BentAero
Well-Known Member
As every CB owner knows, transporting one of these presents it's own unique challenges. A 'normal' tray-style hitchrack doesn't work because of the boom that covers the front wheel, and a hook arm rack doesn't work real well either.
A co-worker had a receiver hitch rack for carrying a motocross/enduro motorcycle that was ingeniously simple; just load the bike on the tray, then slide an aluminum 'arm' down over the seat, squat the suspension, then pin it in place. Looking at it, I kept thinking I could use the same principle to hold a FWD Cruzbike.
When said co-worker decided he didn't want the rack any longer, I greedily bought it from him for the outrageous sum of $25. Let the cutting begin!
I went to the scrapyard and bought several pieces of aluminum sold by the pound that ended up being $13., most of which I never used. With some strategic cutting, bolting, and welding, I was able to fashion a lightweight tray to hold the wheels, some blocks to raise the ride height, (my hitch is pretty low to the ground) and a 'spider' arm to hold tension on the seat. The arm (modified), vertical post, and the small lower platform are all that's left of the original motorcycle rack. I removed the massive tray that held the motorcycle.
Just set the bike in the tray, slide the spider arm down, and put the retention pin in place. That's it. The four spider arms are 3/8" dia. aluminum so they have just enough flex so you have to push down on the arm in order to get the pin installed.This puts a tiny bit of tension on the arms. Once the pin is in, the bike can't move. And yes, the trunk still opens with the bike mounted on the rack. I bolted the upper portion of the seatback to the frame since the seat is the only thing the spider arm is holding onto, so it's important that the seat stay put.The velcro strips attaching the seat to the frame had become worthless after a multi-day tour in the rain.{ Note to John: this method does NOT work, the adhesive on the velcro is not strong enough to stay attached to the frame.}
I'm pretty sure a person could come up with a better/modified arm that would work with any recumbent seat, not just a CB.
Anyway, this one works for me.
Here's the finished rack:
A co-worker had a receiver hitch rack for carrying a motocross/enduro motorcycle that was ingeniously simple; just load the bike on the tray, then slide an aluminum 'arm' down over the seat, squat the suspension, then pin it in place. Looking at it, I kept thinking I could use the same principle to hold a FWD Cruzbike.
When said co-worker decided he didn't want the rack any longer, I greedily bought it from him for the outrageous sum of $25. Let the cutting begin!
I went to the scrapyard and bought several pieces of aluminum sold by the pound that ended up being $13., most of which I never used. With some strategic cutting, bolting, and welding, I was able to fashion a lightweight tray to hold the wheels, some blocks to raise the ride height, (my hitch is pretty low to the ground) and a 'spider' arm to hold tension on the seat. The arm (modified), vertical post, and the small lower platform are all that's left of the original motorcycle rack. I removed the massive tray that held the motorcycle.
Just set the bike in the tray, slide the spider arm down, and put the retention pin in place. That's it. The four spider arms are 3/8" dia. aluminum so they have just enough flex so you have to push down on the arm in order to get the pin installed.This puts a tiny bit of tension on the arms. Once the pin is in, the bike can't move. And yes, the trunk still opens with the bike mounted on the rack. I bolted the upper portion of the seatback to the frame since the seat is the only thing the spider arm is holding onto, so it's important that the seat stay put.The velcro strips attaching the seat to the frame had become worthless after a multi-day tour in the rain.{ Note to John: this method does NOT work, the adhesive on the velcro is not strong enough to stay attached to the frame.}
I'm pretty sure a person could come up with a better/modified arm that would work with any recumbent seat, not just a CB.
Anyway, this one works for me.
Here's the finished rack:
