What Is a Motorcycle Lift Used For?
A motorcycle lift raises your bike off the ground so you can clean it, change oil, adjust the chain or swap a wheel without kneeling on the floor. It also holds the bike steady and upright while you work. The same idea goes by other names: motorcycle jack, center stand or lift table.
VEVOR ZX0901-7BBest overall
Black Widow BW-PROLIFT-PARENTBest full-size lift table
VIVOHOME VH049Lowest 1500 lb jackWhat a motorcycle lift does
A motorcycle lift lifts the bike, holds it at a set height and keeps it from tipping. That one job makes many tasks easier, because a bike on its own wheels or kickstand is awkward to reach and can shift while you work.
Most home owners use a lift for routine upkeep. Shops use bigger lift tables so a mechanic can stand at the bike instead of bending over it.
Common jobs a lift makes easier
Here are the tasks people most often lift a bike for:
- Washing and detailing the wheels, belly pan and lower frame.
- Changing the oil and filter with easy access underneath.
- Cleaning, lubing and adjusting the chain.
- Removing and refitting a wheel, or changing a tire.
- Checking brakes, forks and the undercarriage.
- Storing the bike off its tires for part of the year.
Motorcycle jack, stand and lift: what the names mean
People use several names for similar gear, so it helps to sort them out. A motorcycle jack, often called a center jack or scissor jack, slides under the frame and raises the bike a short way. A motorcycle stand holds a bike up once it is raised, and a stand can be a paddock stand, a center stand or a jack with a lock. A lift table is a full platform that raises the whole bike to working height.
You may also see the word lifters. In motorcycle talk this usually means one of two things. It can mean lift equipment like the jacks and tables on this page. It can also mean valve lifters, which are engine parts and have nothing to do with raising the bike. This guide covers lift equipment only.
Jack or lift table: which suits you?
The right choice depends mostly on your space and how high you want the bike. Scissor jacks suit most home maintenance and tuck under a bench when stored. Lift tables raise the bike to working height, which is much easier on your back, but they need more floor space. Our best motorcycle lift page puts both types on one spec sheet.
These examples come from published specifications:
| Model | Type | Capacity | Height range | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VEVOR ZX0901-7B | Hydraulic scissor jack | 1500 lb | 4.7 to 15 in | 58 lb |
| VEVOR M110201 | Manual crank scissor jack | 1100 lb | 3.7 to 13.8 in | 26 lb |
| VIVOHOME VH049 | Hydraulic scissor jack | 1500 lb | 4.5 to 14.8 in | 59.4 lb |
| VEVOR JL-M03108 | Hydraulic lift table | 1000 lb | 8.6 to 31 in | Not listed |
| Black Widow ProLift | Pneumatic table | 1500 lb | 7 to 31.25 in | 568 lb |
What to check before you buy
Start with your bike's weight, including fluids, and pick a lift rated above it. Then check the lowest height. If your bike sits close to the ground, the lift has to slide under the frame. The VIVOHOME VH049, for example, lists a 4.5 in minimum, and its listing says it is not suited to bikes with full lower fairings.
Next, think about power. Some lifts use a hydraulic foot pump, one uses a manual crank, and the Black Widow table needs an air compressor that is not included. Finally, look for wheel casters if you need to move the lift, and a wheel clamp if you choose a table.
Safety basics
A lifted motorcycle is heavy and can fall, so treat every lift as a safety task.
Follow these steps each time:
- Work on a flat, solid floor, never on soft ground or a slope.
- Strap the bike down with the tie-down straps before and while you lift.
- Engage the safety lock or pin at your working height. Do not rely on hydraulic pressure alone.
- Keep hands and feet clear of the scissor mechanism and platform edges.
- Wear safety glasses when cleaning, drilling or using compressed air.
- Use gloves and keep fuel and sparks away when you work near the tank or battery.
- Lower the bike slowly and check that nothing is in the way.
Bottom line
A motorcycle lift is a tool for lifting, holding and steadying your bike so routine work is easier and safer. For most home garages, a scissor jack with a safety lock and straps does the job. If you work on bikes often and have the space, a lift table brings the work up to a comfortable height.
Frequently asked questions
Is a motorcycle stand the same as a lift?
Not always. A stand holds a bike up once it is raised, while a lift or jack does the raising. Some jacks combine both by locking in place.
Can I leave a bike on a lift for storage?
Many people do, as long as the safety lock is engaged and the straps are on. Check the maker's guidance for your model.
Do I need an air compressor to use a lift?
Only for pneumatic models like the Black Widow ProLift, which lists a 90 to 110 PSI requirement. Hydraulic foot pump and manual crank lifts need no compressor.
Can I use a motorcycle lift for an ATV?
Some can. The VEVOR ZX0901-7B and VIVOHOME VH049 listings mention ATVs, but check the weight and clearance first.