Bike rack heresy? Maybe, not.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Rancho Cordova, CA
Bike rack heresy? Maybe, not.
I'm guessing that hanging a bike rack on the trunk of an XK8 might border on heresy around this forum. I decided to give it a go anyway as I live 5 miles or more from where I like to ride, and I don't have a second car to haul the bike with.
After the customary searches, I found the Saris Bones 2 rack gets very high reviews, so I ordered one. This rack uses a unique 3-arm system around a sturdy aluminum pivot point. It attaches by vinyl-coated hooked straps to the forward and lower edges of the trunk. Unlike other similar rigs, the weight is mostly on the bumper.
So, after putting the rack on, I was quite impressed with how solid it is. However, I did not like that all the force from the top arm is square in the center of the trunk on a small footprint. I did notice a small (temporary) deflection in the sheet metal after the straps were tightened. So, I bought a common knee-pad used by gardeners and glued a piece of hardwood to the top of it. Now, the force is dispersed across the trunk through the soft foam (see photos).
Anyway, with the bike strapped on, including the built-in down-tube strap and an added front wheel strap, I took the car out for a drive. I have to say that even on rougher roads, speed bumps, etc., the rack and bike did not move. It was as secure when I returned as when I started.
When I removed the rack, there was not a trace on the paint where it had been. (I do recommend using some detailer spray and a soft cloth to clean the bearing points before attaching the rack.)
Total setup time (once you get familiar with it) is about 5-10 minutes. The rack folds compactly and actually stores easily in the trunk or even behind the seats.
After the customary searches, I found the Saris Bones 2 rack gets very high reviews, so I ordered one. This rack uses a unique 3-arm system around a sturdy aluminum pivot point. It attaches by vinyl-coated hooked straps to the forward and lower edges of the trunk. Unlike other similar rigs, the weight is mostly on the bumper.
So, after putting the rack on, I was quite impressed with how solid it is. However, I did not like that all the force from the top arm is square in the center of the trunk on a small footprint. I did notice a small (temporary) deflection in the sheet metal after the straps were tightened. So, I bought a common knee-pad used by gardeners and glued a piece of hardwood to the top of it. Now, the force is dispersed across the trunk through the soft foam (see photos).
Anyway, with the bike strapped on, including the built-in down-tube strap and an added front wheel strap, I took the car out for a drive. I have to say that even on rougher roads, speed bumps, etc., the rack and bike did not move. It was as secure when I returned as when I started.
When I removed the rack, there was not a trace on the paint where it had been. (I do recommend using some detailer spray and a soft cloth to clean the bearing points before attaching the rack.)
Total setup time (once you get familiar with it) is about 5-10 minutes. The rack folds compactly and actually stores easily in the trunk or even behind the seats.
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 120,439
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From: Durham, UK
(thread moved from XK/XKR 2006 section)
Practical, neat solution. Quickly attached and removed with no damage. Shouldn't upset the purists too much!
Jaguar list a base luggage rack for the XK8 with additional attachments for bikes and another for skis. Well engineered but the cost is exorbitant.
Graham
Practical, neat solution. Quickly attached and removed with no damage. Shouldn't upset the purists too much!
Jaguar list a base luggage rack for the XK8 with additional attachments for bikes and another for skis. Well engineered but the cost is exorbitant.
Graham
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