Bike rack solution for the i8

Vetsky · 07-05-2016, 09:37 AM

Hey all,

So I'm a pretty avid bike rider and needed a decent bike rack solution. I have been using this for a little bit, and thought you guys might appreciate the tip.

I have used it on the highway and around the house, so far ZERO issues. It is easier and just as good as the Thule on our X5.

It is called the Seersucker Talon. Let me know if you guys have any questions.

Please excuse the crappy iPhone pics.

Aye-eight · 07-05-2016, 10:04 AM

Appreciate the tip, thanks.

Looks are something to get used to, though. Looks like a biker jumped onto your car and got stuck in the rear window. :-)

Are there no options where the bike lays flat on the rear?

phoenixbmwlife · 07-05-2016, 04:34 PM

This is awesome!

Twitch Massacre · 07-06-2016, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aye-eight

Appreciate the tip, thanks.

Looks are something to get used to, though. Looks like a biker jumped onto your car and got stuck in the rear window. :-)

Are there no options where the bike lays flat on the rear?

Never seen the bike flat on the rear on these kinds of cars but my friend uses a similar one to this that attaches to the roof (or maybe it's the same but placed differently). Have seen it on my friends i8 and Huracan and I have to say it kinda looks cool when it's on the roof. Sadly I don't bike so I'll never get the privilege of looking like a biker landed on my i8's roof.

Louv · 07-06-2016, 01:12 AM

Personally, I wouldn't trust that that glass had been engineered for that. Around town, probably OK, but the wind load at freeway speeds would put some serious strain on the glass. I'd also be worried about hitting a big bump, maybe going around a turn. Some unusual stresses and you could lose your bike and the rear glass.

Worst case scenario: your bicycle falls off, and a motorcycle following you hits it and crashes.

But that's me. I'm not a mechanical engineer. I don't even play one on TV.

Kiwi · 07-06-2016, 01:52 AM

Wouldn't BMW's rear rack be better. I have this rack for my convertible and works great. Their's accessories to carry skies, snow boards and general items.

Aye-eight · 07-06-2016, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Wouldn't BMW's rear rack be better. I have this rack for my convertible and works great. Their's accessories to carry skies, snow boards and general items.

It doesn't show up as an accessory for the i8 on BMW's website. I don't think it would fit.

The website doesn't say how it attaches. Is it mounted under the car? Could you share a picture?

kenkenclub · 07-24-2016, 01:55 PM

No, don't do that, have something 15lbs on your thinner than usual rear glass is like someone constantly trying to pull your glass away from the car. faster you drive stronger it pull. I lease a i3 for my bike, its like $150/month.....

stressdoc · 07-31-2016, 12:30 PM

I'm thinking a sea sucker would work for my windsurfer around town. But a proper roof rack would seal the deal for me.

Aye-eight · 07-31-2016, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aye-eight

It doesn't show up as an accessory for the i8 on BMW's website. I don't think it would fit.

The website doesn't say how it attaches. Is it mounted under the car? Could you share a picture?

Still interested in finding out how this one attaches.

archHW · 11-14-2016, 04:39 PM

Hello... My protonic red edition will be delivered normally end this month... But I do have a question... I want to go snowboarding using it, does any one has expertise or recommendation or an idea if there's a solution to get my snowboard with me and the i8? :-) If I look up I find some similar things to mount as the bike carrier described in this thread... But I don't find any experiences mentioned regarding snowboard/skies... Thx

Aye-eight · 11-14-2016, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archHW

Hello... My protonic red edition will be delivered normally end this month... But I do have a question... I want to go snowboarding using it, does any one has expertise or recommendation or an idea if there's a solution to get my snowboard with me and the i8? :-) If I look up I find some similar things to mount as the bike carrier described in this thread... But I don't find any experiences mentioned regarding snowboard/skies... Thx

SeaSucker has a suction cup mounting system for skis and snowboards. Check out their website. If that will hold on to a CF roof (as opposed to a painted one), I don't know.

archHW · 11-15-2016, 01:40 AM

Hello, I noticed on their website, but I was curious if someone had experiences with it... I loved driving it during my testweek so much that I think it would be a shame if I can't use it to go snowboarding ;-)

stressdoc · 11-15-2016, 09:11 AM

I'm guessing that the SeaSucker snowboard rack would have two suction cups that attach to the windshield, and two more back on the rear of the roof. A lot of 'unknowns': First the roof surface, and second, the 'hardened' glass. Both could be more prone to stress fractures; but the SeaSucker mounts are flexible and involve vacuum for adhesion, so they should work fine. I would check on insurance coverage as I'm guessing both SeaSucker and BMW would deny responsibility. Frankly for a snowboard I would just keep it inside the car. Unfortunately for me I have windsurfers that are too long for that.

Moreover it is likely problematic to run a 'safety line' over the boards and through the inside of the roof, given the complexity of the doors. I might try to find secure anchors under the hood that a line from the front of the board could be attached to.

Aye-eight · 11-15-2016, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

I'm guessing that the SeaSucker snowboard rack would have two suction cups that attach to the windshield, and two more back on the rear of the roof. A lot of 'unknowns': First the roof surface, and second, the 'hardened' glass. Both could be more prone to stress fractures; but the SeaSucker mounts are flexible and involve vacuum for adhesion, so they should work fine. I would check on insurance coverage as I'm guessing both SeaSucker and BMW would deny responsibility. Frankly for a snowboard I would just keep it inside the car. Unfortunately for me I have windsurfers that are too long for that.

Moreover it is likely problematic to run a 'safety line' over the boards and through the inside of the roof, given the complexity of the doors. I might try to find secure anchors under the hood that a line from the front of the board could be attached to.

The board version of the SeaSucker comes in two pieces that can be freely placed. Both will fit on the roof behind each other. I'm just wondering if the roof surface finish is smooth enough to ensure a tight vacuum seal. Strength would not be a concern of mine here. Not with the relatively light load of a snowboard or a pair of skis.

Frankly, I've never seen anyone running a rope around the whole contraption and through the inside of the car to tie it down. Any car with framed door windows will give you difficulties here, the hinging doesn't really make a difference.

Vetsky · 11-15-2016, 10:34 AM

I think the sea suckers would be fine for a board.

I recently sold my i8, but I used it all summer with ZERO issues. Both on the highway and bumpy dirt roads. I wouldn't buy the BMW rack even if it did work. The sea suckers go on and come off quickly and are easy to store when not in use.

I will use it next year on my Ferrari with zero concerns. I highly recommend it.

Aye-eight · 11-16-2016, 10:46 AM

You can set them up sideways. Maybe with a snowboard in them, you get a bit of extra downforce.

07-05-2016, 09:37 AM	#1
Vetsky Second Lieutenant 285 Rep 227 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Bike rack solution for the i8 Hey all, So I'm a pretty avid bike rider and needed a decent bike rack solution. I have been using this for a little bit, and thought you guys might appreciate the tip. I have used it on the highway and around the house, so far ZERO issues. It is easier and just as good as the Thule on our X5. It is called the Seersucker Talon. Let me know if you guys have any questions. Please excuse the crappy iPhone pics. Attached Images
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07-05-2016, 10:04 AM	#2
Aye-eight Major 509 Rep 1,177 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW i8 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: My garage iTrader: (0) Garage List 1962 Triumph TR3B [0.00] 2015 BMW i8 [0.00] 2007 Volvo V70 T6 [0.00] 1960 Chevrolet Corv ... [0.00]	Appreciate the tip, thanks. Looks are something to get used to, though. Looks like a biker jumped onto your car and got stuck in the rear window. :-) Are there no options where the bike lays flat on the rear?
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07-05-2016, 04:34 PM	#3
phoenixbmwlife Brigadier General 1913 Rep 4,128 Posts Drives: M235i & G30 540i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boynton Beach iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW/M235i [0.00]	This is awesome! __________________ Lack of money is not the problem. It is merely a symptom of what's going on inside of you! - T Harv Eker Follow me on Insta https://www.instagram.com/bmwm_life_/ https://www.instagram.com/autogiftua/ https://www.instagram.com/phoenixbmwlife/
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07-06-2016, 01:12 AM	#5
Louv Driver 301 Rep 382 Posts Drives: Mephisto Gray Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mainely iTrader: (0)	Personally, I wouldn't trust that that glass had been engineered for that. Around town, probably OK, but the wind load at freeway speeds would put some serious strain on the glass. I'd also be worried about hitting a big bump, maybe going around a turn. Some unusual stresses and you could lose your bike and the rear glass. Worst case scenario: your bicycle falls off, and a motorcycle following you hits it and crashes. But that's me. I'm not a mechanical engineer. I don't even play one on TV. __________________ cages:'18 M2, '15 i8, '15 X6M and '18 K1600GT History: '96 Z3, '95 540i, '95 540iA, '00 M5, '04 X5, '88 M6, '89 750iL, '08 Z4MCoupe, '12 ActiveE, '62 R60/2, '76 R90S, '08 R1200GSA, '10 G450X I own no garage queens. If it's in my driveway, it's been ridden hard and put away wet. ...and now, with a light crust of Maine road salt.
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07-06-2016, 01:52 AM	#6
Kiwi Captain 146 Rep 917 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M Sports Convertible Join Date: May 2005 Location: Auckland New Zealand iTrader: (0)	Wouldn't BMW's rear rack be better. I have this rack for my convertible and works great. Their's accessories to carry skies, snow boards and general items. __________________ 2015 220i M Sport convertible. 2016 225xe M Sport.
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07-24-2016, 01:55 PM	#8
kenkenclub New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: M6 M4 i8 i3 X6 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	No, don't do that, have something 15lbs on your thinner than usual rear glass is like someone constantly trying to pull your glass away from the car. faster you drive stronger it pull. I lease a i3 for my bike, its like $150/month.....
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07-31-2016, 12:30 PM	#9
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	I'm thinking a sea sucker would work for my windsurfer around town. But a proper roof rack would seal the deal for me. __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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11-14-2016, 04:39 PM	#11
archHW Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: Bmw i8 Red Protonic Edition Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Hello... My protonic red edition will be delivered normally end this month... But I do have a question... I want to go snowboarding using it, does any one has expertise or recommendation or an idea if there's a solution to get my snowboard with me and the i8? :-) If I look up I find some similar things to mount as the bike carrier described in this thread... But I don't find any experiences mentioned regarding snowboard/skies... Thx
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-15-2016, 01:40 AM	#13
archHW Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: Bmw i8 Red Protonic Edition Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Hello, I noticed on their website, but I was curious if someone had experiences with it... I loved driving it during my testweek so much that I think it would be a shame if I can't use it to go snowboarding ;-)
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11-15-2016, 09:11 AM	#14
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	I'm guessing that the SeaSucker snowboard rack would have two suction cups that attach to the windshield, and two more back on the rear of the roof. A lot of 'unknowns': First the roof surface, and second, the 'hardened' glass. Both could be more prone to stress fractures; but the SeaSucker mounts are flexible and involve vacuum for adhesion, so they should work fine. I would check on insurance coverage as I'm guessing both SeaSucker and BMW would deny responsibility. Frankly for a snowboard I would just keep it inside the car. Unfortunately for me I have windsurfers that are too long for that. Moreover it is likely problematic to run a 'safety line' over the boards and through the inside of the roof, given the complexity of the doors. I might try to find secure anchors under the hood that a line from the front of the board could be attached to. __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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11-15-2016, 10:34 AM	#16
Vetsky Second Lieutenant 285 Rep 227 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	I think the sea suckers would be fine for a board. I recently sold my i8, but I used it all summer with ZERO issues. Both on the highway and bumpy dirt roads. I wouldn't buy the BMW rack even if it did work. The sea suckers go on and come off quickly and are easy to store when not in use. I will use it next year on my Ferrari with zero concerns. I highly recommend it. __________________ 2017 Porsche Turbo S 2016 Porsche GT3RS 2016 BMW X5 My Photo Thread / Instagram
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11-16-2016, 10:46 AM	#17
Aye-eight Major 509 Rep 1,177 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW i8 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: My garage iTrader: (0) Garage List 1962 Triumph TR3B [0.00] 2015 BMW i8 [0.00] 2007 Volvo V70 T6 [0.00] 1960 Chevrolet Corv ... [0.00]	You can set them up sideways. Maybe with a snowboard in them, you get a bit of extra downforce.
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