I'm having difficulty finding a bike rack to fit my 2005 Honda Civic Type R. I'm mentioning the specific model because the damn spoiler at the top of the rear hatch is causing problems trying to get any rear rack to fit (straps can't really rest on the spolier as they'd more than likely rip it off...). I'm not too keen to put the bikes inside because I need the luggage space, plus - no matter how careful you are - mud still finds its way onto the upholstery. I've already ruled out a towball-mounted rack as this version of the Civic can't be fitted with a towbar...

Roofbars? I'm not keen as they marked the roof on my previous car pretty badly, and were also a PITA to fit. I'm looking for a rack that I can fit quickly by myself, hence why I'm after a rear rack.

I've had a look at the Saris Bones as it seams to be one of the most secure rear-mounting racks, but I'm not sure if it'll fit.

Can anyone suggest a rear-mounting rack that will fit, or give me some ideas? Any advice welcomed. And no, getting rid of the car for something more sensible is not an option ;-)

Cheers
Ally

A Saris won't fit on a 2006 A3 Sport with a spoiler, so you can pretty much be certain it won't fit on a Type R

A friend of mine looked into this. Two options, Honda or Thule, both roof mounted. Sorry. Luckily he checked before he bought it.

Cheers for the replies. But noooooo that's not good to hear!

However, I've just spoken to a mate in my club who uses a Saris Bones on a CTR successfully. Unfortunately he's not used it for a while, but can't remember the straps being an issue with the spoiler. If I get the chance I'm going to physically try one out this weekend to see if it can be made to fit. I'm really trying to avoid the roof option ;-)

Any other suggestions/advice welcomed.
Ally

I've just called him Ally. As I said he didn't buy one in the end so his memory of the events is a bit vague, but he said he thought the Honda dealer had mentioned something about a plastic hatchback (may have meant the spoiler) and if he fitted something that wasn't approved by Honda he maybe on shaky ground if it fell off and injured someone.

Could be dealer crap but I'd rather tell you now then when you post your 'My bike fell of my car' thread.

I have a Saris bones for sale, £50 to you Ally, I'd be surprised if it didn't fit tbh. They are a great rack, very secure and don't mark your car or bikes. However depending on what bike/bikes you do have there could be an issue with the frame fitting over the tapered support arms as I found out when I bought my Prophet.
It's great for hardtails and full-suss bikes with a Turner 5 spot type "open frame" if you like, but certain more complex frames may not fit.

Hi Ally,
I had a rear mounted carrier on my old car but it marked the boot so decided to spend some cash (I think it was about £210ish) and buy the roof mounted one for my CTR. I didn't go anywhere near the Honda dealer but spoke to a Thule dealer on the web who said it would fit. Had it for two and half years using it nearly every weekend and it’s been fantastic. You can do 80 without having to worry about the bikes coming off, just don't vtec it.

Picture Here

And it fits in about 10 mins and comes over quicker (especially under low bridges :)

Thanks for the replies again!

Dirty Karlos: I might take up that offer of yours, I'll "investigate" the fitment of one on Saturday if I can.

Davies: just noticed you've replied to me over on the CTR forum - I'll respond there!

Have the same problem, I have an 06 CTR and use the Thule roofbars which I discovered at the weekend had pretty badly marked the paint on the roof. As a towbar cannot be fitted, I have resorted to putting the bike in the boot!
Means I can drive fast too ;)

As for fitting in 10 minutes, I dont agree as you need to clean the roof prior to fitting and line everything up before tightening the clamps, lot harder than previous Thule racks as you need to use a short roof kit.

Mike Spence: sorry forgot to reply to your post earlier. The handbook says that rear racks should not be used, but it was the same for my Clio and I had no problems with a rear rack on that (until I tried carrying 2 very heavy bikes...). Legally I don't know the situation though. I think the dealer would probably be trying to scare your mate into buying something from the dealership instead of something elsewhere (or maybe I'm too cynical...).

Dugs, if you're at all interested, I've been asking the same Q about racks for a CTR on another forum: www.civictype-r.co.uk but you'll need to sign up if you want to read anything on that site I'm afraid.

I think I'd still prefer a rear rack for the reasons mentioned by Dugs about racks marking the roof. Although a rear rack could still mark the car, IMO it'd be far easier to take preventative measures with a rear rack (as well as being easier/quicker to fit and remove).

Think I'll try my luck with a Saris Bones rack on Saturday if the shop has one in stock (they have on the website but they ain't answering their phones). And I'll report back then.

But keep any advice/suggestions coming!

Cheers
Ally

"I think the dealer would probably be trying to scare your mate into buying something from the dealership instead of something elsewhere (or maybe I'm too cynical...)." As I said that had crossed my mind, but he lost the sale of a car because of his comments. Most car salesmen would have conveniently forgotten to mention something like that until you'd signed on the dotted line.

Ally am a member of that forum since I got my CTR and did quite a bit of research before buying the Thule. Think I have just solved the problem of dirty upholstery too - my girlfriend has agreed to lend me her car to take the bike - sweet :)

LOL we're a cynical lot on here, aren't we?! I've yet to meet a car dealer I completely trust (not even my father-in-law who is a sort of car dealer)

Try this, it's American but I think you could find your model somehow.

Dugs - good solution! But I can't trust my wife to take my car to work with her every time I borrow hers. Dodgy hospital car parks, high door ding potential :-(. Plus she wants an even more impractical car than me for her next car (Toyota MR2) so that ain't gonna work!

I'm going to try a Saris Bones on Saturday and take it from there.

Dirty Karlos: good idea but unfotunately the US Civic is a completely different car to the UK model. Can't find my car in that list (and I've just been on a US Honda website too)

quote 'As a towbar cannot be fitted'

Is that true? Would save a lot of problems. Mu cuz has a Citroen AX GTi which has no frame to the top of the boot, the hinges and lower, (plastic) half attach straight to the glass, so he has a tow bar and rack on that. Solves any problem with scratches, (as did t-cut on my Punto with a boot mounted rack)

That's a thought, lots of cars these days (especially hot hatches) can't have a tow bar because they can't cope with the weight without it causing problems for the sporty suspension, wheels, tyres etc. The weight of a few bikes isn't going to come close to a caravan or trailer.