Bike on Bike...!

[Fullchat]

Nice rig. You need to consider Construcion and Use Regulations as regards overhang. ! metre springs to mind regarding some sort of marker on the rear of the overhang.

 

[conkerman]

Neither did that to my late, great friend Dave. It was an old bastard in a Jaguar that got him, a bit more than 10 years after this was taken.

Greeny was a Legend.

Very sad to hear that news after being away for a while.

 

[Schtum]

Was his moniker on the VFR forum " Green VFR" ?
I remember that, very sad.

Greeny was a Legend.

Very sad to hear that news after being away for a while.

Indeed so, gentlemen. It would have been Dave's 45th birthday this coming Sunday. Sadly missed.....

 

[Jallani]

Interesting Jallani - just been looking at these racks with a view to doing exactly what you were planning.

Presume by now you have done a ride or two and would be grateful for comments on your experience with it>

Have you had any legal issues/challenges in the UK or Europe?

Any practical issues with the rack or useful tips?
Did the additional tail/brake light come with the rack?

Many thanks in advance
Terry

Hi Terry - I've used this setup a couple of times within the UK but haven't managed to find time to get across to Europe. It all works well when setup but does get a lot of bizarre looks from people when out and about. It's definitely a talking point...! In truth, it's a lot more fuss than just chucking bicycle in car so you have to be going a bit further like Wales (for me) and do need accommodation or camping pitch the night before (as oppose to arriving on the day and riding a sportive). You also ideally need a shower post ride or be comfortable riding home in cycling gear. I had to take panniers to store my gear / clothes and a chain to lock bicycle to bike and to lock helmet to bike when off riding (remember top box won't fit).

It takes about 15 minutes removing / reinstalling. I don't keep it on permanently so replace with the rear passenger seat or luggage plate when not in use. When in use, the rear tail light and number plate are obscured so I have another number plate that I fix to back of bicycle (or stuck to pannier) and it comes with a second tail light to install. It also came with a fluorescent flag that hangs off the back...

I haven't been able to get the second LED tail light to work as it cuts out the main rear lamp and gives a warning on the dash after about 10 minutes. I had an auto-electrician work on it who spoke to BMW and they said despite the additional tail light drawing minimal current it won't allow it. I've since given up and just turn on my bicycle rear light when on the move. I contacted the designer in the US who insisted he had never heard of any such issues but admitted he didn't have any experience of the 2013 LC GS. He was going to contact his suppliers in the far east but I haven't since chased him.

My only other reservation has been using this setup with an expensive carbon road wheel with discs. It all works fine with my cheaper wheel (with V brake) but wasn't comfortable with the movement / pressure it was putting on my carbon wheel when moving (looked like it was putting pressure on the hub). I'm sure it would be fine but didn't want to take the chance with my expensive carbon wheels. This is something for me to further test and explore next time I use this setup.

I guess the only other considerations are that you may need to lower the seat post as quite tall as remember that you won't fit in a regular motorcycle parking bay!

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,
J

 

[Tall Terry]

Thanks for the info J

A few things to ponder.
I'm on a 2006 GSA so wondering if the electric issues only apply to newer bikes?
No issue regarding carbon bike as havnt bothered to go do that road due to these sorts of issues - just to delicate for my liking.
Guess I will have to probably remove the seat post as am on a 64cm bike frame. Going to stick up a long way