Kendon Cruiser Lift

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Kendon Cruiser Lift

45WL
12 years ago

I was one of the lucky one's that participated in the Kendon Lift group buy and would like to provide some feedback on the Kendon Cruiser Lift.

Firstly, I would like to thank Mongrel for doing a lot of legwork on the other lifts and to Rodrocket for pursuing and landing the Kendon Lift deal. Thanks Weedoman for start the thread! Here is the link to the original thread http://www.hdforums.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=71&forumid=9&postid=503010&view=topic

Cost: I ordered the Cruiser Lift, the jack and 2 x 18" service tables. The group buy got us 10% discount.

Shipping: My order from Harts Transport in Melbourne was confirmed on the Monday and Northline collected my lift on Tuesday, delivering it to Brisbane on Friday arvo. Delivery was $73 which is an absolute bargain!!!

Packaging: The lift comes crated in a steel frame - really impressed!

Assembly: The lift comes pretty much assembled with a few pieces to connect to the main body - no instructions!! but you have to be blind and dumb not to figure how it comes together

First Impressions: Solid and well built.

Tested the lift without a bike to check if everything worked – no problems. Fully raised couldn’t rock the lift from left to right.

Read some reviews online before purchasing but these seem to be on earlier versions on the lift and the negative aspects have been addressed. These include

1.     Ties slacking off as you raise the lift – On the new version of the lift they have moved the front tie points and the ties remain taught throughout the lifting/ lowering operation

2.     “Slippery” ramp – the ramp is now painted with a non-slip paint

3.     Lift sliding on the floor when removing the bike from the front wheel chock - I didn’t experience this although the first time I tried to remove the bike I forgot to get the bike out of gear and felt like a REAL KNOB when my wife and I still couldn’t get the bike out and then it dawned on me……I’m such a dumb ass!

4.     The lift “drops” down quickly on the final 200mm or so – this is easily controlled if you aware of the “problem” and just close the valve as you lowering the lift.

Operation: I have a slight incline towards the garage so I start the bike and slowly guide it on the lift and into the front wheel chock. Riding on is a NO NO! The front wheel chock is (quickly) adjustable – I still have to play a little to find the perfect setting for my bikes – but it works! On the Wide Glide I don’t feel comfortable having a beer while the bike is on the front wheel alone – I have those front ties ready to go and always have a hand on the bike – yes I’m paranoid about a lot of shit but I don’t think I’m wrong this is a conspiracy!

Once tied down, connected it to the compressor and its ready to go. The specs say min pressure required 120PSI, my compressor has a maximum of 115PSI and manages to raise the lift – no worries although noisey with the pump and the compressor working simultaneously. The lift has 5 positions. The lift also has a hand pump which I use to raise the lift off the safety catches and lower it down.

Jack: The jack is purpose built and work really well. I used a socket and ratchet spanner to operate. I found the “crossbar” wedged up under my Sporty’s exhaust so I just removed it and used the jack on it’s own. I will be cover my jack and cross bar with some rubber because I don’t like the idea of steel on steel!!

Storage: BRILIANT!!!! Cant say more!

Conclusion: BRILLIANT!!! I’m really happy, no more sore back or knees for me ;-)

If I missed something –let me know and I’ll try to respond

Check out the photos below

Cheers

45WL

Sporty at full height

Sporty at full height: rear wheel on the main section of the lift ie extension not needed

Sporty in front wheel chock. 5 settings I second last is cool for the sporty but maybe the middle one for the WG?? Still need to experiment

Sporty on the lowest height setting

Sporty minimum height; compressor hose underneath lift still freaks me out but does not fowl. I'll try and find a better route for the hose

WG loaded: Wheel chock on 2 last setting, maybe middle setting will secure front wheel better?? Wouldnt leave the long heavy bike unattended without the ties

WG rear wheel on rear extension

Lift at maximum height with WG - Thumbs up

Maximum lift: Notice long RAM and pump

Lift at minimum lift

mickle
12 years ago

Don't know much about physics but the width of the legs don't look to be wide enough to support the bike and stand at its maximum height
it looks as though it would be a bit wonky if you bumped into it.

terroristone
12 years ago

Great write up mate! Thanks. How stirdy at full height would it be?

rodrocket
12 years ago

Nelson, great write up

big thanks to Weedoman as he started the originalthread, I was already convinced on the Kendon from when I seen it at the A&B Bike Show at the Thunderdome

another Thanks must go to The Mongrel as he followed up on the chinese lifts

all in all it was team work & it worked out well for all concerned

glad to hear freight was exactly what I said it would be as I know interstate freight can be tricky at times, Chris at Harts has been great to deal with

if anybody wants one of these lift get in quick before the "Forum Group Buy" expires, I will be in Queensland for the weekend but if anybody wants to look at these lifts in Melbourne ( Airport West ) I will be back on Monday & can arrange to have more lift's collected next week

thanks again Nelson for the great review

regards
Rod

weedoman
12 years ago

Glad you guys got your hands on a good product for a better than retail price. Having started the thread, I'm pretty bloody envious I can tell you! Looks like the duck's guts.

Will67
12 years ago

already see one problem with it, doesnt have much table space to lie down tools especially when draining oils where the fuck ya ment to put a drain bucket without knocking the thing off and spilling oil all over the place?

you would be luck to sit a stubby on there safely

45WL
12 years ago

Ok ok you guys caught me out!!!! The bikes on the lift are actually cardboard cut-outs and not my bikes - wouldn't risk my own bikes would I?????

The lift is long and I agree from the photos the legs appear to be narrow so I took some measurements on the feet and on the tie down points for all you sceptics!

Front supports: 580mm (outside to outside)

Front tie down: 520mm (minimum dimension)

Rear support: 580mm (outside to outside)

Rear tie down: 620mm (minimum dimension)

Max lift height 810mm

I have checked out the “cheap” imports and although they have a table – they are “wonky” because of the amount of play in the support frame. The width of the table doesn’t add any stability IMO. The tie down points on the table lift table would be in the same order as those mentioned above. As for the front chock I still have to play around with the settings for my wide glide but I’ll get it to work. I definitely prefer the wheel chock over the front wheel “clamp” on the cheaper models

My lift is stable as! Would I leave any of my bikes without ties – Never !!! I only have pull-type ties which I'll replace with rachet-type ties.

The lift does come with optional stainless steel tool trays which attach to either side of the lift between the ties. I wanted 36” trays which would occupy the whole lift section but the supplier only has 18” trays. I purchased 2 of these and in hind sight I think will work better because you have closer access when working on the front you move the tray to the rear and vice versa.

I’ll take some photos with the tool trays on this weekend and post.

As for oil drainage there is an optional oil drain pan that fits on the lift and drains through an opening in the lift. I didn’t go with this option as I don’t have the $$$ but I see how it goes and maybe buy it later.

T1: I saw the lift you want and it is the business!!! If I could afford it and had the space I wouldn’t think twice! But for the money I think this lift is stabile and built solid. I do not have space so the space saving offered makes this lift is awesome. The FB has a shorter wheel base than the WG but weights about the same - I would expect the lift to stable with your bike - it is stable with mine.

Finally: I am not associated in any way with the manufacturer or distributor and I’m not trying to sell this to anyone.

This is my lift, my bikes and my opinion! Use it or don’t – it’s just an opinion!!

Cheers

45WL

terroristone
12 years ago

The thing about this lift that has caught my attention is how narrow it is, this looks to be a good thing as you can get in close to the bike as with a full size lift you may put pressure on your lower back trying to "lean in"..... I've not yet had the chance to use any sort of bike hoist so im keeping a good eye on all the reviews! More pictures and reviews would be good!

T1

45WL
12 years ago

Hmmm

Your lift and review was what got me started looking. But as I've mentioned before, the supplier wanted $400 shipping fee to Brisbane which was a deal breaker for me.

I agree - it's good to see people working together

Cheers

rodrocket
12 years ago

is there any other's interested in these lifts that want to collect hem from Airport West as I will be sending somebody out to collect some more this week

regards
rod

Hollywood
12 years ago

Hi 45WL,

I have to agree it is a great lift, I purchased one myself at Xmas and have had my WLA and Road King both up on it to do work. No problems with either bike on the lift.

I got the GP deal which included the small lift for the frame and the work tray and oil drain, they are well made from stainless steel.

I had some worries about the width of the lift with a big load but when loaded and up I tried to wobble the lift, she was quite solid and would take a fairly solid hit to knock her over.

It is brilliant to pack up and wheel away.

45WL
12 years ago

Agree Hollywood!!!

Haven't tried lifting my WL - how does the small lift work on the front of your WLA? any issues?? Is the oil drain worth it?

I promised to put up some more photos with the work trays and jack but I've been flat out will try again this weekend ;-)

Cheers

45WL

Hollywood
12 years ago

Hi 45WL,

It works fine she is currently up on the little lift as refitting the speedo drive, very handy. Currently having to replace the front head as had a blowout due to poor fitting by a mechanic prior to my purchase, he didn't shim the frame mount correctly.

The oil tray is very helpful just have to lineup correctly.

Cheers

Hollywood

45WL
11 years ago

Its been a while since I first reviewed the kendon bike lift, I've used it a few times since and still happy as.

I found that the front tyres choke actually works quite well once you have set it up correct - middle notch is what I found best for the sporty and wide glide

Used the jack - brilliant for servicing the front and rear wheels!

Used the trays - see photo - only 18" wide but enough to put down a few tools. You cant put 2 - 18" trays next to one another which is why I would have preferred the 36" wide tray but the supplier didnt have stock when I ordered - still with 18" on both sides is enough to tackle most jobs without break the back ;-)

Cheers

45WL

la0055
11 years ago

G'day guys

I am (re)joining this forum after a few months in the wilnerness, having expressed some interest in this lift previously.

This is the lift that folds, and wheels away for easy storage yeah ?

If I recall correctly someone in Melbourne (maybe Airport West) was offering these units. I am in Geelong so can pick up.

Can anyone please advise me if they are still available, the price, and what accessories are available and their price(s) also .... expecting a tax refund soon so will then be in a position to purchase.

Seem to also recall that whoever was offering them at the time may have since had an accident on his bike, so may or may not now be available ?

Either way, trust the guy is ok and has now fully recovered.

Cheers

la0055
11 years ago

g'day rodrocket

are you still around mate, and is this Kendon lift still available ?

coming up to tax time again, missed last year with the (modest) refund spent on other things now but son and I really want one of these lifts for our rides

are they still available ?

cheers

RenrawRd
11 years ago

I borrowed a kedron lift from a friend last year when I did my engine upgrade on my road king.

it was very stable and easy to work with and I am now thinking of getting one of my own.

I believe Harts Transport are the Australian distributor. http://www.hartstransport.com.au

cheers

Dave

Topics

Kendon Cruiser Lift

Kendon Cruiser Lift

45WL

mickle

terroristone

rodrocket

weedoman

Will67

45WL

terroristone

45WL

rodrocket

Hollywood

45WL

Hollywood

45WL

la0055

la0055

RenrawRd