When the Kuat Piston Professional X debuted, it introduced a number of novel options to marketplace. Essentially the most visual used to be the built-in hind lights and Kashima-coated sliders, however the ones weren’t truly what made this rack particular and distinctive.
Thankfully, the followup Piston Professional dropped $300 from the X’s worth by means of shedding the ones “gimmicks” whilst maintaining the object that made this rack truly cool: The Pistons.
The Piston Gimmick
Arguably, even the pneumatic pistons that open the tire cradles might be regarded as a gimmick.
Are they essential? No. Do they assist you load motorcycles? Completely.
Mainly, you push the OneTap paddle to free up the piston, which then pushes the tire cradle up and out. Faucet each side and you’ll simply load your motorcycle in with no need to juggle it whilst leveraging the cradles open.
It’s a small factor, however if you have spouses and youngsters additionally loading motorcycles, or you’ve got heavier e-bikes, it makes lifestyles more uncomplicated. You’ll be able to even faucet it along with your foot and it opens.
The cradles open large, and you’ll simply push them past horizontal if you want to. The one catch is that you simply HAVE to make use of the piston paddle to open the rack…don’t pull it open like commonplace or it might mess issues up.
There’s additionally a free up lever that shall we the rack pivot down for tailgate get entry to and up for garage. And that lever can also be pulled or driven, and there’s an outsized decrease part so you’ll use your foot to free up it and decrease the rack. The one niggle is that it’s situated on the entrance of the rack, so it’s important to achieve in the course of the motorcycles to get to it, which might be a subject when increasing it to hold 3 or 4 motorcycles.
It’s Additionally a Nice Rack
Although you don’t care in regards to the piston function, the Piston Professional is a brilliant hitch motorcycle rack. It has the entire simple-yet-sophisticated design that has all the time set Kuat aside. It’s rock forged, even with e-bikes. And it flips up just about the automobile for compact proportions when now not in use.
Motorcycles are held securely, and there’s no body touch in any respect.
Tire cradles have tool-free changes to suit nearly any tire length excluding the smallest youngsters motorcycles. I’ve loaded street, gravel, and mountain motorcycles on it simply, and tire-size changes take only some seconds.
I depart my motorcycle rack on my automotive yr spherical, and this one’s been sitting on our Forester for 16 months as of this evaluation going reside.
Because of the stainless-steel {hardware}, IGUS bushings, and alloy frame, it nonetheless seems emblem new save for somewhat of blue discoloration at the a part of the piston that’s uncovered when folded closed. And I feel it seems kinda cool, so whatevs.
Two motorcycles are compatible simply, too, with various pedal clearance.
The wheel tray and cradle design means that you can shift each and every motorcycle a method or some other to reduce handlebar-to-seat interference, too.
A thick safety cable simply reaches thru each frames and all 4 wheels ahead of clicking into the built-in (and integrated!) lock at the heart beam.
The cable lock key’s matched with the integrated hitch pin lock, too, so safety comes usual with the rack.
Set up notes
I cracked a lager to revel in whilst I assembled and put in the Piston Professional, however I used to be performed striking it in combination ahead of I’d even gotten 1/3 of the best way thru my bevvie. It’s that straightforward.
Portions are categorized to check up, so there’s no guessing…
…and there are just a few bolts.
All essential gear are integrated within the field, too. It took me perhaps 10 mins of actual paintings, except taking those pictures.
Kuat Piston Professional specifications
The muted “Sandy Black” end seems nice on any car.
In keeping with tray capability:
67lbs (2″ type)
60lbs (1.25″ type)
42lbs (RV chassis mount)
Rack weight: 61-63lbs (2-bike type)
Suits motorcycles with:
53″ max wheelbase
5″ max tire width
18″ to 29″ wheel sizes
12mm cable lock
Locking hitch pin
Sand Black end
MSRP:
$1,098 (2-bike)
$1,596 (3-bike)
$1,996 (4-bike)
Different random notes:
The Piston Professional is available in 2-, 3-, and 4-bike variations. They all get started with a 2-bike base, then upload unmarried or double trays later to increase capability. You’ll be able to purchase them up entrance as a package, or upload one at a time later…it’s the similar worth both means.
The three- and 4-bike variations/extensions are simplest rated to be used with 2″ hitches, however the 2-bike type is to be had for 1.25″ and a pair of″ hitches. And simplest the 2-bike model is rated for RV use.
I’m being truthful, the hind lights aren’t truly a gimmick. They’re beautiful cool. And could be required (or no less than very really helpful) in some markets. Kashima-coated pistons? Meh. However the lighting fixtures are cool, even though you’ll upload aftermarket mild kits for a fragment of the cost.
General, I like this rack. 0 court cases. If you need one thing that’s compact, rock forged, sturdy, and appears nice, take a look at the Kuat Piston Professional.
Kuat.com
