Motorcycle Lifts & Stands

About Motorcycle Lifts & Stands

Motorcycle lifts and stands are essential workshop equipment designed to elevate motorcycles, ATVs, and small machinery to a comfortable working height, making maintenance, repairs, and servicing significantly easier and safer. Whether you're a professional motorcycle mechanic, mobile technician, or dedicated DIY enthusiast, the right lifting equipment transforms awkward tasks like chain maintenance, wheel removal, oil changes, and tyre fitting into straightforward jobs without straining your back or struggling to access hard-to-reach components.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range including hydraulic motorcycle lifts for smooth, controlled elevation, scissor stands for stable mid-height positioning, paddock stands for wheel-off servicing, and pneumatic lifts for rapid height adjustment. With leading brands like Sealey and Draper represented across 36 different models, you'll find lifting solutions suitable for everything from lightweight commuter bikes to heavy touring motorcycles and ATVs. Many lifts feature adjustable wheel chocks, integrated tie-down points, and robust steel construction to keep your machine secure throughout maintenance work.

Applications

• Professional motorcycle mechanics in dealerships, independent workshops, and MOT testing stations
• Mobile motorcycle servicing technicians requiring portable 12V electric lifts for customer visits
• Motorcycle restoration specialists undertaking comprehensive rebuilds and custom projects
• Racing teams and track day organisers needing quick, reliable access for adjustments
• ATV and quad bike dealers servicing agricultural and recreational all-terrain vehicles
• Fleet maintenance engineers responsible for courier companies and training schools
• DIY motorcycle enthusiasts performing their own maintenance, upgrades, and winter preparation
• Garden machinery servicing businesses as many lifts accommodate ride-on mowers and small tractors

Choosing The Right Motorcycle Lifts & Stands

Weight capacity: Calculate your motorcycle's wet weight (including fluids and accessories) and select a lift with capacity at least 50kg above this figure. Most lifts at MyToolShed.co.uk range from 300kg to 680kg capacity, accommodating everything from standard bikes to heavy touring motorcycles and ATVs.

Lifting mechanism: Hydraulic foot-pump lifts require no power source, ideal for home garages. Pneumatic air-hydraulic models offer faster operation for busy workshops with compressed air available. Electric 12V lifts are perfect for mobile mechanics working from vans without access to mains electricity.

Platform dimensions and lift height: Ensure the platform accommodates your motorcycle's wheelbase comfortably with adjustable wheel chocks for different tyre sizes. Maximum lift heights typically between 700mm and 1000mm allow comfortable working without excessive bending.

Stand type for specific tasks: Paddock stands (front and rear) are essential for wheel removal and chain maintenance. Central hydraulic lifts provide better access for engine work and oil changes. Consider folding designs if storage space is limited.

Safety Information

Never exceed the manufacturer's stated maximum load capacity. Always centre the motorcycle on the lift platform with wheels correctly located in chocks before elevating. Operate lifts only on level, solid concrete floors – never on uneven or sloped surfaces. Lower motorcycles slowly using release valves, keeping hands and feet clear of moving parts. Regularly inspect hydraulic systems for leaks or damage, and never work beneath a motorcycle supported solely by hydraulic pressure without mechanical locks engaged. Always wear steel toe-capped safety boots when operating motorcycle lifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight capacity do I need for my motorcycle lift?

Check your motorcycle handbook for wet weight and add at least 50kg safety margin. Most standard motorcycles up to 750cc require 350-400kg capacity lifts, whilst large touring bikes, adventure motorcycles, and ATVs typically need 450-500kg capacity models.

What's the difference between hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric motorcycle lifts?

Hydraulic lifts use foot-operated pumps requiring no external power – ideal for home garages. Pneumatic lifts connect to workshop air compressors for faster operation suited to commercial environments. Electric 12V lifts run from vehicle batteries, making them perfect for mobile mechanics working off-site.

Do I need both front and rear paddock stands?

A rear paddock stand alone allows chain maintenance and rear wheel removal. Adding a front stand enables complete wheel removal for tyre changes and fork servicing. Many mechanics start with a rear stand and add a front stand later as both provide maximum stability for comprehensive maintenance work.