Taking your bikes on a road trip opens up a world of cycling adventures. However, the nagging worry of bike theft from external racks can overshadow the excitement. For Honda Element owners, there’s a secure and ingenious solution: transporting your bikes inside! This approach not only alleviates theft concerns but also shields your precious rides from harsh weather and road debris. Plus, keeping the weight inside can even improve your vehicle’s handling compared to a loaded hitch rack.
For an upcoming multi-week journey, I decided to ditch the exterior hitch rack for peace of mind and get creative with my Honda Element. The mission? To comfortably fit four bikes – two XXL frames and two size S – inside, all while maintaining full functionality of the front seats and ensuring good visibility for driving. Removing the rear seats was the first step in this transformation. The project kicked off with a flurry of measuring, template creation, strategic cutting, and a lot of experimental positioning to find the optimal configuration for all four bikes.
The photograph above captures a crucial stage in the process: testing various bike arrangements to pinpoint the most efficient order and setup before permanently installing fork mounts, applying protective paint, laying down carpet, and securing the wheels. This meticulous pre-planning was key to maximizing space and ensuring everything fit snugly. Even with four bikes inside, there’s still ample room behind the passenger seat for at least two carry-on sized suitcases. The Honda Element’s convenient suicide doors make grabbing luggage for overnight stays incredibly easy.
To further optimize space and organization, I designed a custom gear box to tuck neatly under the fork of the bike positioned behind the driver’s seat. Raising the handlebars allowed for a comfortable seat recline for those essential rest stop naps. This compact gear box is surprisingly spacious, easily accommodating two helmets, cycling shoes, gloves, jackets, and other essential cycling gear.
With the paint now dry and the carpet installation slated for tomorrow, the project is nearing completion. Stay tuned for more pictures showcasing the finished bike hauling layout in my Honda Element. This DIY approach proves that with a bit of ingenuity, your Honda Element can be transformed into a secure and efficient bike transport vehicle, perfect for those long road trips where bike security and protection are paramount.
