[bpeschka]

I've just finished installing a Yakima roof rack on a 2009 EX and find that the 58" bars stick out somewhat past the side of the vehicle.

The rear bar doesn't seem to be bad because it's aft of the doorway, but I'm wondering if the front bar is going to pose a head bump hazard.

Has anyone here kept the 58" bars at their original length and experienced specific problems with regards to the bar overhang?

I realize it depends on your height ... I'm 6'1", my wife is 6'0", while my son is 6'4".

Cutting them down isn't a major project, but I don't want to lose the potential to carry a basket or box plus two bikes if I can help it. Nor, do I want to cut down just because it looks 'cool'.

Thanks

 

[kustomrydes]

I'm 6'1 and never have. Now that loop where the doors close too is another story. That thing hurts.

 

[BrownSquirrel]

....Now that loop where the doors close too is another story. That thing hurts.

That thing does hurt.

I am 6' and have 66" bars and never hit my head on the bars.
I also have friends who are 6'2" and one who is like 6'6" and he did not have any issues.

 

[B1ke Box]

Thule 65 inch bars are OK

Has anyone here kept the 58" bars at their original length and experienced specific problems with regards to the bar overhang?

Not an issue. I have the Thule 65 inch bars mounted on top of the TPS Lizard rack and at 6'2" there is plenty of room above.

 

[bpeschka]

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like I have a chance of keeping my scalp. ;}

BillP

 

[HammerHead_Sk8r]

New to the forum so if this info is somewhere else please point this newbie in the right direction.

I just ordered a Yakima base rack kit for my 2006 Element (that I just purchased to replace the 2004 that was totalled recently). I am going to have to install the rack myself. Is there specific instructions somewhere on how to install the #9 Bases on the Element?

I do not have any factory racks on this car...my wrecked one had the factory rack.
Thanks.

HammerHead

 

[B1ke Box]

Is there specific instructions somewhere on how to install the #9 Bases on the Element?

You can download the PDF version of the instructions from the Yakima web site => http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?Number=8000221

 

[HammerHead_Sk8r]

Thank you....doah..I really should have thought of that....Thanks.

 

[HammerHead_Sk8r]

The Yakima Windjammer

I just installed my 58" Yakima base rack system yesterday on our latest Element purchase ..a sweet 2006 EX that only had 27,000 miles to replace the 2004 that got totalled when a lady in a gunboat ran a stop light. (No injuries...Thank you God).

Based on a recommendation on this forum I purchased a Windjammer but decided to test drive it out on the highway without it first. The roar at 60mph. on the fairing-less rack was low hum but definitely noticable and at 70 mph was a big roar. I stopped about 6 miles up the interstate and installed the Windjammer...that took like 15 seconds...SNAP...and headed back down the road. At first it only made a little difference but after stopping and adjustin the angle a bit to about 35 degrees or so the reduced noice level was exceptionally better. Is the noise all gone? No but what is there XM will more than take care of.

I am also 6'1" and though the 58" bars look like I will hit my head I am going to have to be rushing and not paying attention to hit them.

Install of this rack was 15 minutes......and that was in the cold and snow and being barked at by one of my dogs who wanted to go in the house!!

 

[TobyGadd]

I'm 6', and the 58 bars are fine. No scalping.