ULTIMATE Bike Rack Thread (merged threads)
#77
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Thanks johnny. I still have not found a thread where some one has put a trailer hitch on an sc 430. I want to drive cross country and carry my motorcycle with me or a couple of segways.I am new on how to use threads and posts I am not sure 8 am doing it right thanks again
#78
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JerryB, So sorry for being so late. I have not been online in a long time. I can't say for sure, but my guess would be Curt. While i was there last, i noticed that they have a lot of Curt hitches. But again, everything was fabricated other than the actual receiver.
Last edited by genec220; 05-15-12 at 07:10 PM.
#79
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Thanks johnny. I still have not found a thread where some one has put a trailer hitch on an sc 430. I want to drive cross country and carry my motorcycle with me or a couple of segways.I am new on how to use threads and posts I am not sure 8 am doing it right thanks again
No way to the motorcycle or segways; 1) the suspension isn't made for it and it would hang way too low, and 2) the class 1 trailer hitch has a max tongue weight of 200 lbs. Just not a good idea in my opinion. See my next post about my recent experience too. <as soon as i get my pictures ready>
Last edited by genec220; 05-21-12 at 08:30 PM. Reason: delay in posting follow-on post
#80
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Alrighty...had a few distractions; 1 deer, 2 potholes. Here are some pics of the original hitch failure and the updated support and hitch. The hitch now supports 2 mtn bikes and has been working great for a couple of months.
I'll post a pic with two bikes loaded next chance i get.
A big THANK YOU to the guys at Southside Hitch in Richmond, VA for a stellar job.
Thanks.
genO
I'll post a pic with two bikes loaded next chance i get.
A big THANK YOU to the guys at Southside Hitch in Richmond, VA for a stellar job.
Thanks.
genO
Last edited by genec220; 07-12-12 at 09:56 AM.
#81
Did you say FAILURE???? I'm out of town reading on a cell phone, so could you be more specific? Ru saying that the installation method as done on my car failed? Yikes, details, please!
#82
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For just my bike, and the Thule rack, it seemed to have worked great. For your road bike, and your lighter rack, you should be fine. Sorry if I got you worried. If you want me to send photos in email so you can read on your phone easier, PM me. I'll send you the .pdf with them all when i get back from my meeting.
Hope that helps.
Thanks JohnnyCake.
#83
Driver School Candidate
Does the trunk bike rack create long term problem on your SC430?
There's a 5th option:
I have a "strap on" bike rack that I've used a few times. No tow kit required. It's got metal "clips" that hook in by opening the trunk, attaching them, closing the trunk, and tightening the straps. Then there's the foam-padded bars that rest (tightly) against the back. There's probably potential for rubbing/scratching, but my '02 has plenty of hairline scratches and scuffs already, and I don't think using this on occasion adds significantly to that.
The bars where the bikes hang onto are just longish straight bars. I've put both mine and my daughter's on there and could possibly squeeze a 3rd on. The bikes obviously touch eachother, then you strap/tie those as tight as possible.
I can try to track down the specific make/model if interested. I suspect it's no longer in production, but I'm sure there are similar racks that would work fine.
I have a "strap on" bike rack that I've used a few times. No tow kit required. It's got metal "clips" that hook in by opening the trunk, attaching them, closing the trunk, and tightening the straps. Then there's the foam-padded bars that rest (tightly) against the back. There's probably potential for rubbing/scratching, but my '02 has plenty of hairline scratches and scuffs already, and I don't think using this on occasion adds significantly to that.
The bars where the bikes hang onto are just longish straight bars. I've put both mine and my daughter's on there and could possibly squeeze a 3rd on. The bikes obviously touch eachother, then you strap/tie those as tight as possible.
I can try to track down the specific make/model if interested. I suspect it's no longer in production, but I'm sure there are similar racks that would work fine.
Thanks!
#85
Buddy, you are going about it a$$-backwards. You put a hitch on the Vulcan 750 and use the bike to tow the SC.
Last edited by JohnnyCake; 11-12-12 at 02:02 PM. Reason: Because if you type ass in the post, it comes out ***, but in this "Reason for Editing" box you can say ASS all you want.
#86
So r u telling me you have a vulcan 750 ?? Now lets see i get a flat car trailer put the car on that then attach my bike to that. I quess I need electric brakes or maybe just a large bag of rocks tied together on rope so i can drop them when I want to stop
#87
Another hitch option
Here's another hitch installation option, per DENNISLOGA who had the installation for $4400 done at Mann's welding in Bellevue, Washington.
Last edited by JohnnyCake; 11-12-12 at 02:13 PM.
#88
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Estimate
Hey there bfigard,
So I was reading through this thread because I want to have a receiver hitch for a bike rack hitch...and....from what I understand, to get that installed is approximately 450?
So I was reading through this thread because I want to have a receiver hitch for a bike rack hitch...and....from what I understand, to get that installed is approximately 450?
#89
#90
Four year anniversary of the "standard under body" approach. Update to say, works great, no problems. I haul my bike twice a week except in the winter and always take the rack off between uses (gotta have the SC looking sharp at all times!). Without a doubt one of the best mods I have done.
And another shout-out to Southside Hitch in Richmond, VA. Mine was the first, but now they have done two more, so they probably have the most experience of anyone in the country. Like any project, the second is easier/better than the first. If you are anywhere on the east coast its probably worth the drive. They can have you in/out on the same day.
I have also used the back seat method when I have needed to carry two bikes. Not a great option. Much easier with the top down but do-able with the top up, assuming no passenger. But dropouts are sharp and can cause damage pretty easily (don't ask).
And another shout-out to Southside Hitch in Richmond, VA. Mine was the first, but now they have done two more, so they probably have the most experience of anyone in the country. Like any project, the second is easier/better than the first. If you are anywhere on the east coast its probably worth the drive. They can have you in/out on the same day.
I have also used the back seat method when I have needed to carry two bikes. Not a great option. Much easier with the top down but do-able with the top up, assuming no passenger. But dropouts are sharp and can cause damage pretty easily (don't ask).