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A motorcycle jack is something you can get today that’ll make practically all maintenance slightly easier, especially on your back. Jacks are a step ahead of center stands and are practically a necessity for anyone who needs to remove their motorcycle’s wheels. Even if you’re performing basic bike maintenance, a motorcycle jack keeps your bike stable and level. You’ll still have to bend over to get the job done, but raising your motorcycle by 15 to 18 inches will take some pressure off.
Summary List
- Best Overall: OTC Ultra Low-Profile Motorcycle Lift
- Best Budget: Zeny 1,100-Pound Motorcycle Scissor Jack
- Honorable Mention: Orion Motor Tech Motorcycle Lift
- Lightweight: JFG Racing Motorcycle Dirt Bike Jack
Our Methodology
To choose the best motorcycle jack on the market, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of jacks before choosing the top contenders. Although I haven’t personally tested these products, my selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge of the automotive industry. I visited the Motorcycle subreddit to get a more informed opinion of what motorcyclists felt about the jacks on the market and RevZilla to see what the experts had to say after their hands-on tests.
Best Motorcycle Jacks Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
OTC Ultra Low-Profile Motorcycle Lift
Best Value
Zeny 1,100-Pound Motorcycle Scissor Jack
Honorable Mention
Orion Motor Tech Motorcycle Lift
Best Compact
Drag Specialties Center Jack Scissor Lift Stand
Lightweight
JFG Racing Motorcycle Dirt Bike Jack
Our Verdict
You couldn’t ask for much more from the OTC Ultra Low-Profile Motorcycle Lift. It’s capable of handling whatever motorcycle you throw on it and will be stable, even with large bikes. It’s hydraulically operated, and the removable T-handle gives 360-degree access to your bike. If you don’t want to break the bank, check out my value pick, the Zeny 1,100-Pound Motorcycle Scissor Jack.
Consider Secondhand
When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money.
If those options don’t have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for car parts, while swap meets are a great resource you should tap. Just Google either and head on down.
Secondhand Tips
To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips for finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner.
- Make sure the hydraulic cylinder is working properly if you opt for a hydraulic jack.
- Most jacks have an anti-slip material on their decks, so make sure this hasn’t been worn away.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Motorcycle Jack
Size
There are a few different size factors you’ll need to consider before choosing a jack. Most importantly, you’ll need to make sure the jack’s deck and platform are large enough to keep your motorcycle secure. If you don’t have much space in your garage, then you’ll also need to consider how small a jack is when you fold it down. Some models fold down to 8 x 3.5 x 13 inches, making them easy to store, but other hydraulic jacks take up much more space when not in use.
Load Capacity
If you have a medium or large-sized bike, you’ll want a jack that has a capacity of at least 1,000 pounds, which most do. But if you need a jack for small motorcycles or motocross bikes, then you can use a jack with a much lower load capacity, which should be more portable and less expensive. Check the curb weight of your motorcycle before choosing a jack to make sure its load capacity meets your requirements.
Adjustment Mechanism
The main two types of adjustment mechanisms you’ll have to choose between are hydraulic and crank. A hydraulic jack stand will make life easier and get your bike propped up faster, but it’s also more expensive. It takes more time and effort to lift your bike with a crank jack, but these models are less expensive and tend to be very reliable.
Motorcycle Jack Pricing
For less than $80, you can pick up a jack stand with a 1,000-pound load capacity, but most jacks at this price have a relatively small deck. For between $80 and $130, you’ll get a jack that has a 1,100-pound capacity and a relatively large deck, making it more stable. If you spend between $130 and $250, you can get a hydraulic jack with a 1,500-pound load capacity that’ll be suitable for large motorcycles.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A. A hydraulic stand will make life easier if you’re lifting a particularly heavy bike. But if your bike isn’t too heavy and you don’t mind manually twisting a crank, you can save money by getting a scissor jack.
A. Most jacks tend to sport a near-universal design, but you may find the mounting process to be different since all motorcycles have different centers of gravity. Specialty motorcycles like trikes or ones with a sidecar may not work with a single jack.
A. Basic lubrication and cleaning are typically all that’s needed. As the jack ages, you might need to replace parts or hydraulic fluid to keep it running smoothly.