Bike rack options discussion (merged megathread)
01-28-19, 08:34 PM
#121
I don't have any links, but just ask your local Lexus dealer.
I believe you; it may exclude the F Sport.
Many years ago, I was after a tow hitch for the 3.5GS, and I think the luxury version was excluded, or something like that...
Many years ago, I was after a tow hitch for the 3.5GS, and I think the luxury version was excluded, or something like that...
02-06-19, 06:16 PM
#122
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: ga
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Bike Rack for GS
Have had bad experiences with trunk mounted bike racks on two luxury cars. Can be stable and secure but regular use left slight indentations in trunk lid where rubber mounts pressed on metal. Hitch mounted rack is way to go but Lexus officially says no hitch for GS350. Has anyone used a third party hitch successfully? If so, which one?
02-06-19, 09:23 PM
#123
Have had bad experiences with trunk mounted bike racks on two luxury cars. Can be stable and secure but regular use left slight indentations in trunk lid where rubber mounts pressed on metal. Hitch mounted rack is way to go but Lexus officially says no hitch for GS350. Has anyone used a third party hitch successfully? If so, which one?
Or do you mean no hitch for the F Sport only?
There is obviously a hitch in the photo above.
02-07-19, 07:20 AM
#125
Instructor
Question: Why would anyone want to spend their time riding that 2-wheeled human foot powered contraption when you've got a 300+hp Lexus with way better amenities that requires significantly less effort to operate?
J/K
But really, the GS wasn't meant to haul around anything, and that rack doesn't look particularly safe. Look at the two contact points on the bumper, it's neither level nor mounted flush. A few big bumps and off it goes.
J/K
But really, the GS wasn't meant to haul around anything, and that rack doesn't look particularly safe. Look at the two contact points on the bumper, it's neither level nor mounted flush. A few big bumps and off it goes.
02-10-19, 09:29 AM
#128
I was at the dealership yesterday and asked the parts dept about it. No dice. I'm going to be emailing some dealerships in the UK to see if that's where they're from. If it is, the problem will be that their tow ***** are something like 1mm smaller than an US 2" ball.
02-10-19, 09:45 AM
#129
Pole Position
Question: Why would anyone want to spend their time riding that 2-wheeled human foot powered contraption when you've got a 300+hp Lexus with way better amenities that requires significantly less effort to operate?
J/K
But really, the GS wasn't meant to haul around anything, and that rack doesn't look particularly safe. Look at the two contact points on the bumper, it's neither level nor mounted flush. A few big bumps and off it goes.
J/K
But really, the GS wasn't meant to haul around anything, and that rack doesn't look particularly safe. Look at the two contact points on the bumper, it's neither level nor mounted flush. A few big bumps and off it goes.
02-11-19, 12:49 PM
#130
i was at the dealer a few weeks ago and they make a non traditional bike rack for the roof! I was interested but I don't ride as much to want one. I think it was a third party option but you buy through the dealer.
02-11-19, 01:58 PM
#131
Lead Lap
Etrailer has receiver hitches for the 4GS and bike racks that will fit them: https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2018_Lexus_GS+350.htm
The hitches sold by etrailer for the 4GS have 1 1/4 inch receivers so plan on using an anti-rattle pin to stabilize a hitch mounted bike rack. I've bought a number of 1 1/4" and 2" trailer hitches, bike racks and towing accessories from etrailer including for Lexus LS.
We currently have both the 2-bike (1 1/4" hitch) and 4-bike (2" hitch) versions of the Reece/Pro-Fit hanging bike racks - both purchased from etrailer. These solid, inexpensive bike racks take up very little storage space but require using straps to stabilize the bikes. The 2-bike version is currently around $92.
The tow bar with the Lexus logo pictured above fits only the European standard hitch. European Lexus dealers sell a 2-bike platform rack to fit the European standard receiver.
IMO, hitch mounted bike racks have significant advantages over roof bike racks including much easier loading, no wind noise, less risk of vehicle damage. I can attach and lock a bike rack to one of our receiver hitches in about 60 seconds. It takes me far longer to attach a roof bike rack.
The hitches sold by etrailer for the 4GS have 1 1/4 inch receivers so plan on using an anti-rattle pin to stabilize a hitch mounted bike rack. I've bought a number of 1 1/4" and 2" trailer hitches, bike racks and towing accessories from etrailer including for Lexus LS.
We currently have both the 2-bike (1 1/4" hitch) and 4-bike (2" hitch) versions of the Reece/Pro-Fit hanging bike racks - both purchased from etrailer. These solid, inexpensive bike racks take up very little storage space but require using straps to stabilize the bikes. The 2-bike version is currently around $92.
The tow bar with the Lexus logo pictured above fits only the European standard hitch. European Lexus dealers sell a 2-bike platform rack to fit the European standard receiver.
IMO, hitch mounted bike racks have significant advantages over roof bike racks including much easier loading, no wind noise, less risk of vehicle damage. I can attach and lock a bike rack to one of our receiver hitches in about 60 seconds. It takes me far longer to attach a roof bike rack.
06-29-21, 12:03 AM
#132
Driver School Candidate
Options for transporting a bike
Hey guys, I bought a mountain bike recently and I'm trying to find the best option for transporting it with my GS. After searching the forum I think most people either use a trunk bike rack or install a hitch. With the trunk bike rack, I'm worried about scratching up the paint. And as for hitches, I haven't seen that many options that look clean (please post some pics if you have a hitch). So, I'm considering just taking off both wheels and trying to fit it in the trunk. If you have a bike, how do you transport it with your GS?
06-29-21, 07:00 AM
#133
What about the Yakima roof rack system? I was actually looking at them over the weekend because I wanted to get back into riding. There is only one system that I see from their site that will work on the GS.
06-29-21, 09:53 AM
#135
Racer
With my road bike, I take off both wheels and shove it in the trunk. HOWEVER, with my dirty mountain bike, I borrow my friend's trunk mount and use that. To ensure no scratches when using the rack mount, I use a microfiber towel wherever the rack contacts the car.