The reason I started looking at buying a Z4 was the fact that I’m a single guy and don’t need a back seat. Plus, there’s enough trunk space for 2 small suit cases and a garment bag…more than enough room for my business travel. So the decision to make a z4 my everyday driver depended on one last thing….the ability to carry my bicycle.
I race bikes competitively. So I’ve always had a bike with a roof rack to take my bikes to races. I found that there is an option for a trunk-based bicycle rack, but I was concerned about the paint. What I really wanted was a trailer hitch so I can use a hitch mounted bike rack. There are two main advantages using this option. First, it doesn’t touch the car so there’s no chance for paint damage. Second, a rear-bike placement versus rooftop, save a ton on gas mileage. I did some surfing on the web and to my disappointment, found no trailer hitch options for the Z4!
I know adding a trailer hitch to a z4 may be blasphemy to some of you, but I needed one. So I decided to call a local custom shop and tell them my problem. I was directed to a place called Rick’s Auto repair (608-442-1634) in Madison, WI where I live. They told me they’d be able to make a bolt on trailer hitch that will easily hold the 150 or so pounds needed to support the rack and bikes. Plus there would be no welding so removal would be easy and not leave a trace. What I got when they were done went way over my expectations! These guys did a fantastic job! Specifically, it was John who did the welding and he really took a straight forward task and turned it into a piece of art.
Since this was a huge issue for me and I absolutely need the trailer hitch, I wanted to share it with others. Here are a few pics. I can definitely send more pictures to anyone who asks.
I race bikes competitively. So I’ve always had a bike with a roof rack to take my bikes to races. I found that there is an option for a trunk-based bicycle rack, but I was concerned about the paint. What I really wanted was a trailer hitch so I can use a hitch mounted bike rack. There are two main advantages using this option. First, it doesn’t touch the car so there’s no chance for paint damage. Second, a rear-bike placement versus rooftop, save a ton on gas mileage. I did some surfing on the web and to my disappointment, found no trailer hitch options for the Z4!
I know adding a trailer hitch to a z4 may be blasphemy to some of you, but I needed one. So I decided to call a local custom shop and tell them my problem. I was directed to a place called Rick’s Auto repair (608-442-1634) in Madison, WI where I live. They told me they’d be able to make a bolt on trailer hitch that will easily hold the 150 or so pounds needed to support the rack and bikes. Plus there would be no welding so removal would be easy and not leave a trace. What I got when they were done went way over my expectations! These guys did a fantastic job! Specifically, it was John who did the welding and he really took a straight forward task and turned it into a piece of art.
Since this was a huge issue for me and I absolutely need the trailer hitch, I wanted to share it with others. Here are a few pics. I can definitely send more pictures to anyone who asks.
, that does look out of place. I've never seen that set-up on a Z. Could you just have bought an old mid-sized truck to tote your bike with? I saw a Z at HC Saturday with a hitch but of course it was'nt so bulky. I wish I would've taken pics of it now that I see yours. Of course, it wasn't for bikes but it looked to be the exact same set-up motorcycles use. I wonder though, the places where you take your bike, will your Z be able to take you there with respect to clearing humps, off-road type traveling? Good luck, let us know how the first run goes.
less than two weeks ago! My first call was to Burnsville, (Minnesota) Trailer Hitch because a sales guy at Motorwerks told me they have a hitch and bike rack for the Z4.