How To Use A Motorcycle Jack

Using A Motorcycle Jack or Motorcycle Stand

Whether you call it a jack or a lift, this tool is a must have for any rider. If you happened upon this article looking for the best motorcycle lifts to add to the equipment in your garage, then you’re right where you need to be.

In this article we’ve featured the best motorcycle lift for sale on Amazon, as well as other great jacks for you to pick from if you happen to not agree with our featured item. There’s a type for everyone here, from the simple motorcycle lift tables that use the scissor mechanism to a hydraulic lift for motorcycles. With a variety of alternative choices, you’ll find the motorcycle jack for your ride.

What are Motorcycle Jacks?

Before we get into the top picks for motorcycle jacks, we’d like to talk a bit about what they are and how much they help mechanics when it comes to repairs. You’ve probably seen a lot of jacks in repair shops, and already have an idea on what they’re used for.

However if you don’t and you’re looking to know, motorcycle jacks or lifts – whichever is more local to you – are lift tables designed to bring motorcycles up from the ground, to a level that the mechanic doesn’t have to to put any strain on themselves with doing awkward hunched positions to do repairs on their bike. It’s a painsaver for both your back and your bike.

Additionally, a motorcycle lift can act as a kind of way to showcase your bike. A lot of rustic garage styles use lifts for this purpose, and personally we find it as a genius way of making use of a mundane tool.

Top 10 Best Motorcycle Jacks

Apextreme Motorcycle Jack

(link)

For those looking for a minimalistic yet clean style of garage, the Apextreme’s token design is up your alley. However, don’t let its plain appearance fool you either, this jack can hold up to a 1100 pounds of motorcycle.

With a lift range of 3 inches to nearly 15 inches up from the ground, this jack can also be helpful for even those who are fairly tall. No longer will you have to suffer being hunched down on the ground when changing oils on your motorcycle.

You can also rest easy if you’re worried about the Apextreme buckling under the weight of your motorcycle. With its alloy steel construction, it’ll never warp or bend under the weight of a 300 pound scrambler or a 600 pound supersport motorcycle.

The Apextreme offers some versatility of use since it can hold different motorcycle models, and with its 14 x 9 platform, it can hold up quite a fairly sized motorbike without the worry of it falling off.

Additionally, the alloy steel that was used to construct the jack had a coated finish that makes it oil-resistant, dirt-resistant, and rust-resistant. Meaning the only thing you’re ever going to clean is your bike, and that you don’t have to worry about oil stains or rust. And all of these features come at a fairly affordable price, unlike some other featured motorcycle jacks.

.

Product description
Load Capacity1100lbs / 498kg
Vehicle Service TypeMotorcycle
MaterialAlloy Steel
Dimensions14.6” x 9”

Pros

  • Resistant to oil, grease, and dirt
  • Affordable
  • Solid and durable construction

Cons

  • Limited to only motorcycle models
  • 1100 pound weight capacity

Extreme Max Motorcycle Jack

(link)

The Extreme Max is a motorcycle jack like the Apextreme. Both models use the same scissor mechanism to lift the platform up. However with the Extreme Max, it doesn’t come with the turn handle that the Apextreme has. Instead you have to use a socket or a wrench.

Like the Apextreme though, the Extreme Max can hold up 1100 pounds, and has a maximum height extension of roughly 15 inches, which is also similar to the Apextreme’s own maximum height extension.

The Extreme Max comes with a durable rubber padding layer on its platform. This serves to allow more grip so that your motorcycle will stay on top of it without the worry of it falling. Its alloy steel construction also prevents any warps or bends so long as you don’t exceed its maximum weight capacity.

By far the best feature of the Extreme Max is how affordable it is. It’s a simple and cheap lift.

However the price of it shows. The turn handle not being included in the item itself is the first sign, but the platform for the lift is only 8” x 9” which we personally think is quite alarming. Though it may be small, there is a chance that your motorbike could fall off from the platform.

Product description
Load Capacity1100lbs / 498kg
Vehicle Service TypeMotorcycle
MaterialAlloy Steel
Dimensions9” x 8”

Pros

  • Solid and durable construction
  • Resistant to oil, grease, and dirt
  • Good height extension

Cons

  • Turn handle not included
  • Small platform

Donext Motorcycle Jack

(link)

Tired of red? Well check out the sleek black design of the Donext. This motorcycle lift also operates using the simple scissor mechanism, and has the maximum height extension of roughly 15 inches (14.76). By this point, you should know that this is the standard for height extension for scissor jacks.

What’s not standard about the Donext though is its load capacity which sits at 1200 pounds, a 100 more than the previous two motorcycle lifts. Which is strange considering its lopsided design that favors the scissor mechanism to be more into the left side rather than being centered. This is no cause for concern though as the solid steel construction of the lift will ensure that it won’t bend or buckle under the weight on your motorcycle.

One of the best features of the Donext is its weight capacity, which allows it to hold heavy street bikes. Outside of that, the Donext motorcycle lift is able to comfortably hold any kind of motorcycle with its 14” x 9” platform. In addition, the Donext also has a rubber padding cover for its platform which – like with any good motorcycle jack – gives it grip to keep the bike in place.

Product description
Load Capacity1200lbs / 544kg
Vehicle Service TypeMotorcycle
MaterialSteel
Dimensions14.57” x 9.06”

Pros

  • 1200 pound weight capacity
  • Wide platform
  • Solid and durable design

Cons

  • Lopsided design that can platform to tilt
  • Limited to only motorcycle models

VIVOHOME Steel Hydraulic Motorcycle Jack

(link)

The VIVOHOME is a motorcycle lift that operates using hydraulics instead of the scissor mechanism. Because of this, it’s a lot pricier than other jacks but that’s to be expected with a lot of hydraulic-powered lifts. In terms of load capacity, the VIVOHOME can hold up to an impressive 1500 pounds. This allows it to lift even four-wheeled vehicles like ATVs, making it a good choice for those with an assortment of vehicles outside of motorcycles.

The greatest advantage that the VIVOHOME has is its multipurpose use, but other than that it has a fairly secure platform to hold your vehicle. With its non-slip pad, you’ve got nothing to worry about your prized bike falling off. Of course, it being a hydraulic-powered lift means you no longer have to toil away by turning a socket to lift the platform. Lastly, the VIVOHOME comes with wheels, making it sort of like a dolly that lets you move it around your garage with or without your bike on the platform.

The only unfortunate part about the VIVOHOME is its design. It’s not ideal for smaller garages since it’s a pretty big piece of equipment. 

Product description
Load Capacity1500lbs / 680kg
Vehicle Service TypeMotorcycles & ATVs
MaterialAlloy Steel
Dimensions14” x 12.5”

Pros

  • 1500 pound weight capacity
  • Wide platform
  • Multipurpose

Cons

  • Awkward and large design
  • Pricey

BIG RED Torin Hydraulic Powersports Jack

(link)

The answer to your heavy lifting needs, the Torin hydraulic jack is a powerful equipment that’s able to hold a whooping 5000 pounds. So regardless if you’re using this on your ATV or UTV, you’ll be happy to know that it can hold them up without a problem. Of course it can be used on motorcycles. In fact, with a maximum height extension of 16 inches, you’ll be comfortably working under your bike without having to break your back with a hunched or crouched position.

With wheels fitted into the base of its frame, the Torin is able to act like a dolly as well, allowing you to move it around with ease. Additionally, it has a fairly low design which lets it be tucked under things like tables or workstations.

The Torin hydraulic jack is a fairly expensive piece of equipment as to be expected, and it’s also fairly heavy like with most hydraulic-powered jacks.

Product description
Load Capacity5,000lbs / 2267kg
Vehicle Service TypeMotorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs
MaterialAlloy Steel
Dimensions36.6” x 5.2”

Pros

  • Multipurpose
  • Easy to store
  • 5000 pound weight capacity

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Platform has a chance of being uneven

Orion Motor Tech Motorcycle Jack

(link)

The Orion Motor Tech is a simple motorcycle scissor jack. With a load capacity of 1100 pounds, it meets the average weight capacity of standard motorcycle jacks. Similar to the Donext, the scissor mechanism of the Orion Motor Tech is on the right end rather than being centered. It has a platform of about 9 x 15, which is fairly wide. It also has a non-slip rubber deck that will secure the position of your bike, while also cushioning it to avoid any kind of warping on your motorcycle while it rested on the platform.

The Orion Motor Tech, like with a lot of the scissor jacks on this list, has a great and collapsable design that lets you tuck it under things. It’s also a lot easier to maintain than hydraulic lifts, and takes up less space in your garage. Plus, this item in particular has a pair of non-slip gloves that comes along with its purchase. 

One thing to note though is the maximum height extension of the Orion Motor Tech, which is 13.8 inches. It’s fine, but not ideal.

Product description
Load Capacity1100lbs / 498kg
Vehicle Service TypeMotorcycle
MaterialAlloy Steel
Dimensions9.8” x 15.8”

Pros

  • Solid and durable design
  • Affordable
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Small platform
  • 1100 pound weight capacity

STKUSA Stark Motorcycle Jack

(link)

Looking for a scissor jack with the same dolly feature that a lot of hydraulic powered lifts have? Well look no further than in the STKUSA Stark Motorcycle Jack. The Stark is a durable and stable motorcycle lift made with industry-grade heavy-duty steel to prevent warping or bending of any sort. Additionally, the material is resistant to oil, grease, and dirt, making it a great jack for all motorcycle types. It also has a height extension of 16 inches that can go even further, at a maximum of 18 inches. The platform of the Stark motorcycle jack has a width of 5.1 inches and a length of 17.6, which is the average when it comes to motorcycle scissor jacks

The Stark motorcycle jack is also fairly cheap despite offering the same features as standard motorcycle jacks, with the addition of its dolly wheels that lets you move it around with or without your bike resting on its platform.

A couple of things to consider though is that the Stark needs to be oiled and greased first before using. Lastly, although it can extend up to 18 inches in height, it starts to become wobbly and unstable, so it’s best to keep the platform fairly low at around 6-12 inches.

Product description
Load Capacity1000lbs / 453kg
Vehicle Service TypeMotorcycle
MaterialSteel
Dimensions17.6” x 5.1”

Pros

  • Steel construction
  • Dolly wheels for easy moving
  • Solid platform with non-slip rubber pads

Cons

  • Starts to become wobbly on higher extensions
  • Maximum load capacity is only 1000 pounds

Performance Tool Hydraulic Multi-purpose Jack

(link)

The Performance Tool is another contender for being the best choice for a hydraulic-powered jack. With a maximum weight capacity of 1500 pounds, the Performance Tool lives up to its title of being a multi-purpose hydraulic-powered jack. It’s able to lift motorcycles, ATVs, and even snowmobiles – making it the perfect choice for those who have more than just motorcycles in their garage.

And with a maximum height extension of 16 inches, you’ll be able to comfortably work on your motorcycle while saving your back from the pain of crouching down. As for your motorcycle, you’ll be relieved to know that the platform of the Performance Tool has a length of 10 inches and a width of 5 inches with a non-slip rubber mat on the top to avoid your motorcycle from slipping off. It also protects your bike from warping or bending as it rests on top of the steel platform.

One thing to point out about the Performance tool though is its frame. Although durable and stable, it is fairly tall and long, which can be a struggle to put away when you’re not using it.

Product description
Load Capacity1500lbs / 680kg
Vehicle Service TypeMotorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile
MaterialAlloy Steel
Dimensions10” x 5”

Pros

  • Durable and stable frame
  • 1500 load capacity
  • Multipurpose

Cons

  • Awkward and large design
  • Pricey

JFG RACING Dirt Bike Motorcycle Jack

(link)

A hydraulic-powered jack that won’t take up as much space as your own bike! The motorcycle jack from JFG is a small piece of equipment with a surprisingly powerful push. With its size and specialization, it’s understandable that its load capacity is fairly light, after all the only thing that did improve was the hydraulic mechanism that assists you in lifting your bike up from the ground.

The JFG RACING Motorcycle lift, just by its name, can only be used on dirt bikes or sports bikes, whichever is more local to you. This explains its solid and durable construction. Its metal pallet ensures that your dirt bike will be rested evenly on it, and the rubber contact surface will help avoid scratches on your machine.

With a height extension of 9.92 inches to 18.11 inches, the JFG RACING Motorcycle lift is really a jack that’s suited for dirt bikes which are known to be tall due to their suspension and wheels.

Product description
Load Capacity330lbs / 150kg
Vehicle Service TypeDirt bike
MaterialSteel
Dimensions11” x 6.9”

Pros

  • Suited for dirt bikes
  • Solid and durable construction
  • Compact design

Cons

  • Limited to dirt bikes
  • Platform needs to be fully turned to be effective on dirt bikes

JFG RACING Dx Dirt Bike Motorcycle Lift

(link)

The Dx Dirt Bike Motorcycle lift is another product from JFG RACING. Like its previous model, the Dx motorcycle lift is a specialized jack that can only handle dirt bikes. Because of this, its load capacity is only 350 pounds – which is 20 pounds more than the previous model from JFG. What isn’t an improvement though is its height extension, which at first is 11.4 inches but can then extend up to 15.9 inches. But what it loses in height, it gains in stability. This means you won’t experience any wobbling while you’re working on your dirt bike’s tires or changing its oils.

It’s stability is only improved further by the material it’s constructed from. Just like the previous model, it uses solid steel for its plate and frame – with patterned rubber padding as its contact surface.

Outside of its platform’s unique H-shape, the other difference that the Dx motorcycle jack has from the previous JFG model is that it operates on a simple foot pedal mechanism.

Product description
Load Capacity350lbs / 158kg
Vehicle Service TypeDirt bike
MaterialSteel
Dimensions11.4” x 6.9”

Pros

  • Good for dirt bikes
  • Solid and durable design
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Limited to dirt bikes
  • Uses a foot pedal mechanism instead of a scissor jack or hydraulic-powered mechanism

Buying Guide

Pricing

When it comes to choosing the right motorcycle jack for yourself, it’s best to pick one that’s at least $60 to $90 dollars for a motorcycle scissor jack. For larger lifts that are hydraulic-powered, you should expect to at least spend $150 for a good hydraulic-powered jack.

Material

Anything that is made from alloy steel or solid steel is good in our books. Since it ensures that the jack won’t warp or bend under the weight of your ride.

Height extension

For all motorcycle models, you should look for a jack that can extend at least 15 inches, but ideally you would want something that can go up to 18 inches.

FAQs

Can you use a motorcycle jack as a stand?

Motorcycle jacks are actually the better alternative to stands, as you’re able to work on your machine at an alleviated height rather than on the ground.

Do you have to oil your motorcycle jack everyday?

You don’t! You can just oil it every other day. But you do have to clean it once and awhile, especially after a dirty job.

What’s the best type of motorcycle jack?

It’s up to your preference. Some pick scissor jacks since it’s easy to maintain and easier to use. Others prefer hydraulic-powered ones since they have more than just motorcycles in their garage.

Conclusion

All in all, a motorcycle jack is a necessary piece of equipment that one should have in their own garage. It’ll save your back from a lot of pain as you no longer have to work crouching down just to change oils. Our top choice for the best motorcycle jack by the way is the Apextreme motorcycle jack for its reliability and affordability.

Leave a Comment