Lift Jacks Revisited - what's a viable lift jack to SAFELY raise a Spyder?
Firstly, I searched and read a lot of posts, but most are years old, out dated with links, models no longer being made and pricing information that is just not viable in 2024.
So in 2024 (or 2023 ) what's a viable lift jack to SAFELY raise and support the Spyder F3 that is cost effective? I'm looking to use it maybe a few times every year in conjunction with jack stands for safety. This old back of mine is done crawling on concrete and oil changes, brakes etc. will be simpler several inches off the ground.
With many options from the places such as Harbor Freight and now even Amazon among others there is a lot to consider. I don't want to assume if they look the same they perform the same. I'm looking for something that will slide under the Spyder frame easily and doesn't take up a lot of space in my small garage.
Anyone recently got a new lift or use a currently available lift willing to share some thoughts or advise (good or bad) ?
I have some blocks / props I place under each of the 3 tyres or front sub-frame to give it some stability after the lift.
Bit of piece of mind it wont topple off and land on me when im wrenching.
All sitting on a carpet off cut so its more comfortable in my aged bony bits.
Almost any ATV type lift will raise it. Then prop it.
If I simply want to raise 1 end I use a simple bottle jack and some folding wheel chocks.
2 chocks in a box and I got 2 sets.
I have some blocks / props I place under each of the 3 tyres or front sub-frame to give it some stability after the lift.
Bit of piece of mind it wont topple off and land on me when im wrenching.
All sitting on a carpet off cut so its more comfortable in my aged bony bits.
Almost any ATV type lift will raise it. Then prop it.
If I simply want to raise 1 end I use a simple bottle jack and some folding wheel chocks.
I currently have the 63397 lift listed above. Without the extensions, I had enough clearance to fashion a lifting plate made from 3/4" plywood to provide a larger, more stable lifting surface. With this, I can raise the Spyder to a height of 17" and place my jackstands with the Harbor Freight Rubber jackstand caps under 3 points for a stable lift and remove the jack. Stable enough that I can mount and sit on the seat to do whatever I need to do without any issues. Hope this helps. I can send pictures if requested.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 01-03-2024 at 06:35 PM.
I have the HF PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE 1500 lb. Steel ATV/Motorcycle Lift for $139 USD and it's lifted 2013 RTL's, 2018 RTL's, 2022 RTL's, 2019 F3, and others. I've had to create a wood platform to sit on top of the rails to lift any of them up high enough to do a Baja Ron sway bar. But mine is now 7 years old and has needed very little maintenance. Save your money for the farkles. Spyder lift with extension pad.jpg
Last edited by DGoebel; 01-03-2024 at 05:56 PM.
Reason: added photo
Safe Rides,
David and Sharon Goebel
Both Retired USAF Veterans
2018 Anniversary Edition RT Limited
Baja Ron ultimate swaybar. Vredestein tires, Baja Ron Front Shock Pre-load adjusters, Pedal Box, See my Spyder Garage
IBA 70020
Firstly, I searched and read a lot of posts, but most are years old, out dated with links, models no longer being made and pricing information that is just not viable in 2024.
And there are many more very similar!
I will be doing all of my own service work, and maintenance.
The only thing I'll have done for me is any applicable modules and software updates, and catastrophic.
So I purchased the Big Blue Motorcycle Lift with the 2020 and up RT/LTD lift bracket.
The lift maximum height is 30".
It is safe to keep the bike on the lift whilst tires/wheels are removed.
I intend to keep this bike a good 15 years (God willing I live that long) $875.00 delivered to U.S. addresses.
I have the HF $229 jack. It's sturdier than the cheaper HF model and supports my RT with no problems.
I have this one as well and it works great with my F3.
Last edited by CloverHillCrawler; 01-03-2024 at 07:21 PM.
2020 F3 SE6
Safety and Lighting: LED Headlight upgrade, IPS LED Fog lights, Show Chrome LED Fender Signals, LED Signature Light, Tric LED Afterburnerz, MotoHorn 2.0
Suspension: Wilbers Front and Rear Shocks, BajaRon Sway Bar, Vredestein Quatrac Front and Rear Tires
Comfort: Blue Ridge Windshield, Corbin Dual Touring Saddle, Ultimate Floorboards, OEM Passenger Backrest with Rear Shelf, OEM Passenger Floorboards Modified with High Risers from Pierre
Tackform Center Mount Phone Holder w/ rapid charging USB-C.
I will be doing all of my own service work, and maintenance.
The only thing I'll have done for me is any applicable modules and software updates, and catastrophic.
So I purchased the Big Blue Motorcycle Lift with the 2020 and up RT/LTD lift bracket.
The lift maximum height is 30".
It is safe to keep the bike on the lift whilst tires/wheels are removed.
I intend to keep this bike a good 15 years (God willing I live that long) $875.00 delivered to U.S. addresses.
I currently have the 63397 lift listed above. Without the extensions, I had enough clearance to fashion a lifting plate made from 3/4" plywood to provide a larger, more stable lifting surface. With this, I can raise the Spyder to a height of 17" and place my jackstands with the Harbor Freight Rubber jackstand caps under 3 points for a stable lift and remove the jack. Stable enough that I can mount and sit on the seat to do whatever I need to do without any issues. Hope this helps. I can send pictures if requested.
I have the same one and I just back up onto a set of car ramps with the front wheels and I only have to lift a couple of inches to place it on the stands.
2020 F3 SE6
Safety and Lighting: LED Headlight upgrade, IPS LED Fog lights, Show Chrome LED Fender Signals, LED Signature Light, Tric LED Afterburnerz, MotoHorn 2.0
Suspension: Wilbers Front and Rear Shocks, BajaRon Sway Bar, Vredestein Quatrac Front and Rear Tires
Comfort: Blue Ridge Windshield, Corbin Dual Touring Saddle, Ultimate Floorboards, OEM Passenger Backrest with Rear Shelf, OEM Passenger Floorboards Modified with High Risers from Pierre
Tackform Center Mount Phone Holder w/ rapid charging USB-C.
I'm seriously looking @ this for my new garage/workshop
Al in Kazoo
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 01-04-2024 at 06:02 PM.
Reason: Removed Post title - they mess with Searching! ;-)
All the great movements in the world began with a cup of coffee!
2018 F3-T
My mods: Can am Trailer hitch, USB and 12 volt power outlets, Gustason windshield, Bead rider seat cushion, battery harness for electric gear and battery tender, Time out trailer.
Wow that is a lot of money. Are you planning on opening up a shop?
Dean Secord AKA seaweed
Veteran: U.S. Air Force
2015 RT-S SE6
My Mods: TricLed Turn Signal, Squared Away Sept, 2016,SpyderPops Bump Skid, SpyderPops Missing Rock Guard, ION camera, Show Chrome Back Rest,
Show Chrome Hitch. Leesure-lite trailer, Hopnel 850 Saddlebag Liners, Hopnel 3 piece lid netset - trunk and saddlebags
Magic Brake Strobe/Flasher, DIY LED light strips on upper and lower A frames, BlueKnight911 Magic Mirrors,
DIY superior grill, USB port, Hwy pegs, DIY Flag mounts for USA and US Air Force flags,
Method to open Frunk and seat without using key, LED headlights and LED fog lights, turn signal switch safety mod
I also have big blue. Yep it is higher cost, but bought mounts for both my RTL and F3T and it is rock solid!
My only concern is safety when under my bikes…can’t tell my kids I saved $500 buying a jack when they are looking at me in the funeral home…just sayin
Another shout-out for the Big Blue. What I do not think has been mentioned is that you can buy adaptors that allow you to work on various bikes. I first purchased mine for my 1800 Gold Wing, then got the fittings for my Triumph Rocket Three, and then for my RT. Try and do that with a Harbour Freight lift.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 02-13-2024 at 07:19 AM.
Reason: Moved Post title - they mess with Searching! ;-)
I have a friend with a four post lift, and he made 4 fillers panels that fill in the center area. Yesterday I prep'd the machine at home to the point of removing the sway bar and drove to the friends place a short distance away. He removed the far end panel and I drove my second Spyder in on it until the front wheel were spanning the open area. Raised it up about about four feet, remove the finger tight nut and bolt on one enc and pulled out the OEM sway bar and slid the BajaRon one in place. Put the bolt/nut back on the bar on one end and drove back to my place and finished the install.
I do my oil changes on blocks I drive up on. I will be 80 this year, but still enjoy doing my own work! The original owner of the new to we 2018 had a Ridenow store install a new battery, oil and filter and an inspection to the tune of 666 dollars in October. I can do a lot of crawling on concrete carport for that kind of money.
Note: Also I changed out the battery maintainer leads to long wires to reach out to the grill area behind the left front tire, and in doing that found the battery cables bolts not tightened very tight. I put star washers on bolt terminals and made sure they were tight. Seem that it is hard to find anyone that does good work anymore.
2018 RT Ltd - Asphalt Metallic - East Valley of Phoenix
2018 RT Ltd Chrome - Champagne Metallic - Lake Stevens, Wa
(Champagne/Hooker) Magic Mirrors, 360 LED head lights, BajaRon sway bar, H&R springs and shock adjusters, dash cam, foam grips, third brake light 4 LED strobe for 7 seconds and then on steady, rear LED turn signals/8 ohm 50W resistors, sequential turn signals on front fenders, Vredestein and PPA Orb wheels on front and General out back, and driver backrest.
Things that move between machines: Ikea sheep skins, Zumo XT GPS, and extra tools. Hooker is going to be my summer trike up North; and Hookie my winter trike down South.
(Asphalt/Hookie) Elka shocks on front - BajaRon sway bar, OEM driver's backrest, LED headlights, dual USB with voltmeter, dash cam, foam grips - Magic Mirrors - front tires Vredestein Quatrac SL on PPA ORB Chrome wheels.
I have the Craftsman Model 50191 Aluminum Motorcycle/ATV jack, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP16Ds0AdYY, that I selected instead of a HF lift because the one my son owns has a very uneven, jerky release valve that makes lowering the Spyder a risky maneuver IMO. It cost $204 when I purchased in in 2018 but appears to be out of stock at most internet sites I've checked today.
Artillery lends dignity to what would
otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
****************************** Cognac 2014 RT-S
I have the HF PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE 1500 lb. Steel ATV/Motorcycle Lift for $139 USD and it's lifted 2013 RTL's, 2018 RTL's, 2022 RTL's, 2019 F3, and others. I've had to create a wood platform to sit on top of the rails to lift any of them up high enough to do a Baja Ron sway bar. But mine is now 7 years old and has needed very little maintenance. Save your money for the farkles. Spyder lift with extension pad.jpg
That's a sweet looking setup. I am looking to install the upgraded swaybar. Would you mind sharing the details for your wooded platform to get the bike up high enough for this project?
I have been down this road when trying to lift my F3 Ltd. I wasted money on a couple of other lifts. I finally got this one at Harbor Freight and it is great. Easy to use, safe and really lifts the Spyder high. High enough to remove and install a new sway bar.
This is the one: FISCHER 750 lb. Heavy Duty ATV/Mower High Lift Jack, at Harbor Freight for $279
Good luck!
Are there any UK members here who can tell me what they do to raise their Spyder RTL off the floor for maintenance and cleaning ... Is there a lift you recommend or other options Please????
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 08-03-2024 at 12:00 PM.
Reason: Removed Post title after merge - they mess with Searching! And it always pays to use an existing (recent) thread if avail ;-)
Are there any UK members here who can tell me what they do to raise their Spyder RTL off the floor for maintenance and cleaning ... Is there a lift you recommend or other options Please????
Just like we use any/all of the jacks etc previously mentioned in this thread to do the job here on the other side of the World in Oz, flapjack; any/all of them will work for you in the UK too! You just hafta work out which shops will sell them on your side of the pond!
I found pretty much exactly the same lift as the one shown below:
Originally Posted by DGoebel
I have the HF PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE 1500 lb. Steel ATV/Motorcycle Lift for $139 USD and it's lifted 2013 RTL's, 2018 RTL's, 2022 RTL's, 2019 F3, and others. ..... Spyder lift with extension pad.jpg
down here in Oz, only the one I got went by an entirely different name (same spec, colour, form, fit, & function tho! ) & it came from our local AutoBarn Store, costing about $60 - only that was about 12 or so years ago now, but I still see them there every time I go in! That very same jack/lift was also available in the motorcycle FMX Superstore's here too, only cos they were specifically aimed at motorcycle use thru those stores, they cost about $120 or so, possibly more, if you go for the lifts like that which say 'Motorcycle lift' on their packaging instead of Car/ATV Jack!
And when we visited our Son & his family in York just a few years back, not only did I find that there were quite a few Spyders being ridden around that area (we saw & caught up with some more Spyder Owners closer to Liverpool as well, spent a very enjoyable afternoon in a pub with them after checking out all their Spyders; and then we saw a LOT more Spyders when we went touring Ireland too! Not a day of our 14 days in the South & Western parts of Ireland went by without us seeing at least another couple of Spyders! Quite a few oldies, GS & RS, but a fair smattering of recent 1330 RT's & F3's too! ); BUT also, cos my (mechanically extremely UN-talented ) son needed some minor work done on his commuter m/bike, I also found the same jack available in the local Motoring Parts & Accessories shop for (I think?? ) about 25 Pounds - IIRC, the shop was called something like WILCO Motosave & the jack was labelled as a Small car/ATV Lift.
So you should be able to find some Spyder Ryders over your way, and even if you don't, it shouldn't be too hard to find something similar to those Harbour Freight or Pittsburgh Automotive jacks/lifts fairly readily too!
Good Luck!
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 08-03-2024 at 11:59 AM.
I will be doing all of my own service work, and maintenance.
The only thing I'll have done for me is any applicable modules and software updates, and catastrophic.
So I purchased the Big Blue Motorcycle Lift with the 2020 and up RT/LTD lift bracket.
The lift maximum height is 30".
It is safe to keep the bike on the lift whilst tires/wheels are removed.
I intend to keep this bike a good 15 years (God willing I live that long) $875.00 delivered to U.S. addresses.
+1 - to use, remove the right-side floorboard. Once the jack is properly placed, there's an L-shaped, adjustable bracket that bolts the lift to the bike frame at one of the floorboard holes. It's very stable.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 08-03-2024 at 07:24 PM.
John B.
Current ride: 2020 Spyder RT-s Petrol Metallic Blue dark with OEM top case
Like Peter, I also use an Australian equivalent to the HF PIttsburgh ATV lift. However I'm not a fan of using jack stands to support the Spyder once it's in the air as I just don't trust them 'coz I've heard too many stories about them failing or slipping.
I've made some cheap wooden cribs that I slip under the wheels once the spyder is lifted and then it's rock-solid. Downside is that you don't have the wheels free.
I made my cribs from 70x45 pine, glued & screwed together into a square. The top ones have a piece of 5/8" plywood on the tops for the tyres to sit on. Size-wise, I made them about 300x300. While you playing Carpenter, make up a couple of smaller cribs to use as spacers on your ATV lift's arms for when it runs out of lift height.
Lifting proceedure is: Lift the Spyder on the ATV lift - slip a top crib under each wheel - lower the ATV lift - place a spacer on the ATV lift - lift the Spyder enough to fit 2 cribs under each wheel - lower the ATV lift - place another spacer on the ATV lift & repeat for as high as you want to go.
Always ensure you have the handbrake on so the Spyder doesn't roll off !!