Bike hauling options
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Co
Bike hauling options
Hi everyone. First post here.
I bought my IS350 last November and have recently moved to Colorado. Since I'm getting deep into trail riding quickly I need a better solution for bike transport than inside the trunk.
I did some searching and it seems that there isn't a very comprehensive thread on this topic.
Here is what I understand so far:
Is anyone aware of a roof rack that simply clamps onto the roof edge but is shaped similar to the whisperbar? This would avoid any drilling. I know they exist, I just can't seem to track one down for the 2014 yet.
Does anyone have any reviews or suggestions for universal trunk racks (2-3 bikes)?
Thanks!
I bought my IS350 last November and have recently moved to Colorado. Since I'm getting deep into trail riding quickly I need a better solution for bike transport than inside the trunk.
I did some searching and it seems that there isn't a very comprehensive thread on this topic.
Here is what I understand so far:
- Roof rack exists from Yakima/Whispbar with part #'s 50118 & 51323, however it requires drilling into the roof and I'm not ok with that. Like this :http://www.yakima.com/shop/baserack/flush-bar but with no drilling.
- Plenty of universal trunk mount options, but no real feedback on quality/fitment/potential for damage.
Is anyone aware of a roof rack that simply clamps onto the roof edge but is shaped similar to the whisperbar? This would avoid any drilling. I know they exist, I just can't seem to track one down for the 2014 yet.
Does anyone have any reviews or suggestions for universal trunk racks (2-3 bikes)?
Thanks!
Last edited by MileHighF; Mar 3, 2014 at 03:18 PM.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 2
From: TX
I don't have a bike rack on my IS, but here are a few thoughts:
1) If you go with a trunk mounted rack, I would buy clear-bra film and apply it to the trunk wherever it makes contact to protect your paint.
2) There is a 3rd option -- if you had a hitch receiver installed, and I'm not sure if there is one available for the IS - there is a bike rack that attaches to the hitch receiver. This would prevent having to use either the roof or the trunk for the bikes, but it's probably the most expensive option.
Example:
1) If you go with a trunk mounted rack, I would buy clear-bra film and apply it to the trunk wherever it makes contact to protect your paint.
2) There is a 3rd option -- if you had a hitch receiver installed, and I'm not sure if there is one available for the IS - there is a bike rack that attaches to the hitch receiver. This would prevent having to use either the roof or the trunk for the bikes, but it's probably the most expensive option.
Example:
Pit Crew
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 201
Likes: 4
From: TX
There currently is no hitch mount available yet. I took off my rear bumper a few weeks back and could even find points where they would be able to mount...
I use a Saris Bones and mount the feet on the rear bumper and against rear glass.
Cut old tube and sandwich them between the metal and straps.
I use a Saris Bones and mount the feet on the rear bumper and against rear glass.
Cut old tube and sandwich them between the metal and straps.
There currently is no hitch mount available yet. I took off my rear bumper a few weeks back and could even find points where they would be able to mount...
I use a Saris Bones and mount the feet on the rear bumper and against rear glass.
Cut old tube and sandwich them between the metal and straps.
I use a Saris Bones and mount the feet on the rear bumper and against rear glass.
Cut old tube and sandwich them between the metal and straps.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 150
From: East Coast
There have been a few threads on this with no dice. There was one guy that did the whispbar setup that requires drilling in this thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...r-the-3is.html
I emailed Yakima last week for the third time, still no ETA on an official fitting kit from them. Please update if you find something. I have to image they have a kit already that would work, its just a matter of finding it.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...r-the-3is.html
I emailed Yakima last week for the third time, still no ETA on an official fitting kit from them. Please update if you find something. I have to image they have a kit already that would work, its just a matter of finding it.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Co
Ok I did some digging and it appears that the best option for a hard mount is the Thule with the aeroblades. They don't require any drilling and clamp to the upper edge of the doorframe with a flush looking aerodynamic mount. The only issue is they don't have the "mount kit" available yet. I talked to a few distributors and they said they expect it in the next few months.
I also found this other company making suction cup mounts called SeaSucker. Seems super cool and won't detract from the looks (or fuel economy) when you're not using it.
http://www.seasucker.com/shop/mini-bomber/
I may go this route, but the only kicker is it doesn't lock to the roof. I'd hate to go grab some food after riding and somebody pulls my pricey bikes off the roof by releasing the suction cups
.
Edit: It looks like they thought of that - they make anchors that attach to the door frame or truck to run a cable lock for just that occasion. I might be picking this up.
I also found this other company making suction cup mounts called SeaSucker. Seems super cool and won't detract from the looks (or fuel economy) when you're not using it.
http://www.seasucker.com/shop/mini-bomber/
I may go this route, but the only kicker is it doesn't lock to the roof. I'd hate to go grab some food after riding and somebody pulls my pricey bikes off the roof by releasing the suction cups
.Edit: It looks like they thought of that - they make anchors that attach to the door frame or truck to run a cable lock for just that occasion. I might be picking this up.
Last edited by MileHighF; Mar 8, 2014 at 03:02 PM.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 560
Likes: 2
From: Hawaii
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: norway
There currently is no hitch mount available yet. I took off my rear bumper a few weeks back and could even find points where they would be able to mount...
I use a Saris Bones and mount the feet on the rear bumper and against rear glass.
Cut old tube and sandwich them between the metal and straps.
I use a Saris Bones and mount the feet on the rear bumper and against rear glass.
Cut old tube and sandwich them between the metal and straps.
In sweden, they sell the IS 250 and they have an option to ad a remvoable hitch mount. The part number for this hitch mount is PZ401C055400
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 384
Likes: 271
From: FL
The Seasucker is a great option to go with, a couple of people I ride with have it and said they are happy. I just take my front wheel of and drop the rear seats, but this in my other car. Like @sc00b said I would hate to have to make a stop and some try to grab my Sworks SL3.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: FL
On my EU version. (is 300h) i have a stock hitch mount from lexus. Hard to believe they are not avalible on the 250 or 350 in US. Probably just the US dealers that have found that they do not want to sell it because they do not think people need it.
In sweden, they sell the IS 250 and they have an option to ad a remvoable hitch mount. The part number for this hitch mount is PZ401C055400
In sweden, they sell the IS 250 and they have an option to ad a remvoable hitch mount. The part number for this hitch mount is PZ401C055400
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: norway
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: norway
I've looked under the car.
It is very difficult to see anything as the diffusor and underside garnish nearly hides everything. It appears as if the towing hitch bar is attached to the same frame as the towing hook is attached to.
To see the clearly I have to remove the diffusor and the black plastick part of the rear bumper.
The towing hitch is marked "westfalia" so I belive this is the orginal manufacturer. And you have the lexus part number from the last post, so try to google it.
Maybe some US lexus dealer can do something with the partnumber and make a special order.
Otherwise, try the UK lexus homesite and look at the accesories to find the towing hook.
I believe it will fit the US version of the car when it fits the EU version of the 250.
It is very difficult to see anything as the diffusor and underside garnish nearly hides everything. It appears as if the towing hitch bar is attached to the same frame as the towing hook is attached to.
To see the clearly I have to remove the diffusor and the black plastick part of the rear bumper.
The towing hitch is marked "westfalia" so I belive this is the orginal manufacturer. And you have the lexus part number from the last post, so try to google it.
Maybe some US lexus dealer can do something with the partnumber and make a special order.
Otherwise, try the UK lexus homesite and look at the accesories to find the towing hook.
I believe it will fit the US version of the car when it fits the EU version of the 250.