Abba Sky Lift - Owners Review

[@mokhan7008]

I got one recently and it's just made maintenance and cleaning so much easier. Being able to leave the bike in place on the stand is also great too - love the build quality too, so sturdy.

[@DavidM2002]

To make it easier to move on that bumpy floor, I would put larger diameter casters on it. Thanks for taking the time for this review. It really helps.

[@luckyphil6486]

Hi. Looking at different lifts at the moment and this one seems by far the best. I realise there are cheaper on the market but like you said they are only lifting the bike 6” off the ground. Much easier to work head height or sitting on a stool. I’m only looking at one for low maintenance for myself to do. Anything major on the bike it would go to a professional. I guess through the website for ABBA they will sell the correct fittings for my bike. It’s a pity they are not included in the price as it’s an expensive bit of kit.

[@barryweaver8833]

So in order to insert the locking pin, you have to take it quite a ways up in the air. Also it's a little bit of a job to hook up to your bike, I'm still considering the Bursig lift due to the speed in which you can start using it and I don't really need to lift it that high. Still deciding.

[@Ma-xi6il]

Cost aside, the Bursig is a very advanced paddock stand but you would still need to work on the ground. The ABBA (that I got last week) allows you to sit on a stool or even stand to work on the bike.

[@MrShinta786]

Dear sir, I have seen many videos on the use of the lift, but can you show me how it feels like when you are working on the bike. For example, if you are torquing down bolts, removing an engine, removing tire. does it move a lot, or does it feel stable and firm?

[@MrShinta786]

@Seamus McShamish its been a year, i already got one. not rock solid at all. sorry, torqueing on bolts make the bike feel unsafe. its eating dust now

[@iliketurtles4463]

@@MrShinta786 Thank you kindly!

[@dalehawkes1698]

Watched this video of yours & the Abbas own videos a fair few times Chops ,I’ve finally bit the bullet and got one put it together today & already I can see the maintenance,washing everything is going to be so much better for my old man back 😁. Just ordered a second adaptor plug things for my Tuono factory , thanks for the excellent videos .🏍🎉👍👍👍

[@johnagnew7338]

I hope Abba are at the Scottish Motorcycle Show this march, I'm ready to part with some money but want to see it for myself first. Great review.

[@bigogger50]

Will you stop putting good stuff on KZbin so far it's cost me a superduke and now I want this stand to go with it. Awesome vlogs always look forward to the next one

[@Maverick800XRS]

When looking for a stand did you consider the Bursig stand? I think I would rather one of those over the Abba for ease of use.

[@LambChopRides]

+Braaap85 not heard of that one Braaap, will investigate :-p

[@Herzankerkreuz67]

Not sure if I think that's as good as everyone thinks...... How about if you want to remove the rear swing arm for example or just the pillion foot rest plates .....? I did build myself a ramp with a arch over it that that allows me to either lift the bike in the front or the back or both wheels in the air via chain lift and some ropes. Took me some good plywood, some pipe and welding and a one ton chain lift from the local hardware store and three days of tinkering. Best thing I ever did to make my own maintenance easier.

[@bakerXderek]

That thing looks like a lifesaver

[@LambChopRides]

+bakerXderek Thanks Derek, yeah its certainly saving my back anyway haha, price of getting old!

[@garyboyce6186]

Picked up one of these when I saw a guy selling his new in box for 650 cdn heck of a deal but didn’t know much about them. Saw this video and was sold and bought it. Just waiting for the correct fittings for my h2 sx se and ninja 400 My question is have you ever or is it possible to hook the bike up from the other side to get at the front sprocket and change chain easier?

[@LambChopRides]

No you have to mount the bike that way around. It doesn't obstruct chain access though 👍

[@Senior-Busa-Rider]

Just ordered my sky lift last Friday and will be getting it this Friday my Hayabusa is going to love this 🦅🇺🇸🦅🏍 Going to send lots of pics to my Hayabusa club members 🦅🇺🇸🦅🏍

[@seanblah12]

Would you still recommend this? Still going strong?

[@MrMurphc13]

Yes get it.You Wont regret it’s.Have mine 5 years and it’s the best bit of kit you can buy for your bike👍

[@seanblah12]

@@MrMurphc13 thanks for the speedy reply. Had mine since July lol. Definitely a handy thing.

[@MrMurphc13]

Sean Fitzpatrick I just watched the video now mate.Glad you like it though👍

[@50pence59]

I’ve got one of these and two of their super bike lifts. Great company to deal with - international customer care was excellent. Only thing is it takes a lot of foot pumping. 👍

[@stevenhill6214]

I suppose i should have watched the review BEFORE buying one, but i am a bit of an impulse buyer and the quality is obvious so i ordered one at the MCN show a couple of weeks ago, plus the wife turned it into a birthday present so it's a win win situation. It arrived this morning and as you said, it would be nice if came with two strap mount bolts, apart from that minor inconvenience....it is awesome!

[@marcustangent]

Do you have any bad comments on the product? how long have you been using it? any leaks on the hydraulics?

[@LambChopRides]

HI Mark, Ive had it all most two years now I think.. No issues with it at all its very robust. Only thing which is annoying is the fitting kits can sometimes get left behind in the bike if your trying to get it off the stand in a hurry. So just double check nothings still attached when you get the bike off the lift. For example on the Superduke it has a big rod that slides into the rear wheel hub, ive forgotten to pull that out before riding off and its £15 for another! All my fault but the only annoyance I can think of... Would be lost without it now TBH

[@marcustangent]

Thanks for your feedback. I just messaged customer service to ask for a price on the sky lift. I hope freight cost wouldn't be so expensive. I'm a shop owner in asia this is one tool I could really use.

[@Bikieman]

That is just brilliant, I will definitely be getting one of these when I've got a garage! Nice review as usual.

[@LambChopRides]

+Flibblejib Cheers Flibble!!

[@HORNET6]

Love the concept but can't help thinking you'd need a cart to place tools and removed parts on, also to stand the rear wheel on as you refit it.

[@richardwalkden102]

Abba do a great tool tray that fits in multiple positions around the stand, depending on which part of the bike you're working on. It has cutouts around the perimeter to hold tools. Strong gauge of metal so not likely to bend easily!

[@roey600]

Used mine yesterday for the first time…. Should have bought one years ago

[@raynicholl4446]

Got one to use with my bandit,got part that can be used for my cruiser too,got two in one now,wouldn't be without it,strong and sturdy

[@valensinclair6750]

Hello sir, I have a couple questions if you don't mind. 1) Do you still use it and is it easier to work on your bike. In other words, does the vertical beam get in your way? 2) can you reverse the stand, so it's on the right side of the bike? This assumes you don't use the swingarm strap. Thanks.

[@LambChopRides]

I use it still all the time and no you can't reverse it. I hate working on a bike if not up in the air now after having this

[@valensinclair6750]

@@LambChopRides Thanks for the reply and the review. I ordered one and now have it, set up and ready to use. I love it!

[@vanstergrvanliangas7798]

I suspect it can be mounted on either side of the bike right? Meaning left or right side?

[@chrisb9156]

Great video chops, can't wait for the 5 bikes.

[@LambChopRides]

+Chris B Thanks Chris, I cant wait either! Maybe a long wait though... :(

[@Ryzza5]

Gotta wonder what impact long-term wheelie/stoppie mode storage has on how the engine oil settles...

[@daithimurphy1832]

So chops if you were to start again would you still buy this over an hydraulic table lift??

[@LambChopRides]

Yes think so David, it's great the wheels are properly off the ground making forks removal etc easy

[@jasongreenwood9269]

Morning Mr Chop Do you now use this lift on the Superduke R that you have? If so how do you find it Great videos by the way Cheers

[@LambChopRides]

Yes indeed fits the Superduke with a new fitting kit. Now swap between bikes easy 😎😎

[@MrBeracah]

Hi lcr what is the actual stroke of the ram, reason I ask is I thought your bike wheels looked more like 18” of the ground. Many thanks

[@martinneps9387]

Do they make these lifts for scooters I would like to purchase one for A650 burgman scooter because I wanna do a lot of work to way over the Winter

[@opmike343]

So, a full set of Pitbull stands is around 300. This Sky Lift for 600 or so doesn't seem like a bad deal considering all the utility you're getting.

[@quadd0]

thanks for taking the time to show how it all works. really informative and helpful.

[@LambChopRides]

+Paul Gilder Thanks Paul my pleasure matey

[@WEGGYZZR]

They are a great piece of kit.....albeit around 400 quid but even then a solid investment. .. I have the full superbike stand with front wheel lift kit... and it's worth every penny of the hundred notes it cost me from the lads in Essex. .. very approachable company and a decent website I have to say with quite an extensive range of little add ons.... Nice vid bud.

[@LambChopRides]

+WEGGY zx12r Yep couldn't agree more!! Buy once and forget :)

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Hello can you tell me where can I purchase one at ? Thanks for the informative video , and I have to say that you have some rad looking bikes..

[@LambChopRides]

+JOGO www.abbastands.co.uk :)

[@EDcase1]

I've got the simple ABBA stand and I love it too.

[@wdkwang]

Is this lift fine for keeping a bike on for winter storage? Any potential damage to the bike being on the lift for longer periods of time? Thanks

[@LambChopRides]

Yes absolutely that's what I do with it 👍

[@waynetill67]

I had mine on a stand for 3 years!

[@brianhaygood183]

Wow. I had heard the jack was slow, but that's just funny. Their newer ones apparently take fewer pumps to raise.

[@TheSwissMotard]

I love my superbike stand from Abba, I mainly use it for storage over winter. If I was more manly and did more work on my bike I'd have got this version.

[@LambChopRides]

+The Swiss Motard Yeah also had the Superbike stand as I said and loved it, this is incredible though just love it!

[@TheSwissMotard]

Lamb Chop Rides It does look like a great piece of kit indeed. I expect nothing less from Abba.

[@saltire546]

Looks like a great bit of kit , i had the previous one which was ok but did not have wheels .

[@BulldogBadger]

Great review and a superb piece of kit, that would make life so much easier for tinkering 👌👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks BB I must say I love it already! Would be lost without it, it's great for just admiring the bike also hehe

[@charlesscottkelly]

On wheelie mode ,can u move or turn the bike round, I have a narrow garage/shed that's to tight to get a bike turned round.

[@Bandit19990]

yes

[@MrBerzulis]

Aprilia with Honda inside ?

[@chichesterbuilders]

i would roll some epoxy paint on your garage floor... love the lift!!

[@alexspellman2057]

was deadpool the new opening title inspiration ? Love this stand also the company but across the pond we have to get in from a Canadian dealer ): waiting on a response email from them now. definitely an awesome bit of kit

[@LambChopRides]

+axle s haha not seen it yet but yes bit of a Marvel rip hehe :-) Defo worth getting one if you work on your bike often, even basic maintenance like oiling the chain becomes a breeze. Hope you get a response from the dealer! :)

[@gizzmo84]

I have the superbike stand with the front lift arm, it's a great bit of kit! I got it after seeing MissendenFlyer review his. I'd read stories of people struggling with paddock stands when by themselves so the superbike stand seemed like a more sensible option for me, even if it takes slightly longer to get the bike in the air compared to a paddock stand.

[@LambChopRides]

+gizzmo84 their product are very good, Superbike Stand is great also had one before as I said. Love taking the weight of the suspension when the bikes not being used sure it saves allot of wear and tear

[@mikeschuler2946]

What Honda is that ?

[@robertg2353]

can I ask you about main dimensions of this product ?

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

Holy fafferation, what a pollava. I've got a hydraulic ramp that's just a huge plate, you just ride onto and secure the front wheel with a vice clamp. Nice intro.

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

+Southern Fried Day isn't complete without a good bit of faffing, it's what makes us English

[@LambChopRides]

+Southern Fried Yeah also a good option but how do you remove the front wheel? :p Yes its expensive, Abba provided me this for review I didnt buy it as I admitted in the description but after using one I would feel like my right arm had been removed if they wanted it back! I can keep it right Abba?? :-S

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

Lamb Chop Rides With a paddock stand on the front instead of the clamp.

[@PhrozenN]

What if you need to service the swingarm?

[@LambChopRides]

You can buy an adapter kit which bolts the lift to the rearsets 👍

[@spankeyfish]

Buy a centre stand XD

[@PhrozenN]

Already have one, it's a pain in the ass, but nice when lubing the chain. ;)

[@mr.kneeslider]

damn, wish I saw this 2 days ago..... bought a Bursig, but this is dream like

[@woodymt-1012]

Nice mate, I will be round next month to do my fork seals lol

[@LambChopRides]

+Woody Zexxer12/Tuono bring it round :D I will make the tea!

[@stevehammel2535]

The weak link in this design is the strap, swing arm mount bolt hole and the welded extension on the ABBA adapter.

[@MrPoopnoddy]

Why are they weak links? The damned thing works. I have one and I also have a hydraulic table. I work alone and the Sky Lift is, while not quicker, certainly safer and more mobile and offers better access to the bike than either floor height working or on the lift table. My bikes are about 240kg each, so you're looking at 1200N shear force per swing arm mount and that's nothing (in the real world). The strap probably never sees more than about 50kg tension because the bike is almost "balanced" at its swing arm. And they're only £5 to replace. I can't see where you can level a complaint at it. I would like to see two "bobbin" screws included in the kit and I might buy one, anyway.

[@feralscotsman9067]

Gotta be and added theft deterant as well Chops? They want in and out as quickly and quietly as possible which isn't gonna happen when the bike they want is three feet in the air! P.S. I hope your doing a series on the Blade rebuild old chap? Ride Safe fella

[@LambChopRides]

+feral scotsman Thats very true FS, no way they are getting it off without making some noise hehe. Yeah ive recorded some video of the fairing swap will try and get it up soon as a part one!

[@1990-t1j]

I don't suppose they do an adapter for a Buell Ulysses. I had a look at the German lift. They don't do a Buell adapter, though.

[@fordrox9515]

Also a Uly owner

[@selmer50mark18]

@ 6.52 is that a split link in your chain ?

[@300zxdriver]

What model Honda is this?

[@davidbradley1794]

Great Video!! Love your bike.

[@seeinggreen4091]

This is super handy. Going to have to Google this bad boy now.. and the faff looks minimal in my opinion - if it's too much trouble to set up then you should probably pay someone else to work on your bike lol Nice review/demo :)

[@LambChopRides]

+Seeing Green Well good point Mr Green :)

[@omfgwtfbbq90]

At around 473 pounds for my bike, I was expecting it to be way more expensive tbh. If I hadn't gotten 2 paddock stands already I might have seriously thought about getting this. Maybe in the future when I'm way older I can't bend down anymore 😂

[@mcycle24]

That can't be good for your swingarm bearings , Having the full weight of the bike on them ?

[@LambChopRides]

+mcycle24 Yeah a good point, would be very surprised though if there was any wear on them due to this.. Unless of course they were mush to start with! Probably a good way to test for any play in the bearings! hehe

[@exuptoy]

+mcycle24 The weight of the bike isn't on the swingarm bearings, although what do you think happens when you ride the bike! The weight is on the bolt which runs through the frame which is obviously tightened against the frame. The swingarm hangs on the swingarm bearings when the bike is suspended, nothing more, that's why they're employed to allow the arm to rotate in the frame.

[@cbgardenservices9322]

that's one hell of a good looking bike you've got there, 10+ points to you

[@LambChopRides]

+i meerrkat Thanks Meerrkat :)

[@cbgardenservices9322]

+Lamb Chop Rides ohh were on first name terms now

[@leechamberlain1273]

The most important part is the floor it is going to be used on. If it not as flat as glass it will be very difficult if not impossible to move .

[@Dave-wm2xg]

Hi just to let know. I have had the sky lift for over a year now. It moves fine on my driveways block paving. The castors are of the double wheel type, quite a solid construction. Gets a lot of use as I also use it when washing my bike. Couldn't do without it now. It still rolls as easy now as in day one. So glad I bought this lift!

[@leechamberlain1273]

@@Dave-wm2xg Hi just to make clear to everyone , I am not stating that the Abba Skylift is not going to work on your driveway or garage. I am just trying to pass on some information that maybe some people may not realise . If you have a very uneven surface you may have difficulties moving the stand , just something to think about before purchasing. David The Anfield Cat is happy with his on block paving and also very please with lift in general .

[@fazerjohn]

Many thanks for that, very clear and helpful.

[@Ghianny_Andres]

hi guy, mi name is ghianny, not speak english so, but i'm question. how buy abba elevator lift, skylift. cuanto te costo el elevador porfa donde puedo adquirirlo

[@bernardomotard]

Ghianny Andres compralo en el website. Custa 200€

[@SystemAdministrator1]

Great. I bet putting on the back wheel yourself while the bike is in the air is a pain to get the spindle through

[@MrPoopnoddy]

It's not as hard as you think. If you're a little weak, then you can hold the back wheel in place on the floor and lower the bike (from the level position) to the right height and then put the spindle in while not having to hold anything...not hard at all. Easier than trying to do it on a hydraulic lift table or from the floor (centre stand or whatever).

[@devildog3125]

What’s the weight limit in Lbs. ?

[@garyboyce6186]

880 lbs or 400 kg

[@MKmod-hp3lw]

sooooo.cool....chops..I'm buying one..thanks. ..

[@WEGGYZZR]

Shared this mate!

[@LambChopRides]

+WEGGY zx12r thanks :)

[@marcovieira2032]

Tha little wheels ar rubber ?

[@mokhan7008]

Hard plastic - I have a bumpy concrete floor and am planning to lay plywood as soon as I can buy some to have a smoother surface. I am able to move it on the existing floor but not as easily.

[@mancavecustoms13]

Ok finally got around getting a sticker from you Chops. :) Go wild with thos 3.5 pounds man!!! :D

[@LambChopRides]

Haha thanks very much J, well that's bike number 4 sorted :) will get it posted out right away!

[@TiagoSilva-tx9hz]

Awesome :)

[@steffydog]

Mmm, seems like an engineers dream, could be easier to use, nice video again though, cheers.

[@THEGRIFFISSMotovlogsOnline]

perfect for helping me fit new coolant hoses??

[@LambChopRides]

+THE GRIFFISS Motovlogs perfect for anything my man :)

[@MKmod-hp3lw]

ya they designed that perfect. ........

[@daithimurphy1832]

How do I take the swing arm out??

[@philhart3724]

Yup! That’s gonna be a problem. 🤪

[@migsteele]

They sell a swing arm removal kit so you can work on that too, at least they do for the super bike stand

[@daves996]

I dont know about you. I have a special drawer where I keep my majic at.

[@Bimble]

Looks like a brilliant bit of kit....Although, every time you pump it up, i hear banjos....(That's what my girlfriend/sister/cousin said! ;)

[@LambChopRides]

+BimbleBoy Blue haha I will take that one :)

[@joe7665]

good job....thank you

[@GSXR750BIGISLAND]

be careful! Mine feel over and wreaked my new bike. Buyer be ware this is not a safe lift

[@MotoQuickShifter]

Awesome

[@flamintasty]

I love my Skylift, one of my GSXR 1000’s is currently up in the air on it 😂

[@tritriplekylie]

been thinking of maybe getting one of these…..whats your address? just so I can borrow it from your garage in the middle of the night, don't worry I won't touch your door mounted pringles supply ;)

[@LambChopRides]

+tritriplekylie Well your welcome to try but watch my infra-red grid alarm system, would require Entrapment style catsuit antics to beat it... Then you have the attack dogs and the Chinese immigrants I have sleeping in there overnight all trained to kill at the slightest provocation! And that lots just to protect the pedo vest!

[@tritriplekylie]

they're not Chinese, more like Thai and all underage you dirty man! The vest was the giveaway haha

[@Senior-Busa-Rider]

Ps I’m in Wisconsin USA 🦅🇺🇸🦅🏍 73 years old and it’s all about the ride .🦅🇺🇸🦅🏍

[@NorthWalesAutomotive]

This is some bit of kit!

[@LambChopRides]

+Slick686 Indeed it is Slick :)

[@zappa916]

duel mode..

[@dinxsy8069]

The Abba Stand is wheelie good, it just isolates the swingarm removal which is a nuisance.

[@LambChopRides]

+Dinxsy Yeah forgot to mention that, however they do a swinging arm removal adaptor but not sure if it can be used on the Sky Lift... Will have to check

[@dinxsy8069]

Lamb Chop Rides It's not a major deal breaker, since swingarm removal is very rarely needed, but from a business perspective maybe more of an issue.

[@Coldfin9er]

Swing arm removal is easy with this kit, adaptors bolt into the foot rest mounts each side of the frame and you lift from there negating the use of the swing arm pivot as the lift point leaving it free for removal. Just finished doing my Speed using the Super Bike stand which works in a similar way (do it every year to check / grease the needle bearings etc)

[@harrybutler6432]

Hi chop!

[@LambChopRides]

+Harry Butler Hello Harry :-)

[@matt46vale]

That was wheelie good.

[@LambChopRides]

+matt46vale If you pardon the pun :)

[@desmc690]

not suitable for supermotards i guess?

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah unfortunately not :( superbikes only, see they have the 690 duke however !

[@chichesterbuilders]

you buy a second one and watch two animals in the wild in their true habitat...muwaaa

[@h8rmgnt144]

nice stand but costs Tooooo much

[@cbr1thou]

too much pump, pump, pump, pump , pump

[@Skidtire]

you could go buy a compressor operated 3 ton ram but it probably would not be cheap

[@richardwalkden102]

Yep.....I guess 35 secs out of your life is a hell of a thing! I believe they are developing an electrically operated version for somepoint in the future BUT I'm afraid it even that will still take around 35 secs to lift! Reality is, unless you have a disability or working on so many bikes each day where that it becomes tiring, this is a none issue!

[@K-carbon]

Lazy sod 🙄

[@TheHappyRiderX]

evrytime I watch youtube I spend money...dammit

[@LambChopRides]

+TheHappyRider haha sorry about that Happy Rider :D

[@chazphot]

6:35 I don't want to teach you how to suck eggs but I think you're using the strap incorrectly, it's very unintuitive and I initially tried using it as you are (I have the superbike stand with front wheel lift kit) and got some slip. You can see in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml7YlIKigMhqncU at 1:17 how the strap is supposed to be used, I've not had any issues since. Would hate to see beasty damaged if the strap failed because of this. Though maybe the second clip would save it but the stand I have doesn't have this clip.

[@LambChopRides]

+chazphot oh yes I've been doing it wrong. .. it does slip a little and second clip holds it. I will try the new method, cheers 👍

[@chazphot]

No worries, just glad I could give a little something back for all the entertainment you've provided me 🙂

[@stevenfebvre5151]

C'mon... you & I both know this lift is a faff! Sure it works, if you have the patience of a saint to use it. Try making this video without any 'cuts' or 'edits' it would be 3 hours long!! I have the standard ABBA bike lifter with front wheel lifter and it's been at the back of the garage unused over a year now. Paddock stands and an old school workshop hydraulic bike lift is the easiest option (at least you'll have a bench under the bike) and not much more sheckles than this contraption! 👍🏻

[@frzen]

would you like to sell me your sky lift I am in Ireland so the postage could be expensive but it's worth asking? I have a tiny work space where I can not get a proper lift, the abba stand could be tidied away and suit me

[@stevenfebvre5151]

Hi (apologies if I've got this mixed up) but I have the standard abba bike lifter, the one that you pull the handle like a "one armed bandit) rotting in my garage NOT the Sky lifter as shown in the video! I'm done with all these lifting gizmo's. Period. I have come to the conclusion after many years that if your bike doesn't have a centre stand then I use either paddock stands or a bench lifter like the Clarke ones sold in MachineMart! 'tis olde Skool but it works.

[@frzen]

Steven Febvre ah cool cool, I think everyone could make use of a sky lift

[@LambChopRides]

I love the Skylift Steve, would not be without it. Just purchased fitting kit for the gsxr now also as so easy to clean the bike on this. Yes it takes 30 - 40 seconds of pumping to raise the bike but I can live with that