Owning a motorcycle comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance, and a reliable motorcycle jack is an essential tool for any rider.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic, a high-quality motorcycle jack can make a significant difference in your maintenance routine.
In this article, I will provide a detailed buying guide along with the top 5 motorcycle jacks that have proven to be dependable, durable, and efficient. So, let’s dive in and explore the best options available in the market.
Best Motorcycle Jacks – Our Top Picks
1- Vivo Home Steel Wide Deck Motorcycle Scissor Jack
At the first position of our list, we have Vivo Home Steel Wide Deck Motorcycle Scissor Jack. This Scissor lift jack is our top pick based on its great performance with lift stability and construction.
We tested the Vivo Home Wide Deck Scissor Jack on five different motorcycles including Harley Davidson and found it a breeze to lift all of them securely, even a 900 lbs Honda Gold Wing.
You must have a wide deck jack if you own a motorcycle in the 400 600 lbs range. The VIVOHOME jack has a heavy-duty construction that supports heavy motorcycles with greater stability.
The crank is easy to operate and doesn’t take too much effort. You definitely won’t sprain any muscles trying to lift your cruiser motorcycle.
The operation of the jack itself is smooth thanks to small runners in the interior construction that support easy height adjustment.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable crank Scissor lift, it’s tough to find a better one than the Vivo Home Wide Deck. As long as your two-wheeler is less than 1100 pounds, you should have no problem performing quick tire changes, top-ups, and interior inspections.
What We Like
- Extra cross brace for added stability
- Ideal for cleaning and working on Harley motorcycles
- Sturdy and stable design
- Sufficient height for fully suspending dirt bikes
- Adjustable and durable for long-term use
- Compatible with impact wrenches
- Allows free spinning of wheels for maintenance
- Versatile and useful for various projects
- Rubber pad on top for traction
- Wide platform for stability
What We Don’t Like
- Narrow width for precise maneuvering, but limited room for error or sliding
- No noticeable safety mechanism or latch
- Uneven surface caused by exhaust pipe leads to tilting and instability
2- LiftMaster Ydex Center Scissor Lift Jack
Upnext we have LiftMaster Ydex Center Scissor Lift Jack LiftMaster’s Y Deck Center Scissor Lift jack is also a major contender when it comes to crank jacks.
This bright blue jack has a wide deck loading on heavy motorcycles and is operated through a very simple and straightforward crank rotation.
We didn’t have any trouble with lifting 900 lbs motorcycles on this Scissor Lift jack, and the rubber padding is great for extra stability and grip.
Considering how affordable liftmasters jack is, the rubber pad definitely delivers very high-quality nonslip capabilities.
We also like the color options available. The blue paint finish makes the jack seem higher-end than it is at its smallest size.
Due to its compact design LiftMaster Center sister lift jack is easily put away in storage.
What We Like
- Sturdy construction with thick steel frame and scissors braces
- Fast and controllable lifting
- Capable of lifting front and rear separately
- Can be used alongside a rear paddock stand for added stability
- Provides three points of support for maintenance stability
- Suitable for occasional home use
- Specifically designed for lifting and working on Harley-Davidson motorcycles
- Compatible with t-handle or ratchet for lifting
- Rubber mat for bottom protection and stability
- Allows for fork rebuilding and tire replacement
What We Don’t Like
- Loose setscrew on the central screw can impede the lowering process
- Bolts need frequent re-tightening
- Frame gradually bends and loosens over time
3- Extreme Max Wide Motorcycle sister Jack
The number three position is held by Extreme Max wide Motorcycle sister Jack. We were looking for a jack that could handle the weight of a 900 lbs motorcycle with zero compromises on stability.
Many jacks claim to be heavy duty for a heavy-duty motorcycle but don’t always perform their best. Under 800 lbs loads. The Extreme Max is not one of them. This jack performs its best with a 900 or 1002 wheeler on top of it.
Its heavy duty steel construction is made of durable high alloy steel. We noticed that the construction of this jack had really thick panels of steel. This jack isn’t going to get warped or dented easily.
The operation of this Scissor jack is something to pay attention to. It is not crank-operated and needs a wrench for the height adjustment. While the height adjustment is smooth, using a wrench can get be quite the arm workout.
Depending on the weight of your vehicle. You can’t use an impact wrench with this jack.
What We Like
- Effective stabilization for both front and rear of the bike
- Equipped with ball bearing rollers for smooth movement
- Securely glued rubber pad on top
- Compatible with motorcycle lifts
- Suitable for lifting rear wheel for cam changes on a bike lift
- Can be used with a set of bricks for taller bikes
- Versatile for lifting various motorcycle models
- Wide enough to accommodate different bike types
What We Don’t Like
- Pivot pins could have tighter tolerances
- Slight shimmy during lift activation due to non-true threaded bolt
- Heavy in weight
- Rubber on top is less durable
- Lacks a rubber pad on the bottom, leading to potential slippage on slick floors
4- VIVOHOME Steel hydraulic motorcycle lift jack
There are plenty of reasons why you want to use a hydraulic lift over a Scissor jack. For us, it’s the added convenience of minimal effort for maximum strength. VIVOHOME Scissor Jack made it to our top pick and we think their hydraulic lift is the best in the market. With three different locking security latches, there are plenty of ways to safely operate this lift jack.
You can use a foot pedal and long handle to easily adjust the height and suspension. After using brute arm strength on plenty of crank jacks, the Vivo Home hydraulic pump felt like a vacation.
The rubber nonslip base had an impressive grip with textured lines across its surface area that minimizes slippage and scraping it.
What We Like
- Simple assembly with clear steps and manageable parts
- Enables easy turning, spinning, and maneuvering of bikes in tight spaces
- Offers a stable lift for minor repairs
- Rubber grips on the lift provide excellent traction
- Reliable and stable, securely holds bikes for extended periods without problems
- Effortlessly lifts bikes, facilitating wheel and tire cleaning and maintenance
- Safety catch bar prevents accidental lowering without pulling the bar
- Simplifies maintenance tasks like fork oil changes and handlebar installations
What We Don’t Like
- Non-removable handle affects storage footprint
- Cylinder may seep oil, compromising vertical bike positioning
- Hydraulic lift may not securely hold certain motorcycle models, causing instability
5- Zeni 1100 LB motorcycle center Sessor lift jack
This budget motorcycle jack is super affordable and of good quality. We were really impressed with the solid steel construction on this Zeni lift jack and found that it did a great job of lifting lighter motorcycles, and dirt bikes as well as the more average-sized ones.
Although Zenny’s Lift Jack claims to have a high maximum weight capacity of 1100 LB wide, we suspect it might be lower than this in real-time. Our 600-pound motorcycles made the crank stand creak and wobble slightly, and it definitely seemed like it was pushing its limits.
As long as you’re using the Lift Jack for lighter motorcycles, you shouldn’t have any troubles with it. Its rubber padding is great to prevent slippage, and the powder coating is a nice touch.
At this price range, having corrosion resistance is definitely a useful add-on feature that boosts the lifespan of this jack.
What We Like
- Adjustable lift arms for different bike sizes
- Option to add a rubber mat for preventing bike sliding
- Effective for lifting front and rear wheels
- Stable and secure for maintenance tasks
- Easy to use with a socket and ratchet
- Narrow width allows easy access to oil drain plug and filter
- Provides clearance for bikes with protruding engines
- Versatile use for log leveling and lifting motorcycles
- Smooth lift gear and well-made wrench
- Lightweight, easy setup, and storage-friendly
- Stable and non-flexing design for safety
What We Don’t Like
- Crank handle can be challenging to use
- Lift extensions may not be needed for low bikes
- Stability when fully extended may require bolting down to concrete
- Inner collar may become loose and need modification
How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Jack – A Detailed Buying Guide
Weight Capacity:
One of the crucial factors to consider when purchasing a motorcycle jack is its weight capacity. You need to ensure that the jack you choose can handle the weight of your specific motorcycle model. It is advisable to select a jack with a weight capacity slightly higher than your bike’s weight to provide an extra margin of safety.
Construction and Durability:
The construction quality and durability of the motorcycle jack are vital aspects to assess. Look for jacks made from sturdy materials like steel or aluminum, as they offer excellent strength and longevity. Additionally, check for features like reinforced frames, anti-slip pads, and corrosion-resistant coatings for enhanced durability.
Lifting Mechanism:
Different motorcycle jacks employ various lifting mechanisms, such as hydraulic, scissor, or air-powered systems. Hydraulic jacks are commonly preferred due to their ease of use and reliable lifting power. Consider your personal preference and the ease of operation when choosing the lifting mechanism that suits you best.
Stability and Safety Features:
Safety should be a top priority when selecting a motorcycle jack. Look for features like wide bases, sturdy locking mechanisms, and secure tie-down straps to ensure stability during lifting. Additionally, features such as rubber padding and grip handles can provide added safety by preventing slippage and improving control.
Portability and Storage:
If you plan to use the jack in various locations or have limited storage space, consider its portability and storage options. Look for jacks that are compact, lightweight, and equipped with convenient carrying handles or wheels for easy transportation. Foldable designs can also save space when not in use.
FAQs
Conclusion:
Choosing the right motorcycle jack is essential for any motorcycle enthusiast. It is a crucial tool that provides safety and convenience when it comes to maintenance, repairs, and storage of motorcycles.
Throughout this review article, we have examined some of the best motorcycle jacks available on the market today, considering their features, functionality, and user experiences.
Our research has revealed that the Vivo Home Steel Wide Motorcycle Jack stands out as a top choice due to its exceptional build quality, ease of use, and versatility. Its sturdy construction and reliable lifting mechanism make it a reliable and durable option for lifting motorcycles of various sizes and weights.
