Motorcycle Lifts

The four kinds of equipment in this category

Table lifts (benches)

A long, low platform with approach ramps, a front mounting point for a wheel vise or chock, locking positions that hold the platform at working height, and rear access to the back wheel. On most models here the vise or chock is a separate purchase - the Tuxedo M-1500C-HR is the one that lists it as standard. Seven models here are table lifts: Tuxedo M-1000C, Tuxedo M-1500C-HR, iDEAL M-2200IEH-XR, iDEAL A-2200IEH-XR, iDEAL U-2200IEH-XR, AMGO Hydraulics MC-1200 and the Ranger RML-1500XL, built as a stretched platform for choppers and trikes.

Frame lift (wheels free)

The iDEAL UF-2500EH-X is a wheels-free design: the vehicle rests on four rubber contact lift pads (4.75 in. x 6.5 in., four supplied) rather than on its tires. Its listing calls it an exclusive wheels-free design for the largest UTVs to the smallest ATVs and calls out a small lift footprint for additional workspace; the platform is 67 in. x 24 in. and it carries 2,500 lb., the highest capacity in the category.

Jacks and stands

The Ranger RML-1100 is a 1,100 lb. low-profile scissor jack, 3.5 in. lowered and 16 in. raised, with a 6 in. x 17.75 in. top and two adjustable saddle adapters; its listing states it works on the ground or on top of a platform lift. The Tuxedo M-Jack is a 1,100 lb. cycle jack, 3-3/4 in. to 15-3/4 in., with a 17-23/32 in. x 5-29/32 in. platform and two adjustable frame cradles. The AMGO MC005 is a 1,100 lb. jack sold for wheel removal on the MC-1200. The Tuxedo DMCS-1000 is a center stand with five height settings set by ring clips (9-1/4 in., 10-1/4 in., 11-1/4 in., 12-1/4 in. and 13-1/4 in.), built from 14 gauge 1-1/2 in. round tubing with 3/16 in. vinyl tubing to protect the frame.

Attachments for lifts you may already own

The Tuxedo SC-2K-MVA is a motorcycle vise adapter for the Tuxedo SC-2K single-column lift; it includes the vise and a 24 in. platform extension with hardware. It is an add-on, not a lift.

Air, air-hydraulic or 110V electric: settle this first

Power source is the specification that most often decides which of these you can actually install.

• Air only. The Tuxedo M-1000C runs on shop air at 90-100 PSI. No electrical circuit is needed, but you do need a compressor that holds that pressure.
• Air and hydraulic. The Tuxedo M-1500C-HR runs air/hydraulic at 90-125 PSI with the pump in a protective metal case and a manual magnetic lock release. The Ranger RML-1500XL uses a dual-function power unit that its listing describes as providing either air or hydraulic pump operation, with an air supply of 40 to 120 psi at 98 to 105 cubic inches.
• 110V electric-hydraulic. The three iDEAL 2200IEH-XR benches (M-, A- and U-) use an integrated 110V, 60 Hz, single-phase, 18 A power unit with a hand-held remote control pendant, magnetic lock release and six locking positions. The iDEAL UF-2500EH-X runs on the same 110V, 60 Hz, single-phase, 18 A supply but is operated from a control panel with electro-magnetic lock release and three locking positions. The AMGO MC-1200 uses a 1.0 HP 110V/60Hz single-phase motor. If you are searching for an electric motorcycle lift, these five are the ones that qualify.

Cycle time is published only for the powered models: 30 seconds up and 30 seconds down on the three iDEAL 2200IEH-XR benches, 25 seconds each way on the UF-2500EH-X, and 23 seconds to lift on the AMGO MC-1200.

Capacity: 1,000 lb. to 2,500 lb.

Rated capacity across the lifting units runs 1,000 lb. (Tuxedo M-1000C), 1,200 lb. (AMGO MC-1200), 1,500 lb. (Ranger RML-1500XL and Tuxedo M-1500C-HR), 2,200 lb. (the three iDEAL 2200IEH-XR benches) and 2,500 lb. (iDEAL UF-2500EH-X). For a single-bike home garage the 1,000 lb. and 1,200 lb. class is normally sufficient. A shop that takes in dressed touring bikes, trikes, quads and side-by-sides on the same bench is the reason the 2,200 lb. models exist: the iDEAL listings describe them as power sport lifts, and the trike, ATV and UTV kits all mount to that same 2200IEH-XR frame.

Platform size is what decides whether the vehicle fits

Platform width separates a bike bench from a power sport bench:

• 31.5 in. wide - iDEAL M-2200IEH-XR, 88.6 in. long. A dedicated motorcycle bench.
• 24 in. wide - Tuxedo M-1000C, 84 in. long. The narrowest full table here, and the reason the M-SideExt kit exists (it takes table width to 48 in.) and the M-FrontExt kit (table length to 97 in.).
• 50 in. wide - Tuxedo M-1500C-HR at 88-1/2 in. x 50 in. (side extensions and vise come standard on this one) and iDEAL A-2200IEH-XR at 88.6 in. x 50 in.
• 65 in. wide - iDEAL U-2200IEH-XR, 88-5/8 in. x 65 in., with side extensions and center drop panels. Its listing notes the pivoting ramps fold up 90 degrees and become wheel stops, and the center ramp retracts to clear the work area.
• Stretched - Ranger RML-1500XL. Overall length is 123.75 in. with the ramp and 141.8 in. with the extension; overall width is 31.9 in. with the side decks removed and 53.3 in. with them fitted. The side decks come off for closer access to the bike.

If you already own an iDEAL 2200IEH-XR, the conversion kits change platform size without a second lift: the ATV Kit takes it to 88.6 in. x 50 in., the UTV Kit to 88.6 in. x 65 in., and the Trike Kit to 110.2 in. x 62.2 in. with a front extension panel included.

Working height and rear-wheel access

Maximum lifting height runs from 30 in. on the Tuxedo M-1000C to 47-1/4 in. on the iDEAL M-2200IEH-XR and U-2200IEH-XR. The iDEAL UF-2500EH-X reaches 43 in., or up to 49 in. with the rubber lift pads fitted. The AMGO MC-1200 lifts to 42-15/16 in. with a maximum lock height of 40-7/8 in. - a useful distinction, since the working height is the locked height, not the maximum stroke. The Ranger RML-1500XL publishes its full rise at the top deck as 45.3 in., with its first lock position at 24.5 in. and its sixth at 40.3 in.

Minimum (lowered) height matters for loading a low bike: 4-3/4 in. on the UF-2500EH-X, 6-1/8 in. on the MC-1200, 6-3/4 in. on the M-1500C-HR, 7 in. on the M-1000C and the three iDEAL benches, 7.5 in. on the RML-1500XL. If a low-slung bike still scrapes on the way up the ramp, the iDEAL RMPEXT-2200IEH-XR ramp extension exists specifically to reduce the ramp angle, and it is compatible only with 2200IEH-XR lift tables.

Every table lift here publishes rear access of some kind: a rear drop-out panel on the M-1000C, a built-in drop-out panel on the M-1500C-HR, a rear drop-down service panel on the three iDEAL benches, a removable rear tire cover plate on the MC-1200, and on the RML-1500XL a removable rear deck plus a secondary rear deck with built-in dyno rollers.

What your shop needs before the lift arrives

Plan around overall length, not platform length. With ramps deployed, the iDEAL M-2200IEH-XR and U-2200IEH-XR occupy 116-1/2 in., the Tuxedo M-1500C-HR 109-1/2 in., the Tuxedo M-1000C 108 in., the AMGO MC-1200 106-5/16 in., the Ranger RML-1500XL 123.75 in. or 141.8 in. with the extension, and the iDEAL UF-2500EH-X 67 in., or up to 88-7/8 in. with its hinged extensions deployed. Add the trike kit to an iDEAL bench and overall length with ramps becomes 142.6 in.; the ATV and UTV kits list 121 in.

Utilities are simple on this equipment: a 110V, 60 Hz, single-phase 18 A supply for the iDEAL models, a 110V/60Hz single-phase circuit for the AMGO MC-1200, and shop air at 90-100 PSI (M-1000C), 90-125 PSI (M-1500C-HR) or 40-120 psi (RML-1500XL). None of these listings specify a required ceiling height, a minimum slab thickness or an anchoring pattern - check the model's manual, linked on each product page, before you pour or drill. The iDEAL UF-2500EH-X is listed with a portable or mounted pedestal stand, and the RML-1500XL has retractable, built-in, full-swivel casters that its listing describes as providing stow-and-go capability even when loaded. No listing in this category states whether any model may be used without anchoring - check the model's manual before you install it.

Published weights are a real logistics number here. Listed as ship weight: 395 lb. (M-1000C), 704 lb. (M-2200IEH-XR), 740 lb. (UF-2500EH-X), 765 lb. (M-1500C-HR) and 970 lb. (U-2200IEH-XR). Listed as gross weight: 593 lb. (AMGO MC-1200) and 980 lb. (iDEAL A-2200IEH-XR). The Ranger RML-1500XL publishes no weight - ask us before you book the truck. Most listings publish a flat freight figure per unit to the contiguous 48 states, from $25 on the small accessories to $475 on the U-2200IEH-XR, with Alaska, Hawaii and limited-access locations excluded. The two Ranger items, the RML-1100 jack and the RML-1500XL lift, are flagged for free shipping on their listings; the Ranger listings also state that unloading the freight at the delivery address is the buyer's responsibility, so have a forklift or a liftgate arranged.

Certifications and published warnings

Only one product in this category declares a certification on its listing: the AMGO Hydraulics MC-1200, whose power unit is described as ETL certified and which carries AMGO's patented safety device, an automatic activation lock with manual release. No listing in this category claims ALI, ASME or OSHA certification - if that is a requirement for your facility, ask for the certification documentation on the specific model before ordering. The Ranger RML-1100 and RML-1500XL both carry a California Prop 65 warning, and Ranger and Tuxedo each state that they collect California sales tax on orders shipped to that state.

Where the published specifications disagree

Four listings contradict themselves, and it is worth knowing which figure to trust before you order.

• Tuxedo DMCS-1000 center stand. The feature list says 1,500 lb. capacity; the specification table says 1,000 lb. at the lowest height, falling to 400 lb. at the tallest. Use the table: capacity on this stand depends on the height setting you select.
• iDEAL UF-2500EH-X. The feature list quotes a 24 in. x 88.9 in. platform; the specification table gives platform size as 67 in. x 24 in. and overall length as 67 in. to 88-7/8 in. The consistent reading is a 67 in. platform, 24 in. wide, that extends to roughly 88-7/8 in. on its hinged load-bearing extensions.
• iDEAL A-2200IEH-XR. Its table labels 116.5 in. as "Width Overall - Fully Lowered", but the same 116-1/2 in. figure is the published overall length with ramp on its M- and U- siblings, and platform width is separately listed as 50 in. Treat 116.5 in. as the deployed length.
• iDEAL RMPEXT-2200IEH-XR ramp extension. The product name and the feature list give the ramp as 35 in. L x 16 in. W; the specification table gives 36-1/2 in. L x 18 in. W x 2-1/2 in. H. The larger figures are the overall dimensions of the part as shipped - measure your approach against 36-1/2 in. x 18 in.

Motorcycle and power sport lift comparison

Accessories that change what a lift can do

Several of these lifts ship without the parts most shops consider essential, so check the listing before you assume. The Tuxedo M-1000C states that front extensions and the vise are not included; the Tuxedo M-1500C-HR states that side extensions and the vise come standard. The iDEAL benches are described as designed to mount an optional M-Vise or M-Chock, not as shipping with one.

• Tuxedo M-Vise - adjustable cycle vise, listed for use with the M-1000C and the 2200 series, and described as mounting to most motorcycle lifts with drilling required.
• iDEAL M-Chock - self-locking wheel chock for tires up to 6-1/2 in. wide, with narrow tire adapters for tires 3-1/2 in. or narrower, mounting directly to 2200IEH series platforms or the front extension panel. Its listing states it holds the bike upright for one-person operation.
• Tuxedo M-SideExt / M-FrontExt - take the M-1000C table to 48 in. wide and 97 in. long respectively.
• iDEAL FRTEXT-2200IEH - extends the M-2200IEH platform length by 21.6 in., up to 110-1/4 in., and is designed to mount the optional vise or chock.
• iDEAL Trike Kit, ATV Kit and UTV Kit - platform conversions for the 2200IEH-XR series, at 110.2 in. x 62.2 in., 88.6 in. x 50 in. and 88.6 in. x 65 in. respectively, all with full-width ramps, wheel stops and hardware included.
• iDEAL DLYWHLKIT-2200IEH - dolly and wheel kit with adjustable height and retractable wheels, for moving a 2200IEH series lift.
• AMGO MC005 - 1,100 lb. jack listed for use with the MC-1200, for wheel removal.

Frequently asked questions

What capacity do I need?

Match the rating to the heaviest vehicle you will put on the table, not to the average one. A 1,000 lb. or 1,200 lb. table covers most street bikes. A dressed touring bike with a trike conversion, a large ATV or a side-by-side is why the 2,200 lb. and 2,500 lb. models are in the range. The listings state these ratings plainly; the AMGO MC-1200 also carries a 1,200 lb. capacity field on its product record.

Do I need compressed air or a power outlet?

It depends on the model. The Tuxedo M-1000C needs air only (90-100 PSI). The M-1500C-HR is air/hydraulic (90-125 PSI). The Ranger RML-1500XL uses a dual-function unit that runs on air or hydraulic pump operation, 40-120 psi. The four iDEAL models and the AMGO MC-1200 run on a 110V single-phase circuit, with 18 A specified on the iDEAL units - which means no compressor is required for those.

Will a trike or a Can-Am Spyder fit?

Not on a standard bike bench. The Ranger RML-1500XL is described as handling bobbers, stretched choppers and trikes on its long platform. For the iDEAL 2200IEH-XR benches, the Trike Kit-2200IEH is the listed route: it expands the platform to 110.2 in. x 62.2 in. and is described as designed for small to large three-wheeled vehicles and Can-Am Spyders.

Can I service the rear wheel without unloading the bike?

Every table lift here except the AMGO MC-1200 publishes a rear drop-out or drop-down panel: a rear drop-out panel on the M-1000C, a built-in drop-out panel on the M-1500C-HR, and a rear drop-down service panel on the three iDEAL benches. The MC-1200 lists a removable rear tire cover plate instead, so confirm the clearance you need on its manual. For front-end work, the front-mounted vise or chock holds the bike while the wheel comes out, and the small jacks (Ranger RML-1100, Tuxedo M-Jack, AMGO MC005) are what lift the frame from the deck.

How much floor space should I allow?

From 67 in. on the iDEAL UF-2500EH-X (67 in. to 88-7/8 in. with its hinged extensions deployed) up to 142.6 in. on an iDEAL bench fitted with the Trike Kit, plus room to walk both sides. The full-size table lifts sit between 106-5/16 in. (AMGO MC-1200) and 123.75 in. (Ranger RML-1500XL, 141.8 in. with the extension). Published overall width runs 24 in. (UF-2500EH-X), 29-1/2 in. (MC-1200), 31.9 in. (RML-1500XL with the side decks off, 53.3 in. with them), 47 in. (M-1000C), 50 in. (M-1500C-HR), 58 in. (M-2200IEH-XR) and 65 in. (U-2200IEH-XR). Note this is not the same as platform width: the M-1000C carries a 24 in. platform on a 47 in. wide machine. If floor space is the constraint, the UF-2500EH-X is the listing that specifically calls out a small lift footprint, and the RML-1500XL's retractable casters and removable side decks are aimed at the same problem.

How do these ship, and who unloads them?

Most listings publish a flat freight amount per unit to the contiguous 48 states, shown on the product page, with Alaska, Hawaii and remote or limited-access locations excluded and quoted separately; orders of more than two units are quoted individually. The Ranger RML-1100 and RML-1500XL are flagged for free shipping on their listings, and both state that unloading the freight at the delivery address is the buyer's responsibility. The RML-1100 publishes a 30 lb. shipping weight; the RML-1500XL publishes none, so confirm it with us before you arrange a forklift or a liftgate. The two AMGO items, the MC-1200 lift and the MC005 jack, publish no freight figure at all - ask us for a quote before you order.