Harbor Freight Motorcycle Lift & Mods I Have Done! It's Great for Detailing & Maintenance Work!

[@bradbarber728]

I have had that lift for 17 years when they first came out . Had hundreds of bikes on it from 900 lb Harleys to sport bikes . Never had a problem if you keep them greased and check the fluid it will work well for you for many years I have 4 in my shop . Like the mods you did . I'm going to use a couple of your ideas !

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@bradbarber728 That’s great to hear! Thanks for watching

[@donniee1934]

Had my HF lift more than 10 years. Had a Switchback a Streetglide and Hondas of all sizes on it and never had a problem. I put removeable outrigger floorboards on it right after I got it and have added the pneumatic jack. Wouldn't want to ever be without it!

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

It’s a great thing to have for us bike guys!

[@billybop90]

Appreciate you taking the time to make this video and share with the rest of us plus adding the information on whom inspired you for the mods. I own several bikes and service them all, my knee's and back thank you.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

You are welcome! Hope it helps you build yours

[@gregmannos]

I've had that lift for about 5 years, bought it used and lift a 2014 Ultra. Had 0 problems. Like you said use the lock bar and your fine. I'm 6'2 and barely able to get my feet down to unload bike. I like the side skirts you put on.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

It’s a good lift for sure. The side skirts make a huge difference. Even getting back on the bike to pull the bike off it makes it was easier.

[@davestewart9146]

I really like your setup and love your furry helper, thanks Brian 👍😁

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thank you brother

[@evoxmrowner]

Thanks for the shout out. Michael Castellanos.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

You are welcome! I appreciate you taking the time to show me how you built yours. It was extremely helpful.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Keep the vice threads well lubricated. I lined mine with the diamond plate adhesive backed rubber strips from HF with large tie wraps to protect my wheels. Frisbee, the magic word! My dog Sprocket is 10 years old now, still loves it.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Yeah I need to take it apart and line the threads up. Yes Harley loves to play Frisbee.

[@Mikego55]

Thanks for a no nonsense video, I got my harbor freight lift ten years ago and have put many Harleys on it with no problem. The only change I made was to put a Condor chock on the front. I’m going to add the side ramps as soon as I stop typing. Cheers.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

You are welcome! It’s been a great lift for me

[@scottkemper4009]

Thanks man, i got a lift for Christina’s form my parents, and birthday gift, thanks to your video and Northco I added the side panels too. Thanks for the information.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

You are welcome! Enjoy the new lift

[@ZorianShimanov]

Great Video, lots of good info. You have a beautiful shop and well organized. This is how all shops should look like, clean and well taken care off. I hate when you come to private business and they look like mess with tools and supplies all over the place. At that point, I don't want to give them my money or most of all touch my machine. Thank you and please take good care of Harley, she is beautiful and smart.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thank you! I agree messy shops are not a good look when customers walk in. First impressions are so important. Harley is the most spoiled dog in the world. 😂

[@maddog3080]

Good job, every mod you made is fully functional and removable when you are working on your bike. I am going to use all of your ideas to mod mine, i made my own wheel vice from an old trailer jack, it works very well. Thanks for the vid and keep the shiny side up!

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@maddog3080 Thank you! I’m glad I could help.

[@lopezinit2998]

I don’t have a bike lift yet I’m just getting ready to get one but the only thing I would maybe worry about is if you lose balance and fell left on to your left foot and that ramp was lose wouldn’t it slide off the pipes since you have it on there lose. Maybe have a little chain or pin? Just a thought it looked like it slid off the pipe easily

[@randymorlan1083]

I have one as well that I added extensions to. Mine are made of plywood and landscape timbers I had laying around but they don’t lift with the table, I just use them to ride the bike onto the lift. I added a front wheel chock as well but I liked the one you picked better than mine since you and can roll the front wheel out without taking the chock apart. I like these lifts, we can’t beat it for what we use them for…

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thanks for watching! I take the side extensions off before lifting also. They are just to make loading and unloading easier for me. I like the wheel chock but it’s a pain for one person especially with a heavy bike.

[@johng416]

I use my HF lift for a Sportster, I can push it right on. I ditched the vise for a locking style chock. It has a V shaped bottom rail that pivots when front tire rolls over it. Locks in, then it is hands free HF SKU number 61670

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

I like the smaller bikes for that reason of rolling them on. I have that wheel chock from HF in my trailer actually.

[@danieldecore]

Awesome video. I am definitely going to be doing these modifications to my lift.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thank you!

[@houndsmanone4563]

After seeing your video, I may consider this motorcycle lift over the K&L MC625 lift that cost 3 times the amount that you have invested in your lift. The mods you made are quite impressive and have changed my mind about getting a HF lift. So, in essence, you have about $1200 in your lift and it seems quite stable. Will those side ramps hold the weight of an ATV? That is another reason I was originally going to buy K&L' s 1700 pound lift. I think I'd buy a different front wheel chock for that HF lift. I'd get the type that you drive into and it pretty much rolls the wheel and the back end snugly wedges the wheel into place. Thanks for sharing your mods on the HF motorcycle lift. Enjoyed a full-watch. 👍🏽🤠 9/3/23

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thank you! I can’t say if the rails would hold the ATV. It really depends on how well the pipes are welded. Once you tighten down the u bolts the side extensions are solid. I was going to change the wheel vide to the drive on style like I have in my trailer but I didn’t want to drill more holes. Thanks for watching

[@vincentdorsey8545]

if the anti skid gets too slick....use the rubber stick ons with tread fm Harbor Freight. They come in 1x1 foot squares.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Great idea! Thanks

[@South.Ern.Comfort]

I got those same 16" Factory 47 bars in black on my SG

[@djyork1673]

Thanks for your video. I added a wheel chock that I picked up from harbor freight and drilled it to the lift. Works great. I have an Ultra CVO and the 1st time I used the lift it would keep moving so I just used a small block and no more movement. I love how you put on the side ramps for the xtra width. I was wondering if you just use U-bolts to affix those bars instead of welding them to the ramps. I agree the original ramp is way to short and the bottom of my frame scraped the top of the ramp when riding the Ultra up the ramp. I had to install the anti-slip tape to the original ramp, it worked fine for my fat boy but the short and steep ramp for an Ultra is challenging to say the least.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

You are welcome! You could use ubolts on the ramps to hold the tubes. Yeah the original ramp sucks this makes riding up and down so much easier.

[@iPossum]

Howdy, bought my ramp from HF using Memorial Day sale special and I am so in need of the side extensions to load/unload my 2017 Ultra. What length/diameter did you cut your pipes to for the u-bolt support and did you use hollow, or solid core pipe? I do appreciate your post and sharing! Ride safe/ride free...

[@djyork1673]

I used 2" fence post pipes, cut them to 12" long, I also used some old 2x10s that I had laying around, 2x8s would be sufficient

[@darrellwalthall7802]

Self retracting rachet straps amazin wheel chock and I put my kawasaki VAQUERO on by my self love the lift .I put rubber mat under lift doesn't move at all Keep us updated on Pneumatic Jack what kind u use I can't ad pics

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

I appreciate the advice. I thought about buying those straps.

[@arthurcgans8198]

The wheel chock sounds like a good idea but it is not easy to get it out of the chock. I tried and went to a good quality vise.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

That’s why I bought the vise also.

[@mikeodell3092]

Love the mods. I will be adding the sidesteps to mine next week. I would love to get more info on the ramp, I agree that the original ramp is way too short.

[@mikeodell3092]

I added my ramps today. Took awhile as I kept hitting road blocks. But they are finally done. I got the tri-fold ramps so now I can add them next. I also used a roll-on bed liner for the lift to add texture so the bike doesn't slide. I will add some pics once it's completed if i can.

[@billdonohue2389]

My lift is 15 years old. Dirt bikes, Yamaha Ventures, Harley Electra glides, Honda goldwing, never a problem and still works perfectly. I prefer the front wheel chock, from Harbor Freight, because you can ride up in the chock and it will hold your bike while you get off and secure it with tie downs.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

That’s great to hear. Yeah I have one of those wheel chocks on my trailer and will probably get one for the lift.

[@illduitmyself]

its good lift....had to add $100 of stuff. it needs 4 actualy swiveld lockable casters.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Superb!

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thanks!

[@karaokekid7189]

With all the upgrades you done, you could have purchased a lift with all that stuff already included. Nice video all the same.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thanks! I still spent less then half if not a little more then the more expensive lifts cost. If I was using a motorcycle lift daily it would be worth the money. I will use this lift only 5-6 times a year.

[@danielstromeier3074]

Great ideas and mods

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thank you

[@erwinerwin1245]

I would think that one could use a lift like this to load the bike on to a trailer. Lower the lift as low as it goes, push the bike on to the lift, raise it to match the trailer height and then push the bike on to the trailer. And yes no chock at the front. Now would that work? That is the reason that I would want a lift.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.

[@youngboyfrmdagg]

So you welded them tubs on the bottom of the ramps, that you are pushing into the upside-down u bolts?

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

No I drilled holes in the side of the ramp and pushed the tubes all the way to the other side then welded the tube on the outside of the ramp.

[@rufusrolph7870]

Re the vise, did you happen to Grease it? If you haven't already I suggest you do I broke mine years ago cause I didn't take it apart and grease it.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

I actually did not and keep telling myself I need to. Will have to do that before I lift another bike it drive me crazy

[@3krazy]

I’ve had one for a few years and it worked well with my old Softail. I haven’t tried with my 2019 Road Glide Ultra, actually was almost afraid to. Have you had one on yours?

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

I’ve had my Ultra Classic on it with no problems. They should weigh about the same

[@3krazy]

Thanks! 👍

[@BobBradburn-q7l]

My lift just got delivered and i am going to add the ramps to the sides like you did. great video

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Awesome! The ramps make a huge difference when going up and down. Thanks

[@steventwiddy3402]

Just a heads up, I’ve seen people take 2x6 or 2x8 and 2x4 and make side platforms that just slide up against the lift so you can have your feet on something and then simply move them away when you get off the bike, a lot cheaper and simpler but not as nice and fancy, if I ever find the motivation I’m going to make a set for my lift

[@iPossum]

I like the idea of the side ramps for not just getting on/off but having added space to set stuff on. HF running a sale now for $499 and gonna make the jump. Have you swapped the hydraulic for pneumatic yet?

[@panheadsforever74]

PANHEADS FOREVER

[@dgordon130]

Love the pooch. :-) And appreciate the information on the lift!

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thank you!

[@daveflewelling5897]

Can you provide some more information about the ramps?

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Which ramps the side or drive up ramp and what kind of information?

[@daveflewelling5897]

The drive up, I think those are the ramps I have on my lift. It bent a bit when I rolled of the lift with my Electra Glide and sidecar. Need to upgrade them to hold the weight.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@daveflewelling5897 This is the ramp I used. www.harborfreight.com/super-wide-tri-fold-loading-ramp-90018.html

[@daveflewelling5897]

Thanks , the folding ramps I have is the 1200lb 2 piece version. @@FABAutomotiveDetailing

[@jordantserghanos2604]

Great video and just what I need to do to my lift. A couple of questions, I wasn't able to find the video from NorthCo baggers that shows you how to build them. Only a quick overview. Also I would love all the information you have on building your ramps including pictures. The snow is right around the corner up here in Canada.

[@Tattooed_Paratrooper636]

How did you get the side ramps connected to the lift?

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

With UBolts. I show them in the video

[@Tattooed_Paratrooper636]

What size is the tubing that the ramps slide over

[@Tattooed_Paratrooper636]

And what size are the ubolts also. Sorry just want to make sure it’s right

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@Tattooed_Paratrooper636 That I don’t remember as it’s been a while and I’m not home to look at them right now

[@Tattooed_Paratrooper636]

@@FABAutomotiveDetailing no problem. If you do get a chance possibly and can get me the tubing size needed I can figure the ubolt size off of that. Thank you again for responding your video is awesome

[@rolandos64]

I suggest you work on your legs! It really isn’t heavy what so ever. I have several lifts, handy, hf, K&L and I have no favorite. Only thing is cost. You need keg must’ve to help you upright bike…

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@rolandos64 with a regular cruiser it’s super easy not these 900 lb bikes make it a little tiring to lift.

[@richsmith3120]

Wasn't your bike a different color?

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Hey Rich did you watch the whole video? 😂 Yes that’s not my bike on the lift.

[@richsmith3120]

@@FABAutomotiveDetailing No I did not! Since I don't have a motorcycle anymore I didn't have much interest on the rack!

[@TheBikerDodge]

After all the money you spent on the lift and the mods you could've bought a decent lift in the first place.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

A decent no mods needed lift is around $1500-$2000. I definitely didn’t get anywhere near that.

[@rgh622]

Good lord! Overcomplicate a lift much? What a great way to screw up a simple effective lift right out of the box. Also is their a reason we didn't see you raise the lift? Yeah, it's a PIA to take off all the nonsense before you can get to wrenching, that's why.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Not over complicated at all and it’s very easy to remove before lifting. Takes 30 seconds if that to remove everything. If it’s not your style move on but it has helped a lot of people.

[@randymorlan1083]

Sometimes you have to build them to work for you if you use them.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@randymorlan1083 Exactly!

[@ittybitbobo7657]

You can bake it, grill it, fry it, when you are all done a turd is a turd. You get what you pay for

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

In your opinion! I know guys that have used this lift for years with zero issues. The name on a product doesn’t make it good or bad.

[@ittybitbobo7657]

All the work and mods..... why not take the money and buy a quality lift. No matter how dress it up a trud is a turd

[@marks146]

As for the sliding during loading, put crutch feet on the leveling screws. That will stop any movement.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

I have never heard of that before. I will have to check that out. Thanks

[@wingerm1]

Great mods. Came for the tech. Stayed for the puppy haha

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@wingerm1 Thank you! She has that affect on people. 😂

[@larryfrancis132]

I had a harbor freight lift for years and it worked great. I then upgraded to an A-plus lift for about 1200 with side extensions and it is fully pneumatic. I would recommend getting an A -plus lift

[@SStudiopro]

Thanks for the video dude. I’m lookin to purchase one within 2-3 months

[@PapaSmurf918Detail]

Great video brother. That lift looks plenty enough.. great mods to make it fit your needs👍👍

[@kimnewling5728]

I want a puppy

[@PapaSmurf918Detail]

@@kimnewling5728 lol man FAB has put the puppy bug in my house🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thanks brother!

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@PapaSmurf918Detail Your getting a puppy soon! 😂

[@Swampyssidehustlehobbyshop]

I use a cylinder block and walk the motorcycle up the lift in first gear and the kick stand rests on the block. I use a scissor jack under the bike and lift it up level no need for all the mods. That would be great if it will hold a trike but looks a little weak. for the money you have put in this lift with-all the mods you could have bought a double wide lift

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

No not really. I have maybe $700 in it. Most of the bigger lifts cost twice as much and some are even 3 times that much. When I tighten the ubolts all the way down it’s rock solid. I don’t do that when just pulling a bike on and off

[@beamerstearoom5657]

My Triumph Storm is 800 + pounds and I have no problems with the bottle jack. Love this lift. I put carpet under my lift to stop the slide

[@mohabens5469]

Great set up man!!. By any chance do you the list of material you needed and dimensions please.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@mohabens5469 Thank you! Sorry I don’t have a list

[@go5582]

hi Harley . Owner : could I buy Harley a bag of Dog liver treats? she's a cutie.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

She would love that I’m sure

[@robertcraft-pj2jp]

Looks awesome. Pneumatic is definitely the answer. Hoosier Wing 🇺🇸⭐️

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thank you

[@iPossum]

Agreed, HF has a 8 ton pneumatic that I am looking at. No exact specs available so will have to buy & try. At least they give you 90 days to return. The lift I bought recently has the hydraulic bottle attached through the base through what looks like a 5/8” or bigger 4” bolt. Might be plug & play. Will give it a shot and let y’all know.

[@vernleroyson331]

I wouldn't take 2 grand for mine, perfect economy lift.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

I agree!

[@rugershooter5268]

My Harley is closing in on 3yo, ruff scruffy terrier......I didn't name him, the pound did, he came into the pound shortly before we got there looking.....he didn't spend a day My hf lift, I put a drive into wheel chock that will hold the bike long enough to get off and strap it down I really like the ramps on the side, that is definitely the worse thing about lift tables.......got plenty Ubolts, I will need the ramps and steel rods (pipe) to hold it up The ramp has been a little problem for me, 2019 XL1200NS(iron), scrapes at the top going on, and I have to lift it coming back off, bike is just a weebit low....2x4 under front of ramp fixes the problem for that bike Them people that had problems with jack may have been using the 30in fork lift jack.....it was recalled, it also has a safety bar to put in and let the weight come down on it instead of on the hydraulics

[@robertemmons2260]

I also have that Harbor Freight lift. I do trust it with my 2017 Indian Chieftain Limited. Side rails. I like that idea! I too have had issues with my feet placement when I ride my Chieftain up onto the lift. Ramp. I don't like the short run of the ramp. Plus you get no traction and the rear wheel just spins on it if I stop at mid point because of my foot placement due to no side rails. Tie down points. They're not optimally placed for my bagger. Grip tape. Same issue as the steel ramp, no traction for when moving my bike on and off the lift. I do believe that HF has some form of grip tape in stock. I'll have to go check it out and see if they do. Front wheel chock I'm using the HF wheel chock that is used on my HF trailer. Hydraulic jack Using a pneumatic jack is a good idea. My Chieftain also weighs around 850 lbs.

[@MNpicker]

Nice lift👌

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thanks!

[@arthurcgans8198]

The front vise is the best mod. The wheel chock is difficult to get on and off of. Mine has a high grade vise I believe I bought from JP Cycles. I just bought a second lift to rebuild my Pan on over the winter.

[@scottfhscottfh]

I used a Condor wheel chalk and drilled and tapped to mount it, I trimmed the crossbase to fit on the main table and not hang over the side plates, when the side plates are removed. My tie down points I added have removeable eyelets for tiedown points, with the base piece mounted to the table, allowing me to take them on and off as needed.

[@Elk_Hunter406]

Dumb question. Could you roll the lift while a bike is on it?

[@budlistar5312]

I bought mine 25-30 years ago when they were catalog only, paid $239.00 plus shipping. Lifts my 1000 lb Goldwing no problem. I made some foot wide wooden platforms that are the same height as the lift to help with stability getting the Wing on it but I like your idea with the metal ramps. Just bought the larger HF wheel vice yesterday and will install it asap. Never thought of a wider ramp but will look into that too. At 70 yrs old I need all the help I can get. Thanks for the ideas.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@budlistar5312 That’s great to hear about your lift. You are welcome I’m glad I could help.

[@teddybertgarage4119]

Hey, nice explication very appreciated. I had mine more then 10 years now, only issue it start to leak last year, good timing I just sold my FLHTK 😅. I don’t plan to by another bike however I’m looking forward to upgrade it for my lawn tractor

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thank you and good luck!

[@MarioHernandez-sg1km]

I appreciate the time you take to explain in detail about the ramps, thank you. I have a question, how thick are the tubes?

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

You are welcome! I honestly don’t remember what size the tubes are. Sorry

[@jeffhennings6579]

Will getting one in the spring and do the same add ons good video happy new year

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

You will love it. Thank you and happy new year to you also

[@panheadsforever74]

Nice lift, love the shirt.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thanks and thanks!

[@1962egl]

Best mod you can do to one of the harbor freight lifts is bring it back to where you got it. I cannot fathom trusting a $500.00 piece of Chinese built crap with a $30k Harley bagger on top of it.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@1962egl That’s your opinion and why watch the video and make a comment like that? Everyone likes different things. Ever notice that every Genuine Harley part is either made in China or Taiwan? I take it you must not use anything Harley on your bike?

[@1962egl]

@@FABAutomotiveDetailing I say that because I had one and it failed and dropped my 2020 road glide special on the ground from three feet in the air. It cost me thousands of dollars.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

@@1962egl Well that does suck! Sorry to hear that happened to you. You are the first person I have heard that happened to. The reason I bought this one is because I go to a lot of detail shops and many of them use this exact lift and they told me how good the lift has been for them. I wouldn’t mind getting a better one in the future. My main problem is all the better ones are much bigger and I don’t have the room. This lift is easy to move around and put up against the wall.

[@kimnewling5728]

The lift looks ok, but your puppy Harley is just adorable! Give her a treat for me.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Thanks! She loves treats