I don't understand all the fuss? First off the original poster is looking for a reliable lift for an '84 Commando. I didn't know they were still making them in '84. If I owned an '84 Commando, I would probably have a personal mechanic to work on it, since I'm only familiar with anything up to '74. I would also let him use the lift of his choice, since it's a pretty rare bike. 84', go figure. When buying something as trivial as a lift, I would look out for my own needs, and not what someone suggests. It's pretty simple, just get out from behind your PC, and see what's out there. I don't really like my bikes being on the lift more than they are on the road, unless it's a build. 6 months tops. That being said, go with the wooden one in the previous post. Made in the USA, from scraps, and a Craftsman Lift made in China. A very unique lift, for a unique bike.
I believe so too. I recall, from that time, it was "in vogue" for the automobile and motorcycle writers to unmercifully slam American and English products in favor of the new Japanese marques. And there were union and government troubles as well. Then, I believe, a man who was good at dismantling weaker industries for whatever profit could be made took over Norton. That was the end. It seems Norton wasn't pushing the latest greatest gadget and these consumer oriented industries live as does the shark, by always moving forward -- even if 'forward' is just meaningless flash. There were things that got better and there were things that missed the true meaning of the experience altogether.
There is no published comparison of high-end m/c lifts to my knowledge, but anyone willing to shell out this much money should do his/her homework. What I liked about Econ 600 is the retractable ramp. Handy 1500 has a foldable table allowing better access when pulling the stanchions, for instance.
