***PLEASE READ IT ALL BEFORE CLOSING***

When searching for a quality "motorcycle lift" which would also be both economically attractive, I came across two (2) Motorcycle Lifts that I decided to compare. The two lifts were the "Pep Boys" TORIN lift and the SEARS Yellow model (not the Red & Black model). I actually purchased both of them and brought them home to compare the functionality and the features on these two (2) Lifts, and not solely make a decision based upon the ascetics of the Lifts. The SEARS "Red & Black" model seems to be consistent with the PepBoys Lift, so I was not interested in comparing apples to apples. Don't overlook this point. Grant it, there is a price difference, but we've all heard the statement, "you get what you pay for."

Here are the "pro's" and the "con's" of the two when compared:

I will begin by simply saying, the Sears Yellow model is in a league all of its own. IT IS AWESOME!

TORIN (-) Came in a box and had several components needing to be assembled. Now understand, I had no problem with that aspect, BUT the thing that stood out to me is how bulky the "lift" is when compared to the Sears lift.
SEARS (+) Came completely put together except for the handle being inserted and is much lighter in weight than the Torin.

TORIN (-) Lowering release pedal goes without saying, very jerky and a little scarey, when looking at how crazy it is going down with me on the opposite side of the bike. I tried many different approaches but could not get it to go down slowly. That was very aggravating!
SEARS (+) has the professional "twist to release" feature incorporated into the handle, which is "smooth" as silk and a whole different setup, which honestly, I love it.

TORIN (-) Caster Wheels are as stubborn as the day is long. At times, they would not turn unless I got down and physically moved them to turn.
SEARS (+) Wheels are without any impeding factors. They turn on the dime and are just smooth and responsive when turning and pulling the lift around in the garage.

TORIN (-) Came with no straps or extra platforms for added clearance.
SEARS (+) Came with a NICE set of tie-downs and a set of platform risers which are very stout and quality made.

TORIN (-) Handle is bolted in, so in the event you'd want to remove it for hauling or storage, you'll need your socket set.
SEARS (+) Handle is designed with the quick pin release feature, which is again, both a compliment and most convenient.

TORIN (+) Price was $69.99 plus tax
SEARS (-) Price was $179 plus tax.

FINAL THOUGHTS: When I think about the investment I've made in my Roady, then I find myself coming back down to the obvious thought, which is simply, "You don't buy a $500,000 house and then try and skimp on the furniture." So, for me, the negative on the price for Sears could very well end up being a positive, should one of those home assembled components come loose and fail in the midst of doing any maintenance on the bike.

To each their own, but these are my findings!

So, the "Pep Boys" lift was returned and the Sears "Yellow" Lift has now been added to the rest of the Craftsman tools in my garage collection.

For what it's worth, I have had my yellow Sears lift for the 2+ years I've owned the bike. All I can say is "Awesome!" Not a lick of trouble, operates beautifully (including the slow descent), and very stable. And I use it a lot.

Thanks for doing the comparison. I don;t think I'll second guess my purchase.

b4unowroadstar, I agree with you. I have the same Sears yellow jack, it's very easy rolling and everything else you said about it. I wouldn't give it up for anything.




D J

Got a Harbor Freight special. It works but the thing is a b!#&h to move even without the weight and it bounces on the way down. Next one will be a recommendation from the Clinic readers. Sometimes ya gotta learn the hard way.

Greyphart

greyphart wrote:
...It works but the thing is a b!#&h to move even without the weight and it bounces on the way down. Greyphartthat was two of the things that truly drove me crazy. when i took the PepBoy's "TORIN" Lift back, the manager asked me what was wrong with it and i simply told him, there is nothing wrong with it according to its design, I AM SIMPLY NOT HAPPY WITH IT!!!!

i'll tell you now, that was one scarey experience when i saw my Roadie bouncing like that when i gradually, barely stepped on the release pedal.

how long ago did you buy your HF special? maybe you can return it.

Too late to return it but I probably can fix the wheel problem with quality casters. The release mechanism I'm thinking can be modified somehow. Instead of a foot pedal I could possible run a rod to it with a spring tensioner and button activation. I'll make it user friendly yet.

Greyphart

I have the Pep Boys lift and I don't find it to be "jerky" at all. Mine is smooth when lowering the bike. I do let it down slowly and easily if that makes the difference. Anyway, if I would have known about the Sears yellow jack at the time, I probably would have bought it because the Torin is heavy and cumbersome to move around. I have a carport and the floor is gravel so the wheels are not the issue as they would be for a cement floor, but the heft and ease of moving the jack around and carrying it is... not to mention quality and over time the upgrade of the quality features and benefits would pay for the increased cost of the jack.

I am in firm believer in "it only costs a little more to go first class," however I did not know about this Sears jack two years ago... I researched the red Sears jack which looked to me to be the same as the Pep Boys that I bought.

At any rate, this jack, while perhaps not being the best in terms of quality and benefits, has saved me countless hours of misery while being a huge blessing in helping to make maintenance on my roadie more of a pleasure... and every tme I use it I am so thankful for it... that said, I have to be happy with this Pep Boys jack!

Darn it. I went cheap and now I'm not happy with the Jack. I'm putting that sears jack on my christmas list!

kena48 wrote:
Darn it. I went cheap and now I'm not happy with the Jack. I'm putting that sears jack on my christmas list!sounds like a plan for sure.

just make sure you are not naughty, but nice.

I don't know what everyone has against the Sears Red and Black jack is, maybe you guys just don't know how to use it . Mine works fine, the price was good. Nothing I don't like about it. I suppose the other Sears jack may be better, I don't know. But for the money, that Red & Black makes my R* go up and down just fine.