Anyone got a bike rack on their GS???
08-11-09, 04:18 PM
#77
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yeah it only took me like 20-30 minutes to install. It would have been faster if I had someone else hold up the other side while I bolted it back up. Plus it didn't help that it was like 100+ deg outside. I think I could have done it in 15 prob. All you need to install it is a socket set, socket wrench, and a socket extention
I also got a hitch lock so I don't have to unhook the hitch and lock it in the trunk when I go riding. Which is nice since I didn't realize this thing was so honking heavy duty. I went ahead and also picked up a couple of anti-sway hangers for the bike rack too.
I haven't actually used it yet since I just got it.. but I'm just curious how much sway I might have with 4 bikes loaded. The hitch is sturdy enough but I can only imagine that with the weight back there, I might notice a difference while driving.
I also got a hitch lock so I don't have to unhook the hitch and lock it in the trunk when I go riding. Which is nice since I didn't realize this thing was so honking heavy duty. I went ahead and also picked up a couple of anti-sway hangers for the bike rack too.
I haven't actually used it yet since I just got it.. but I'm just curious how much sway I might have with 4 bikes loaded. The hitch is sturdy enough but I can only imagine that with the weight back there, I might notice a difference while driving.
08-11-09, 09:27 PM
#79
yeah it only took me like 20-30 minutes to install. It would have been faster if I had someone else hold up the other side while I bolted it back up. Plus it didn't help that it was like 100+ deg outside. I think I could have done it in 15 prob. All you need to install it is a socket set, socket wrench, and a socket extention
I also got a hitch lock so I don't have to unhook the hitch and lock it in the trunk when I go riding. Which is nice since I didn't realize this thing was so honking heavy duty. I went ahead and also picked up a couple of anti-sway hangers for the bike rack too.
I haven't actually used it yet since I just got it.. but I'm just curious how much sway I might have with 4 bikes loaded. The hitch is sturdy enough but I can only imagine that with the weight back there, I might notice a difference while driving.
I also got a hitch lock so I don't have to unhook the hitch and lock it in the trunk when I go riding. Which is nice since I didn't realize this thing was so honking heavy duty. I went ahead and also picked up a couple of anti-sway hangers for the bike rack too.
I haven't actually used it yet since I just got it.. but I'm just curious how much sway I might have with 4 bikes loaded. The hitch is sturdy enough but I can only imagine that with the weight back there, I might notice a difference while driving.
Oh, and about the 4 bikes, I heard our cars can do wheelies under hard acceleration. J/K
On a more serious note, I don't think the drag resistance would be increased too much as opposed to a roof mounted bike rack. The extra weight of four bicycles would probably add an additional 100-110 lbs. I'm guessing minus the carrier and hitch itself. But that extra weight is so far back at the rear of the car that you might feel a difference.
Keep us updated!
08-17-09, 06:46 PM
#80
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I have a 1-1/4" hitch mounted bike rack. I bought the hitch online and my mechanic installed it. I like the hitch type because it is hardly noticeable when not in use. The 4 bike rack I bought from Amazon and it works great for my purposes. With the hitch bike racks you have quite a few more options to choose from.
I will admit that roof racks do look good when you have a bike (or bikes) mounted on them but a hitch setup can be much less expensive and more flexible.
I will admit that roof racks do look good when you have a bike (or bikes) mounted on them but a hitch setup can be much less expensive and more flexible.
08-18-09, 12:56 PM
#81
yeah it only took me like 20-30 minutes to install. It would have been faster if I had someone else hold up the other side while I bolted it back up. Plus it didn't help that it was like 100+ deg outside. I think I could have done it in 15 prob. All you need to install it is a socket set, socket wrench, and a socket extention
I also got a hitch lock so I don't have to unhook the hitch and lock it in the trunk when I go riding. Which is nice since I didn't realize this thing was so honking heavy duty. I went ahead and also picked up a couple of anti-sway hangers for the bike rack too.
I haven't actually used it yet since I just got it.. but I'm just curious how much sway I might have with 4 bikes loaded. The hitch is sturdy enough but I can only imagine that with the weight back there, I might notice a difference while driving.
I also got a hitch lock so I don't have to unhook the hitch and lock it in the trunk when I go riding. Which is nice since I didn't realize this thing was so honking heavy duty. I went ahead and also picked up a couple of anti-sway hangers for the bike rack too.
I haven't actually used it yet since I just got it.. but I'm just curious how much sway I might have with 4 bikes loaded. The hitch is sturdy enough but I can only imagine that with the weight back there, I might notice a difference while driving.
08-19-09, 10:03 AM
#83
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There was some play in the hitch so I purchased a anti-sway bracket that goes over the hitch to tighten it down a bit. It should be there by the time I get back home.. along with my new windows visors.
08-20-09, 09:12 AM
#84
will do. I am actually out of town in Reno for business.. but planned on upping some pics with my bikes loaded when I get back.
There was some play in the hitch so I purchased a anti-sway bracket that goes over the hitch to tighten it down a bit. It should be there by the time I get back home.. along with my new windows visors.
There was some play in the hitch so I purchased a anti-sway bracket that goes over the hitch to tighten it down a bit. It should be there by the time I get back home.. along with my new windows visors.
08-22-09, 07:34 PM
#85
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yah.. never realized it was near Reno. lol
Here's a great pdf illustration on how to install the hitch on a GS3/4 + part #'s and sizes Link for anyone that's wondering.
I drilled out another hole in the rack so I can lock it in further. Worked out great, just used a 1/2" drill bit and used the hitch a guide. I also got my anti-wobble hitch adapter however I'm not digging it so much. I think i'm gonna go with a hitch vice. Looks like it would work better. Don't get me wrong .. it doesn't move a bunch.. I'm just a little ocd.
I will post pics tomorrow since I plan on riding. It was beautiful today but I had to go to work for a bit.
Here's a great pdf illustration on how to install the hitch on a GS3/4 + part #'s and sizes Link for anyone that's wondering.
I drilled out another hole in the rack so I can lock it in further. Worked out great, just used a 1/2" drill bit and used the hitch a guide. I also got my anti-wobble hitch adapter however I'm not digging it so much. I think i'm gonna go with a hitch vice. Looks like it would work better. Don't get me wrong .. it doesn't move a bunch.. I'm just a little ocd.
I will post pics tomorrow since I plan on riding. It was beautiful today but I had to go to work for a bit.
Last edited by magnetik; 08-22-09 at 07:44 PM.
10-11-09, 08:29 AM
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I know it's been a while but here's a pic after I drilled a deeper hole in the hitch so it could scoot the rack back about 4". worked great. The anti wobble bracket worked "ok". I had to bend it a bit. I can still open my trunk too. I have more pics but I have to leave right now for Chicago.. post more when I get back.
Last edited by magnetik; 10-11-09 at 08:33 AM.
