This tale at the start gave the impression on GearJunkie
Nowadays, Saris formally launches its new top class hitch motorcycle rack, the Edge. It boasts a excessive weight restrict and distinctive design parts to set it excluding its competition and the remainder of the Saris lineup.
Saris is best possible identified for its inexpensive trunk racks and motorcycle running shoes., and it isn’t precisely synonymous with high-end hitch racks. Saris seeks to modify that with the Edge, a two-bike provider priced along top class festival.
With an outstanding 80-pound in keeping with motorcycle weight restrict and a variety of motorcycle are compatible, the Saris Edge can raise on the subject of any motorcycle. It has a blank design and all of the options you’d be expecting for the associated fee. Those come with tool-free set up, a handy tilt-release take care of, and built-in locks. The original motorcycle attachment gadget and fixed-angle entrance wheel hook received’t touch your body or rub in your fork the way in which different fashions can.
I’ve been the usage of and abusing the brand new Saris Edge ($1,000) for the previous month. It has noticed numerous day-to-day journeys to and from the trailhead, along side a 600+ mile avenue go back and forth. From sunny days to snow storms and freeway miles to relatively tough unpaved roads, I put the Edge thru its paces to peer if it’s definitely worth the top class price ticket.
In brief: With the brand new Edge type, Saris is making a powerful transfer into the top class finish of the hitch motorcycle rack marketplace. It’s pricey, however thankfully, this rack is definitely idea out. It has a user-friendly design and contours that make it simple to are living with. I put this rack in the course of the wringer and was once inspired by way of its steadiness and protected motorcycle grasp. I particularly beloved that the entrance wheel hook can’t rub the paint off my fork. It has a few minor quirks however is differently an ideal new method to imagine.
In search of a brand new motorcycle rack? See how the Saris Edge compares in our complete information to the most efficient hitch motorcycle racks.
Saris Edge Evaluation
Main points
Given its excessive weight restrict, it isn’t unexpected that the Edge rack handiest is available in a 2-inch receiver measurement. You probably have a 1.25-inch receiver, you’ll want to glance in different places. The 2-bike model is lately the best choice, and no add-ons are to be had to extend its sporting capability.
The Edge has an 80-pound per-bike weight restrict. This implies it might probably take care of the entirety from featherlight avenue motorcycles to heavy electrical commuter motorcycles. Alternatively, Saris does now not lately be offering an not obligatory ramp accent to lend a hand load the ones heavy motorcycles.
Lengthy motorcycles are in play with trays designed to suit wheelbases as much as 53 inches (1,346 mm). That incorporates maximum slacked-out trendy long-travel enduro and downhill mountain motorcycles.
Saris claims it really works with wheel sizes between 24 and 29 inches. For width, it might probably are compatible 29 x 3-inch tires or 27.5-inch wheels and tires as much as 5 inches huge. This attachment gadget additionally works with motorcycles with fenders.
No gear are had to set up or take away the Edge rack out of your car. The tool-free anti-wobble gadget takes any play within the receiver with a knob that you just flip by way of hand. The integrated hitch pin and lock protected the rack. An built-in cable lock gadget secures the motorcycles to the rack. The motorcycle lock has two cables, one on every facet, that slide out of the motorcycle trays and fasten.
RV fanatics shall be glad to understand that the Edge is RV-rated for Elegance A, B, and C motorhomes. It isn’t particularly rated for off-road use. Alternatively, the parents at Saris advised me that gravel and unpaved roads are positive.
Motorbike Attachment
The Edge’s motorcycle attachment gadget guarantees no body or fork touch; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
The motorcycle tray helps the rear wheel and secures it with an extended ratcheting strap. The strap and the “riser block” slide alongside the tray to regulate for motorcycle period. The riser block may also be in entrance of the rear wheel, or it might probably lift it by way of 2.5 inches. This will lend a hand save you possible seat and handlebar struggle.
The entrance tire sits in a ring and a hooked arm that articulates up and presses at the entrance wheel. The hook extends out from the articulating arm with the rush of a button. It’s spring-loaded to draw back by itself.
Not like entrance wheel hooks that clamp without delay in entrance of the fork, the Edge’s arm stops at a set perspective. The low constant perspective guarantees the wheel hook handiest contacts the entrance tire. The Edge hook can’t rub at the motorcycle’s fork and harm the paint — a commonplace factor with different racks.
Saris Edge Tilt Adjustment
The lean adjustment take care of is straightforward to succeed in to fold the rack up and down; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
Like several just right hitch motorcycle rack, the Edge’s tilt perspective may also be adjusted as wanted. The lean-release take care of is comfortably situated on the finish of the primary beef up arm, the place it’s simple to succeed in. After all, the rack folds flat to move motorcycles and may also be tilted down for rear-of-the-vehicle get right of entry to without or with motorcycles loaded. Whilst you aren’t transporting motorcycles, it folds up vertically to scale back its profile or at an intermediate perspective to permit trunk get right of entry to.
Saris Edge Meeting
The Edge, after unboxing, in a position to be assembled; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
When you order the Edge from a web-based store, it is going to be shipped to your own home with some meeting required. My check rack arrived in a characteristically huge and heavy field. The assembled rack weighs 66 kilos, and the shipped weight is most likely nearer to 75. You’ll most likely need to get the assistance of someone else if you want to transport it any distance earlier than unboxing it.
The rack is available in 5 items, along side detailed revealed directions (or you’ll be able to watch an meeting video) and all of the required gear. I adopted the directions step-by-step and had the rack assembled in simply over half-hour.
The receiver arm and major “spine” of the rack come preassembled, and every tray is in two items. All that must be accomplished is to glue the 4 tray halves to the backbone of the rack. The entire portions had been obviously classified, and I discovered the method easy and hassle-free.
How I Examined the Saris Edge
Overlooking Badwater Basin, 282 ft underneath sea degree, in Dying Valley Nationwide Park whilst trying out the Saris Edge; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
I gained my check rack a couple of month in the past, assembled it, and feature used it nearly on a daily basis since. I are living in Reno, Nev., the place a gentle wintry weather has allowed me to stay driving mountain and gravel motorcycles maximum days. The Saris Edge often went from house to the native trailhead. It additionally went to a couple of trails an hour and a part away.
My spouse and I additionally loaded up our camper and took a 3-day avenue go back and forth down in the course of the Alabama Hills and Dying Valley Nationwide Park. All advised, we drove over 600 miles on that journey. That incorporates over 30 miles of dust roads resulting in our backcountry roadside campsites in Dying Valley (would extremely suggest). Whilst the ones roads wouldn’t qualify as “off-roading,” they without a doubt weren’t completely clean, both. Deep sand, unfastened gravel, and a few relatively tough patches required four-wheel pressure.
My check duration integrated a variety of avenue surfaces and climate stipulations. The Saris Edge was once uncovered to rain and snow showers and the street filth that is going along side them. It’s additionally noticed the other finish of the spectrum, with 87-degree temperatures, 60mph gusts, and dirt storms on the lowest level within the continental U.S.
The use of the Saris Edge
Regardless that I’ve handiest been the usage of it for roughly a month thus far, I’ve accomplished my best possible to position the Edge thru a correct GearJunkie box check. Nonetheless, a month is a moderately quick check duration, so listed here are my first impressions.
Set up and Removing
The tool-free gadget makes it simple to put in and take away the rack; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
I’ve most commonly saved the Saris Edge fixed in my truck’s receiver, however I’ve put in and got rid of it a couple of instances to load and dump my camper. The tool-free anti-wobble gadget made it simple to position on and take off. It may well be great if the anti-wobble knob was once fairly larger. However I had no drawback cranking it down sufficiently to stabilize the rack within the receiver. The set up and elimination procedure handiest took a few mins every time.
Like maximum an identical racks, the Edge is cumbersome, and at 66 kilos, it without a doubt isn’t mild. Wearing it round off the car and storing it when now not in use had been demanding situations. That’s now not a knock at the Edge particularly, as I say the similar factor about nearly each and every different hitch rack, too.
Tilt Free up
With the rack tilted down, we had simply sufficient room to open the door of our camper; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
The lean launch take care of has an ideal design, and I had no problems adjusting the rack’s tilt. The take care of’s place on the finish of the backbone made it really easy to succeed in when folding the rack vertically, flat, or tilted down clear of the car.
On our avenue go back and forth, I tilted the rack down with motorcycles loaded time and again to get right of entry to the door of our camper. With two 30-ish pound mountain motorcycles at the rack, this wasn’t an issue in any respect. With a few heavy e-bikes on it, I may see it being difficult to tilt it. However the similar is correct of some other rack I’ve used.
Loading Motorcycles
The Saris Edge will are compatible on the subject of any motorcycle you’ve gotten, together with fats motorcycles; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
I’ve used the Saris Edge to move mountain motorcycles, gravel motorcycles, a fats motorcycle, and a few electrical motorcycles. Loading and attaching any form of motorcycle was once intuitive and easy. It are compatible thin 700c x 40mm gravel tires, 29” x 2.5” mountain motorcycle tires, and 26” x 4.5” fats motorcycle tires conveniently.
When you’ve ever used an identical racks, just like the Thule T2, Kuat NV, Yakima StageTwo, or Rocky Mounts MonoRail, loading the Edge is the same. Alternatively, there are a few refined variations.
As with different platform-style racks, you want to raise your motorcycle up onto the motorcycle tray and position the entrance wheel within the wheel hoop and the rear wheel at the tray. Then, the grey button at the wheel hook extends it, then you definately articulate the hook arm up till it stops.
Free up the button, and the spring-loaded wheel hook recoils to position mild stress at the entrance tire. I selected to press down at the wheel hook for a few additional clicks of the ratchet so as to add extra power and safety.
Glance carefully, and you’ll be able to see paint rubbed off the fork of this motorcycle from different racks. Now not a topic with the Edge’s constant arm place; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
The constant place of the hook arm is at a decrease perspective than maximum different racks, making sure that the wheel hook received’t touch the fork. Visually, I discovered the wheel hook place to seem slightly humorous to start with, however I temporarily were given used to it. Nearly each and every motorcycle I personal has a small spot of paint rubbed off the fork from different racks, so I discovered this refreshing.
For the rear wheel, the riser block and ratchet strap are attached and slide alongside the tray to regulate for wheelbase period. I needed to place the block in entrance of the rear wheel, move the ratchet strap thru, and tighten it down.
I by no means skilled any bike-on-bike struggle, so I by no means used the block as a riser. That stated, I may see it doubtlessly being useful to prevent handlebars and saddles from contacting every different.
The ratchet strap is moderately lengthy, to the purpose that it will get in the way in which whilst loading motorcycles. Thankfully, Saris added a loop at the finish of the strap and a hook at the facet of the riser to carry it out of the way in which. The use of this strap control function added an additional couple of seconds to loading however made it a lot more straightforward.
Like several ratchet strap that contacts your rear wheel, this one can scuff up your rims. You probably have in point of fact pricey carbon rims or are tremendous involved concerning the look of your motorcycle, it’s possible you’ll need to put a protector of a few type below the strap.
Steadiness
We rattled down numerous again roads to get to far off camp spots like this, and the rack and motorcycles had been impressively solid; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
I haven’t taken it simple on my check rack, however I’ve been pleasantly shocked by way of its steadiness at each and every flip. Over many loads of freeway miles and 30+ miles of dust roads, the rack didn’t wobble in any respect.
The anti-wobble gadget labored nice and didn’t loosen, even after damn over chunky washboard again roads. If it ever began to wobble, it could be very fast and simple to tighten it back off by way of hand.
It’s now not simply the rack that was once solid, however my motorcycles additionally stayed very protected. In scenarios the place I’d be expecting to peer them bouncing round, they weren’t. Positive, they moved round a tiny bit, however they fared properly, given the numerous vertical and side-to-side bouncing all the way through my travels. The safety of the motorcycle attachment and steadiness of the motorcycles at the rack exceeded my expectancies.
Saris Edge Safety
This strong steel hitch pin lock secures the rack to the receiver; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
I’ve had motorcycles stolen, and it was once a horrible feeling. I’ve by no means had a motorcycle rack stolen (knocks on picket), and I’m hoping to stay it that method. I at all times admire locks, even though they simply paintings as a robbery deterrent. It’s tricky to prevent a decided thief with energy gear, however with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to get them to transport directly to an more straightforward rating.
The strong steel hitch pin lock Saris comprises with the rack inspired me. It’s were given some weight to it and feels love it may take care of a couple of whacks from a hammer. This lock is as just right or higher than some other hitch pin lock I’ve noticed from different manufacturers.
I’ve but to peer an built-in lock gadget for motorcycles that I’d name absolute best, however I admire that rack producers try. Any practical lock for the motorcycles is healthier than no lock in any respect. On the very least, it is going to deter opportunistic grab-and-go robbery.
The built-in lock gadget is fairly distinctive and must deter opportunistic robbery; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
The Edge’s cable lock gadget is fairly distinctive. It is composed of 2 portions housed throughout the motorcycle trays’ rear halves that slide out and lock in combination. The lined metal cables are 10 mm thick (together with the coating), and the keyed lock appears to be like beautiful difficult, too. When absolutely prolonged, the cable is lengthy sufficient to loop thru two motorcycle frames or the body and one wheel of a unmarried motorcycle.
The program was once simple sufficient to make use of and without a doubt added a layer of safety for low-risk scenarios. Every time I left the motorcycles unattended and out of sight, I added a beefy aftermarket lock for peace of thoughts — one thing I do with each and every motorcycle rack.
Sturdiness
I haven’t been the usage of the Edge rack for lengthy sufficient to make any feedback on long-term sturdiness. I’ve used this rack moderately a bit of, and not anything has damaged. It has a wholesome coating of mud and midwinter avenue filth on it, however the entirety nonetheless works completely.
The Edge is strong. Saris claims it is going to beef up as much as 160 kilos of motorcycles at a time, and it presentations. The backbone of the rack is tremendous beefy, and so is the pivot. I vibrated the heck out of this factor, and the pivot hasn’t evolved any play in any respect.
It has some plastic portions, however the Saris Edge is a strong rack; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
Like maximum motorcycle racks — instead of 1Up-USA’s — there are some plastic portions. That’s now not a purpose for alarm, however plastic does put on sooner than steel. Nonetheless, other folks had been getting 10 years of use out of Thule T2 racks — with an identical quantities of plastic — and I’d be expecting the similar right here.
Sliding portions are every other fear, as avenue filth and publicity to the weather can lead them to get gritty and transfer much less easily. The extending wheel hooks, riser block, and cable locks all depend on their skill to transport to paintings correctly. Once more, I haven’t had any problems, however time will inform how properly the entirety purposes in the longer term.
Room for Growth
Whilst my revel in the usage of the Saris Edge has been overwhelmingly certain thus far, I believe something may make it even higher. That may be a loading ramp. I’m now not announcing it must include one, however it could a minimum of be great to have the ability to shop for one.
The 80-pound weight restrict is excellent, however loading any motorcycle heavier than 50-60 kilos in this rack is hard and not using a ramp. Don’t get me fallacious. I may carry my 74-pound Rad Energy Radster Street up onto this rack, nevertheless it certainly wasn’t simple. I’m an athletic particular person, and I’d imagine myself to be fairly sturdy. I may see loading heavy motorcycles being a lot more of a problem for other folks with restricted energy or mobility problems.
I most commonly shipping one or two motorcycles at a time, so the Edge’s two-bike capability is excellent for my wishes. With out add-ons to extend capability, on the other hand, this rack received’t raise greater than two motorcycles.
The thinner-than-average hitch pin provided with the rack could also be a curious selection. The thinner measurement approach there’s loose play within the hollow of the receiver, so the hitch pin can rattle round whilst using. This doesn’t compromise its skill to stay the rack at the car, however it may be slightly noisy.
Floor clearance is also a topic for some customers. It wasn’t an issue for me with the peak of the receiver on my truck, however there may be little or no upward thrust from the receiver arm to the tip of the rack. It’s one thing to imagine relying at the clearance of your car and the roads you pressure.
The Edge rack is a smart new possibility that’s strong, solid, and super-versatile; (picture/Jeremy Benson)
Saris Edge Motorbike Hitch Rack: Who’s It For?
There are many nice racks in the marketplace, and the Saris Edge provides to that rising listing. Rather then youngsters’ motorcycles, it’ll raise on the subject of any motorcycle as much as 80 kilos and not using a body or fork touch. It was once easy to make use of, solid as may also be, and held motorcycles securely.
Past the loss of a loading ramp for heavy motorcycles, I had handiest minor proceedings about this rack’s efficiency or capability. Assuming you don’t want to raise greater than two motorcycles at a time, the Edge is well-executed and user-friendly. In my view, Saris has stepped up its sport and moved into a brand new efficiency class.
The $1,000 price ticket places it more or less in the similar ballpark as different high-end racks, and it has some very stiff festival. I wouldn’t name it the most efficient rack I’ve ever used, nevertheless it carried out and treated abuse strangely properly. There’s no scarcity of choices, however the brand new Saris Edge is a worthy contender when on the lookout for your subsequent hitch motorcycle rack.
