ARE YOU READY TO GET OFF YOUR HANDS AND KNEES WHILE SAVING YOUR BACK AND WALLET?
I’ve had the luxury of using a motorcycle lift for over 15 years so I can attest that they are a fantastic tool to have at your disposal - no bending over, no working on your hands and knees, and no need to jerry-rig the bike to keep it upright.
Despite all the work I’ve done on motorcycles and dirt bikes, I’ve never owned a commercial-grade lift because they have been prohibitively expensive. So instead, I’ve fabricated my own. Even my own creations up until this point were not always cheap or easy to make, but they got the job done.
For the last couple of years, I’ve spent a lot of time brainstorming ways to make a fully functional yet affordable DIY motorcycle lift that everyone can build. Finally, after lots of CAD modeling, several prototype builds, multiple design changes, and countless hours working through ideas to improve the design and reduce the build cost - I’m excited to share my design with you!
Despite all the work I’ve done on motorcycles and dirt bikes, I’ve never owned a commercial-grade lift because they have been prohibitively expensive. So instead, I’ve fabricated my own. Even my own creations up until this point were not always cheap or easy to make, but they got the job done.
For the last couple of years, I’ve spent a lot of time brainstorming ways to make a fully functional yet affordable DIY motorcycle lift that everyone can build. Finally, after lots of CAD modeling, several prototype builds, multiple design changes, and countless hours working through ideas to improve the design and reduce the build cost - I’m excited to share my design with you!
I set high standards for the DIY motorcycle lift so it is as functional as a commercial-grade unit but at a fraction of the cost. Check out the features below!
24" and 30" DIY Motorcycle Lift features & Specs
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First and foremost, safety was a primary design consideration for the DIY motorcycle lift. I selected scissor-style jacks that use jack screws to raise or lower them. The beautiful thing about jack screws is that they are inherently self-locking, meaning the jack and lift have no tendency to unexpectedly collapse. Likewise, the tire clamp will not suddenly release. The lift features a fully functional tire clamp to keep your bike secure while working on it and you can equip it with two different lifting jacks depending on your needs.
Second, the lift is constructed from commonly available materials - primarily construction lumber, scissor jacks, plastic bushings, and readily available hardware. The build plans feature a complete bill of material so you can do your shopping line-by-line and easily mark off what you’ve purchased.
Third, the DIY motorcycle lift is robust and durable. After weight testing, the lift can raise up to 520lbs with the 24" Jack and 470lbs with the 30" Jack - plenty of strength to bear the weight of your dirt bikes or road bikes. In addition, the lift top is replaceable so that in the event you damage it, it can easily be swapped out with a new one. To top it off, the lift plans also include a ramp to quickly get your bike positioned.
Second, the lift is constructed from commonly available materials - primarily construction lumber, scissor jacks, plastic bushings, and readily available hardware. The build plans feature a complete bill of material so you can do your shopping line-by-line and easily mark off what you’ve purchased.
Third, the DIY motorcycle lift is robust and durable. After weight testing, the lift can raise up to 520lbs with the 24" Jack and 470lbs with the 30" Jack - plenty of strength to bear the weight of your dirt bikes or road bikes. In addition, the lift top is replaceable so that in the event you damage it, it can easily be swapped out with a new one. To top it off, the lift plans also include a ramp to quickly get your bike positioned.
join fellow riders who have built the lift and gotten off the ground
"What I like most about the design is that the wheel clamp allows for access to the bike without working around tie downs. I am a woodworker and had no issues with the build but I know that accurate hole placement is the most important part of the project. If the builder can make the holes exactly where you indicate, the geometry will be right at the end. I have to use a ratchet handle to start the lift when it's loaded as my drills don't have the power, not a big deal at all." |
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READY TO GET STARTED?
PURCHASE THE DIY MOTORCYCLE LIFT BUILD PLANS
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The build plans are downloadable, printable, and come with all the information needed to build your lift.
Once purchased, the PDF and video will be immediately emailed to you, where you can view them on your device or print them off.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I build the DIY motorcycle lift?
A: These plans provide people an option who want a modern motorcycle lift at a fraction of the cost and feature better build quality and/or functionality than commercial options.
Q: Who should build the DIY motorcycle lift?
A: People with moderate experience operating power tools and following directions.
Q: What are the most important aspects of the build?
A: Following directions, straight lumber, accurate measurements, accurate cuts, precise drilled holes, and attention to detail.
Q: How much does it cost to build?
A: The prototype featured costed around $350.00 to build. Cost is highly dependent on market conditions. A good budgetary range is $325 - $425 while lumber prices remain high. We used premium 2x4s that cost $9 each in our build.
Q: What do the build plans include?
A: These plans provide people an option who want a modern motorcycle lift at a fraction of the cost and feature better build quality and/or functionality than commercial options.
Q: Who should build the DIY motorcycle lift?
A: People with moderate experience operating power tools and following directions.
Q: What are the most important aspects of the build?
A: Following directions, straight lumber, accurate measurements, accurate cuts, precise drilled holes, and attention to detail.
Q: How much does it cost to build?
A: The prototype featured costed around $350.00 to build. Cost is highly dependent on market conditions. A good budgetary range is $325 - $425 while lumber prices remain high. We used premium 2x4s that cost $9 each in our build.
Q: What do the build plans include?
A: The build plans are instantly downloadable, interactive, and printable right from your computer or device. The plans include pages of step-by-step instructions, extensive example photos, and all the detailed drawings you need to make construction as streamlined as possible. The build plans themselves are laid out in a way that maximizes efficiency, reduces saw setups, and values your time. Detailed cut lists and layout diagrams are provided so that you’re not left wondering what board to cut or if you’re wasting material.
DISCLAIMER: Some links below may be affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you; if you purchase products from these links, we will earn a small commission.
Q: What scissor jacks should I buy?
A: The scissor jacks linked below are the ones we recommend. We have tried other manufacturers but have found these to work the best due to their higher quality. Q: Where should I buy materials?
A: Most home improvement stores such as Menards, Home Depot, and Lowes will have everything you need. Bushing and slider materials can be purchased online from McMaster-Carr (direct links included in the plans).
Q: What tools do I need to build the lift?
A: First and foremost, I designed the motorcycle lift so that it could be built with minimal tools. The main ones you’ll need are a miter saw, drill press, circular saw or table saw, and drill.
To make matters simple here’s a complete list of the tools you'll need with clickable links to shop so that you can plan accordingly:
DISCLAIMER: Some links below may be affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you; if you purchase products from these links, we will earn a small commission.
Q: What scissor jacks should I buy?
A: The scissor jacks linked below are the ones we recommend. We have tried other manufacturers but have found these to work the best due to their higher quality. Q: Where should I buy materials?
A: Most home improvement stores such as Menards, Home Depot, and Lowes will have everything you need. Bushing and slider materials can be purchased online from McMaster-Carr (direct links included in the plans).
Q: What tools do I need to build the lift?
A: First and foremost, I designed the motorcycle lift so that it could be built with minimal tools. The main ones you’ll need are a miter saw, drill press, circular saw or table saw, and drill.
To make matters simple here’s a complete list of the tools you'll need with clickable links to shop so that you can plan accordingly:
Power Tools |
Notes/Usage Info |
Does not need to slide or cut bevels. |
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Benchtop unit okay. Used to accurately drill holes. |
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Used to reduce size of 2x8 sheet, notch, and rip a small number of parts to size. Table saw is an alternative option. |
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General assembly |
Hand Tools |
Notes/Usage Info |
10' Minimum |
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24" Minimum |
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2 Required |
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Notch cleanup |
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Consumables |
Notes/Usage Info |
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1 1/8" - spade bit okay |
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Verify with fasteners purchased |
Q: What is the maximum lifting capacity, table capacity, and weakest link with respect to lifting?
A: The torque output of the cordless drill you use will dictate how much weight you can lift. Please refer to the lift specs to see how much our 24” and 30” scissor jack equipped lifts can lift. During testing our lift had over 850lbs on the table to validate the design, however, this is not the maximum table capacity nor do we guarantee your lift will be capable of supporting any specific weight. Build quality, lumber grade, and lumber imperfections can all have an impact on how much weight the lift can hold. We recommend conducting your own load tests to validate your build.
Q: How long does the DIY motorcycle lift take to build?
A: Build time varies based on experience. A good time estimate to plan for is 15 - 20hrs.
Q: Is there a build video?
A: Yes, an 11-minute HD time lapsed build video is included with the build plans.
Q: Can I add wheels to the lift?
A: Yes. Any wheels installed on the lift need to be retractable. Never move the lift when it is extended with a load on it. The jack mount must be in contact with the floor when lifting loads.
Q: Do I have to build the lift perfectly in order for it to work?
A: No. Even if you built the lift perfectly, variations in the lumber will always cause it to be imperfect. The design accounts for slight variations in lumber and construction so that the lift still functions as intended.
Q: Will the lift need to be adjusted periodically?
A: Once you complete the lift you should check all of the bolts once a week for the first two weeks and then periodically after that. The lumber will stabilize to your environment which may necessitate the adjustments. If you keep your lift in an environment where temperature or humidity levels change drastically or construct the lift using excessively wet or dry lumber (not recommended) then more frequent adjustments may be required.
Q: Can the lift unexpectedly collapse? Are there locks or safety features?
A: The mechanical mechanism that raises the lift is a scissor jack. Scissor jacks use jack screws to extend and collapse their scissors. Jack screws are inherently self-locking by design and as a result the lift has no means of collapsing.
Q: If the plans are updated after I purchase, will I receive the updates?
A: Yes, updates will be provided to purchasers.
Q: What should I do if I don’t understand part of the instructions?
A: Please reread and review all instructions, drawings, and videos. If you still need help please send an email to: [email protected]. Response time is typically within three business days.
Q: Can I modify the plans?
A: Sure, modifications you perform are your responsibility. Please don’t enquire with us asking for guidance in regards to modifications you wish to make.
A: The torque output of the cordless drill you use will dictate how much weight you can lift. Please refer to the lift specs to see how much our 24” and 30” scissor jack equipped lifts can lift. During testing our lift had over 850lbs on the table to validate the design, however, this is not the maximum table capacity nor do we guarantee your lift will be capable of supporting any specific weight. Build quality, lumber grade, and lumber imperfections can all have an impact on how much weight the lift can hold. We recommend conducting your own load tests to validate your build.
Q: How long does the DIY motorcycle lift take to build?
A: Build time varies based on experience. A good time estimate to plan for is 15 - 20hrs.
Q: Is there a build video?
A: Yes, an 11-minute HD time lapsed build video is included with the build plans.
Q: Can I add wheels to the lift?
A: Yes. Any wheels installed on the lift need to be retractable. Never move the lift when it is extended with a load on it. The jack mount must be in contact with the floor when lifting loads.
Q: Do I have to build the lift perfectly in order for it to work?
A: No. Even if you built the lift perfectly, variations in the lumber will always cause it to be imperfect. The design accounts for slight variations in lumber and construction so that the lift still functions as intended.
Q: Will the lift need to be adjusted periodically?
A: Once you complete the lift you should check all of the bolts once a week for the first two weeks and then periodically after that. The lumber will stabilize to your environment which may necessitate the adjustments. If you keep your lift in an environment where temperature or humidity levels change drastically or construct the lift using excessively wet or dry lumber (not recommended) then more frequent adjustments may be required.
Q: Can the lift unexpectedly collapse? Are there locks or safety features?
A: The mechanical mechanism that raises the lift is a scissor jack. Scissor jacks use jack screws to extend and collapse their scissors. Jack screws are inherently self-locking by design and as a result the lift has no means of collapsing.
Q: If the plans are updated after I purchase, will I receive the updates?
A: Yes, updates will be provided to purchasers.
Q: What should I do if I don’t understand part of the instructions?
A: Please reread and review all instructions, drawings, and videos. If you still need help please send an email to: [email protected]. Response time is typically within three business days.
Q: Can I modify the plans?
A: Sure, modifications you perform are your responsibility. Please don’t enquire with us asking for guidance in regards to modifications you wish to make.
PURCHASE THE DIY MOTORCYCLE LIFT BUILD PLANS
|
The build plans are downloadable, printable, and come with all the information needed to build your lift.
Once purchased, the PDF and video will be immediately emailed to you, where you can view them on your device or print them off.
|