As of 2002, the main choices in "bargain" (sub-$200) lifts are:

(1) Sam's (Larin) lift ($100) (frequently on sale for $80)

(2) Craftsman #50190 ($120) (frequently on sale for $100)

(3) Harbor Freight # 40381 ($150)

(4) Harbor Freight # 41644 ($120)

(5) Northern Hydraulics # 1487 ($210)

(6) Northern Hydraulics # 14872 ($160)

(7) Northern Hydraulics # 148720 ($200)

Sam's lift photo courtesy of Jeff Kozloski

Craftsman Lift in Detail

The Craftsman lift seems to be the best bargain.  It has a "T" handle, foot release, hand- and foot-release position stops, and locking screws.  It also comes with two racheting tie-down straps.  And it's a Craftsman.

I replaced my Larin with a Craftsman.  The Larin was okay, but the Craftsman is just a better all-around product.

Pantera from the VRCC boards writes:

Sears is a much better lift for very little more. I have had both lifts and the Sears is made a lot better. It has foot controls on both up and down and comes with straps to steady it if you feel the need. I didn't need them yet.  Heavy rubber contacts under the motor. Graded bolts with acorn nuts will keep you from snagging on the bolt threads while working under it.  Single lever to hold the safety latches open while you let it down with your foot which allows you to hold on to the handlebars while it comes down.  I just got mine and love it. I bought one from Sam's 2 years ago and was not impressed. Sold it and never replaced it.

The Craftsman lift has some nice features:

I really like the large T handle with locking pin.  The down pedal (a feature missing from the Larin) is a nice touch also.  Anyone who has used the Larin knows how scary lowering the lift is.  The Craftsman has a nice, gentle lowering action:

The handle for the safety catch is another feature missing from the Larin:

Here are some comparison photos:

Note the absence of the metal ridge on the end of the Craftsman lift pad.  A definite plus in my book.  Also note the larger diameter wheels.  The Larin has more substantial cross-bracing.

The Larin gets a nod for having more safety stops.  This, however, is more than offset by the Craftsman's easy release.  Just ask anyone about the delicate, need-four-hands procedure required to get the Larin down.  The combination of an easy safety catch release and "down" pedal on the Craftsman allows one to keep both hands on the bike as it's coming down.  A big plus.

For my money, the Craftsman is the easy winner.  Both have about the same build quality (with an edge in fit and finish to the Craftsman), but the Craftsman just does everything a little better.  And it's a Craftsman.

Spoonland Adapter

For any of these lifts, the Spoonland adapter ($80 delivered) is recommended to get the bike to lift evenly.  For Interstates, it may be required due to the extra weight on the rear.

More info and photos may be found here.