Motorcycle owners will inevitably need to use a motorcycle jack someday in order to change out the rear tires, or for other purposes (such as really giving your motorcycle a good shine). This article aims to help you differentiate between the two different types of motorcycle jacks, and which is more suitable for you.
The Purpose Of A Motorcycle Jack
A motorcycle jack is essential to stabilize the two-wheeled vehicles when changing tires. Just as you would use a jack lift to raise a car prior to removing a flat tire, the same concept is applied to motorcycles. It is especially important because motorcycles are two-wheeled and thus unstable when standing still. Learning how to use motorcycle jack lifts is an essential skill that every motorcycle rider should learn early on. This is not only to change tires, but many riders use the jack lift to stabilize the bike when they intend to give the motorcycle a thorough cleaning and polishing.
Scissor Jacks: Most Common Type Of Motorcycle Jacks
This is the type of motorcycle jack that depends on manual strength from you, combined with mechanical design; to lift the motorcycle. Although they require more physical effort, they are nonetheless the more common type of motorcycle jack lifts. This is because they are cheaper and less complicated. They are ideal for the average biker that only needs to occasionally change a flat tire, as they can be stowed away without taking up too much space.
Hydraulic Jack: A Modern Invention
This is a quicker solution for lifting and stabilizing a motorcycle. They are mostly useful for people who need to lift many bikes during their days, such as a motorcycle mechanic. The power needed to lift the motorcycle comes from compressed air or hydraulics, which makes it an effortless process. Additionally, this type of motorcycle jack lift is more safe and stable. However, it might seem complex for the average person who has not used this type of jack. Nonetheless, it is an advanced technology that allows people to quickly lift up a bike with minimal effort on their part. Some models are fixed units that are called a lift table.
Other Factors To Consider
Besides choosing between a scissor jack or a hydraulic jack, you still need to consider other factors such as the material used in constructing the jack, or its maximum weight capacity. Some models have extra safety features as well, such as textured floors or an advanced locking mechanism to keep the bike in place. These are all things you should take note of before you purchase a motorcycle jack lift for yourself. Make sure you read the instruction manual and have someone experienced show you the proper way to use it, because one mistake can lead to an unstable bike. Obviously, you don’t want your bike crashing down to the ground because you can significantly damage your bike – or worse, injure yourself.
Motorcycle jack lifts are an essential tool that every rider must learn to use. Knowing the specific type of motorcycle jack can help you better understand its use.
