I've had a Harbor lift for a few years, but don't use it unless my oldest son happens to be around to help me. The problem I have is that when going up or back down the hinged rear of the lift, my short 29" inseam doesn't allow my feet to touch the ground and unless I've got some help, I'll turn right over (feet OFF the ground)! It almost happened once, but my son was there to grab the handlebars and kept me from falling over. Anyone else have this problem and how did you solve it?? Anything beats working off of the garage floor. Anyone have this problem and how did you resolve it?

 

You can build a wood "frame" around the lift that is wide enough to provide you with the needed support for your inseam challenge.

Another which I will be doing when I expand my garage is I will create a recess in the floor for my lift so it sits flush with the floor when lowered

 

I can honestly say I've never seen someone ride the bike onto a lift. Have you tried just pushing it up there?

 

I would build a small platform out of 2X4 and plywood about a foot wide and 8 ft. long for each side. You can move them once you get up on it. It really can be bad sinking feeling when you put your foot down and only catch air. Works same way when loading in trailer, just not as far to go before feet touch ground.

 

Pushing? Are you kidding me? UP the ramp and over 60 years old? Yeah, maybe 20+ years ago, but not now. No thanks... I'll ride up and slide it into my Baxley LA chock. Just got to be able to keep the feet on the ground when going up the ramp to the lift.

 

I'm 63 and have pushed every touring bike made by HD on mine (understand not everyone is the same). Any reputable fab shop should be able to make you some wings made out of the same diamond plate, that clip on the sides

 

This is not my lift, I just ride mine up.

 

You might consider extending the ramp, i.e. a few 8 to 10 foot planks so it isn't so steep. That would allow you to keep your feet on the ramp.

 

Dawg is that a harbor freight lift?

 

Dawg,

First I thought the lift was just being taken out of the shipping box (foot controls not attached). Then after looking more carefully, it looks like the wooden sides are exactly what I need, but maybe make them longer? Also, it looks like the lift is now air operated. Now that would be a great conversion. Got any further information on the size wood and the conversion from the foot pump to air conversion? THANKS!