Motorcycle Service Lift

Performing routine and not so routine service on your motorcycle can be a challenge without a motorcycle service lift. In the case of my 2006 Harley Davidson Sportster Lowrider, the limited ground clearance won't even allow a typical oil drain pan to fit under the motorcycle.

I researched entry level motorcycle lifts, which sold for around $90.00. Most of these lifts had an initial ground clearance that was too high to fit under my Sportster, and the reviews I read on these service lifts described them as less than dependable. The next level of motorcycle lifts were between $50.00 - $100.00 more. The other potential issue I saw with this style lift was having to work around the supporting framework, which could make certain types of service awkward and messy. My solution - build my own lift.

After taking some preliminary measurements of my bike, I designed a motorcycle service lift that was sturdy, flexible, manageable, easy to store and held the bike at a comfortable working height.

Skeleton View of Service Lift Section

I built the frame from floor joist material, like you would use to build a deck. I used 10 inch wide boards so that my finished motorcycle service lift would hold the bike engine frame approximately 15 inches off the ground. The frames consist of 1 - 3'x3' section and 2 - 2'X3' sections using 2"x2" fence post sections to anchor the corners. The 3'x3' section also has a middle cross beam for added support. All three sections are interchangeable, flexibility that comes in handy depending on the service or upgrade job you are performing.

3x3 Skeleton Section

2x3 Skeleton Sections

Ramp Skeleton

The ramp portion of the service lift was built using 4' sections of joist beam, cut diagonally at a 45 degree angle and anchored with fence post sections. The ramp section is only about two feet wide and when in place is offset to the right (non kickstand side) of the lift assembly.

Sportster on Ramp

The finished product was covered in 3/4 inch particle board and had eye-bolts installed for the Hog ties. There is plenty of room to put your feet down once you drive the motorcycle up the service lift and adequate room to lower the kickstand.

Midsection Removed

By pushing out the mid-section of the lift, there is plenty of room to access the engine, making oil changes and tranny fluid changes a snap. When I installed the directional relocation kit, I put a floor jack under the open section so I could jack the rear of the bike up to make room between the fender and the rear tire.

Each section of the homemade motorcycle service lift is manageable to carry, and stacks neatly in a shed. The entire service lift cost about $90.00 to build and took about 1/2 a day to complete.