point, the wheels look like hard plastic, just how well do they roll on a normal concrete floor, that is not super smooth. All the best for 2016.

[@CalmBiker]

+S1000rmal They are hard wheels but they run OK on my garage floor. It's pretty smooth but nothing special for a garage.

[@whoamiuk1]

i could make that, all i need is a few coke cans lol... really nice bit of kit there, when can i bring my bike around for you to fix ;-)

[@CalmBiker]

+whoamiuk1 Whenever you like Dave. I'll get my hammer :-D

[@robertg2353]

can I ask you about main dimensions of this product ?

[@CalmBiker]

I've got it collapsed at the moment so can't measure it. Probably quicker to send a mail to Abba. abbastands.co.uk/contact.asp

[@marcovieira2032]

It doesn't work with lowerd bikes

[@CalmBiker]

Yes, it can be tricky for low connections.

[@Djohno2701]

I dropped my z yesterday getting it off the Abba stand! Smashed my windscreen, the same one you have! Gutted. So may try putting it on a paddock stand first like you did!

[@CalmBiker]

Oh no! How did it happen?

[@Zerodghjj]

That sure would make working on the bike much easier, I do have jack but it doesn't lift that high,.

[@CalmBiker]

+Adventures With Bash?? AWB It really does.

[@blobby273]

if you've go a 3 ton bike you might want to consider getting a different flipping bike lol . that made me giggle

[@CalmBiker]

+frustratednomad If you can ride a 3 tonne bike, use whatever you want - I'm not arguing with you! :-D

[@paulovictorfacavocemesmo6057]

hello, I'm from Brazil where I buy this elevator or support that they deliver here in Brazil and could you tell me the amount more or less?

[@CalmBiker]

Hi! I don't have any affiliation with them so I don't know about delivery. I bought mine via abbastands.co.uk/ so it's probably worth getting in touch there to see what shipping is available.

[@gogsalba4573]

Waiting on mine arriving... cmon, santa you fat ffff ella....!!!! I too have a man cave bursting at the seams, so a table was a no go... i also have a ramp up to street level.. so the abiiity to move bikes around helps with lining up for the bat out of hell carry on every day.... main reason for purchase though is im just getting too old to be lying around floors working on bikes... well its the getting back up to retrieve tools etc.... i bought 3 kits & a stool.... oh and the foot peg holder kit that will be handy so i can remove swinging arms..... Good explainitory vid.. nice one..

[@CalmBiker]

+Gogs Alba I'll get the swing arm kit at some point too. Probably when I get a project bike to play with / ruin.

[@gogsalba4573]

Ruin, aye..I hear that...:-) Just spent all day organising my workshop & lining up projects & going back & forth from Recycle yard.... im such a hoarder, old calipers being my OCD of choice,, of course i will drill out those sheared bleed nipples....mmm..... at least i now have the room for the Sky Lift to birl round without wrecking everything in the process...

[@TheGeordieBiker]

Jesus calm you'll end up like popeye soon if you keep using that! :p

[@CalmBiker]

+TheGeordieBiker Hahaha!

[@henryroscoe2464]

Excellent video Rich, I’m afraid it’s not for me though. The flex in the arms as you attach it to your bike and the loose adapters put me right off! Ride safe. 🏍🏍👍👍

[@CalmBiker]

The connectors worry me every time I use them but then I find them hard to disconnect later. I wonder if, on reflection, I would have been better off with a table. Problem for that is space for storing the table or having the keep the bike on it.

[@Gary-UBIQUE144]

@@CalmBiker A blob of grease at the inside of the back of the fitting connectors causing suction may help the connectors from coming loose?

[@CalmBiker]

@@Gary-UBIQUE144 I have done that since and it definitely helps.

[@SkeggyCruiser]

Absolute awesome bit of kit, and very handy, even lift my bike if there was somewhere to put the bobbins, lol, looks like great exercise for your shoulder, RSM8.

[@CalmBiker]

+Skeggy Cruiser Haha! Yes, lots of pumping!

[@Bex88_UK]

Brill vid and long awaited :D Great bit of kit, magnetic fittings is a brilliant idea nd Surely wouldn't be difficult for them to implement into the design :) Happy new year, RS x

[@CalmBiker]

+Bex88 It would be good to have something to hold them in for sure. Happy New Year!

[@SoopaBee]

Wow! Now THAT is heavy heavy duty! Really nice and very versatile. Also helps with all of the squatting that you tend to do with your motorcycle while on other stands. Nicely done man.

[@CalmBiker]

+SoopaBee I'm really pleased with it. I've been using a table recently on the TDM project and wishing I had the versatility of the sky lift.

[@Deadly1958]

I'd try velcro on those - same as the magnetic strip idea.

[@CalmBiker]

Had to watch again to remember what that referred to :-D

[@donizetideoliveira]

Good afternoon friend... My name is Donizéti, I'm from Brazil, I work with motorcycle maintenance, I've been looking for a lift like this to buy, but it's not worth importing for the freight cost. I come through to sort it out if it is possible to send me the measurements and thickness of the tubes so that I can manufacture one, I would be grateful. I still thank you ... hug.

[@CalmBiker]

Next time I get the chance I'll give them a measure.

[@CalmBiker]

Just measured the tubes. They are 5mm thick and have a square, 50mm section to them. I'd be interested to see what you build!

[@donizetideoliveira]

thank you very much friend .. send me a WhatsApp so we can talk there. hug

[@donizetideoliveira]

[phone]

[@harrybartlett4020]

Best video I've seen, great piece of kit.

[@CalmBiker]

Thanks! I really like it. The only issue I have is that some bikes are designed in a way that prevents its use.

[@suffolkandy]

Do not want a lift but can i have a set of the overrules that you have on make them big fat man size if you have them in stock lol no looks like a good bit of kit rsm

[@CalmBiker]

+Suffolk Andy It is indeed!

[@TheGazzatron941]

I was so tempted to get one for myself before Christmas, fortunately they were sold out, I say fortunately because my wife would have beaten me with it because we're buying a house and need to save money. But as soon as my own man cave is sorted I'll probably get one.

[@CalmBiker]

+Gazzatron Hahaha!

[@alexanderhetzel8271]

Interesting overview, thanks. Have you calculated, if you've already saved some money by doing the work yourself? All the tools and lifts is quite an investment that will pay off after a while, but have you reached that point yet? Obviously it isn't only about the money, but it would be interesting to know, how long it will take/took to reach the break even point.

[@CalmBiker]

+Alexander Hetzel I've probably not paid for everything yet because I do like buying tools. I've done two full services, a brake fluid change, a coolant change, an extra few oil changes and a few modifications, including heated grips and a full exhaust system swap. Quite a lot of hours work I would imagine so I don't think I'm far off.

[@harmonyvision2445]

How much cost and how can avail ??

[@CalmBiker]

I bought mine directly from Abba at abbastands.co.uk/. They're a bit over £400, so similar to a decent table, though I've noticed around bank holidays in the UK, they often have deals on.

[@professor1972]

Looks a great bit of kit but, as is usually my luck, they don't fit cruisers. I really am getting too old for crawling around on the floor.

[@CalmBiker]

+Professor Hepcat Harley uses a "Big Blue" lift for his cruiser. Might be worth asking him about it.

[@bykermike1233]

Going on my christmas list,a bit late maybe , but who knows, great vid calm, Happy New Year

[@CalmBiker]

+byker mike It's a great toy for Christmas :-D

[@Techathy]

Wouldn't giving a little more slack on the strap mean you have more clearance from the lift in wheelie mode?

[@CalmBiker]

+G. Bell I'll have to try it. It might do.

[@seanblah12]

How's this holding up? Still recommend it? Also, hello from beautiful Hull

[@CalmBiker]

Hi Sean, hello from Beverley! Yes, still holding up well and definitely still recommended. I use paddock stands or the Superbike stand for quick jobs but for anything longer, the Skylift is awesome.

[@TheDannyG1980]

I need one of these argghhh I NEED too many things but I really need one of these

[@CalmBiker]

+DannyG1980 Oh yeah! It's awesome.

[@peakpaul2]

Interesting video, its good to see more than just riding, I like your how to videos, keep up the good work.

[@CalmBiker]

+Paul Hughes Thanks Paul. Hopefully there should be a bunch coming soon. I'm about to start on a project hopefully.

[@ciderdrinker68]

Great video. Persuaded me to get one. Keep up the good work!

[@CalmBiker]

I think you'll like it. I wonder if it's been improved since I bought mine.

[@Theknotman1964]

Great demo Calmbiker, i use the magnetic strips from around a fridge door cut to size & glued to the adaptors to hold them in place :-)

[@CalmBiker]

Good idea!

[@robertanthonyfarrell]

Was just going to suggest using a bit of grease to seal them in place (Abba recommend this in their documentation now) but this seems like a much better idea. :)

[@CalmBiker]

I did consider that but they get stuck in the bike quite strongly sometimes.

[@HepcatHarley]

I'd want a foot pedal to pump it up rather than all that crouching around.

[@CalmBiker]

+Hepcat Harley You probably could do it with your feet with a little modification. I quite like the drill business on yours too.

[@HepcatHarley]

I must admit the BigBlue is great but the Machine Mart service table gets more use but with a flat framed cruiser bike I needed to incorporate a scissor lift with it. Shame that the Sealey scissor lift collapsed due to bad design...I got a replacement but still no reply about the design flaw I mentioned to them. The table is great though, for a bike like my Hornet and Mandy's Bandit (with a centre stand) it's ideal, safe, quick and easy.

[@garethphillips1842]

www.abbastands.co.uk/product-detail.asp?item=sky-lift-foot-pedal-kit&pid=60 Abba sell a foot pedal for the skylift.

[@CalmBiker]

It's a fairly new accessory. They did email me and mentioned it. Definitely going to buy one at some point.

[@emileclitheroe9564]

what front wheel stand do you use?

[@CalmBiker]

It's just a basic wheel chock.

[@lurchonabike]

Blutak on the adaptor? Sadly you can't lift my bike by this method, where the kit would go is covered up. Quite like the EZ lift ones, although I think for ultimate flexibility, a table is probably the way, especially for big tourers.

[@CalmBiker]

+Lurch OnABike I thought about blue tack or something similar but was concerned it would would prevent the adapters seating fully. It probably wouldn't be an issue but with my bike in the air I don't want to take a chance :-D I had the cover problem with the XJ6. That's why I didn't buy one earlier.

[@lurchonabike]

I'd have thought a tiny dob would have been ok the way you clamp it up before lifting it. If you had to choose between an EZlift and a table, what would you go for?

[@CalmBiker]

+Lurch OnABike Hmm. I've not used the EZ lift. From what I can see it doesn't lift the bike very high. Kind of like an Abba superbike stand with the front wheel lifter. For any big job I would want the bike higher (better for the back) so if you can't have the Abba, I'd go with a table. That said, Hepcar Harley had problems with his table collapsing and Tosh has had to do quite a bit to modify his table to grip the front wheel better and to make sure it doesn't collapse under the weight of the Blackbird. He also had to extend the length I think.

[@lurchonabike]

That doesn't sound so good. And the Blackbird isn't an unreasonable long bike either! The EZ lifts I saw took the bikes to a similar height to your Skylift IIRC. I'll try and find a link.

[@lurchonabike]

Found it, check their products page, there's two types of lift. www.on-bike.com/motorcycle-lift-eazyrizer-big-blue

[@dragster46]

Yeah, was looking at these types of lift then realised my garage floor has been "tamped" and left with ridges and not smoothed so pointless in getting one unless I spend more wonga and get my floor smoothed Good video though mate

[@CalmBiker]

+dragster46 Self-levelling epoxy?

[@dragster46]

+CalmBiker yeah possibly but not sure how thick I'd need it for point loading?? I'm also a bit weary on that strap if it slips or snaps untold damage could be done while in the stoppie or wheelie position I still want one though

[@CalmBiker]

+dragster46 I was a bit wary of that but it's pretty tough stuff - similar to seatbelt material. I'll be checking it for fraying every time I use it mind you.

[@MsOldfart1]

well done sir,just the bit of kit i want to get for the vfr 1200.

[@CalmBiker]

+MsOldfart1 It works a treat. I'm really pleased with it :-)