Be watchful and very carefully check each component of these "cheap" lifts before you use them. I got one off Amazon from a German dealer, and rushed to get the bike on top of it, only for it to come crashing down after less than a minute sitting on it. It is A MIRACLE the bike didn't suffer anything (it landed on its tyres, and then leaned onto the side stand, which thankfully was extended; thankfully I was next to the bike, and not underneath!!!!). I got a second one off a different vendor, and it works flawlessly. For reference, here are pics of the nasty one (first) and better one (second, which was a good bit dearer). They look similar, but I found the second design far better built and more robust. There's loads of providers of these basic two designs.
Bloody hell Mischa! As you say the failure of the jack could have caused serious damage to yourself and the bike. My jack is like the one that failed on you and to be honest I have only used it twice, but it felt very stable. What was the failure ?
The tiny retaining pin inside the crank at the top either didn't come, or broke. It most likely snapped off: upon inspection, I realised that the thread inside was all worn out, so it was down to that tiny pin to hold the bike's weight (no wonder it came crashing down!). The second design uses the actual winding handle as an extra safety. I'm attaching a picture. Remember, this was a stand bought new just a few days ago. Be very very careful.
Thanks for that Mischa. Absolutely shocking, this is the risk we all run when buying cheap imported goods. I will certainly give mine a good checkover. The only trouble is with cheap 'monkey metal' is that it can look okay but fail in use as you have just experienced. Your failure looks like the female thread has not been correctly manufactured, and a shit quality pin has sheared. Glad you and the bike are both okay. .
