Depends on the bike. Some bikes cant be lifted using the portable lifts. I've had all three, a portable lift, a full sized lift table and a couple of stands. When I rode Triumphs, I used a portable lift, center stands, and the full sized lift table. When I purchased the Guzzi, it was either the full sized table or a lift stand specifically made for the Guzzi. Same with the Kawasaki Versys, except I put a center stand on that bike for chain & sprocket maintenance. These bikes either use the motor as a stress member, eliminating the frame underneath, or they have their exhaust running underneath, or both in the case of the Kawasaki.. Before you decide, look underneath you bike to determine if it can be lifted from underneath as more and more bikes are being built this way.