Bicycle Rack for LS460L
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: VA
Bicycle Rack for LS460L
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.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 2
From: CA
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.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
From: Texas
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: VA
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
From: Texas
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
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
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: CA
Lexus LS 460 bike rack
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.
Bob E.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,264
Likes: 481
From: MA
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
From: UT
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?
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?
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 502
Likes: 5
From: DE
Bke Rack
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.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
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.
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
