hankbrande

I'm expecting my LS460L in Sep. I'm just curious if anyone has found a workable solution for carrying a bike or two on the car. I've got some time to shop but if anyone has some experience it would be much appreciated.

encore888

I'd recommend being very careful with any kind of bike rack. I've used trunk-mounted bike racks before, not on a Lexus. Being very careful and following all instructions can be fine. However, on one occasion the equipment was not up to par and a rough road meant that some scratches were left on the trunk lid. So anyhow I recommend being careful.

bob321

No US hitch makers yet.

I've emailed these guys - http://www.brinkweb.com/ - and they say it will take about 2-3 months for their LS460L hitch comes out. No reply as to whether the 2-3 month period has started yet. Note that this is a european company - so what they make might not work with US spec bumpers. Lots of EU bike racks for these style hitches available for delivery to the US. From the body repair manuals on the Toyota Tech Info site, the rear hard points on the LS460L are the same as the LS460 - so in theory the hitch should fit both models.

I stopped by the local hitch store and one of the owners said they make custom hitches for just about everything all the time. The custom fabricator was out that day, but I'm stopping by to see him next Tuesday. He mentioned that he doesn't like customers watching - as they start out by taking the bumper off your brand new car!

I'm liking this Saris hitch for my LS460 if I get a custom hitch built. Comparatively light weight for a hitch mounted tire holder style.

http://www.saris.com/p-298-thelma.aspx?skinid=1

Right now I'm torn between getting a custom hitch versus waiting for the Brinks one that would bolt on without major body panel removal.

hankbrande

Hello bob321,

Any update on your efforts? I picked up my car yesterday and am now looking for a solution.

bob321

I went with a custom hitch by the local installer. Good for 2 bikes only. Vertical mount of the receiver tube - so you don't see it when not in use. Attached to the main bumper member - which is quite a piece of art in itself. Used the Saris Thelma wheel mount rack because of its low weight and ease of use.

Bob

Pictures here:

https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/sh...05633&cat=3817
https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/sh...05634&cat=3817
https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/sh...05635&cat=3817
https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/sh...05636&cat=3817
https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/sh...05637&cat=3817

drrwe@hotm

Any update from anyone on the bike rack for the LS 460. We just got our 460 and no one seems to have an idea how to install a 2 bike holder without digging into the underside of the chassis. Any ideas will be appriciated. The Saris looks interesting but it also looks like it would bounce around a lot.

Bob E.

GS2006

bump.. Interested for a GS as well

miniz

Just rent a bike when you get to your destination. It's not worth damaging your paint or making stupid modifications to the back of the vehicle. This is a luxo sedan, not a truck or SUV.

Nospinzone

Either what miniz said, or ride your bike to the destination and rent an LS when you get there!

joeyb

With both wheels off, I can get 2 bikes and both sets of wheels in the trunk.

(Note: depending on what optioins you get on the car, the trunk space can be smaller.)

09LS460

I'm digging this back up as I'm in a similar situation and need to figure out how to get bikes around as this is my daily driver.

I did just buy the Saris rack, but i'm not so thrilled with the idea of straps, hooks, etc, on my deck......

Have any of you worked with something more recent than 2009?

Valley101

I personally think a bike rack on a LS460 would look "tacky". Plus if you mount any type of hitch make sure it can be removed and show no sign that it had one previously. The hitch thing would greatly affect your trade in or resale price, if sold privately. For all they know you could have been towing a big U-Haul trailer with the vehicle. Assuming you have a second vehicle, I would put the hitch on that when I wanted to take my bike along. Luckily I have a SUV for that type of thing.

nyczdave

Bump

Any suggestions for a bike rack for a 2015 LS460?

Doublebase

I have run into the same problem, what I'm currently doing is using my old Honda Accord as my "mountain bike car". But I'd like to use the LS.

What I considered was buying two tow hooks...installing them in the bumper and then putting a tube or bar between them. I can drill a whole to put a bolt through the bar, into the hooks. Then at the center of the bar I can weld a trailer hitch, which I can then install a bike rack to. It would work, I just didn't get around to it.