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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: lvmci on August 16, 2014, 10:11:16 AM

Title: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: lvmci on August 16, 2014, 10:11:16 AM
Hi All, has anyone ever converted the factory wheel chair lift, as seen on some mci's and others into a motorcycle lift. I would assume you would have to beef up the hydraulics and maybe the floor pan of the lift and use a lighter bike, maybe 300/400 lbs, but it seem doable, tom, lvmci...
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: harleyman_1000 on August 16, 2014, 11:41:11 AM
 Not sure, but I like the idea, and never thought about.
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: gumpy on August 16, 2014, 08:09:16 PM
Interesting idea. I don't know about the bus lifts, but I'm pretty sure the Braun lift that is in my In-Law's van is rated at 700 lbs.

The downside to putting a garage in the back is it takes away from the living space, but I guess it all depends on how you configure the
space, and what your personal needs are. I like the idea, though. Would be really interesting on one of those 60' articulated buses.
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: harleyman_1000 on August 16, 2014, 08:26:03 PM
 I was thinking you could mount it on the outside of the bus in the back.
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: LuckyChow on August 17, 2014, 10:14:05 AM
I can check one of ours next week if anyone needs me to, but the best I recall is they are rated for 700 to 1000 lbs, depending on the model purchased.
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: eagle19952 on August 17, 2014, 12:05:29 PM
one could probably do the same thing with a Lift Gate... ;D
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: georgemci102a2 on August 17, 2014, 04:07:10 PM
Saw this on the net.(cruiser lift rv motorcycle lift)@ 3k...George
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: lvmci on August 17, 2014, 08:09:58 PM
Hi Darryl, thanks, specifications of weight would help, I'm thinking of mci center of the bus wheel chair lifts, that lift a chair above the bay, some would be electric wheel chairs, some of those are as heavy as a motorcycle. There are a few manufacturers that do motorcycle lift off the receiver hitch, cable or hydraulically. Lvmci...
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: LuckyChow on August 17, 2014, 10:41:23 PM
Quote from: lvmci on August 17, 2014, 08:09:58 PM
Hi Darryl, thanks, specifications of weight would help, I'm thinking of mci center of the bus wheel chair lifts, that lift a chair above the bay, some would be electric wheel chairs, some of those are as heavy as a motorcycle. There are a few manufacturers that do motorcycle lift off the receiver hitch, cable or hydraulically. Lvmci...

Yes, that's the ones I'm talking about.  I'll try to take a look at one this week and tell you the rating. 
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: Dave5Cs on August 18, 2014, 06:59:57 AM
 Taken from that site in FAQ,    cruiser lift rv motorcycle lift.com
" Most diesel pushers are equipped with a single continuous chassis frame that extends from the front of the coach all the way to the rear. These chassis frames are generally Semi Truck grade, and will handle the weight of the Cruiserlift System as well as up to a 1000 pound motorcycle. The exception to that rule is if the original chassis does not go the length of the coach, and a smaller extension was welded onto the main frame chassis over the last few feet of the coach. Under these circumstances the extension may not hold the weight of the system and motorcycle. Further investigation would be needed."
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: Newbob on August 19, 2014, 06:50:58 AM
A little late to the conversation but Yes, I have done this with mt 02 bluebird FE - moved bikes in and out. Had to bypass thge safety belt lock - easy fix - rated for 1000# max but prob would lift more. I find keeping the weight closer to the body puts less stress on the motor and components.
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: lvmci on August 19, 2014, 07:30:23 AM
Hi Bob, what bike have you used on the lift? How many pounds, including your self at the same time? Did you put a front wheel stand to park the bike? Is there a noticeable strain at the top of the lift? I thought I'd put a living room which would be an open space, when the bike wasnt there. Lvmci...
Title: Re: wheel chair/ motorcycle lift
Post by: Newbob on September 04, 2014, 06:40:57 AM
 We did have a front wheel bracket that came from a trailer that we just screwed to the floor then ran ratchet straps to the metal rail that runs the length of the bus to support the stock seats. - they already had 1/2" or more holes so they slipped right in. I asked my buddy (who owned the bike) and he said it was about #700. I do recall he tried to stand on the very outward end of the lift and it struggled a bit - so he jumped off (he's about #165)