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Motorcycle enthusiasts love doing their work on their bikes. However, they often run into problems with lifting their bikes off the ground sufficiently to perform the jobs they need.
If you have a good motorcycle jack, you make all of this much more manageable. How do you pick one, though?
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Jacks
- OUR TOP PICK: Drag Specialties Center Jack Scissor Lift Stand
- RUNNER-UP: Tirox Snapjack Single Sided Swingarm Stand
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Tirox SnapJack V2
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Jacks
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When Would a Motorcycle Jack Come in Handy?
Why would you even need a motorcycle jack?
Getting Your Bike off the Ground
Motorcycles are heavy. If you've ever dropped yours and had to pick it up by yourself, you know exactly how heavy your bike is. So how are you going to lift it and work on it at the same time?
A motorcycle jack makes lifting your bike off the ground a breeze. A good jack will keep your bike off the ground for as long as you need.
Stabilizing Your Bike While You Work
If your bike isn't stable, then you're putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Even a simple tire check or quick chain lube can turn dangerous without the stability a motorcycle jack provides.
Storage
This use is two-fold. Most motorcycle jacks fold down so you can store them in a small space. Some jacks fold down so small you can carry them on your bike. You can keep others in corners or small shelves where they're out of the way.
However, some jacks are also suitable for storing your bike off the ground during the off-season. If that's a concern, then having a jack for bike storage comes in handy, too.
How Do I Choose a Motorcycle Jack?
What makes one jack stand out from another? Some general characteristics separate high-quality jacks from everything else.
Frame Rigidity
You want a jack that's sturdy enough to hold your bike rock steady without any likelihood that it will fall on you. The best motorcycle jacks have strong, rigid frames with as few joints as possible. Steel construction is stronger than anything else, too, although jacks using less sturdy metal may work if you have a lightweight bike.
Platform Width
A jack's platform width is the distance between the outside edges of its base. A wider platform generally means better stability, which increases safety while you have your bike in the air. Depending on your bike's size and weight, you might be able to get away with a narrower platform, but wider is better.
Lift Range
A good jack will have sufficient lifting range for your bike's tires. What you need depends on what bike you have. However, a greater lifting range will give you better access to the underside of your bike. If you do a lot of your own work, you need a jack that will lift your bike high enough for you to get underneath it easily.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Jacks
With so many motorcycle jacks to choose from, you might find it hard to choose just one. We've put together reviews of the best motorcycle jacks out there to help you with your decision.
Best Overall:
Drag Specialties Center Jack Scissor Lift Stand
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Even though Drag Specialties designed this jack for bikes weighing up to 1,000 pounds, it's not especially heavy, so buyers haven't had much of a problem pulling them out and putting them away. They also like that their mechanics recommend this jack for at-home maintenance; to them, that says "quality."
Why it Stands Out to Us
We found it interesting that these jacks have no locking mechanism. Instead, Drag Specialties manufactures them with a worm gear that holds itself in place, often for days, regardless of whether you have a lightweight dirt bike or a heavy cruiser.
Also, each jack has a 1,000-pound capacity, which works well for the average bike. They're not the cheapest jacks available, but they're not the most expensive, either. You get what you pay for, so you get decent quality for a reasonable price.
Bottom Line
Any rider looking for a sturdy yet lightweight jack that will handle everything from a sport bike to a cruiser should do well with this one. The range of widths means you can choose one that will hold your bike as stable as possible.
Runner-up:
Tirox Snapjack Single Sided Swingarm Stand
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Some Ducati riders have difficulty learning how to use this jack. However, once they understand it, they find it easy to use for chain maintenance tire checks. Those who used to walk their bikes to spread lube across the entire chain like that no longer have to do so with this jack.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Tirox says this jack only works for Ducati bikes. However, we noticed that riders with certain KTM models could use this jack, too. A few said they like it as a roadside tool in case they need to quickly re-lube their chains.
Its portability makes it great for long-haul riders, too. You can carry it with you on long trips, including multi-day trips, and its front brake lever strap helps ensure your bike stays put no matter where you're working.
They also have excellent customer service that's willing to swap out jacks should you order the wrong size for your bike.
Bottom Line
If you need a portable jack so you can quickly perform chain maintenance anywhere, this jack may work very well for you. Tirox made it for Ducatis, though, so you may have trouble using it if you have a different make.
Best for the Money:
Tirox SnapJack V2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Riders say this jack is sturdy and works for several different makes. Even those who have lowered their bikes to bring the center of gravity down and get a better fit say that this jack works well where other jacks don't.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This kind of jack is excellent for on-the-go tire checks and chain maintenance. Because you can carry it with you, you can extend the life of your chain, even if you ride long distances regularly. We also like that you can perform quick checks on your rear tire no matter where you are.
It remains stable even with heavier dual sportbikes. While it's made for sportbikes, riders with sports cruisers and lighter-weight cruisers may do well with this jack, too.
Bottom Line
This is a great little jack for people who need to check their tires and lube their chains on the go. Be sure to follow the instructions to learn how to use it, and you'll do fine.
Best Motorcycle Jack For Harley:
ZENY Motorcycle Center Scissor Lift Jack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Harley riders like this jack because it's sturdy enough to act as blocks for storage purposes, even if you have one of the larger, heavier Harleys. Some riders who are also mechanics prefer this lift over others because it works the way their shop lifts do.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its solid steel construction makes it more durable, which means it's safer and will last longer than a jack made of something weaker. Also, it has two cradles that will help you center the jack under your bike's frame. Those cradles give you an extra two inches of height that you may not get with other scissor jacks.
While a wider jack is generally more stable, this jack's slightly narrower platform can make it easier for you to get to your oil filter and drain plug, among other things, depending on which bike you have.
Bottom Line
This is a solid, sturdy jack that will work for most bikes, even heavy cruising bikes like Harleys. If you're one of those riders that like to work on their bike at home, you'll do well with this jack.
Best Motorcycle Lift Jack:
Orion Motor Tech Dilated Scissor Lift Jack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People like this jack because it's so versatile. Some buyers have bikes that weigh 600 pounds or more, and this jack handled them nicely. Others with lighter bikes like it, too. All it requires is a little grease before use, and it works quite well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Despite how long it takes to crank the jack-up, we like that it's slender, lightweight, and easy to store, unlike a hydraulic jack. Many riders believe they need a hydraulic lift if they have a heavy cruiser like a Harley or another big motorcycle. That's not true with scissor lifts like this on the market. Its 1200-pound capacity will handle most bikes.
Bottom Line
Riders who look for the best value in everything can get it with this motorcycle jack. It has the weight capacity they need for bigger, heavier bikes and the durability to last a long time while still being slim and lightweight.
Best Motorcycle Scissor Jack:
Extreme Max 5001.5044
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers like the sheer simplicity of this particular jack. No muss, no fluff, just put it under the bike and lift. With grease and the right socket wrench, raising a heavy bike isn't much harder than lifting a lighter-weight bike.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We took particular notice of its simplicity, too. It doesn't have many extra parts; it has a rubber coating instead of a removable mat, and it has an extra-wide platform that reduces the need for things like ratchet straps. Riders like things to work safely and correctly, but there's no rule saying any of that requires complex mechanisms.
It's also a good value. While not exactly a "budget" jack, it's very affordable and delivers good quality.
Bottom Line
If you're after simplicity, you might like this lift. There's nothing about it that's complicated, meaning you spend less time playing with your lift and more time working on your bike.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?
You have a few things to consider before purchasing a jack so you know you're getting the right one.
Your Bike's Weight
When shopping for a jack, your biggest consideration is your bike's weight. You need a jack that can handle it easily. So if you have a 700-pound cruiser, you want a jack that can take at least 1,000 pounds so you're sure it will hold your bike.
Clearance
Does the jack you're considering have the proper clearance to get it under your bike? Some bikes sit considerably lower than others. If you buy the wrong jack, you might end up with something that doesn't fit under your bike, even if it's fully collapsed.
Portability
Do you need a jack you can take with you on the road? Some jacks are small and fold down to a compact enough size that you can carry them in your saddlebag. Others, however, don't have nearly that kind of portability and work best in your garage. Consider the things you want a jack for so you know what to buy and whether to buy more than one type.
How to Use a Motorcycle Jack
How you use a motorcycle jack depends on whether you have a snap jack or a scissor jack.
Using a Swingarm Snap Jack
- Make sure your bike is on level ground
- Place a puck or flat piece of wood under your kickstand
- Use a velcro strap to clamp down your front brake lever to keep your bike from rolling forward
- Place the rubber pad on the ground
- Put the bottom end of the snap jack on the rubber pad
- Place the cradle under your rear wheel's hub
- Snap the joint into place
For a visual demonstration, check out this video.
Using a Scissor Jack
- Put the lift on a board if you're on an uneven or soft surface
- Put wood blocks under your kickstand to stand your bike up straight
- Place the jack underneath your bike's center (adjust the cradles if the jack has them)
- Attach a crank or socket wrench to the bolt that works the lift's mechanism
- Slowly turn the crank to start raising the jack
- Continue turning it slowly until your bike is where you need it
- If the jack has a locking mechanism, lock it down
- Reverse the process to lower the jack (it may help to have someone help you)
Here's a video to provide more context about performing these steps.
Conclusion
You should have a good motorcycle jack if you enjoy working on your bike at home. You might also consider a portable snap jack if you're a long-haul rider. No matter which jack you ultimately choose, we hope we've helped you understand how to use it and why it will work best for you.
People Also Ask
Have questions? We've got answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about motorcycle jacks.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Jack Cost?
It depends on what you get. Snap jacks are relatively cheap, as are some scissor lifts. Higher-quality jacks using heavier materials are more expensive. In general, you'll spend anywhere between $50 and $150 for a good jack.
Where Do You Put The Jack on a Motorcycle?
That depends on the type of jack you have. A snap jack goes on the rear wheel hub, while a scissor jack goes underneath the center of the bike. Scissor jacks are more difficult to position, so it might take you a couple of tries before you've got the jack properly centered under your bike.
How Do You Secure a Jack on a Motorcycle?
A snap jack secures itself to your rear wheel as long as you use the front brake strap to hold the front wheel still. For a scissor jack, you can use ratchet straps to secure your bike to it.
How Do I Lower My Motorcycle Jack?
For a scissor jack, make sure your kickstand is down, and then carefully turn the crank opposite the way you did when you lifted your bike. You might also want a second set of hands here, too, although it’s not necessary. Once your bike’s weight is off the jack, continue turning until you can pull it out from under your bike.
For a snap jack, snap its joint back inward and remove it from your rear wheel.
How Do I Add Oil to My Motorcycle Jack?
Scissor lifts and snap jacks don't require much oil. You can spray some WD-40 in the joints of a scissor jack to keep it moving freely. If you have a hydraulic jack, though, that's a little more involved. Check out this video for how to service a hydraulic jack.
Other Motorcycle Buyer Guides
Below are some other guides related to motorcycles:
