Motorcycle Lift Harbor Freight

Why Your Garage Needs a Motorcycle Stand (And Which One to Buy)

Let me cut to the chase. I spent three years turning over a 450-pound cruiser single-handedly in my driveway, and I still have the lower back to prove it. A motorcycle lift isn't mandatory, but it's the closest thing to a "don't fuck up your spine" investment you can make as a DIY rider. Harbor Freight carries a few options that actually work, provided you know what to look for. The most common model I've seen around shops and home garages is the HF Multi-Fit Motorcycle Center Stand with Lift (part number 59390, occasionally 64118). It retails for somewhere between $70 and $120 depending on the sale. You can find it at Harbor Freight either in-store or online at harborfreight.com. The product page lists it under "Automotive > Tools > Tire & Wheel > Motorcycle Lifts."

Motorcycle Lift Harbor Freight: What It Actually Does

It's a hydraulic scissor-lift table with a cradle that grabs the frame or swingarm. You position it under the bike, pump the foot lever until the stand raises the rear wheel clear of the ground, and then you've got a stable platform for tire changes, chain adjustments, suspension work, or just general maintenance. The front wheel stays on the ground, so you can pivot the bike sideways without lifting the whole thing. That sounds simple enough, but here's where people get tripped up. The lift only works if you use the correct attachment point for your motorcycle. Some bikes need the included V-cradle. Others are better served by the optional fork-mount accessory (sold separately, around $30). Using the wrong point will bend the frame or crack a subframe, especially on older or lightweight motorcycles.

Setting Up the Lift for the First Time

I learned this the hard way. My first attempt involved a 2003 Yamaha V-Star 650, and I positioned the cradle under the lower frame rail near the engine. The lift went up smoothly until I hit about 18 inches, then the whole thing started vibrating and making a nasty metallic grinding sound. I dropped it, took it apart, and realized two things: the hydraulic seal was already degraded from being stored in my hot garage all summer, and the pin that locks the height adjustment was threaded in backwards. Here's the correct setup sequence: First, inspect the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. It should be clear amber or reddish, not dark or murky. If it's dark, flush it with brake cleaner and refill with ISO 32 hydraulic oil or straight SAE 30 motor oil. Do not use brake fluid — it eats the seals.

Second, check that the height-locking pin is installed with the smooth side facing up, not down. The rough knurled end should be against the spring plate. I can't tell you how many times I've seen this backwards at trade shows. Third, grease the scissor pivot points. There are about six zerk fittings on each leg. Use a standard grease gun and go slow. Over-packing causes the seals to blow, which is exactly what happened to my lift initially. Fourth, position the lift so the cradle sits squarely under the manufacturer's designated jacking point. For most street bikes, that's a reinforced area of the frame or swingarm, not the oil pan, not the exhaust bracket, and definitely not the turn signal mount. Consult your owner's manual. It's usually a stamped hole or a ribbed metal section near the engine.

Common Problems and What to Do About Them

The #1 issue with these lifts is side-to-side sway when fully extended. The HF version has about 4 inches of lateral play at full height, which is enough to make a nervous sweat if you're working on a heavy bike at shoulder level. My workaround was taping a 2x4 across the floor between the lift legs and the wall, then resting the front wheel against it. Cheap, effective, and it keeps the whole assembly from tipping. The second problem is the foot pump lever breaking. I've seen three of them snap on different bikes. The failure point is at the weld where the pump handle meets the body casting. If you're pumping hard and hear a crack, stop immediately. The hydraulic system is pressurized and can release fluid suddenly. For that reason, I recommend using the hand pump option instead when available. The HF 64118 model comes with both a foot pump and a hand lever. The hand lever gives you more control at high pressure and puts less stress on the welds. It's worth the extra $15.

Which Bikes Work Well and Which Don't

Standard motorcycles, cruisers, and touring bikes in the 300-600 pound range work perfectly. Dirt bikes under 250 pounds are fine too, though the lift can feel a bit overbuilt for them. The problematic category is anything above 700 pounds. The factory-rated capacity is 700 pounds, but that assumes perfect ground conditions and even weight distribution. If your bike is tilted slightly to one side when positioned, the effective capacity drops by maybe 15 percent. I learned this on a 2015 BMW R1200GS Adventure loaded with luggage. The lift went up to 12 inches and then stopped. I had to add a floor jack underneath the frame as a safety backup before continuing. Another issue is narrow frames. Some sportbikes and supermotos have very tight frame geometry that makes it hard to slide the cradle into position without scraping the swingarm or footpegs. I've modified the cradle on my lift by grinding down the inner lips about 1/4 inch on each side, which gave me enough clearance for my CBR600RR without compromising structural integrity. If you're doing this modification, use a file, not an angle grinder, to avoid weakening the metal further.

Where to Find It and What to Expect at Purchase

The HF Multi-Fit Motorcycle Center Stand with Lift is available at harborfreight.com and at most physical locations. The current MSRP is around $99.99, but they run "Fridays" promotions every week where it drops to $79.99. Sign up for their email list if you're buying one — the coupon codes actually work. When it arrives, do a bench test before using it on your bike. Pump it to full height and hold it for five minutes. If it sinks more than a quarter inch, the internal seal is faulty and you should exchange it immediately. Harbor Freight's return policy on this item is 90 days, so you won't lose money testing it.

The Real-World Verdict

For the price, this is the best motorcycle lift in the sub-$150 category. It's not a professional shop tool, and it won't replace a full motorcycle hoist if you're running a busy garage. But for weekend maintenance on your own bikes, it does the job reliably once you've sorted out the initial setup issues. Just remember: read the manual, use the correct attachment points, and don't exceed the weight rating. Your motorcycle, your lower back, and your wallet will thank you for it.