If you’re the owner of a motorcycle, chances are you’ve thought about investing in an air-powered lift. Having your own air compressor for motorcycle lift can be incredibly beneficial to properly maintain and even repair your bike over time.
However, understanding what size air compressor for motorcycle lift is best suited for this purpose can be difficult at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with power tools and general mechanics. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting the right type and size of air compressor that fits both your needs and budget so that you have all the information to make the right decision!
What Size Air Compressor For Motorcycle Lift
For a motorcycle lift, you’ll need an air compressor with a CFM rating of at least 3-8 and a PSI rating around 95-105. HP should be in the 2-3 range, and the tank size should be around 6 gallons or higher.
What Is A Motorcycle Lift?
A motorcycle lift is a mechanical device that allows you to elevate your motorcycle so you can access and view it from different angles. It also gives you the ability to work on the bike with ease, as well as store it away safely when not in use. This type of lift uses an air compressor to provide the force needed for lifting and lowering the bike.
Types of Motorcycle Lift:
There are four main types of air-powered motorcycle lifts:
1- Low Profile Motorcycle Lift
2- High Profile Motorcycle Lift
3- Manual Motorcycle Lift
4- Portable Motorcycle Lift
1- Low Profile Motorcycle Lift:
A low profile motorcycle lift is designed with the purpose of raising your bike just enough so you can easily access its underside for repairs. They usually come in a variety of capacities and are commonly used for bikes with a total weight of up to 1,200 pounds.
2- High Profile Motorcycle Lift:
High profile motorcycle lifts are designed to lift your bike high enough so you can access both the underside of the frame and deep components. They are capable of lifting large bikes up to 2,500 lbs.
3- Manual Motorcycle Lift:
Manual motorcycle lifts use a hand crank mechanism to raise and lower the bike. This type of lift is great for lightweight bikes, up to 400 lbs, and is perfect for tinkering in your garage or transporting the bike around.
4- Portable Motorcycle Lift:
Portable motorcycle lifts are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport from one place to another. They can usually lift up to 1,000 lbs and come with a variety of accessories for lifting motorcycles of different sizes.
What Size Air Compressor Do You Need For Motorcycle Lift?
The size of the air compressor you will need depends on the type and weight of your bike, as well as the lift’s capacity. Generally speaking, most lifts require a minimum pressure between 95-105 PSI in order to function properly.
Low profile lifts usually require a minimum of 2-3 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at 95 PSI while the larger high profile motorcycle lifts can require up to 8 CFM at 105 PSI. It is important to note that some air compressors may not be able to meet these requirements, so always check the manual before making a purchase.
In addition to size and PSI, you’ll also want to consider the type of power source (electric or gas) and make sure that it is compatible with your lift. Electric sources are usually more affordable but may require special wiring in order to be used safely. Gas-powered compressors, on the other hand, are more powerful and require less maintenance over time.
7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Motorcycle Lift:
When selecting an air compressor for your motorcycle lift, it’s important to consider the following factors:
1. PSI Rate:
The PSI rating determines how much pressure is needed to properly lift the bike. Always make sure that the compressor you choose meets or exceeds the lift’s minimum required PSI.
2. Horsepower:
The horsepower rating determines how powerful the compressor is, which will impact its ability to lift heavier bikes.
3. Tank Size:
Bigger tanks typically allow for more air storage and can usually handle larger bikes without needing to be recharged.
4. CFM Air Output:
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ratings indicate how much air is being moved by the compressor. Higher CFM ratings can reduce the time it takes to fill up a tank, which is great if you need to lift your bike quickly.
5. Flow Meter:
This device measures and displays how much air is being used at any given time. It can be useful to keep an eye on how much air is needed for lifting heavier bikes.
6. Duty Cycle:
Duty cycle is the amount of time a compressor can operate continuously without needing to rest. It’s important to note that compressors with a lower duty cycle may overheat if used for too long, so make sure you select one with the appropriate rating for your needs.
7. Portability:
If you plan to take your compressor with you on trips or store it when not in use, it’s important to make sure that it is lightweight and easy to transport.
By taking into account the size of your bike, lift requirements, and personal preferences, you can ensure that you get an air compressor that meets both your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question #1
What is a motorcycle lift?
A motorcycle lift is a device used to raise and lower your bike for easy access and maintenance. It can also be used for transporting the bike from place to place.
Question #2
How do I know which type of air compressor I need for my motorcycle lift?
The type and size of air compressor you need depends on the type and weight of your bike, as well as the lift’s capacity. Generally speaking, most lifts require a minimum pressure between 95-105 PSI in order to function properly. Make sure to read the manual thoroughly before making a purchase.
Question #3
How much air pressure is required for a motorcycle lift?
Low profile lifts usually require a minimum of 2-3 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at 95 PSI while the larger high profile motorcycle lifts can require up to 8 CFM at 105 PSI.
Question #4
What is PSI?
PSI stands for “pounds per square inch” and it is a unit of measurement used to indicate the pressure of air or gas.
Question #5
What is HP?
HP, or horsepower, refers to the power output of an engine or motor. It is usually measured in units of watts or kilowatts (kW).
Question #6
What is the difference between an electric and a gas powered air compressor?
An electric air compressor uses electricity to generate power, while a gas-powered air compressor uses gasoline or diesel fuel as its source of power. Generally speaking, electric compressors are more cost-effective and require less maintenance, while gas powered models are typically more powerful and can be used for longer periods of time.
Question #7
What is a tank size?
The tank size indicates how much air the compressor can store at one time. Larger tanks generally allow for more air storage and can typically handle larger bikes without needing to be recharged as often.
Question #8
What is a flow meter?
A flow meter, or flow gauge, measures the amount of air being used at any given time. This allows you to keep track of how much air is needed for lifting heavier bikes and can be useful for monitoring the compressor’s performance.
Question #9
What is a duty cycle?
Duty cycle is the amount of time a compressor can operate continuously without needing to rest. Generally speaking, compressors with a lower duty cycle may overheat if used for too long, so make sure you select one with an appropriate rating for your needs.
Question #10
What is the importance of portability?
If you plan to take your compressor with you on trips or store it when not in use, it’s important to make sure that it is lightweight and easy to transport. By selecting a model with adjustable handles and wheels, you can ensure easy maneuverability.
Conclusion:
When selecting an air compressor for your motorcycle lift, there are several important factors to consider. Size and weight of the bike, lift requirements, power output (PSI and HP), tank size, flow meter, duty cycle and portability are all important things to take into account when making your purchase. By taking into consideration these features, you can ensure that you get the best air compressor for your motorcycle lift to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.