Buying Guide: Motorcycle Lift Tables

Working on your motorcycle is a whole lot easier when you don't have to bend down or get on your hands and knees to access those hard-to-reach areas. This buying guide will help you determine what type of lift table fits your budget, and meets your needs.

Before you start: What to look for in a motorcycle lift table

Operation type

This affects both ease of use and how much physical effort you'll need.

• Pneumatic (compressed air) lift table work with an air compressor (sold separately) and usually offer quicker raising and lowering, which can be useful for busy shops or frequent use. They are also usually less expensive to purchase and maintain.
• Hydraulic lift tables use a foot pedal to pump the platform up and can be ideal if you don't have access to compressed air in your garage. The use of hydraulics means high force and precision when raising and lowering the platform.
• Air-over-hydraulic systems combine both methods, using pneumatic pressure to drive hydraulic fluid, so they provide an efficient lifting solution for heavier motorcycles or for people who want smoother operation.

Think about the resources you have available and the typical maintenance tasks you do when deciding on the type of operation you want your lift table to have.

Platform size

The length and width of your motorcycle could be a determining factor in the platform size you'll need to adequately work on your bike. Larger platforms mean you can work on more than just motorcycles - you can easily use the lift for ATVs, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and other small machinery. This added versatility makes the investment more valuable, especially if you have multiple vehicles or equipment in your garage. Many motorcycle lift tables come with side extensions you can add as needed, so if you ever decide to use the lift for wider vehicles or additional gear, you won't outgrow your table. Before buying, measure your motorcycle and any other equipment you plan to lift to make sure the platform size and extensions meet your needs both now and in the future.

Accessories

Deciding what add-ons or built-in features and accessories will help you visualize the type of applications you'll be able to accomplish with your lift table. Built-in wheel chocks help keep your bike steady by holding the front wheel in place, so you don't have to worry about it tipping as you work. Side extensions are a great feature because they add extra width to the platform, making it possible to lift not just motorcycles, but also wider vehicles like ATVs, lawnmowers, or snowmobiles. Longer loading ramps lower the angle needed to roll bikes on and off the table, which is especially useful if you have a cruiser with a long wheelbase or a motorcycle with low ground clearance. Some tables also have removable ramps or additional tie-down points, letting you choose the setup that works best for your equipment and garage space. These accessories improve safety and efficiency when performing motorcycle maintenance or repairs, making your investment in a lift table even more valuable.

Which motorcycle lift table is right for my needs?

The platform size, loading ramp length, and weight capacity are the most important features to look for before you get down to the nitty-gritty details.

BW-680

Black Widow Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift Table

The Black Widow Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift Table BW-680 model operates hydraulically using foot levers to raise the platform with pump action, and lower it slowly in conjunction with a valve release. As a safety mechanism, a locking bar slides across the frame at the base in one of two positions to prevent the table from lowering.

It’s fully mobile with four dolly wheels for repositioning in a shop or garage. Two bolted feet lock the lift in place once it’s ready for use.

Great for:

• Tight budgets
• Versatile working space
• Dirt bikes and smaller motorcycles

BW-1000A

Black Widow Pneumatic Motorcycle Lift Table

The Black Widow Pneumatic Motorcycle Lift Table BW-1000A model operates pneumatically with a foot pedal to raise and lower the platform. A five-position safety bar below the platform prevents the table from lowering.

The BW-1000A pneumatic model features two front dolly wheels. An included hand dolly hooks into the rear of the BW-1000A lift table to make it easier to move the table as needed.

The BW-1000A model features several optional upgrades to assist with larger touring bikes, longer cruisers, or smaller ATVs. The side extensions include two 10” wide sections with four tie-down eyelets that bring the total platform and ramp width to 48” for ATV use.

Great for:

• Tight budgets
• Versatile working space
• Dirt bikes and smaller motorcycles

BW-1000A-XL

Black Widow Extra-Long Pneumatic Lift Table

The Black Widow Extra-Long Pneumatic Lift Table BW-1000A-XL features a 14” long front extension which increases the platform length to 92.75” for cruisers and choppers with longer wheelbases. It has all the same lifting, operation and safety measures as the BW-1000A, and includes a center jack stand with a lift height of 3.75” to 15.75” that supports up to 1,100 pounds.

Great for:

• Tight budgets
• Versatile working space
• Cruisers and motorcycles with longer wheelbases

BW-1000A-XW

Black Widow Extra-Wide Pneumatic Lift Table

The Black Widow Extra-Wide Pneumatic Lift Table BW-1000A-XW is designed for versatility with a 44” wide platform, thanks to two included side extensions. It has all the same lifting, operation and safety measures as the BW-1000A, and also includes a center jack stand with a lift height of 3.75” to 15.75” that supports up to 1,100 pounds.

Great for:

• Tight budgets
• Versatile working space
• Dirt bikes, smaller motorcycles, or sport ATVs

BW-1500AO-V2-MC

Black Widow Air-over-Hydraulic Lift Table

The Black Widow Air-over-Hydraulic Lift Table BW-1500AO-V2-MC model comes standard with an extra-wide diamond tread platform that adds work surface and doubles as a dual purpose ATV table lift. Featuring air-over-hydraulic operation, the platform raises and lowers with foot pedal controls and has 6 locking safety positions in the heavy-duty base that automatically sets and releases during use.

Great for:

• Large budgets
• Dedicated/professional garage or shop space
• Cruisers, choppers, street bikes, ATVs

BW-PROLIFT-HD

Black Widow Air-Operated ProLift Table

The Black Widow Air-Operated ProLift Table BW-PROLIFT-HD two-tone model features the longest platform, making it best suited for motorcycles with longer wheelbases. It includes a removable center jack stand as well as two heavy-duty wheels for easier repositioning.

Great for:

• Large budgets
• Multi-purpose professional garage or shop space
• Cruisers, choppers, street bikes

BW-PROLIFT-HDXW

Black Widow Extra-Wide Air-Operated ProLift Table

The Black Widow Extra-Wide Air-Operated ProLift Table BW-PROLIFT-HDXD two 12" wide side extensions that double the platform and ramp width. It features all of the same amenities as the regular ProLift table, including the center jack.

An extra-long 40” center ramp and side ramps accommodate motorcycles and ATVs requiring a more gradual loading incline onto the table. Finally, an optional rear roller plate with two sealed ball bearing steel rollers frees the rear bike tire for easier chain lubrication, rim cleaning, and chain or rear wheel maintenance.

Great for:

• Large budgets
• Multi-purpose professional garage or shop space
• Cruisers, choppers, street bikes, ATVs

BW-8630-KIT / BW-9030-KIT

Black Widow Premium Extra-Long Pneumatic Motorcycle Lift Table

The Black Widow Premium Pneumatic Motorcycle Lift Table comes in two lengths (86” and 90”) to accommodate street bikes up to choppers. It’s our only Made in the USA lift table, and has a distinct red tabletop that sets it apart! The ramp is traction powder-coated and two removable hardware holders provide a convenient spot for keeping tools and small parts on hand.

Great for:

• Large budgets
• Multi-purpose garage or shop space
• Larger motorcycles like cruisers or choppers, and ATVs

Securing a motorcycle to a lift table

Never lift a motorcycle without first tying it down to the lift table - you're just asking for trouble. Lift tables have built-in anchor points designed to hook a tie-down strap, which ensures that your bike stays in position as you move it up or down. If the table has a built-in wheel chock, use it. It will keep the front end of your bike stable. Always use soft loops and straps in addition to the wheel chock. You can never be too safe when it comes to your personal safety, and you'll have peace of mind knowing that your bike won't be damaged by toppling off the platform.