Triumphrat

Pict · 06-13-2006

Hi - I am thinking of buying a bike lift for my Thruxton; there seem to be three main makes in the UK:-

Sealey MC480
Americana / Americana II
Clarke (Machine Mart) CMC02

Has anyone any experience or recommendations of any of these?

Concerns are that the way the sidestand sits 'in' the frame tube you only have around 300mm frame length to lift - do any of them actually fit? Also can the oil filter/drain plug be removed while on the stand or are parts of the stand in the way? How stable are they in use (how stable is the bike on the lift, will it just fall over as the frame rails are not that far apart?

BTW Hi to everyone from the sunny east coast of Scotland! This is my first ever post!

Cheers

Lindsay

lancashirelad · 06-13-2006

Welcome to the site.
I bought a ARE bench when I had a Tiger, I went for the smaller lift after assurances from an ARE rep at a bike show that the Tiger would fit, after it was delivered I put the Tiger on & the centrestand was only just on the bench, which was no good, ARE took it back, & I never got round to getting another. I would therefore go for the bigger version, use a strap to tie the bike down, use a paddockstand, I wouldn't feel safe with the bike on a side stand. Try www.easy-lifts.com & go for the large one.

Pict · 06-14-2006

Cheers Lancashire Lad,

It sounds like you are describing the bench type lift..? The ones I am considering are the quad/ATV/bike type as none of my paddock stands clear the exhausts on the Thruxton and I don't have a centre stand.

lancashirelad · 06-14-2006

Ooops trust me to get the wrong end of the stick!!
Have you considered www.bikelift.com?
Or maybe an ABBA stand??

Wychall · 06-21-2006

Pict.
Sorry for delayed reply.
I use the Americana for my Thunderbird and praise the day that I bought it. It copes easily with the weight of the 'Bird and remains totally stable, even on full lift (some 16"). My garage floor is far from level yet I manage to move the bike around no trouble. I have even started using it every time I park as it allows me to move the bike close to the wall away from likely harm.

I would even recommend the team that relieved me of £75.00 for it! www.bikerpartsdirect.com

Brian.

[ This message was edited by: Wychall on 2006-06-22 11:23 ]