Spec-ECU
required protocol
- Joined
- May 30, 2006
- Location
- San Lorenzo
- Moto(s)
- 09 Yamaha R1
- Name
- Dennis
- BARF perks
- SBK Slut / AMA #3287659
Since having to return my Central Hydraulics (Harbor Freight) Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift just over two months after I bought it late last year, I've since been inching to try it again, or find another viable option.
HF Hyrdaulic Motorcycle Lift
It was really godsend when I was doing any kind of work on the bike, ESPECIALLY under the bike, but then the pump itself gave out, and though it was rebuildable, I just decided to return it to HF as I was still within the 90-day warranty. Ever since then, I've just been going back and forth over trying another one, especially since every issue of my Sport Rider subscription always had the coupon for it ($299 instead of $599 retail).
Enter Powerstand Racing's Power Platform motorcycle work table.
I got a really good price on a brand new one picked up locally yesterday, and today I got to try loading and unloading the bike on it.
First of all, the main selling point it had for me was its portability. It's a folding table, and that was very promising for me in being able to integrate it in my single-car garage. It's not light at just under 70-pounds, but it's still mobile enough for you to be able to carry it yourself, assuming you're an average-sized adult. I really like that it's self-containing; every detached component (locking pins, front wheel stop, etc.) can be stored IN the table itself when folded, so if you do ever have to use it outside of your garage, you don't have to carry the items that the table needs individually.
The table legs folding into the table, locked in either positions
by way of locking pins. Note the front wheel stop stowed to the right.
Like I said, being able to stow the work table itself when not in use was a big plus. That it folds into itself to effectively cut its size to half IS really convenient. A drawback to the HF hydraulic lift was all the floor space it took up in my garage; while I lamented having to return it, I was very glad to have all the floor space back in my garage. So being able to store this work table away until I needed it was a really big selling point to me.
When folded, the table has a security clasp to ensure the table
doesn't unfold while you carry it.
Stashes away nice and neat, the bottom side fitted with rubber steps
for protection.
Now to the important bit: Ease of Use.
Because this is simply a work table with no mechanism to actually lift it up from the ground with the bike on, you must obviously get the bike onto it yourself once the table is propped up. Therefore, I feel it's important that I note my build, which is 6' tall, 185 lbs on average, medium build.
This is important to note because if you will be loading/unloading the bike just by yourself, then you must first be able and feel very secure about running the bike up on a ramp and onto the table that's 18" up from the floor, either with the engine on or off, and effectively pushing it on a wheel chock. Personally, I have years of experience loading and unloading my bikes on the back of my pickup by myself, so I'm no stranger to the effort and balancing act it needs to run a bike up a platform, either with myself jumping onto the platform, or running next to it at a lower level.
Believe me, the hardest thing isn't even
getting the bike on or off the table.
If you have a buddy or relative that can help you every time you plan to use the work table, then you really have nothing to worry about.
If you don't, and just the very thought of holding your motorcycle upright without stands while you walk around it, balancing it with one hand already sends shivers down your spine, then this may not be an option for you.
It's a challenge to run the bike up the ramp and onto the table - if you're not going to turn on the engine and let it creep itself up - but it's an even bigger challenge to put the bike on the rear stand if you don't have a wheel chock, once the bike's on top of the table. I have one, so I intend to use it unless part of my work includes removing the front wheel.
For shits and giggles, I tried getting the bike on the rear stand without the use of the wheel chock. It basically involved me using a tie-down on the side of the bike I am in. Even with this tie-down in place, I would not recommend taking your hands off the bike; the tie-down hooks are too close to the center of the bike that I believe no matter how much you tighten it down, the bike may still (slowly) fall to the other side. The purpose of the tie-down then is to just give you that extra-hand as you walk to the back of the bike, reach for the rear stand, then put the bike on the rear stand. You can then remove the tie-down and be able to use a front stand if needed. The front wheel stop is simply secured by its own locking pins; remove the pins and slip the stop off to make room for a front stand.
When you're done, just reverse the process; front stand off, tie-down one side, hold the rear of the bike and slowly remove the bike from the rear stand, stowing the rear stand out of your way. Move to the front of the bike and undo the tie-down, then roll the bike off the table.
Clearly, using this platform is not for the faint-of-heart if you'll be without assistance, but it isn't impossible or impractical.
I didn't have to rearrange much in my garage for this;
the folded table can go between my lawn mower and the wall.
The 18" floor height is about half of the total floor height I got from my hydraulic lift, but any higher and getting the bike onto would really be a hassle, even for me. That said, when paired with my rolling work stool, working on the underside of the bike is still as ergonomic and convenient at this height. Again, the portability and mobility of the folding table (68 lbs) is its shining attribute for someone with my needs, compared to the HF hydraulic lift (300 lbs.)
Apart from my disclaimer, this a great compromise for me in having the much needed floor space in my garage, and being able to work on the bike in an ergonomic position when I need to, thanks to this portable work table.
HF Hyrdaulic Motorcycle Lift
It was really godsend when I was doing any kind of work on the bike, ESPECIALLY under the bike, but then the pump itself gave out, and though it was rebuildable, I just decided to return it to HF as I was still within the 90-day warranty. Ever since then, I've just been going back and forth over trying another one, especially since every issue of my Sport Rider subscription always had the coupon for it ($299 instead of $599 retail).
Enter Powerstand Racing's Power Platform motorcycle work table.
I got a really good price on a brand new one picked up locally yesterday, and today I got to try loading and unloading the bike on it.
First of all, the main selling point it had for me was its portability. It's a folding table, and that was very promising for me in being able to integrate it in my single-car garage. It's not light at just under 70-pounds, but it's still mobile enough for you to be able to carry it yourself, assuming you're an average-sized adult. I really like that it's self-containing; every detached component (locking pins, front wheel stop, etc.) can be stored IN the table itself when folded, so if you do ever have to use it outside of your garage, you don't have to carry the items that the table needs individually.
The table legs folding into the table, locked in either positions
by way of locking pins. Note the front wheel stop stowed to the right.
Like I said, being able to stow the work table itself when not in use was a big plus. That it folds into itself to effectively cut its size to half IS really convenient. A drawback to the HF hydraulic lift was all the floor space it took up in my garage; while I lamented having to return it, I was very glad to have all the floor space back in my garage. So being able to store this work table away until I needed it was a really big selling point to me.
When folded, the table has a security clasp to ensure the table
doesn't unfold while you carry it.
Stashes away nice and neat, the bottom side fitted with rubber steps
for protection.
Now to the important bit: Ease of Use.
Because this is simply a work table with no mechanism to actually lift it up from the ground with the bike on, you must obviously get the bike onto it yourself once the table is propped up. Therefore, I feel it's important that I note my build, which is 6' tall, 185 lbs on average, medium build.
This is important to note because if you will be loading/unloading the bike just by yourself, then you must first be able and feel very secure about running the bike up on a ramp and onto the table that's 18" up from the floor, either with the engine on or off, and effectively pushing it on a wheel chock. Personally, I have years of experience loading and unloading my bikes on the back of my pickup by myself, so I'm no stranger to the effort and balancing act it needs to run a bike up a platform, either with myself jumping onto the platform, or running next to it at a lower level.
Believe me, the hardest thing isn't even
getting the bike on or off the table.
If you have a buddy or relative that can help you every time you plan to use the work table, then you really have nothing to worry about.
If you don't, and just the very thought of holding your motorcycle upright without stands while you walk around it, balancing it with one hand already sends shivers down your spine, then this may not be an option for you.
It's a challenge to run the bike up the ramp and onto the table - if you're not going to turn on the engine and let it creep itself up - but it's an even bigger challenge to put the bike on the rear stand if you don't have a wheel chock, once the bike's on top of the table. I have one, so I intend to use it unless part of my work includes removing the front wheel.
For shits and giggles, I tried getting the bike on the rear stand without the use of the wheel chock. It basically involved me using a tie-down on the side of the bike I am in. Even with this tie-down in place, I would not recommend taking your hands off the bike; the tie-down hooks are too close to the center of the bike that I believe no matter how much you tighten it down, the bike may still (slowly) fall to the other side. The purpose of the tie-down then is to just give you that extra-hand as you walk to the back of the bike, reach for the rear stand, then put the bike on the rear stand. You can then remove the tie-down and be able to use a front stand if needed. The front wheel stop is simply secured by its own locking pins; remove the pins and slip the stop off to make room for a front stand.
When you're done, just reverse the process; front stand off, tie-down one side, hold the rear of the bike and slowly remove the bike from the rear stand, stowing the rear stand out of your way. Move to the front of the bike and undo the tie-down, then roll the bike off the table.
Clearly, using this platform is not for the faint-of-heart if you'll be without assistance, but it isn't impossible or impractical.
I didn't have to rearrange much in my garage for this;
the folded table can go between my lawn mower and the wall.
The 18" floor height is about half of the total floor height I got from my hydraulic lift, but any higher and getting the bike onto would really be a hassle, even for me. That said, when paired with my rolling work stool, working on the underside of the bike is still as ergonomic and convenient at this height. Again, the portability and mobility of the folding table (68 lbs) is its shining attribute for someone with my needs, compared to the HF hydraulic lift (300 lbs.)
Apart from my disclaimer, this a great compromise for me in having the much needed floor space in my garage, and being able to work on the bike in an ergonomic position when I need to, thanks to this portable work table.
it can fold away as well.
