2X2 BICYLCE RACK TURNS YOUR MOTORCYCLE

If you really like your motorcycle, then perhaps you might be keen on the idea of using it as your one and only source of motorized transportation – for part of the year, at least. However, what happens if you’re also an avid cyclist, who sometimes needs to transport your bike? According to inventor, cyclist and motorbike rider Garrett Blake, all you need to do is buy his 2X2 Cycles Motorcycle Bicycle Rack.

“I could not see why I would own a motorcycle and not be able to have duality in use,” he explained to us. “I always hated having to decide between a motorcycle ride or taking the car to transport the bike to my favorite trail head or group ride.”

That frustration resulted in his creating the 2X2.

The brake light-equipped steel rack mounts on the rear of the motorcycle using supplied bolts – no drilling or altering of the vehicle is required. Exactly how it’s mounted varies between different makes of motorcycle. Buyers will be advised on the mounting method for their particular motorcycle when they order the rack.

Once the 2X2 is in place, the bicycle reportedly mounts on it in a matter of seconds. The process starts with the front wheel being removed, and the fork getting clamped into a lockable quick release at the front of the rack. Next, at the rear of the rack, the left-side crank is lowered into a rubber-coated sling, and secured in place with another quick-release mechanism. The detached front wheel is then attached to a receptacle just above the sling, using its own quick-release.

Finally, a strap is run over the bike’s handlebar stem, and attached to the motorcycle’s frame or passenger foot pegs. This is for added security, and – according to Blake – it helps keep the bike’s weight concentrated on the back of the motorcycle, as opposed to hanging out behind it.

But yes, about that ... how does carrying a bike affect the motorcycle’s handling? “It is a bit different between motorcycles,” said Garrett. “If you mount it on a 50cc light displacement scooter there will be more effect than on a 600-pound [272-kg] dual sport. On average the effect is far less than a passenger on board.”

The 2X2 Cycles Motorcycle Bicycle Rack works with Honda, BMW, Kawasaki, KTM, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, Aprilia, and Ducati motorcycles. It is available now, for US$298. Another motorcycle bike rack, the Johnny Rack, was available as recently as last year, but the company is no longer in business.