-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
Now the Pitbull lift has been discontinued, is there an alternative?
- Thread starter UtahPete
- Start date
UtahPete
Well-known member
Now there you go again, spoiling all the fun with your simple, effective, practical, inexpensive solutions!Two car ramps and a jack!
Maybe I should spend the money on new shocks instead.
Last edited:
More bang for the buck!
UtahPete
Well-known member
That's what it seems like to me, also. Thanks for confirming my suspicion.
SpyderJerry
Member
I have a Pitbull lift and there is no comparison to the light motorcycle lifts. It is heavier and larger footprint. If you go to Amazon, you will see the Vevor lift and a couple others with the larger base and lift capacity.
UtahPete
Well-known member
The VEVOR and VevoHome model are comparable with each other design and pricewise ($130-160), seem a step up in quality to my old Harbor Freight model, but both have a minimum height of 4.5". They differ in platform size; VIVOHOME is 14" W x 12.5" L. VEVO is 12" W x 12.2" L
HARBOR Freight motorcycle lift is reviewed here
can't be beat on price. Its minimum height is 4.25". Platform is 13.5" in length.
The OTC 1545 Ultra Low Profile Motorcycle and ATV Lift - 1,500 lb. Capacity at $459 from Amazon has a 3.5" minimum height, which is a distinct advantage, I think. Platform size is a problem; 17" long, so may interfere with parts underneath the bike.
The Black Widow Hydraulic Steel Motorcycle and ATV Lift Jack Stand, 1,500 lb at $199 would be a contender, but minimum height is 4.875". The platform is 13.75" W x 13.3" L
Finally, there is the J&S motorcycle lift, which was made in the US but is apparently no longer in business. In its heyday, it was considered the premium motorcycle lift for its build quality and features and commanded a premium price. But it's minimum height is 4.25 - 5" depending on the version.
The HF seems like the best bet at this point in my search, not because of price but because of minimum height (4.25") and platform size (13.5" Length). Still not ready to pull the trigger yet though.
HARBOR Freight motorcycle lift is reviewed here
The OTC 1545 Ultra Low Profile Motorcycle and ATV Lift - 1,500 lb. Capacity at $459 from Amazon has a 3.5" minimum height, which is a distinct advantage, I think. Platform size is a problem; 17" long, so may interfere with parts underneath the bike.
The Black Widow Hydraulic Steel Motorcycle and ATV Lift Jack Stand, 1,500 lb at $199 would be a contender, but minimum height is 4.875". The platform is 13.75" W x 13.3" L
Finally, there is the J&S motorcycle lift, which was made in the US but is apparently no longer in business. In its heyday, it was considered the premium motorcycle lift for its build quality and features and commanded a premium price. But it's minimum height is 4.25 - 5" depending on the version.
The HF seems like the best bet at this point in my search, not because of price but because of minimum height (4.25") and platform size (13.5" Length). Still not ready to pull the trigger yet though.
Last edited:
BajaRon
Well-known member
Like with just about everything, you can go cheap, or you can go with quality.
What I meant with my original statement is that the Pitbull lift is not a special, one off, unique product. It's an off the shelf item branded by Pitbull. Nothing wrong with this so I don't mean to be negative here. No reason to re-invent the wheel if there is already something that meets your criteria available.
The point being, that if you compare apples to apples, there are current production products out there that will competently replace your Pitbull lift.
UtahPete
Well-known member
I agree.
UtahPete
Well-known member
With respect to ground clearance on my 2014 RTL, Google says;
The official ground clearance for a 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT-Limited (RTL) is 4.5 inches (115 mm), though some owner documentation lists it closer to 4.3 inches (110 mm)
My most recent measurement where a floor lift arm would go confirms that. The frame backbone where the lift actually goes is higher, but to get there, the lift has to clear some bits hanging down. BTW, this is a situation where the shorter lift arms are an advantage, as the center frame is not all that wide, and there are as I said, other bike pieces on either side that hang down lower.
The official ground clearance for a 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT-Limited (RTL) is 4.5 inches (115 mm), though some owner documentation lists it closer to 4.3 inches (110 mm)
My most recent measurement where a floor lift arm would go confirms that. The frame backbone where the lift actually goes is higher, but to get there, the lift has to clear some bits hanging down. BTW, this is a situation where the shorter lift arms are an advantage, as the center frame is not all that wide, and there are as I said, other bike pieces on either side that hang down lower.
BajaRon
Well-known member
Most may struggle to get to a 4.5 or even 4.3 inch clearance to the main frame member. But the HUGE danger is lifting on the shift bracket that hangs down right about where you want the rear lift arm. Even a slight tweek on this bracket will devastate your shifting ability (2014+ RT & F3 SE models only).
I don't mean to scare you off from using an ATV lift on your Spyder. Just be VERY careful when lifting that you stay away from this bracket located on the left side just about where the main frame member turns upward.
UtahPete
Well-known member
Yes, I noticed that, thanks. Now I know what it is and to stay clear of it.
Last edited:
UtahPete
Well-known member
I ended up trying an aluminum lift from Harbor Freight I had laying around in the corner ignored for all these years and it seems perfect.
Slips right under the Spyder without contacting any dangling bits and with enough clearance to make maneuvering it around much easier. I wish it wasn't so wide, but I think all these ATV style lifts are going to have that issue. I'm not going to try balancing the Spyder on it, though, even if I could.
- 
https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-...JyXuUi63Lobp1Ji1QDy8Ob-DdCS06YChoCb9cQAvD_BwE
Last edited:
BajaRon
Well-known member
These lifts are fine for lifting one end or the other. And you can get both ends up at the same time by supporting one with jack stands after lifting, moving the jack, and lifting the other end. But an ATV jack, correctly placed, will lift both ends at the same time and balance the bike. You still need to be careful because it's nowhere near a bullet proof stability. But done with reason and care, it can work well.
If you add jack stands to the ATV process, it can become quite stable.
Similar threads
