OP
UTC

Enthusiast
2005 & 2006 Piaggio Typhoon 50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 72
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
 
Enthusiast
2005 & 2006 Piaggio Typhoon 50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 72
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
UTC quote
So I was killing my back and knees always working on the garage floor. I mentioned to my father who loves projects that I wanted to build a table for working on the scooter, but didn't want it taking up a bunch of space when not in use. So he shows up the next day with what you see below.

Hope someone finds this useful.
Used my hitch mount carrier ramp.
Used my hitch mount carrier ramp.
How it all packs up.
How it all packs up.
Parts fit into carry case. All 3/4” black pipe.
Parts fit into carry case. All 3/4” black pipe.
First step of assembly
First step of assembly
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@jess avatar
UTC

Petty Tyrant
0:7 And counting
Joined: UTC
Posts: 37839
Location: Bay Area, California
 
Petty Tyrant
@jess avatar
0:7 And counting
Joined: UTC
Posts: 37839
Location: Bay Area, California
UTC quote
Very cool.
@grouper avatar
UTC

Hooked
2020 GTS 300 hpe Touring
Joined: UTC
Posts: 433
Location: Upstate SC
 
Hooked
@grouper avatar
2020 GTS 300 hpe Touring
Joined: UTC
Posts: 433
Location: Upstate SC
UTC quote
Nice design. That ramp sure looks steep. I don't think I could push it up.
OP
UTC

Enthusiast
2005 & 2006 Piaggio Typhoon 50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 72
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
 
Enthusiast
2005 & 2006 Piaggio Typhoon 50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 72
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
UTC quote
grouper wrote:
Nice design. That ramp sure looks steep. I don't think I could push it up.
It takes a little muscle pushing. I've also used engine power to get it up while standing beside it. That's a little sketchy but works too.
@miguel avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2009 GTV250 (Gone), 2003 Inder trailer (also gone), 2001 BMW R1100RT
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Posts: 5707
Location: Santa Cruz California
 
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@miguel avatar
2009 GTV250 (Gone), 2003 Inder trailer (also gone), 2001 BMW R1100RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5707
Location: Santa Cruz California
UTC quote
I've built several work tables that break down over the years. But I found, for at least maintenance items, I just got fast enough that most of the time was waiting for fluids to drain. Eventually, I stopped pulling out the table and just decided to work on the floor because assembling the work table and getting the bike up on it and stable took a lot of time and I felt there was significant risk or dropping the bike.

I make custom funnels from several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to form custom funnels to guide fluids around obstructions such as the center stand. They work great. When done, I just toss the aluminum foil. I never could figure out a good solution for avoiding a mess when draining the coolant tho and a work table didn't help either.

BTW, I also powered my bike up the ramp.

It's just my observations and experience. Other people will have a different experiences I'm sure.

Best
Miguel
@baba12 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2018 Vespa 300 GTS Touring
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1357
Location: NYC
 
Molto Verboso
@baba12 avatar
2018 Vespa 300 GTS Touring
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1357
Location: NYC
UTC quote
Miguel wrote:
I've built several work tables that break down over the years. But I found, for at least maintenance items, I just got fast enough that most of the time was waiting for fluids to drain. Eventually, I stopped pulling out the table and just decided to work on the floor because assembling the work table and getting the bike up on it and stable took a lot of time and I felt there was significant risk or dropping the bike.

I make custom funnels from several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to form custom funnels to guide fluids around obstructions such as the center stand. They work great. When done, I just toss the aluminum foil. I never could figure out a good solution for avoiding a mess when draining the coolant tho and a work table didn't help either.

BTW, I also powered my bike up the ramp.

It's just my observations and experience. Other people will have a different experiences I'm sure.

Best
Miguel
As much as I like the elegant simple design of the table and how it comes together, I don't have the space to put away the parts. IN places like NYC where one lives in apartments with no garages etc, I wish there was a way to get to make such a table yet yet store it in cramped spaces etc. (asking for too much).
I am still able to lay on the ground on the sidewalk and do the basic maintenance stuff. As it is it is a pain in the butt to get all the tools/supplies etc out and then put it back as thinking one may only need 5 different tools and taking them only out has proven to be not practical cuz "murphy's law" seems to always work wherein a stubborn bolt or a screw misbehaves and then you have to go get other tools to help etc.
Yes for urban dwellers it isn't always easy yet many of us manage to make it work.
I am going to hope that there is improvement to this table design that will allow schmucks like to be able to use in urban settings .
@touring300 avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
GTS 300ie Touring 2013 - Signora D'argento
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Lancaster, U.K.
 
Ossessionato
@touring300 avatar
GTS 300ie Touring 2013 - Signora D'argento
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Lancaster, U.K.
UTC quote
Your father has good carpentry skills. I agree with grouper, the ramp looks a little steep. At my last home there were a couple of steps from the road up to the house. To get the scooter up to the side of the house, I used a 12' long ladder which was hinged in the middle, so it folded in half when not in use, and then had 2 lengths of plywood cut which sat on top of the rungs of the ladder. The incline of the ladder from the road to the house was gentle, so pushing the scooter along the ladder was easy.
@attila avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
In garage: Yamaha Tricity 155 Urban 2019 - MV Agusta 125 RS 1956
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Posts: 8291
Location: Latina (Italy)
 
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@attila avatar
In garage: Yamaha Tricity 155 Urban 2019 - MV Agusta 125 RS 1956
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8291
Location: Latina (Italy)
UTC quote
Can I suggest an improvement?
If the front part was hinged and at the center of the end of the rear there was a parallelogram jack you could get an inclined ramp to get the Vespa up, put it on the central stand and then raise the jack to the same height as the front; add two movable (hinged) feet to the two back corners for more stability and voila.
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5251
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
 
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@wleuthold avatar
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5251
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
UTC quote
Miguel wrote:
But I found, for at least maintenance items, I just got fast enough that most of the time was waiting for fluids to drain. Eventually, I stopped pulling out the table and just decided to work on the floor because assembling the work table and getting the bike up on it and stable took a lot of time and I felt there was significant risk or dropping the bike.

I make custom funnels from several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to form custom funnels to guide fluids around obstructions such as the center stand. They work great. When done, I just toss the aluminum foil. I never could figure out a good solution for avoiding a mess when draining the coolant tho and a work table didn't help either.

It's just my observations and experience. Other people will have a different experiences I'm sure.

Best
Miguel
I have never had a table or lift, as I keep four scooters, two lawnmowers, a workbench and many other things in my one car garage.

For changing oil, to keep from getting it all over the center stand, I have been leaning the Vespas on a wall or the garage door. I put bricks at the wheels to keep it stable, than drain the oil and change the filter with the stand up.

This had worked great until changing Rocket's oil a few weeks ago.

I got everything in place, then got my old body onto the ground. As soon as i got down, Rocket rolled over onto me.

I caught it with my hands, but looked at my left hand and saw that the ring finger was looking strange. The finger pointed 45 degrees to the left at the big big knuckle.

Thinking I had broken my finger was a bit distressing.

But I took my right hand and straightened the finger. It sort of popped back in place, so I finished the oil change and hoped for the best.

Luckily, I took off my wedding ring, as I could see that it was going to swell.

Three weeks later, it is working reasonably well. The knuckle is still swollen, so no ring, but it functions and is pain free. Still a bit stiff, so making a fist takes some coaxing.

It won't stop me from using this technique again.

Bill
Still swollen days later.  I am not sure if I will ever get the ring on again.
Still swollen days later. I am not sure if I will ever get the ring on again.
@touring300 avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
GTS 300ie Touring 2013 - Signora D'argento
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Posts: 2105
Location: Lancaster, U.K.
 
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@touring300 avatar
GTS 300ie Touring 2013 - Signora D'argento
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Lancaster, U.K.
UTC quote
Wow, that looks painful. I suppose it could of been a whole lot worse. That's a lot of weight to come crashing down on you.

The centre stand is a nuisance when it comes to oil changes. Have you considered a purpose made wheel chock?, I knocked one together with some lengths of lumber and it seems to work pretty well.
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
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Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12253
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Pretty slick! I do see a longer ramp in your future.....
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5251
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@wleuthold avatar
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5251
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
UTC quote
Touring300 wrote:
Have you considered a purpose made wheel chock?, I knocked one together with some lengths of lumber and it seems to work pretty well.
Thank you for the good advice, but no, I was simply careless this time. It has worked fine for years.

And making a wheel chock would just be one more thing to keep in my crowded garage.

Bill
@miguel avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2009 GTV250 (Gone), 2003 Inder trailer (also gone), 2001 BMW R1100RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5707
Location: Santa Cruz California
 
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@miguel avatar
2009 GTV250 (Gone), 2003 Inder trailer (also gone), 2001 BMW R1100RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5707
Location: Santa Cruz California
UTC quote
WLeuthold wrote:
As soon as i got down, Rocket rolled over onto me.

I caught it with my hands, but looked at my left hand and saw that the ring finger was looking strange. The finger pointed 45 degrees to the left at the big big knuckle.

Thinking I had broken my finger was a bit distressing.

But I took my right hand and straightened the finger. It sort of popped back in place, so I finished the oil change and hoped for the best.

Luckily, I took off my wedding ring, as I could see that it was going to swell.

Three weeks later, it is working reasonably well. The knuckle is still swollen, so no ring, but it functions and is pain free. Still a bit stiff, so making a fist takes some coaxing.

OUCH OUCH OUCH!!! And good thinking on the ring. Sounds like you survived that ordeal.

I've read of "wall lean" technique and it alway worried it'd fall on me when applying pressure to a bolt. That's the reason I leave the on the center stand and use the disposable aluminum foil funnels.

I'm glad your ok!!
Miguel
OP
UTC

Enthusiast
2005 & 2006 Piaggio Typhoon 50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 72
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
 
Enthusiast
2005 & 2006 Piaggio Typhoon 50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 72
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
UTC quote
Thanks for all the feedback. I feel the need to post a picture of a scooter up on the table so that you all believe the ramp works ha ha.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@grouper avatar
UTC

Hooked
2020 GTS 300 hpe Touring
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Posts: 433
Location: Upstate SC
 
Hooked
@grouper avatar
2020 GTS 300 hpe Touring
Joined: UTC
Posts: 433
Location: Upstate SC
UTC quote
Good job. That bike weighs about 100 pounds less than my GTS 300. My ramps are 90 in long and I can't push the bike up into my truck by myself. So that's where I was coming from. I think you've got a nice setup there...looks solid too. Get your dad something nice for Father's Day.
@madison_sully avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
MP3 500, GTS 250 (both 2008 MY), 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Can Am Spyder RT
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@madison_sully avatar
MP3 500, GTS 250 (both 2008 MY), 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Can Am Spyder RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7632
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Miguel wrote:
OUCH OUCH OUCH!!! And good thinking on the ring. Sounds like you survived that ordeal.

I've read of "wall lean" technique and it alway worried it'd fall on me when applying pressure to a bolt. That's the reason I leave the on the center stand and use the disposable aluminum foil funnels.

I'm glad your ok!!
Miguel
One way to avoid tip-over with the wall lean technique would be to break the oil drain nut and oil filter with the scoot on the center stand, then lean the scooter against the wall....
@boraxman avatar
UTC

Addicted
GTS250
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Posts: 672
Location: So. Cal.
 
Addicted
@boraxman avatar
GTS250
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Posts: 672
Location: So. Cal.
UTC quote
I was thinking about building my own but decided to pick up the Harbor Freight red table w/20% Fathers Day coupon I found online...came to just over $400

With time and material factored in to build vs being able to raise and lower, ease to put bike on plus 1000lb capacity Im thinking it was definitely the way to go.
@miguel avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2009 GTV250 (Gone), 2003 Inder trailer (also gone), 2001 BMW R1100RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5707
Location: Santa Cruz California
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@miguel avatar
2009 GTV250 (Gone), 2003 Inder trailer (also gone), 2001 BMW R1100RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5707
Location: Santa Cruz California
UTC quote
boraxman wrote:
I was thinking about building my own but decided to pick up the Harbor Freight red table w/20% Fathers Day coupon I found online...came to just over $400

With time and material factored in to build vs being able to raise and lower, ease to put bike on plus 1000lb capacity Im thinking it was definitely the way to go.
That's a great deal! I always thought that was the way to go but using it just once or twice a year, I could never justify the space for it.

Miguel
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
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Posts: 13462
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
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@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
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Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
grouper wrote:
Nice design. That ramp sure looks steep. I don't think I could push it up.
I agree. Fortunately there are many longer pre-made ramps available which would solve that problem. (IMO powering up the ramp is an accident waiting to happen)
OP
UTC

Enthusiast
2005 & 2006 Piaggio Typhoon 50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 72
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
 
Enthusiast
2005 & 2006 Piaggio Typhoon 50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 72
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
UTC quote
Miguel wrote:
That's a great deal! I always thought that was the way to go but using it just once or twice a year, I could never justify the space for it.

Miguel
This was my exact situation. The commercial table/lifts are ideal and better in every way except space and weight. This was my way of prioritizing those aspects.

When I someday have a dedicated shop I would definitely get a purpose built lift.
@miguel avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2009 GTV250 (Gone), 2003 Inder trailer (also gone), 2001 BMW R1100RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5707
Location: Santa Cruz California
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@miguel avatar
2009 GTV250 (Gone), 2003 Inder trailer (also gone), 2001 BMW R1100RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5707
Location: Santa Cruz California
UTC quote
Dooglas wrote:
(IMO powering up the ramp is an accident waiting to happen)
I just use the power to help while you walk along side. Riding it up is quite risky.

Miguel
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