It came from Ebay, It's a Curt, very well made and installs within 2 hours. I put a few pics in my garage. Now I have to get the bicycle rack lol.

 

It's like a car crash, I want to look away, but just can't. I guess with a bike rack, it isn't the end of the world…just close It's actually a little stealthier than I expected.

 

I used to think it was a sacrilege but having to drive the Jetta in summer to go to the trail made me reconsider. Plus installing a hitch on the Cayman was out of the question. The XK8 is soooo easy to work on. It can be removed in 15 mins without a trace. I'm trying to find a suitable cap. Would love a leaper. Maybe a propeller with red led light ah ah ah. I found a nice Porsche one but it's for a 2 inch receiver.

 

Looking for the rack...

 

You could just get a blank cover and put a leaper like the newer XF and XK have on the rear onto the blank cover.

 

Yes this is exactly what I had in mind, thanks!
I made one from a leaper bought on Ebay at less than $6.00. Very easy to make, very easy to remove, very easy to trash, lol....

 

I bought the rack on Ebay also, made in BC Canada. $180.00 + $30.00 shipping. What a nice rack she has now...

 

That rack looks pretty cool!

 

Keep the rack, the install looks good. I want one! The Leaper on the receiver does nothing for me, he doesn't belong down there.
Steve

 

I have a strange urge to hire a hitman and send him to Canada!

 

Certainly different, not seen one on an XK before, but I used to have a friend who had one fitted to his Silver Spirit in order to tow his caravan.

Are you planning on electrifying it, for a light board?

 

I did it mainly to infuriate a friend of mine by posting a pic of the hitch&leaper on her FB page. IMHO it's a much nicer and safer place than on the (bonnet) hood . I had the Cayman for a year now and I have to find ways to use the old cat. Next I fill it with earth and make a nice flower pot. But that will be in a while crocodile, I love my cat. Plus I fixed the anoying SRS light by checking all the connectors under both seats and voilà, light gone. I got a xx$ bonus. My green (ignition) key was underneath the passenger seat. It had been sitting there for 8 years.

 

I see the Curt 11750 hitch is listed for 97-2000 XK8. I'm wondering if it will work on my 03 XK8. I am really enjoying the Jag, but I already miss taking the bike to my favorite trail.

 

In 2001 they revised the rear bumper cover and it dips down lower than the earlier models. It could be possible to modify the bumper cover to fit it, but that makes me cringe. I suppose you could fit a '97-'00 bumper cover and keep your original one for when you get sick of the hitch.

 

Took a few shots this morning of the installation on the old cat. Might help a bit...

 

Yes, I see the bumper is a bit different. Also, it appears that the potential attachment area in the spare tire pan is more rounded on the 03 XK8.

I see a flat area higher up, and the hitch actually might still work and be better hidden, but one would have to remove the bumper to fit it. Maybe, I'll just get an second vehicle to haul the bike!

I've attached photos of my rear-end (never thought I'd do that on the internet!).

- Mike

 

I'm not offended at all lol. BTW the car sits so low that it's almost invisible (hitch). It's great to relax in the cat after riding the bike.

 

Just got through putting a hitch on mu 06' and thought you might want to see. It was the same Curt hitch for the 00' and back models and fit quite well. I would change the way I did it slightly in the way I cut the bumber but was happy with the results!

 

Great! Looks even more stealth on a late model. Thanks

 

Wow, I sort of expected to be horrified by this thread but instead I'm impressed with the attitude, creativity, and resourcefulness on display.

The cars are meant to be used after all ...good work