What Are The Top 10 Best Motorcycle Jacks? – 2022 Edition
Your bike needs maintenance, but you can’t reach everywhere you need to by crawling around on the floor. You’re going to need to buy the best motorcycle jack to jack up your bike and do some serious work.
Picking out the best motorcycle jack from the crowd can be tough, however. Most jacks seem like they are more or less the same. Not all jacks have the features you want, however.
In this article, we’ll go over a handful of the best motorcycle jacks on the market so that you’ll know which ones are the best for what you need.
Page Contents
- What To Consider When Looking For The Best Motorcycle Jack
- Lifting Capacity
- Operating Convenience
- Loading Platform
- 2022’s Best Motorcycle Jack Rankings
- #1 Pick – Extreme Max 5001.5044 Wide Motorcycle Scissor Jack – 1100 lb.
- #2 Pick – LiftMaster 1100 LB Motorcycle Center Scissor Jack with Safety Pin Hoist Stand Bikes ATVs
- #3 Pick – ZENY 1100 LB Wide Deck Motorcycle Center Scissor Lift Jack
- #4 Pick – OrionMotorTech Dilated Scissor Lift Jack for Street Bike, Cruiser, Adventure Touring Motorcycle
- #5 Pick – Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Jack – 1,100 lb. Capacity
- #6 Pick – Extreme Max 5001.5038 Hydraulic Motorcycle / ATV Jack – 1700 lb. Capacity
- #7 Pick – Pit Posse PP2551 Motorcycle Cycle Dirt Bike ATV Scissor Floor Jack Lift Center Stand
- #8 Pick – Alltrade Powerbuilt 620422E Heavy Duty 4000lb Triple Lift Jack
- #9 Pick – OTC 1545
- #10 Pick – PowerZone 380047 1700lb Hydraulic Motorcycle / ATV Jack
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What Should I Look For In A Motorcycle Jack?
- How Long Should I Expect My Motorcycle Jack To Last?
- Does The Jack Method Matter?
- What types of motorcycle jacks are there?
- Which type of motorcycle jack is safer?
- How do I maintain a motorcycle jack?
- Do I need to buy a motorcycle jack?
What To Consider When Looking For The Best Motorcycle Jack
There are a few things you’ll need to decide when shopping for the best motorcycle jack. If you don’t have the right jack, you won’t be able to do the work on your motorcycle, or worse, you may hurt yourself. It’s a big decision, so make sure you take the time to consider it. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Lifting Capacity
The average motorcycle weighs around 400 pounds, so you don’t need much strength there. However, if you plan to use the jack for other vehicles, you may want to increase your lifting capacity. Overloading the lift can compromise the safety, so be careful about this feature. The more weight you have, the better.
Operating Convenience
You don’t want to have to fiddle with your jack to ensure that it’s stable and secure. It should have automatic features that help keep you safe and make adjustments a lot easier. It’s best if the jack gives you control over both the lift and release feature. It should be straightforward to balance and encourage you to follow through with all safety procedures.
Loading Platform
If you have a small motorcycle, the size of the platform may not matter that much. However, for larger bikes, a wide platform is necessary to ensure safety and proper support. It will ensure you’re safe while you’re working and preferably have a rubber lining that prevents damage to your bike.
Compare Our Picks For The Best Motorcycle Jacks
2022’s Best Motorcycle Jack Rankings
#1 Pick – Extreme Max 5001.5044 Wide Motorcycle Scissor Jack – 1100 lb.
The Extreme Max 5001.5044 Wide Motorcycle Scissor Jack – 1100 lb. weight capacity has no frills, but it has everything that you will need to jack your bike.
Pros
- High motorcycle jack capacity
- Wide frame
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons
- Manual jacking
- No dolly included
The Extreme Max can jack your bike up to 14 inches high using a scissor-style mount. While this motorcycle jack is a bit of an eyesore, it has a weight capacity of 1100 lbs. This means that you can jack the heaviest Harley that you can find without any trouble.
Despite its extra wide frame, this motorcycle jack won’t be useful for jacking trikes or golf carts. It’s wide, but not wide enough to perform these other tasks safely.
As far as quality of life features go, you’ll need to use a ⅞” socket to use this motorcycle jack. You will exert yourself a bit, so it might not be the best jack for daily use. The motorcycle jack itself is relatively light at 27 lbs, however, so if you need to move a jack around a lot for some reason this motorcycle jack might work.
You can purchase a dolly for this motorcycle jack to make movement even easier.
While your bike is jacked up, the rubber padding on the bottom of the motorcycle jack will prevent any unwanted scratches. You’ll also find that the rubber adds a bit of stability.
The only problem with this motorcycle jack is that it can be difficult to balance a bike. While taking standard precautions will keep you safe, there are probably safer jacks out there.
#2 Pick – LiftMaster 1100 LB Motorcycle Center Scissor Jack with Safety Pin Hoist Stand Bikes ATVs
The LiftMaster 1100 LB Motorcycle Center Scissor Jack with Safety Pin Hoist Stand Bikes ATVs is a technological and aesthetically appealing motorcycle jack which has a handful of safety features that you will be grateful for.
Pros
- Add-on saddles and adapters increase jacking maximum height
- Lots of safety features for beginners
- Durable
- Redundant screw adapters
Cons
- Multiple actions needed to raise the motorcycle jack height
- Safety features may slow down professionals
- Manual jacking
This motorcycle jack has a weight capacity of 1100 lbs up to nearly 16 inches in the air before adding the saddles or adapters. The saddles and adapters will each add about three or four inches, so the maximum jack height of this jack is ideal for people who have trouble getting under the bike with normal jacks.
The motorcycle jack utilizes screw adapters for height adjustment. There are two screw adapters, which means that you will need to perform two actions to adjust the height. For experienced users, the added action is a hassle. For amateurs, the two screw design makes for a jack which is twice as safe.
Cranking the jack can get a bit tiresome because of the additional weight of the top part of the jack. Thankfully, the main safety pin locks in automatically when you would expect it to. This is a very safe jack as a result.
The jack itself is not very mobile. Though it can be mounted on a dolly, the jack itself does not fold, nor is it light. The heavy-duty construction of the joint at the base of the jack is the biggest offender which other jacks might not have.
Nonetheless, this is a very high quality and safe jack which is great for home shops.
#3 Pick – ZENY 1100 LB Wide Deck Motorcycle Center Scissor Lift Jack
The ZENY 1100 LB Wide Deck Motorcycle Center Scissor Lift Jack Repair Hoist Stand Bikes ATVs, Motorcycle Dirt Bike Scooter Crank Stand is a simple but effective jack with a compact footprint.
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing
- Small footprint
- Comfortable for a manual jack
Cons
- Chrome exterior may stain
- Can’t bolt it onto a dolly
This ZENY jack is a standard motorcycle jack which is a bit smaller than others around the base thanks to its lack of mounting features.
The lack of mobility options for this jack is its biggest downfall. While it can be mounted loosely in a dolly, it isn’t possible to secure it into a dolly, which means that it gets jostled around. This is a minor annoyance, but to someone looking for the perfect jack experience, it is a detracting factor.
The manually operated jack handles are better than what most would expect from a jack of this size. The handles are comfortable enough for quick and rapid jacking without any outside aid, and the chrome adds a nice touch.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use any outside assistance when it comes to raising your motorcycle using this jack. Only manual force will do the trick. This means that it’s a better jack to keep in your pickup truck than in your shop, where the lack of automation will become an annoyance.
#4 Pick – OrionMotorTech Dilated Scissor Lift Jack for Street Bike, Cruiser, Adventure Touring Motorcycle
The OrionMotorTech Dilated Scissor Lift Jack for Street Bike, Cruiser, Adventure Touring Motorcycle is a lightweight scissor style jack which is best for lighter motorcycles.
Pros
- Highly mobile
- Rubber pads protect the vehicle’s paint job
- No barriers which would slow professionals
- Unique jacking sleeve
Cons
- Lower than normal maximum weight capacity
- Shorter than normal maximum jacking height
- Requires more exertion than comparable jacks
The OrionMotorTech jack can jack a maximum weight capacity of 1000 lbs to a maximum height of 13 inches. This means that you won’t be able to do the highest or heaviest jacks with this unit, but it’s more than sufficient for a lighter cruiser motorcycle or a dirt bike.
The minimal bottom joint of the jack is the secret behind its lightweight. The external rivets are a giveaway that this jack is not intended to last 20 years or to lift heavyweight motorcycles.
While the durability of this jack is not a concern, you may be a bit more concerned by the jack’s lack of safety features. Motorcycles may be unbalanced while on this jack despite the rubber padding and scissor style struts. At the same time, there aren’t any major safety features on this jack.
The metal sleeve is easy to use when it comes to raising the platform and jacking the motorcycle. You will need to apply more force than you might with other metal sleeve style jacks, however, so be sure to eat a good breakfast.
#5 Pick – Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Jack – 1,100 lb. Capacity
The Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Jack – 1,100 lb. Maximum Weight Capacity has all of the features that you would want from a motorcycle jack, including looking like it’s ready for serious business.
Pros
- Excellent floor mounting system
- Excellent dolly mounting system
- Scratch-resistant exterior
- Easy to use for manual jacking
Cons
- Not very stable at high jacking heights
- Not very mobile
The Black Widow jack is one of the most competitive motorcycle jacks on the market owing to its 16-inch jack height, 1100 lbs capacity, and 3-inch bonus height provided by the struts.
This jack is ready for anything, and it’s ready to look cool in the process. The jack is raised via a hex key, which works well and with less effort than one might expect.
The black powder coating on the jack gives it a scratch-resistant veneer which is welcome in a shop that services a lot of bikes.
You can easily mount this jack on a dolly for mobility, and the strong mounting system makes for an easy mounting on a floor clasp as well.
The only disadvantage of this jack is its balancing. The motorcycle is necessarily very high in the air with this jack, and if you don’t secure it using the mounting system on the top of the jack, the thin base means that the motorcycle could technically be prone to tumbling laterally.
There is a solution, however. Mounting this jack on a floor clasp will prevent any kind of balance issues. So, while this jack could be mobile, it is at its strongest when screwed into the floor and when all of its mounting features are used simultaneously. Under these conditions, it is the ideal jack.
#6 Pick – Extreme Max 5001.5038 Hydraulic Motorcycle / ATV Jack – 1700 lb. Capacity
The Extreme Max 5001.5038 Hydraulic Motorcycle / ATV Jack – 1700 lb. Capacity is the jack which is ready for the heaviest of jobs.
Pros
- Seamless manual jacking
- Great access to vehicle undercarriage
- Highly stable
- Many accessories included
Cons
- Large footprint
- Massive jacking handle
With this jack, you’ll get a maximum jack height of nearly 15 inches at a maximum weight capacity of 1700 lbs. You won’t need to purchase a separate dolly or saddle pads, either.
This jack also has a conveniently long jacking handle, which makes the heaviest jacks effortless. The jack’s construction may appear to be light-duty, but in fact it’s more than sufficient for years of jacking.
The jack also offers superior access to the most difficult-to-reach portions of the motorcycle as a result of its skeletonized design. You’ll never need to worry about instability or accessing a tough area.
The main drawback of this jack is that it takes up a lot of floorspace. It isn’t compact whatsoever, and it can be very tough to fit it in a car or truck for transportation. The main problem is the jacking handle.
The jacking handle is responsible for the jack’s impressive weight capacity and easy jacking. But it’s also massive, which makes it a bit awkward to move around or store. This makes the jack better suited to stationary work in the shop than mobile work at the track or anything similar.
#7 Pick – Pit Posse PP2551 Motorcycle Cycle Dirt Bike ATV Scissor Floor Jack Lift Center Stand
The Pit Posse PP2551 Motorcycle Cycle Dirt Bike ATV Scissor Floor Jack Lift Center Stand is the stablest jack of them all.
Pros
- Slip-proof surfaces
- Very stable
- Square footprint instead of rectangular footprint
Cons
- Short jack height
- Can’t move or bolt to the ground
The Pit Posse uses a unique design that places the jack at the center of a table-like frame. You jack the motorcycle using the floor pedal, which requires a bit of pumping. Once the motorcycle is jacked up, you can adjust the angle with the side knobs, which also has a safety lock for added stability.
While this jack doesn’t have any rubber padding designed to make the bike slip-proof, you won’t miss it. The large and square shape of the jack’s top makes for an extremely stable mounting of any cycle.
The base of the jack is as important as the top. The four legs of the jack have disc-shaped feet which make for a rock-solid base.
The main issue with this jack is its lack of portability and its relatively short jack height. Stability is incompatible with height most of the time, so this issue makes sense. Portability is a problem because the jack can’t be fit onto a dolly or mounted onto one cleanly.
#8 Pick – Alltrade Powerbuilt 620422E Heavy Duty 4000lb Triple Lift Jack
The Alltrade Powerbuilt 620422E can handle quite a few recreational vehicles safely and effectively.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple vehicle types
- Functions as a jack and jack stand
- Can lift with lower wheelbases
Cons
- Hydraulics can fail sometimes
- Warranty isn’t great
The Alltrade Powerbuilt has a heavy duty jack with an affordable price tag. It’s compact for storage but can lift quite a bit of weight capacity.
It doubles as a bottle jack and jack stand, and it’s suitable for vehicles with lower lift joints – just over eight inches. It also handles vehicles with lift joints just over 18 inches, so you’ve got a wide range of options with this one.
It has a locking safety bar and works with a variety of vehicle designs. It includes padded lift rails, and the design is safe while eliminating the need for a separate jack stand. It’s a flexible option if you don’t want a bunch of different jack types.
#9 Pick – OTC 1545
The OTC 1545 has a clearance of just over three inches, and the maximum lift range is just over 16 inches.
Pros
- Wide, safe base
- Three-inch low clearance
- Automatic safety lock and rear castor lock for safety
Cons
- No control of the release
- Could be dangerous if you let it go too soon
The OTC 1545 is one of the most stable jacks on our list, and it offers safety and efficiency. The aluminum frame is light but sturdy, and it uses an adjustable wheelbase that’s easy to maneuver underneath your bike.
It supports up to 1500 pounds, which might be on the low range for some of you, but it accommodates a broader wheelbase safely. The automatic safety lock prevents the jack from moving or wiggling. It also has rear locking castors and ratcheting tie-down straps.
It doesn’t have much control over the letdown, so it can be a bit shaky or even dangerous at times. While you can undoubtedly get it adjusted professionally, it’s kind of a pain when you have so much control over other types of jacks. However, the low lift and broad base help make up for what it lacks on release control.
#10 Pick – PowerZone 380047 1700lb Hydraulic Motorcycle / ATV Jack
The PowerZone 380047 hydraulic motorcycle jack features a convenient foot-activated hydraulic pump that helps keep your hands free for positioning.
Pros
- Higher lifting power for multipurpose use
- Foot activated lift design
- Rubber pads to protect your bike
Cons
- Requires stabilizers (all hydraulic motorcycle jacks do)
- Lower lift distance than some others on the list
PowerZone 380047 hydraulic motorcycle jack offers powerful lifting for both motorcycles and ATVs. It’s capable of handling up to 1700 pounds safely while providing efficient lift and stability.
It’s made of heavy duty steel, able to withstand corrosion and rust. In fact, the jack is designed to last longer than the vehicle you buy it for, giving you a long-lasting investment in the maintenance of your bike or ATV.
It has a removable T-handle and features safety locks once you get the right positioning. Rubber pads protect the bike from accidental scratches while providing a non-slip surface to rest your bike. It lifts just over 14 inches, which is lower than most of the jacks on the list but clears just over four inches at the bottom end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Should I Look For In A Motorcycle Jack?
The most important features in a motorcycle jack are jack height, easy to use, and stability.
If your jack doesn’t raise the cycle high enough for you to perform the work you need, it’s useless. Likewise, if the jack is so hard to raise that you’re winded by the time your motorcycle is ready to work on, it won’t be much good if you intend to use it frequently.
Stability is also a core safety feature. If your motorcycle falls on you while you are working on it, you may be seriously injured. Not all jacks have the same set of safety features. Many are intended for professional use, and so they have fewer safety features in the name of faster use.
If you are an amateur, you will get the best results from a jack which can jack high very easily and with extreme stability. Typically, you will have to pick two of the above three traits.
Height is usually incompatible with stability, and ease of jacking is usually incompatible with height, but not always. Figure out the best combination for you and your bike.
How Long Should I Expect My Motorcycle Jack To Last?
Most motorcycle jacks will last for five or ten years with heavy usage. The durability of the jack itself is not a major concern most of the time, though many of the jacking mechanisms may have manufacturing defects which causes them to fail within a few years.
Most jacks have warranties of several years to account for these issues, so don’t be afraid to consider the warranty as an important purchasing factor.
Jacks don’t necessarily wear out significantly faster with heavier usage. You probably will need to perform a little lubrication if you use your jack all the time.
Does The Jack Method Matter?
The jack method determines how easy to use it is. The most basic jacking method is the metal sleeve, which necessitates a lot of twisting with both of your hands. The metal sleeve isn’t an inferior jacking method because it is very reliable.
The only problem is that it doesn’t offer very much height per unit of your physical work. So, if you’re a bit out of shape, the metal jacket isn’t a great way to jack.
Similarly, the floor pedal is a very popular jacking method which requires a lot of work to get any appreciable amount of height. Some people find the floor pedal preferable to the metal jacket, however.
Finally, the lever or hex key jacking methods are usually the best. The lever might seem like it takes a lot of work, but it’s the easiest method in terms of total effort expended. The longer the lever, the better.
The hex key can be as effective as the lever, but is limited by the need to have the right hex key on hand. Not all motorcycle jack manufacturers sell you the right hex key bundled with the jack, so you may need to purchase one.
What types of motorcycle jacks are there?
You have the option of two types – hydraulic and scissor. Hydraulic (sometimes called floor) jacks use a hydraulic pump to raise the lifting platform and allow you to handle more weight capacity. Scissor or screw jacks use compressed air with a screw that turns the platform.
Which type of motorcycle jack is safer?
Hydraulic lifts are capable of larger loads, but they will require supports to ensure the motorcycle jack doesn’t fail. Scissor jacks, on the other hand, have a self-locking feature, making them safer in many cases. The most reliable type of motorcycle jack is one you operate correctly and provide regular maintenance for.
How do I maintain a motorcycle jack?
You’ll need frequent lubrication and cleaning to ensure your motorcycle jack operates smoothly. You may also need to replace certain parts like the wheels after lots of use. If you have a hydraulic jack, you’ll have extra rounds of maintenance to service the pistons. You must maintain your motorcycle jack well to ensure full safety.
Do I need to buy a motorcycle jack?
If you plan to work on your motorcycle at all, you’ll need the best motorcycle jack to help ensure your own safety and accessibility. You can do a lot with your motorcycle yourself, but it’s going to be so much more convenient if you have a way to get to parts of the bike that aren’t as accessible without it.
