Is it useful ?

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
I'm getting old and my back is not as supple as it was.
So my wife tells me that instead of leaning I could put things at my height...
How could I lift the R65 to work on it ?
A bike lift is nearly out of the equation not only because of the price but also by lack of room for it in the garage.
So I've seen the device shown in the picture.
But I wonder if it will hold the bike steady if I remove one wheel ? I fear that the bike could trip over and fall...
Another question is how and where it will support the bike ? On the frame ?  On the oil pan ? Will I have to modify it to make it work with the R65 ?
As someone here may have such device and use it I like to get some advice before buying it...
Thanks for your help (and/or pictures) !

[Justin B.]

I think some mods need to be made to this style in order to lift a Beemer.  I think I've seen attachments that have 4 "forks" that line up with the lower frame tubes, or something.  I never could decide on which was best so I got one of the HF lifts on sale...

[nhmaf]

That looks like the one that I have (bought at a Sears store here in NH)   It will hold up the R65 OK, but I did insert a piece of board between it and the bike as I raised it up from the left side to get it to balance well on the frame rails/engine mount area.  

It is good to follow the recommendation to strap the bike down to the stand to prevent it from tipping off easily, though the lift is pretty stable.  I'd also lower the bike to the lowest possible height if I had to move the bike while it was on the stand.

[steven m]

I'd consider building a ramp and platform if you are going to have it up for any length of time.  Make it in two sections so you can move the ramp once the bike is on the platform.

Just my two cents.

Good luck

Steve

[georgesgiralt]

Nhmaf,
Do you, by any chance have a couple of pictures of the tool lifting a beemer and of the wood piece ?
I'm not convinced  [smiley=dankk2.gif]

[Matt Chapter]

I saw something very similar to this recently.. the guy had made plans available but never told me how / where.  It's simple enough to understand... the "wings" slide in, and the ramp does too.

http://www.lonestarbmwriders.org/2008/2008workstand.shtml

[georgesgiralt]

Matt,
Interesting link, and nice idea.
Alas, my problem is not only money but room in the garage. so this one is out of the equation. (the classic hydraulic lift could eventually fit if I park the bike on it every time I put her in the garage)

[marcmax]

George. I have one of these and use it regularly. I have never tried to move it with a bike lifted but have never felt a danger of it tipping while I had one in the air working on it. All I have ever done is place a small length of wood along the frame rails so that the oil pan is not resting on the lifting points. I do have ratcheting tie down straps but have never felt the need to use them.

[nhmaf]

George -

I've look on my computer for images of my bike on the lift, but can't find any.   Though, the bike was safely perched upon the lift at one time for about 2 months.   It looks very similar to Marcmax's anyhow.

[marcmax]

Also, one of the nice things about it (at least mine) the handle is attached with a socket and pin arrangement. When finished I collapse the lift, take off the handle and it slides under my workbench, out of the way.

[Justin B.]

Here's plans for a ramp/work table made out of plywood.  Can't remember who sent it to me...

[georgesgiralt]

Thanks you all for your answers !
All of these devices look very similar; (even in colour). So either the Chinese share a common design or they come out of the same Chinese plant...
I am attracted by the plywood stand, alas I can't store it in the garage. On the other hand, I can store the hydraulic lift under the workbench saving premium space for both motorcycles... Thanks for this wonderful idea !  (sometimes, I need to put the car in the garage for oil change or minor repair, so getting the bikes out is enough trouble. If I have to empty the garage before attempting work on the car, I will get a little upset by this rolling couch...)
I will try to see one in my neighbourhood before buying.
Thanks again !

[Justin B.]

We have a HF lift and a bike is always parked on it so it technically doesn't take up any room...