Can a bike lift be used to store a bike instead of stands?

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shadowryder
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Can a bike lift be used to store a bike instead of stands?

#1 Unread post by shadowryder »

I'd like to know if a bike lift can be used not only to lift a bike, but to keep it in the air without jack stands during a bikes time in storage. Or do I use a lift to jack up the bike and slip jack stands underneath the bike for storage?

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Re: Can a bike lift be used to store a bike instead of stand

#2 Unread post by gerjets »

Sure, but it needs to be a solid lift (one you can walk away from without fear of someone knocking it over). I have a Pitbull manual lift I use to raise my HD Heritage Softail.

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Re: Can a bike lift be used to store a bike instead of stand

#3 Unread post by jstark47 »

I have one of the inexpensive Sears lifts. Sometimes if I don't the get valve closed all the way it leaks a little air out of the cylinder and starts to lose height, a millimeter at a time. I wouldn't trust it to keep a bike in the air for several months.

Could you just put the bike somewhere where you could roll it a bit every few weeks? You don't have to roll it far, you're just trying to avoid flat spots on the tires.
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Re: Can a bike lift be used to store a bike instead of stand

#4 Unread post by agraebner »

General rule of thumb is hydraulics are for lifting NOT holding. Just like you lift a car with a jack but leave it on stands.... With the cost of any hydraulic lift I wouldn't leave it holding the bike as it will damage the lift sooner or later and when it does possibly drop your bike.
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Re: Can a bike lift be used to store a bike instead of stand

#5 Unread post by Wrider »

For what it's worth the hydraulic ones usually do have a locking mechanism on it so that the jack cannot physically lower. I'd trust that without a problem.
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Re: Can a bike lift be used to store a bike instead of stand

#6 Unread post by agraebner »

Right on Wrider, a lift with mechanical locks is fine just not some of the hydraulic only types.
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Re: Can a bike lift be used to store a bike instead of stand

#7 Unread post by gerjets »

Should have mentioned it earlier. My Pitbull lift has a locking mechanism. No issues lifting and leaving it up to date.

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