How High and How Long Should a Motorcycle Lift Be?

How high do motorcycle lifts go?

Height depends mostly on the type of lift. Scissor jacks slide under the frame and lift the bike a short way. Lift tables raise the whole bike on a platform, so they climb much higher.

The listings we compare show the split clearly. Scissor jacks top out between about 13.8 and 15 inches. Full tables reach 31 inches or more. Across all the lifts on our best motorcycle lift page, maximum heights range from 13.8 to 34.25 inches.

Here are a few examples from the published specifications:

How much height do you actually need?

Think about the job first. Cleaning the wheels, adjusting a chain or removing a wheel only needs the tires off the ground. A scissor jack that lifts 13 to 15 inches does that well, and you can sit on a low stool while you work.

Tables suit longer jobs. At 31 inches or higher, the bike sits near waist height for many people, so you can stand and work without bending or kneeling. That is easier on your back during an oil change, a fork service or a long cleaning session.

Taller is not always better. The higher a bike sits, the more it relies on the wheel clamp and tie-down straps to stay upright. Pick the height that fits your work, not the biggest number on the spec sheet.

Your ceiling matters as well. Add the maximum lift height to the height of your bike and check that the total clears any garage door track, light fixture or low beam.

Why the minimum height matters

The lowest height is easy to overlook, but it decides whether the lift fits under your bike at all. A jack slides under the frame, so its folded height must be lower than your bike's ground clearance.

Among the lifts we compare, the VIVOHOME VH049 starts at 4.5 inches and the VEVOR M110201 starts at 3.7 inches. The VEVOR ZX0901-7B starts at 4.7 inches. Tables sit higher at rest, with the Black Widow at 7 inches and the KATOOL at 7.5 inches, because you roll the bike up onto the platform instead of sliding a jack beneath it.

The VIVOHOME listing also notes that it is not suitable for models with full lower fairings. Measure the gap under your frame, and look at the lift point you plan to use, before you buy.

How long should a motorcycle lift be?

Length applies mainly to lift tables. A scissor jack has a small top deck. The VEVOR M110201, for example, has a 14.4 by 9 inch platform, because it only needs to support the frame at one point.

A table has to carry the whole bike, so its platform must be longer than your bike's wheelbase, with room for the front wheel clamp and some margin at the rear. Two tables in our data show the range:

Measure your bike's overall length from the front tire to the rear tire, then compare it with the platform length on the spec sheet. A longer, wider platform gives you more room to move around the wheels. It also needs more floor space, so measure the spot where you will keep it.

• KATOOL MOTO 150LT: 78.7 inches long by 28 inches wide
• Black Widow ProLift: 105.5 inches long by 48 inches wide, with a removable 20 by 48 inch ramp listed for loading

Match the lift to your space and your bike

Before comparing models, run through these steps:

• Weigh your bike with fluids and compare it with the lift's capacity. Lifts on our comparison page range from 300 to 1500 lb.
• Measure the ground clearance under the frame and pick a lift whose minimum height is lower.
• Decide how high you want the bike for your usual jobs.
• Measure the platform length against your bike's length, then check floor space for the whole table.
• Check the ceiling and door clearance at maximum height.
• Think about storage. The VEVOR M110201 weighs 26 lb and folds down for compact storage. The Black Widow weighs 568 lb and stays in one place.

Safety notes

A raised motorcycle is heavy and can tip. Use the safety lock every time you lift, and strap the bike down. The VEVOR ZX0901-7B and VIVOHOME VH049 include tie-down straps, and the Black Widow and VEVOR table use a wheel clamp to hold the bike upright.

Lock the bike at the height you want and do not work under a bike that is held only by hydraulic pressure. Keep the casters locked if the lift has brakes, and work on a flat, hard floor.

Pneumatic tables such as the Black Widow need an air compressor. Its listing calls for 90 to 110 PSI, so check your compressor and hose fittings before you start. Wear eye protection when using compressed air or working under a bike, and wear hearing protection if you run a loud compressor nearby.

Keep your fingers clear of scissor arms and platform edges as the lift moves. For tall lifts, get a helper when you load or unload the bike.

Putting it together

If you only need to clean, lube and service wheels, a low-profile scissor jack that rises to about 14 or 15 inches is a sensible fit. If you do longer jobs and have the floor space, a table that reaches over 30 inches gives you a better working position.

To compare height ranges, capacities and platform sizes side by side, see our best motorcycle lift page. It lists every lift on one spec sheet, so you can check the minimum height and platform length against your own bike.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a motorcycle lift for an ATV?

Some can. The VEVOR ZX0901-7B and VIVOHOME VH049 listings say they fit ATVs and dirt bikes as well as motorcycles. Check the ATV's weight, frame clearance and lift points against the lift's specifications.

Is a lift table or a scissor jack better for a small garage?

A scissor jack is usually easier. The VIVOHOME VH049 listing says it has a detachable handle and tucks under a bench or into a closet. Tables need much more floor space, so measure first.

Do I need a lift with a wheel clamp?

On a table, a wheel clamp helps keep the bike upright while you work. Scissor jacks rely on tie-down straps instead. Whichever you choose, use the supplied restraints every time.

What is the lowest a motorcycle lift goes?

Among the lifts we compare, the VEVOR M110201 has a published minimum height of 3.7 inches, which suits bikes with low clearance. See our motorcycle lift comparison for the rest.