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Targa Roof - Can it Take weight?

SoliD

Monza
Joined
23 Aug 2010
Messages
151
Hello Guys, I may have found the solution to the age old problem of carrying a bike on a 911, however it requires putting some strain on the targa roof, I'm wondering if anyone (read GT4) knows if the roof could sustain the weight of a mountain bike weighing approximately 13kg? Or possibly half of this if I spread it onto the back window?

Thanks for help in advance.
 
Not sure on the weight-bearing capabilities of the targa roof...but why not just take the bike apart, stick it in a bike bag and post it through the hatch with the rear seats folded down? I've done it with my road bike a few times, works a treat (although I appreciate that a MTB is generally larger!).

Interested to hear more about the solution you've come up with though :thumb:
 
The side members can take it (the glass and runner mechanism won't), but as I have no idea of your planned affixing, I can't warrant any suggestion to use them.
 
Basically looking at getting one of these

http://www.trivelosports.com/SeaSucker-s/298.htm

Using one of the mounts on the front window and one on the back, could reverse it to ensure most of the weight is on the back window, or could potentially use the rear bodywork to take a big chunk of the weight as long as I avoid the rear spoiler area.

The official website is down, but think you can get a good idea from that.

With regards to taking it apart, it is such an effort and if I want to go away for a weekend seriously reduces the amount I could take, and also don't really want to destroy the inside of the car.
 
I thought Porsche sold a roof-bar system for the targa which attaches to the side rails. Perhaps I'm thinking about the 993 though?? :dont know:

tim
 
If you could spread most of the weight onto the rear hatch (or use all of it) rather than the roof section I can't see a problem as long as you remember its attached on there and don't try to open the roof. There isn't much weight in a bike, I think handle bars to seat distance should fit on the hatch glass only easily and still clear the spoiler. Offer the bike up with the spoiler up.
 
tim993 said:
I thought Porsche sold a roof-bar system for the targa which attaches to the side rails. Perhaps I'm thinking about the 993 though?? :dont know:

tim

They do, however it is £600 before you even buy the bike bits, and I'm unsure of how long it would take to fit and remove.


infrasilver said:
If you could spread most of the weight onto the rear hatch (or use all of it) rather than the roof section I can't see a problem as long as you remember its attached on there and don't try to open the roof. There isn't much weight in a bike, I think handle bars to seat distance should fit on the hatch glass only easily and still clear the spoiler. Offer the bike up with the spoiler up.

Thats what I was thinking, think I'm going to buy one and see how I get on, if it doesn't work, I'll sell it on.
 
The Targa 996 definitely has roof side rails that have inserts for a roof rack. That is the correct way to attach a roof system.

I suspect that the roof itself could take the weight, after all it's designed to drive at 175mph, so will take a considerable buffering.

BUT, I wouldn't risk it. The roof mechanism can be very tempremental and extremely expensive to repair. The rear hatch itself I would be very concerned about putting anything on.
 
I would be a little wary of using the roof although its thinker/heavier duty than the 997 version but still the weight transfer is wrong as weight will put strain on it, the hatch shouldn't be a problem, its only like any other frameless hatch out there. It sits on the rubber seals so shouldn't be under any strain.

I'd be curious to find out where the official roof system does fit as there are no rails for it to attach.
 
Although the bike may only weigh 13kg, the force on the rear window hinges will be far higher during bumps, corners and braking.

I really wouldn't try it.
 
SoliD said:
Basically looking at getting one of these

http://www.trivelosports.com/SeaSucker-s/298.htm

Using one of the mounts on the front window and one on the back, could reverse it to ensure most of the weight is on the back window, or could potentially use the rear bodywork to take a big chunk of the weight as long as I avoid the rear spoiler area.

The official website is down, but think you can get a good idea from that.

With regards to taking it apart, it is such an effort and if I want to go away for a weekend seriously reduces the amount I could take, and also don't really want to destroy the inside of the car.

I've been looking at this kit. Fixes to glass no problem.
I used to take my TT bike apart and put it in the back of my 993, a pain, but worked, loaded in a strong bike bag.
About to purchase, a GT3, so this won't work.
This Seasucker looks ideal. I've found it on eBay USA, but will probably get stung on duties and taxes. It's a lot cheaper than the Porsche Transport System at £300+, and I can also use it on other cars.
 
infrasilver said:
If you could spread most of the weight onto the rear hatch (or use all of it) rather than the roof section I can't see a problem as long as you remember its attached on there and don't try to open the roof. There isn't much weight in a bike, I think handle bars to seat distance should fit on the hatch glass only easily and still clear the spoiler. Offer the bike up with the spoiler up.
I agree, have most of the weight over the rear window.
Just thinking out load, but doesn't the roof glass, have a heavy downforce at speed anyway.
 
SoliD said:
tim993 said:
I thought Porsche sold a roof-bar system for the targa which attaches to the side rails. Perhaps I'm thinking about the 993 though?? :dont know:

tim

They do, however it is £600 before you even buy the bike bits, and I'm unsure of how long it would take to fit and remove.


infrasilver said:
If you could spread most of the weight onto the rear hatch (or use all of it) rather than the roof section I can't see a problem as long as you remember its attached on there and don't try to open the roof. There isn't much weight in a bike, I think handle bars to seat distance should fit on the hatch glass only easily and still clear the spoiler. Offer the bike up with the spoiler up.

Thats what I was thinking, think I'm going to buy one and see how I get on, if it doesn't work, I'll sell it on.

If it doesn't work I'll buy it off you :D
 

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