Finally, A Real Bike Rack!

TexaSky · 10-10-2007, 12:02 AM

OK, so shoe-horning my bike into the passenger's seat was getting really old! So since they now make a real trailer hitch/receptacle, I installed one and found an inexpensive bike rack with a long enough extension to clear the Sky's rear bumper.

The hitch was $155 (@ eTrailer.com) and the rack was $89 (@ Performancebike.com).

Here are some pix...yes I'm sick, I had to get tires to match the car...but at least I know I'm sick!

**reedred** · 10-10-2007, 12:39 AM

Very nice! Any problems installing the Curt hitch? I thought the reverse light was expected to be an issue. Also, did you need to buy an extension to attach the rack?

**reedred** · 10-10-2007, 12:45 AM

One more question: How much clearance is there with the trunk fully open?

stromo · 10-10-2007, 06:53 AM

can you post the etrailer.com part number?

thanks.

**SKYMAN-CT** · 10-10-2007, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stromo

can you post the etrailer.com part number?

thanks.

I would assume it's this one listed for the Solstice as our chassis is the same, correct TexaSky?

P/N = 11119, However it says it won't fit the GXP so I'm thinking the Redline might be out also?

Spfld-IL-SKY · 10-10-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexaSky

OK, so shoe-horning my bike into the passenger's seat was getting really old! So since they now make a real trailer hitch/receptacle, I installed one and found an inexpensive bike rack with a long enough extension to clear the Sky's rear bumper.

The hitch was $155 (@ eTrailer.com) and the rack was $89 (@ Performancebike.com).

Here are some pix...yes I'm sick, I had to get tires to match the car...but at least I know I'm sick!

Did you have to modify the solstice hitch at all or did it fit properly? I've been contemplating purchasing it to install for a bike rack as well.

Thank you for any information you can provide in this regard.

Spfld-il-sky

cwhitesky · 10-10-2007, 02:12 PM

Awesome someone tell us, does it fit for Sky like it does for Sol?

boom · 10-10-2007, 05:00 PM

looks like it obstructs the rear license plate.

**reedred** · 10-10-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boom

looks like it obstructs the rear license plate.

I'd bet I'm not the only one with a spare plate lying around...

TexaSky · 10-10-2007, 09:37 PM

The hitch fits the base Sky WITHOUT modification! It's an easy install, took about 20 minutes. One guy with a Sol GXP says he got it to fit around the dual exhaust with a minor bracket cut to narrow the landing of the bracket on the left side. I would assume that the Sky Redline would need the same mod.

The only trick is finding a bike rack that extends aft far enough before turning vertical for the rack. The one I found that provides about a quarter inch of clearance to the reverse light is called: XPORT Free Loader 3-Bike Universal Hitch Rack. I got it a PerformanceBike.com.

As far as clearance between the bike and the trunklid when open, if you make sure your handlebars are lined up as if riding straight, the lid clears my bike just fine.

SkyMan is right about the part number: 11119

TexaSky · 10-10-2007, 10:05 PM

Here are some pix showing how it bolts to the frame from up under the Sky.
The first picture is looking in from just over the exhaust pipe.
The second shows the hitch bracket on the left side. This is the one that probably interferes with the dual exhaust cars.
The third picture shows the bracket from the right side, and I've circled the place where the single exhaust rattles up against the hitch when it is still cold. Once it heats up, there is no more rattle. I will be adding a small heat resistant pad to eliminate the tiny short lived rattle.

TexaSky · 10-10-2007, 11:09 PM

This picture shows the clearance between the bike and the trunk lid. Notice the bike is on the closest mounting point to the trunk too! No problem, tons of room.

**reedred** · 10-11-2007, 12:02 AM

Thanks for the additional pics! I'm thinking about doing this, but I'm somewhat worried about my spoiler being a problem. Would you think there's enough clearance for me not to need to worry about it? And one more question: how wide are your handle bars?

Spfld-IL-SKY · 10-11-2007, 09:47 AM

I've been in contact with etrailer but they wouldn't confirm whether the solstice hitch would work or not. I was just about to buy one anyway since they have an excellent return policy.

Thanks for the information, that's what great about this forum. Good people helping others.

redline sky king · 10-19-2007, 09:11 AM

Did you find out if that Stostice hitch would work on your Sky? Does anyone know if it will work on a 2008 Sky Redline?
Midnight Blue Sky Redline
Black leather
Monsoon sound
18" Chrome Wheels