Having a poor experience with my former cheap bike lift that was down right dangerous when lowering, I had been looking around for my other options. I came up with a scissor jack, another cheap repco style bike lift, a bike table and a Big Blue bike lift. The scissor jack($150) I have been using has been fantastic-I raise and lower with a ratchet and have complete control all the time, the downside is you really only get one wheel off the ground at once and height adjustment was maxed just over 300mm.I was very close to getting a second one and it probable would have done but I liked the possibility of extra height. Another repco style lift ($150 second hand)was an option but I was so put off by my first one that I didn't want to spend my money and hope it didn't happen again.I know you can the more expensive brands that fix this but you still can only raise your bike around 400mm.A professional table would have been my top choice. But with prices ranging anywhere between $600- $1200 for the table and the fact that you still need a scissor jack or two and tie down straps plus a lot of space to store which I don't have made it a too costly and inconvenient option.Finally, I had seen the Eazy Rizer professional Big Blue on Ebay but at $950 it was a heck of a lot of money to put towards my liking of cleaning my bike and general maintanance, but It ticked a lot of boxes in regards to height, space and storage. Eazy Rizer make a red lift as well but it is only rated to 350kg which would be fine for a smaller jap bike. The Big Blue is rated to 750 kg and is perfect for the heavier bikes like the Harley cruisers and tourers.I got lucky and found one for $350 on Gumtree and now that I've used it here's my feedback

It is very easy to manoeuvre, and not too heavy or awkward to lift. You use a drill to raise and lower the lift which makes it effortless. You can use a ratchet but it takes forever. The lift has a range of brackets available to suit many different bike types. Mine came with standard "beam" brackets which are suited to the parallel lower frame like my Softail Harley. Initially, I thought the beams were too narrow but I need not have worried as they are more than adequate with plenty of room to spare. The beams are also adjustable and come with points so you can install frame clamps to ensure the bike remains firmly in position once lifted.With good low ground clearance, It took no time to line up and position the lift. Raising and lowering is smooth and precise with no jerking or worrying movement. At full extension, I measured around 750mm from the ground to underside of the bike frame. Once at this height, I found cleaning and detailing the bike a breeze. The bike is not totally rigid in this position and there is a little bit of movement. I think any major spanner work like loosening axle bolts and the like should be done on the ground where the bike is more rigid and then lifted for removal. Smaller tasks like brake pads and simple servicing is where the lift will come into its own. The thing I really like about this lift is its simplicity and the confidence it gives me raising and lowering. Its clever design means it leaves a very small foot print and when I'm not using it for the bike I might put a bit of plywood on it and use it as a light work bench. Maintaining it cannot be easier with a wipe every now and then and some bearing grease on the adjustable rod.I think the absolute best setup would be a professional bike table and the Big Blue comes a perfect second place.The old saying "horses for courses" cannot be truer. If I had paid the new price of $950 I don't think I would have been disappointed, It is a heck of a lot of money and what you get is a real professional piece of gear that has a life long warranty. The fact that I got mine for $350 means that I got an absolute bargain and I'm smiling like a Cheshire cat. The problem for others is that I have only ever seen one for sale second hand in my time. If you see one going cheap grab it as I think you'll find it one of the best bike lifts you will ever own.

Hope this helps someone

Fat Tom

p.s. you can buy new from 1Up Motorcycle Products speak to Russell 0417 320 742 or visit oneup.com.au

Well done.

If you dont have the lock, heres one on ebay................

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-T-REX-Hydraulic-Motorcycle-Lifter-Motorbike-Lift-Stand-Table-Jack-Hoist-Bike-/131355886676?epid=1844065876&hash=item1e956bc454:g:ewAAAOSwNC5Zexky

Have the opportunity to purchase a good second hand bike lift. How are you going with yours, is it still as good as your initial use and what are some of the advantages and disadvantages. Gary

Cheers

Hilly

Thanks Grease Monkey

Gary

Its been a while...July 2017. In all honesty,I do not use it a hell of a lot. When I do its still the bees knees. pros and cons... a bit fiddly lining it up under the bike and initial setup with me having a softail and having to watch out for the shocks, but once that's done it is plain sailing. At lower levels you can do a heck of a lot with total confidence, at higher levels yes you have to be more careful but it is still sturdy and surprisingly very stable.... Also have to keep the worm screw clean and lubricated...need to make sure drill is charged...they are the cons. The pros are still the same as in my original write up. What you say Grease monkey is spot on, how many people actually do the major work on their bike themselves? I am sure there are many, but the vast majority will clean and do basic service on their bike,and maybe take their wheels,tank off etc and leave the big jobs to the professional mechanic. 

Thanks for the reply I think both counts have merit. Still trying to get over the fact you can lift it so high. I believe it is a good piece of equipment but will go with the Anderson stand and maybe some purpose built stands to have it secure. Thanks for the reply

The lift does everything I need it for, for my purposes. That is what you have to ask yourself before you spend the bucks on this type of equipment