Sorry if there's already been a thread on this topic. I'm navigating on my phone right now, and the UI just isn't working well enough to allow a thread topic search.

Summer's around the corner (well, sort of) and that means my two boys and I will be hitting the bike trails again. But this time I won't be strapping the bike rack onto my SC, it'll be on the LS. Problem is, I'm not entirely certain I want that thing strapped onto my 430. I'm thinking a roof-mounted unit would give a better overall appearance. BUT, I want something that can be easily/quickly mounted and removed so I don't have to tool around town the rest of the work week with an empty bike rack fastened to my roof.

Do they make roof-mount racks that are quick mount/release?

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

Merged threads!

Also related
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-on-ls430.html

 

What is your idea of "quick"? My Prealpina roof rack and bike carrier took about a half hour to install on a Mercedes.

My Yakama roof rack took maybe ten minutes to install. It's method of attachment is similar to the roof racks that were sold by Lexus dealers in Europe for the LS430, installation instructions for which are attached. In Europe, one bought the roof rack cross bars and separately bought the attachments needed to carry luggage, bikes, skis, kayaks, etc. from the Lexus dealer.

The same Yakama roof rack and mounting hardware I used on my little Honda CRX "ski car" in the 1980's fits my 2000 LS400 and I would wager that similar mounting hardware would work on an LS430.

After I discovered the joys of a hitch mounted bike rack, the only times I used a roof rack was to carry snow skis. Today, hitch mounted snow ski carriers are available.

 

Yes, the more I read about hitch mount racks, the more I lean in that direction. Only thing I'm not happy with about that option though is the permanent trailer hitch poking out from underneath my rear bumper when not in use as a bike rack. That sort of thing's okay on a Chevy Tahoe, but just not cool on an LS. Either way, I think I'll look further into this option.

Thanks, Kansas.

 

You think that's funny, i got a class II hitch on my 12' Honda fit. People always ask me wtf you think you're gonna tow with that 117hp motorized tennis shoe? Little do they know i use it only to slap on my Yakima Stick up bike rack.