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[FAST380]

So I currently  have a Handy lift, just the basic model, and I have been real happy with it. I can pick up a used K&L lift for $500 - $600. It is in the same condition as my handy, but it goes 40" high compared to 31" of my handy, it has front and rear drop outs for removing wheels, and has what looks like a real nice wheel vice. My concern is that I don't know anything about the K&L lift, I also am not sure about the drop out feature for changing tires. How do you hold the wheel with one hand and drop the plate with the other? Seems like it might not be worth the work? Should I just keep my Handy and be happy with it or jump on the K&L?

[cvobiker]

i dont know anything about K&L Lifts but they apear to be decent at least in picture form on Google search. I purchased my Handy 1500 in 1999 Reno Street Vibrations, before they came out with the drop down options.. There have been many times i wished i had the option. However, with some ingenuity and patience you can work around not having the options.  If you dont go with the drop down options i would make sure to have a couple good quality (the best you can find) scissors jacks.  Dropping the rear tire is simple but if you havent done it, i would have someone help you the first time that has experience doing it.. it's your call on the K&L but it sounds like you have a good deal on your hands and defiantly would make me think about it  

[FAST380]

Thanks,

I have owned my Handy lift for about 10 years now and have done many wheel swaps on it. I actually think it may be easier on the lift with the non removable slot. It is super easy now, remove the rear axle, slowly jack the bike up as you remove the belt, caliper, etc. Not sure how it would be done with the dropout section? Its not like you can easily hold the rear wheel while you remove axle etc........

[cvobiker]

Thanks,

I have owned my Handy lift for about 10 years now and have done many wheel swaps on it. I actually think it may be easier on the lift with the non removable slot. It is super easy now, remove the rear axle, slowly jack the bike up as you remove the belt, caliper, etc. Not sure how it would be done with the dropout section? Its not like you can easily hold the rear wheel while you remove axle etc........

with the dropout you simply remove the axil and and wheel assembly in motion. I've neve done it with a drop out but watched the wrenches at my local dealer and there is really nothing different, just a bit easier/quicker with not messing with a scissor jack. The front drop down is something i wished i had, especially doing front end work or something as simple as removing/installing the key switch on a bagger, which is a PITA if you cant swivel the front end while doing so..

[Twolanerider]

I've neve done it with a drop out but watched the wrenches at my local dealer and there is really nothing different, just a bit easier/quicker with not messing with a scissor jack.

How is the bike's ass end going to stay up in the air when you drop the rear plate out of the table lift ?


Ok, I'll stop kidding around.  My lift doesn't have the drop out.  As long as the scissor jack used can get the ass end high enough it's no big deal not having the drop out.  Would have to slide the plate back in for reinstalltion anyway. 

My scissor jack is wide enough to lift the entire bike with great stability (K&L Fatjack).  With it all the way up either the front wheel or the back wheel will drop out.  Don't have to do anything extra for the rear wheel.  Just have to buzz out the two bolts that hold on the wheel chock for front wheel removal. 

Never had the drop out plates so can't compare.  But having watched them being used before I'm pretty sure I'd spend more time taking the plates in and out than I do now for any part of the chore to get wheels on and off the bike.

[mrmagloo]

I have the SAM 2 and love it.  Although I haven't heard of K&L, I have worked with a few others, and Handy is definitely heads and shoulders better that the others.  While I'm sure any lift, even a Harbor Freight deal will lift a bike with varying degrees of safety, I'm not going to risk any of my bikes on anything other than a Handy, period.

Firstly, I know it's the best and is built like a brick chithouse - Nothing is falling off my Handy.  Second, Handy stands behind their lifts 110%.  And most importantly, they are the only lift manufacturer that I am aware of that is made 100% in the USA.  That my friends is the clincher to me.  I feel an obligation to support those firms that build top quality products in America!  This is a no brainer to me...

[charles05663]

I have the SAM 2 and love it.  Although I haven't heard of K&L, I have worked with a few others, and Handy is definitely heads and shoulders better that the others.  While I'm sure any lift, even a Harbor Freight deal will lift a bike with varying degrees of safety, I'm not going to risk any of my bikes on anything other than a Handy, period.

Firstly, I know it's the best and is built like a brick chithouse - Nothing is falling off my Handy.  Second, Handy stands behind their lifts 110%. And most importantly, they are the only lift manufacturer that I am aware of that is made 100% in the USA.  That my friends is the clincher to me.  I feel an obligation to support those firms that build top quality products in America!  This is a no brainer to me...

X2

 

[porthole]

Aren't K&L's the supplier of the moco jacks?

[FAST380]

well it's old news now, I didn't jump so it sold, oh well I will just keep my trusty Handy lift.

[backroad Mike]

I have a Handy with the drop out for the rear tire and I've only used that feature once.  Normally I just jack it up with the scissor jack until I can slide the wheel out from underneath..