Should you store your motorcycle on a lift?

Owning a motorcycle can be an amazing experience. The freedom of the open road, the exhilaration of speed, and the pure joy of riding are just some of the reasons people love their bikes. However, proper storage and protection of your motorcycle is crucial to keeping it in peak condition. One popular storage option is storing your bike on a motorcycle lift. But should you use a motorcycle lift for storage?

What are the benefits of storing your motorcycle on a lift?

There are several potential benefits to using a motorcycle lift for storage:

• Gets your bike off the ground – Storing your bike on a lift raises it off the floor, protecting it from any water or moisture damage.
• More space efficiency – Lifts allow you to store the bike vertically, saving floor space in your garage.
• Easier access – You don’t have to bend down or strain to get to parts of the bike when it’s lifted and at waist height.
• Prevents flat spots on tires – With the tires not touching the ground for months on end, you avoid getting flat spots on the rubbers.
• Added security – Some lifts allow you to lock or secure the bike, adding a level of protection against theft.
• Easier maintenance – Oil changes, chain lubrication, and other maintenance tasks become easier with the bike at lift height.

The vertical storage and protection from elements are two of the biggest advantages of using a motorcycle lift over floor storage. For many owners, the added convenience and security are major selling points as well.

What types of motorcycle lifts are available?

If you decide to store your bike on a lift, there are several types available to choose from:

• scissor lifts – These use a scissor mechanism to raise and lower the bike platform.
• bottle jack lifts – A bottle jack pushes against the floor to raise the platform.
• hydraulic cylinder lifts – Use hydraulic power to raise and lower the platform.
• low rise lifts – Lower profile lifts that raise the bike just a few inches off the ground.
• overhead lifts – Lifts that suspended the bike from ceiling mounts for maximum space savings.

Scissor and bottle jack lifts are usually the most affordable options. Hydraulic cylinder models are higher end. The type of motorcycle lift best suited for you depends on your budget, space constraints, and how high off the ground you want to store your bike.

What are the downsides to storing a motorcycle on a lift?

Despite the many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider with bike lifts:

• Cost – Lifts range from $100 on the low end to over $1000 for premium models, so they represent an added cost.
• Space requirements – They take up more floor space than simply leaning a bike against the wall.
• Risk of cracks in tires – If stored long-term, cracks in the sidewalls are possible.
• Possibility of leaks – Fluids could leak out of the engine and drivetrain onto the floor over time.
• Need for tie downs – You need to properly secure the bike to prevent tipping or falling.
• Difficulty accessing some areas – Reaching the underside or front wheel area can be tricky with the bike lifted.

The space requirements and costs are often the biggest deterrents for bikers. The risk of fluid leaks or tire cracks over months of storage is also a concerning disadvantage of lifts.

How much weight can motorcycle lifts support?

An important factor to consider is the weight capacity of any motorcycle lift you purchase. You want to make sure it can fully support the weight of your bike model, plus any accessories or cargo you attach.

Here are some typical weight capacities for various types of motorcycle lifts:

Lift Type	Typical Capacity
Scissor Lift	1,000 lbs or less
Bottle Jack Lift	500 – 1,500 lbs
Low Rise Lift	250 – 1,000 lbs
Hydraulic Cylinder Lift	1,500 – 3,000 lbs
Ceiling-Mounted Lift	400 – 1,000 lbs

The heavier cylinder and ceiling-mounted lifts can accommodate large touring bikes, trikes, and small cruisers. Scissor lifts work well for lighter street bikes. Always check your motorcycle’s gross weight and the lift’s weight rating before purchasing.

Should you turn a motorcycle lift on and off periodically?

For long-term motorcycle storage, one recommendation is to periodically raise and lower the lift – such as every 1-2 months. This puts a temporary load on the suspension components and gets fluid circulating to prevent seals and hoses from drying out.

Other tips include:

• Turn handlebars from side to side to prevent steering stem bearings from seizing.
• Roll the bike forward and back to circulate the transmission fluids.
• Lubricate the drive chain if the wheels turn.

Periodically activating your motorcycle’s moving components can help prevent damage during months of inactivity on the lift.

How to maintain a motorcycle stored on a lift

If storing your motorcycle long-term on a lift, keep these maintenance tips in mind:

• Use a motorcycle cover – Covers protect from dust and prevent fading.
• Keep tires out of direct sunlight – UV rays can cause tire cracks and damage.
• Ensure fluids are topped off – Prevent gas tanks and reservoirs from drying out.
• Use fuel stabilizer – Stabilizers prevent fuel from getting stale and gumming up.
• Disconnect battery – Remove battery and store indoors, on a tender.
• Lubricate drive chain – Keep chain from rusting if wheels turn freely on lift.

With periodic checks and proper care, you can keep a bike in good shape for the duration of lift storage. It’s smart to prep your motorcycle well prior to any long-term storage situation.

Other motorcycle storage alternatives

While lifts provide many benefits, other options exist for storing a motorcycle as well. Here are a few other approaches to consider:

• Outdoor motorcycle covers – Waterproof, breathable outdoor covers protect when storing outside.
• Indoor storage – Storing inside a garage can be very convenient and prevent weather damage.
• Leaning against a wall – The most space efficient option, but higher risk of tire flat spots and falling over.
• Renting storage units – Lockable storage units offer security and protection from the elements.
• Motorcycle dollies – Allows you to wheel a bike into a space and store compactly.

Every situation is unique, so assess your own constraints, risks, and budget to choose the best solution. Many bikers ultimately rely on a combination of lifts, indoor space, and outdoor covers to get the ideal setup.

Conclusion

Motorcycle lifts offer clear benefits when it comes to conveniently storing a bike vertically, saving space and protecting from moisture. However, the costs, risks of damage, and space requirements mean lifts might not make sense for everyone’s needs. With proper prep and periodic maintenance though, a quality motorcycle lift can be an excellent long-term storage solution.

Carefully consider your budget, features needed, storage duration and maintenance plans when deciding if purchasing a motorcycle lift is the right choice for your bike.