A portable motorcycle hoist has a main frame assembly which includes a pair of vertically-oriented parallel channel beams rigidly affixed to both an upper cross brace and to a base member. The pair of channel beams provide a caged track for a trolley which is movably slidable therein between a lowermost position and an uppermost position. The trolley is fitted with a plurality of guide wheels to minimize sliding friction within the caged track. A cradle assembly, adapted to support a motorcycle beneath its engine, is attached to the trolley. Attachment may be made with welds, threaded fasteners, or other suitable means. The base member may be unitary, or it may be partially disassemblable to facilitate transport and storage. The base member may also incorporate casters to facilitate the repositioning of a supported cycle. A first main embodiment of the invention includes a first pulley mounted on the upper cross brace, a second pulley mounted on the trolley, and an electric-motor-driven winch mounted on the base member. A cable wrapped around the take-up spool of the winch is routed from the take-up spool, around the first pulley, around the second pulley, and to the upper cross brace where it is securely fastened. On-board power for the winch may be provided in the form of a battery preferably mounted on the base member. A polarity-reversing switch provides up and down control for movement of the trolley. A second main embodiment of the invention substitutes a hand-powered winch for the motor-driven winch. A third main embodiment of the invention substitutes a pneumatic cylinder for the winch and cable system. The cylinder may be powered by compressed air provided by a compressor, or it may be provided by a disposable CO.sub.2 cartridge. A release valve allows the system to be depressurized in order to lower the cycle from a raised position. A fourth main embodiment of the invention substitutes a hydraulic cylinder for the pneumatic cylinder.