Princess Auto 1000 lb Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift

Wife's Sporty Becomes a Guinea Pig

Because the lift has a maximum load limit of 1000 lbs, my wife's 500 lb Sportster would be the first test subject. Although it might be possible to secure the bike to the platform alone, I wisely took advantage of having my son nearby to give me a hand. Once the lift's front castor wheels were raised slightly off the ground by use of an adjuster screw, we pushed the bike up the ramp and into the rather small wheel vise (which I wouldn't trust to hold the bike alone even for a second). While my son held the bike, I threaded a tie-down between the fork brackets and around the fork tube to the u-bolt on each side of the bike. I then locked the vise on the front wheel and we were ready for lift off - er, I mean up.

After about a dozen pumps of the pedal, the platform had raised high enough to insert the locking bar. I then gently released the pump and lowered the platform to be fully supported by the locking bar. The bike was now safely elevated at the lower of two positions.

I then tugged on the bike to and fro to see how well everything was being held. Though it definitely wasn't rock solid, it was decent enough for me to work on the bike with confidence. The slight flexing of the platform I saw would probably be a serious concern for a professional who requires heavy duty performance, but for the average backyard mechanic who works with care, I see no reason for alarm. As a further test, I climbed on to the saddle of the bike while still lifted to bring the total weight close to 700 lbs. Excluding me, nothing creaked, groaned, or bent. Granted, I had not tested the capacity of the hydraulic pump, but at least I knew the lift had no problem with this load. My 650 lb Dyna will be going on next, so I'll see how well the pump works then.

Overall I'd say I am satisfied with my purchase. It certainly makes changing fluids much easier on the bikes.

Better lifts have, among other things, more substantial wheel vises. If you don't want to deal with tie-downs, then the Princess Auto lift is not for you. Always buy the best tools you can afford.

When I drop a fastener, the lift's platform seems to always catch it, while the bright yellow paint makes loose bits easy to find. I also like the fact that my tools and manuals can be laid out on the platform around the bike for easy access. When the lift is not in use and in its lowest position, I have moved it behind my van where it easily fits below the van's bumper.

Specifications

Capacity: 1000 lbs (453.6 kg)
Min Height: 7"
Max Height: 29 ½"
Platform Size: 86 ½" x 26 ¾"
Ramp Size: 25 ½" x 26 ¾"
Max Clamp (wheel vise): 6"

Shipping Info
12.13 cubic feet
G.W.163KG/N.W.129KG

Owner's Manual

Download the owner's manual that I scanned and saved as a PDF (474 KB).

Pictures

Front wheel is locked into the vise, and tie-downs do most of the work to keep the bike upright. You can just see the adjuster screw in front of the castor wheel. It is used to raise the wheel and keeps the lift from moving.

The platform is raised to its first position. Note the locking bar (silver) going through the front lifting arm. Also note that the pump and release pedals are removed and lying by the lift. They are slip fit on square end shafts and easily go on and off

The ramp just hangs off the rear of the platform when raised, and pivots back into position for loading/unloading when lowered. You can just make out a panel under the rear wheel which can be removed if a jack is used under the bike.

It took 58 pumps of the pedal to lift my 650 lb Dyna to the highest position, and it felt no different from the Sporty going up. Changing oil has never been easier.