Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack for Honda Insight

Updated 04/18/2013 | Published 09/09/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(15)

$449.95

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(15)

$499.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(350)

$52.43

Question:

Do you have experience using a trunk rack on a honda insight. I am concerned that most attach to glass on the hatch back. Thanks

asked by: Rose M

Expert Reply:

A trunk or hatch-mounted bike rack is not recommended for the first generation (2000-2006 model year) Honda Insight due to the fact that the rack would have to attach to the rear glass, which does not have sufficient strength to support the rack and the bikes installed on it. Because no receiver hitches or roof rack options are available for that vehicle, I am afraid I cannot provide any suggestions for carrying a bike with the first generation Insight.

If your Insight is of the second generation (2010-present), a trunk mounted bike rack would work just fine.

Although we offer many different trunk-mounted bike racks, I typically recommend the Thule OutWay. The OutWay eliminates the hassle of the usual straps, and uses only 2 ratcheting cables that allow the rack to be installed and removed very quickly. The OutWay is available as a 2-bike model, part # TH45JV or a 3-bike model, part # TH56BV.

For women's bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # TH982XT is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike is not carried at an angle.

For install details or product demonstration videos featuring the Thule Raceway, click on the provided links.

expert reply by: Mike L

Ben W.

3/31/2013

Although you recommend the Thule product, will i also be able to use a universal trunk mounted bike rack with my honda insight 2012. I have also seen special glass hooks would these be necessary for my vehicle? From your answer i take it that post 2010 insights have been redesigned to that the glass on the hatchback is strong enough to mount a bike rack on to..thanks

Patrick B.

4/18/2013

Chances are good that a universal type trunk mount will work, but without testing it we cannot say for sure. Thule and Yakima do test fit their trunk mounted racks and fit guide that information which is probably why the expert recommended them. Thule does not recommend installing the hooks to the glass. For the Raceway 2 Bike on a 2012 Insight, the hooks go on the hatch door both at the top and the bottom. It does not hook to glass. Some applications do call for glass attachment, but Thule does not call for it on the Insight.