ULTIMATE Bike Rack Thread (merged threads)
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 60
From: DC
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: ca
Thanks johnny. I still have not found a thread where some one has put a trailer hitch on an sc 430. I want to drive cross country and carry my motorcycle with me or a couple of segways.I am new on how to use threads and posts I am not sure 8 am doing it right thanks again
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 3
From: RestON, VA
JerryB, So sorry for being so late. I have not been online in a long time. I can't say for sure, but my guess would be Curt. While i was there last, i noticed that they have a lot of Curt hitches. But again, everything was fabricated other than the actual receiver.
Last edited by genec220; May 15, 2012 at 07:10 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 3
From: RestON, VA
Thanks johnny. I still have not found a thread where some one has put a trailer hitch on an sc 430. I want to drive cross country and carry my motorcycle with me or a couple of segways.I am new on how to use threads and posts I am not sure 8 am doing it right thanks again
No way to the motorcycle or segways; 1) the suspension isn't made for it and it would hang way too low, and 2) the class 1 trailer hitch has a max tongue weight of 200 lbs. Just not a good idea in my opinion. See my next post about my recent experience too. <as soon as i get my pictures ready>
Last edited by genec220; May 21, 2012 at 08:30 PM. Reason: delay in posting follow-on post
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 3
From: RestON, VA
Alrighty...had a few distractions; 1 deer, 2 potholes. Here are some pics of the original hitch failure and the updated support and hitch. The hitch now supports 2 mtn bikes and has been working great for a couple of months.
I'll post a pic with two bikes loaded next chance i get.
A big THANK YOU to the guys at Southside Hitch in Richmond, VA for a stellar job.
Thanks.
genO
I'll post a pic with two bikes loaded next chance i get.
A big THANK YOU to the guys at Southside Hitch in Richmond, VA for a stellar job.
Thanks.
genO
Last edited by genec220; Jul 12, 2012 at 09:56 AM.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 3
From: RestON, VA
For just my bike, and the Thule rack, it seemed to have worked great. For your road bike, and your lighter rack, you should be fine. Sorry if I got you worried. If you want me to send photos in email so you can read on your phone easier, PM me. I'll send you the .pdf with them all when i get back from my meeting.
Hope that helps.
Thanks JohnnyCake.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: CA
Does the trunk bike rack create long term problem on your SC430?
There's a 5th option:
I have a "strap on" bike rack that I've used a few times. No tow kit required. It's got metal "clips" that hook in by opening the trunk, attaching them, closing the trunk, and tightening the straps. Then there's the foam-padded bars that rest (tightly) against the back. There's probably potential for rubbing/scratching, but my '02 has plenty of hairline scratches and scuffs already, and I don't think using this on occasion adds significantly to that.
The bars where the bikes hang onto are just longish straight bars. I've put both mine and my daughter's on there and could possibly squeeze a 3rd on. The bikes obviously touch eachother, then you strap/tie those as tight as possible.
I can try to track down the specific make/model if interested. I suspect it's no longer in production, but I'm sure there are similar racks that would work fine.
I have a "strap on" bike rack that I've used a few times. No tow kit required. It's got metal "clips" that hook in by opening the trunk, attaching them, closing the trunk, and tightening the straps. Then there's the foam-padded bars that rest (tightly) against the back. There's probably potential for rubbing/scratching, but my '02 has plenty of hairline scratches and scuffs already, and I don't think using this on occasion adds significantly to that.
The bars where the bikes hang onto are just longish straight bars. I've put both mine and my daughter's on there and could possibly squeeze a 3rd on. The bikes obviously touch eachother, then you strap/tie those as tight as possible.
I can try to track down the specific make/model if interested. I suspect it's no longer in production, but I'm sure there are similar racks that would work fine.
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 60
From: DC
Buddy, you are going about it a$$-backwards. You put a hitch on the Vulcan 750 and use the bike to tow the SC.
Last edited by JohnnyCake; Nov 12, 2012 at 02:02 PM. Reason: Because if you type ass in the post, it comes out ***, but in this "Reason for Editing" box you can say ASS all you want.
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 66
From: Pa
So r u telling me you have a vulcan 750 ?? Now lets see i get a flat car trailer put the car on that then attach my bike to that. I quess I need electric brakes or maybe just a large bag of rocks tied together on rope so i can drop them when I want to stop
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 60
From: DC
Another hitch option
Here's another hitch installation option, per DENNISLOGA who had the installation for $4400 done at Mann's welding in Bellevue, Washington.
Last edited by JohnnyCake; Nov 12, 2012 at 02:13 PM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: ON
Estimate
Hey there bfigard,
So I was reading through this thread because I want to have a receiver hitch for a bike rack hitch...and....from what I understand, to get that installed is approximately 450?
So I was reading through this thread because I want to have a receiver hitch for a bike rack hitch...and....from what I understand, to get that installed is approximately 450?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 60
From: DC
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 60
From: DC
Four year anniversary of the "standard under body" approach. Update to say, works great, no problems. I haul my bike twice a week except in the winter and always take the rack off between uses (gotta have the SC looking sharp at all times!). Without a doubt one of the best mods I have done.
And another shout-out to Southside Hitch in Richmond, VA. Mine was the first, but now they have done two more, so they probably have the most experience of anyone in the country. Like any project, the second is easier/better than the first. If you are anywhere on the east coast its probably worth the drive. They can have you in/out on the same day.
I have also used the back seat method when I have needed to carry two bikes. Not a great option. Much easier with the top down but do-able with the top up, assuming no passenger. But dropouts are sharp and can cause damage pretty easily (don't ask).
And another shout-out to Southside Hitch in Richmond, VA. Mine was the first, but now they have done two more, so they probably have the most experience of anyone in the country. Like any project, the second is easier/better than the first. If you are anywhere on the east coast its probably worth the drive. They can have you in/out on the same day.
I have also used the back seat method when I have needed to carry two bikes. Not a great option. Much easier with the top down but do-able with the top up, assuming no passenger. But dropouts are sharp and can cause damage pretty easily (don't ask).