Best scissor lift jacks according to redditors

There may not really be a "best". Just different options and their pros and cons may change depending on the work you want to do, the space you have to do it in and the bike you are working on.

1. Front and rear stands sometimes refered to as race stands, paddock stands. The typically talked about versions lift on the swing arm, spools for the rear stand and the fronts typically lift off the underside of the front forks. They work well and are small to store when not in use their small size leaves a lot of room around the bike for your work area. Their drawback is that for work like you want to do the front stand is in the way of the forks and the weight is still on them.
   
   There is a version of the front stand that lifts off the center of the triple tree steering stem. This solves the problem of standard front stands supporting the weight of the bike on the forks. You do however need the steering stem to be hollow or at least drilled for the peg of the stand to fit into it. u/TacticoolCanadian links a hybrid stand that does both lifting options.
   
   
2. The lift you have labeled as "1" in your image. These lift the bike from the bottom. You need a fairly flat lifting point under the bike and that point has to be designed to take the weight of the bike. So for example 2 parallel frame tubes. Some shimming is often needed to clear the engine and trans case. People use rubber pads, plastic blocks or wood often bolted to the lift to sort it out. The bike should be ratchet strapped down to make it stable. The big pros here they are usually pretty inexpensive and can be found often on craigslist. They get the bike up higher allowing you to sit on a stool. Both wheels can be in the air at the same time and the bike "can" be rolled around out of the way when not being worked on if one take some care and goes slow. Cons, stability. They can straight up seem sketchy as hell as the bike is supported on the narrow footprint, strapped down it isn't much of a worry but it will get most first time users worried.
   
   
3. Lift tables. The obvious pro is that it gets the bike up to a higher working level where you can stand. However this is really just raising the ground, you still need a way to lift the bike to get the wheels off the table. The industry standard is a flat jack. Plug for the K&L, they are very durable and will out last 2 of the cheaper knock offs. The knock offs don't feel as solid but at 1/4 the price last about 1/3-1/2 as long if cared for by greasing the screw threads. Both options have adapters to allow one to come up with ways to get lifting points under various bikes.
   
   Strap the bike down appropriately for the end you need to lift. I'm not a wheel chock or wheel vise fan(the one on the Harbor Frieght table in your image is next to useless). I find them annoying and in the way anytime you need to work on the front wheel/suspension. Most all of the mechanics I have worked with over the years have eventually gone to just a angle iron/aluminum stop held in with 2 nuts and bolts finger tight. When I need to pull the front wheel I slide a section of angle under the rear wheel as a stop, add some tie downs to the rear of the bike and slowly release the front tie downs. To save on jacking the front wheel over the height of the stop on the table, remove one of the 2 bolts holding it and pivot it out of the way.
   
   Tables take up a lot of room and can make life easy. In 25 years I've never lost a bike on a table. I know guys who have when mistakes were made. It's much can cause much more damage than a low to the ground tip over off a set of stands. Most DIY home users I see have the most trouble with loading a bike on a table and getting it strapped down trying to do it single handedly. They go for the slow walk up trying to keep the bike vertical and loose too much momentum and can't get the bikes back wheel up the ramp and will try to power through it sometimes getting off balance and the bike falling away from them. Both are easily solved by letting the bike lean into you so it doesn't go over center and pull away from you. The other time is once they get the bike up on it they have to fumble around with holding the bike and strapping it down. This is where some like the self supporting wheel chocks to roll the bike into. Being alone I've found the easiest is to just have a place to set the bike down on the side stand or get it up on the center stand if it has one. I use a platform of two 4x6s and a 2x14 as a table next to the lift to set the bike on the side stand. If you have a Handy lift or the like with wing extensions you don't likely need anything. From there it's just like strapping it down in a trailer.
   
   
   There are a ton of options for DIY jacks, lifts and tables out there too.
   
   Take a look at www.homemadetools.net/site/search?q=Motorcycle+Lifts&Search=
   
   One of my favorite that can be done cheap is to simply extend one of the motorcycle lift jacks to turn it into a table. I've thought about doing this to add a 2nd part time lift in the garage here at home.

Check out this stand. You can lift the bike up real tall so you can work on it easier

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093NMGJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0NVgAb4M15671

Extreme Max 5001.5044 5001.5044... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0196PAZ1S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I bought this one off amazon and it has worked great. It’s compact and inexpensive.
Zeny 1100 LB Motorcycle Center Scissor Lift Jack Hoist Stand Bikes ATVs (#01) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01860HLCU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Vo3KRPVWIXCJz

I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/LEAD-BRAND-Scissor-Capacity-Strength/dp/B07CZGTXYH/

It can be cranked up/down with a 17mm wrench or socket, turned with whatever you have in the garage (impact wrench) or whatever you carry in the car (handheld ratchet).

The wrench that came with the jack broke quickly but the jack itself doesn’t seem to have quality issues. However because that wrench is junk you’ll want to consider carrying something else to turn it with... still, it’s a thousand times easier to use even with a normal hand ratchet than the awkward crank bar that comes with most jacks.

I have this https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Max-5001-5044-Motorcycle-Scissor/dp/B0196PAZ1S and I'm happy with it. If you go with it buy a 7/8 deep socket and leave it on the stand for easy adjustments

Center stand

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Max-5001-5047-Motorcycle-Scissors/dp/B0196PAYP0/ref=sr_1_6?gclid=CjwKCAiAh5_uBRA5EiwASW3IasIMFnQo804LL3aB58Yweypspqprui5NqOiEkxn20Mir9FRR-Q6fDxoCs8kQAvD_BwE&hvadid=241914105244&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9032437&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14079434640772928100&hvtargid=kwd-1194916088&hydadcr=24631_10399647&keywords=motorcycle+scissor+jack&qid=1573447187&sr=8-6

$70 bucks now will save you hundreds in shop fees. From changing your oil to pulling your tire to get it changed.

An oil change in your garage using HD supplied oil might run you $35 for oil/filter

And get yourself a shop manual. There is so much you can do on your own with some basic hand tools!

Just for off-road. I used to keep it mounted in the back of the Jeep on the roll bar, but it rattled so much I would get annoyed driving on dirt roads. I think I can place a couple pieces of foam into the foot and mechanism to make it quiet, but I just decided to keep it off the vehicle when I'm not off roading instead. Less weight to carry around day-to-day.

Edit: I'll get around to priming it and putting some bedliner on it in the future to match the color. It's kind of expensive for what it is, but most of the jack mounts are $40-$150 so I guess it's within expectations. I liked this solution because I could use it on the roll bar inside or on the bumper. I had previously made some mounts out of u-bolt muffler clamps and wing nuts; those worked but was a pain to get the jack on and off so I gave up and went with this.

https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Lift-Jack-TM-750-Adjustable-Mount/dp/B003CEFJ2U/

I have one of these and it works just fine.

Torin T10152 Big Red Steel Scissor Jack, 1.5 Ton Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PX8BC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_W5puzbYSS6Q5W


This'll'do'er

Something like this would do fine: https://www.amazon.com/Torin-T10152-Scissor-Jack-1-5/dp/B004PX8BC2

Extreme Max 5001.5044 Wide Motorcycle Scissor Jack - 1100 lb. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0196PAZ1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_rGt1Ab1YM58V5
I have this and it works perfectly for me. It lifts the bike tall enough to change your tires and stable enough too. And it's easy to store when you are not using it.

Noted.

Thanks for that info.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-1545-Motorcycle-Lift/dp/B000OCHCIW

I've got this (Extreme Max Wide Motorcycle Scissor Jack - 1100 lb. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0196PAZ1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KPQEzbC5ZMP4Q). It's been pretty useful for chain stuff and other work I've done on the bike.

However, I got a Triumph center stand from a neighbor for cheap, so the jack doesn't get much use anymore. I'm on a bonneville, but I'd recommend a center stand to anyone. It's very convenient.

Do yourself a favor and get a motorycyle lift. A damn good investment, I assure you. Makes cleaning and maintenance much,much easier. Especially cleaning and lubing the chain.

Having the bike lifted of the ground would be great for winter time storage, as well, as it will take pressure of the suspension and tires; allowing you to avoid getting flat spots on the tires from sitting for a long time.

Plus, bikes looks cool af on a lift.

I've taken my 390 engine out like 5 times with a scissor lift from Amazon that was like $70 bucks, it's rated up to like 1000lbs or something

Edit: Extreme Max 5001.5044 Wide Motorcycle Scissor Jack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0196PAZ1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dV3PCbWV6FQBJ

I bought this a couple of months ago for a rear shock swap on my Road Glide and it worked perfectly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0196PAZ1S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Tire iron kit,
Bead buddy (helps when taking the tire off), Lift (this has worked well for my KLR, combine with a couple of jack stands for more stability)

Other things that help: rubber mallet, needle nose pliers, SERVICE MANUAL, torque wrenches.

You need to get a stand like this: https://www.amazon.com/Smartxchoices-Heavy-Motorcycle-Center-Scissor/dp/B01M3R1JMF

I have one similar (different brand, but it's all the same thing honestly) and the only bad thing I can say is that the rubber feet are kinda shitty. I'll make new ones at some point, but it works to get my Honda Shadow into the air (same problem with your bike, engine sits below the frame.)

Jack it up by the frame rails.

I live in a 1br in a walk up as well. KangarooCornchips pretty well covered it although I just stick with one good torque wrench, a big adjustable, a cheap Stanley socket set, vice grip, and a flip out hex and torx set. A good JIS screwdriver would be useful too.
Don’t forget there should be a cheap oem toolkit stashed somewhere on the bike, not that it’s enough.

The only thing directly motorcycle related I’ve needed was a cheap jack similar to this
https://www.amazon.com/LiftMaster-Motorcycle-Center-Scissor-Hoist/dp/B01NCT4IKW/
It’s not too heavy to haul downstairs although it is annoying

I’ve been able to do everything from valve clearances to swingarm replacements in my complex’s covered parking lot. The only problem is running back and forth for all the bulky peripheral things like cans of penetrating fluid or degreaser or an oil jug.

This is way better, albeit $65, it makes life easy. raise it up until its just below your bike frame, slide it under, crank it 10 times, and you're off the ground. easy peasy.

I’m not sure but here’s the link for the product itself: https://www.amazon.ca/MarchInn-Electric-Scissor-3-0T（6600lb）-Wrench/dp/B06XPFXHDK

I see what you mean! I was watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdNdiSMepng and it looked like the same Jack, but I now see what you mean with the bolt holes. Would something like this one be best? https://www.amazon.com/TONDA-TON-Portable-Scissor-Jack/dp/B06Y65M2NS/ref=sr_1_7?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1537407080&sr=1-7&keywords=car+jack

Or would you get a bottle jack?

Honestly, I'd just pay the extra $800 and get this one. Or if you've got money to burn and want a really nice flush-mount option, there's this one

It has auto-safety locks every 3 inches, and the hydraulic system is integrated into one of the posts, so there are a lot less exposed lines for potential damage.

The only benefit I see with the one OP has is A) it's cheap B) it's "portable".

But honestly, who's going to be moving a lift like this around every day, and do you really want to cheap out on two of the most important safety and convenience features?

Scissor lift is going to be the most compact for what you're wanting to do, I found this on amazon, its an electric scissor jack for cars thats pretty compact. it uses a 12v power point too, you may already have one in your van that would be easy to use. I just dont know if it would reach tall enough for the clearance you need

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Bull-EJ212-Automatic-Electric/dp/B0027Z6F3W

I have one similar to this, but it seems that the kickstand and some other bit is in the way when I try to lift the bike with it, and I don't want to damage these parts ('16 883). Maybe i'm doing it wrong, I dunno, but I couldn't figure out any other way. This is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OCHCIW/

Something like this works fairly well... it's basically a 3/4" hex wrench that fits snugly over the jack:

https://www.amazon.ca/Camco-57363-Leveling-Scissor-Socket/dp/B001V8U12M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511197626&sr=8-1&keywords=scissor+jack+socket

Remember, they are just stabilizers, not jacks. They just help take out some of the bounce. You can pick up a bit for your drill so you can use a cordless drill for raising and lowering.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Leveling-Scissor-Adapter-57363/dp/B001V8U12M/

Been using this one....I dig it...

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Center-Scissor-Hoist-Stand/dp/B00E8HGCEY/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1480260820&sr=1-2&keywords=Motorcycle+jack

Edit: motorcycle scissor lift

XtremepowerUS 300LBS Motorcycle Dirt Bike ATV Motorcycle Bike Scissor Jack Lifts Hoist Mini Crank Hydraulic Foot Operated Lift, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKY3J3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nZHQDb558PD7X

I just ordered supplies from Amazon and would love feedback. I decided to go for a scissor jack, though that seems somewhat controversial in the DIY cider press world. The travel is amazing, they are light, cheap and I can operate it with a cordless drill.

Another big question is this 50 quart steamer basket. Cheap, but will it hold up to the strain? I guess the good news is that by going big now (12 gallons!), I can always downsize later.

I'm looking at mounting the disposal in a plastic tub, supported by a wood frame. I'm still working on the design (and will post here, with credit to you knockfer, when its done!).

Finally, instead of the very cool wood drainage platform you made, I'm opting for a simpler cutting board, and will drill a hole and attach a tube for drainage. Still figuring out that detail.

I'd welcome any thoughts about all this, and am so grateful for your inspiration! I'd never heard of using a garbage disposal as a chopper before. My wife is going to love this!

The lugs are the same size(21mm) and the jack will work, the Prius hasn't gotten much heavier in the past few years. So any tire iron that's 21mm will work, and any jack that is rated to lift 3100lb will work.

However if I had a chance, I would get an aftermarket jack that will be more reliable than the stock ones. This looks like a good option. Hell, put that together with this wrench and you'll be set. Can't get much cheaper than $30 for this stuff.

What size were the mounts you bought? I found them on amazon but there is a choice between 1- 2 inch and 2-3 inch sizing here.

Hi-Lift makes adjustable mounts that work well:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CEFJ2U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these to mount mine to my tire carrier (AEV Hardrock carrier) and they work great.

In addition to a scissor jack as suggested by /u/JayNorthpen, get a lug wrench. Often the ones supplied with the car are crap. Either get the kind with folding arms, or just a plain cross type. Here are 2 examples:

Any ladies reading this keep in mind that the weaker you are the larger you want the wrench to be.


Lug Wrench

Folding Lug Wrench

Scissor Jack

Oh shit, I read scissor Jack, not Lift. Never mind...;-). Here’s a 7K one,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N4MKM4/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_c_w9RVAbBCDXHBV

Worth joining the Prime Membership to get the free shipping.

Not sure how that would work. How would you lift the bike onto the stands? Lifts are relatively low cost and you can get a dedicated one at Harbor Freight or use what I use which is a simple scissor jack. You can certainly get the scissor jack for cheaper since they're quite common. Also check a local auto parts store to see if they have loaner/rental of jacks.