[timsk]

I'm looking for stories from people with experience of transporting bikes with their Model S.

Specifically, I'd like to know:

1. which roof bars you bought
2. which bike carriers you attach to the roof bars
3. how many bike carriers you can (or could potentially) fit on your roof bars
4. if you've managed to transport children's bikes, how you managed it

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[timsk]

For info, I've already contacted roofbox.co.uk and had a really helpful reply from them, including this nugget: apparently Tesla changed the shape of the roof bar fitting points in ~June 2015, and the existing Whispbar roof bars currently won't fit on any newly manufactured Model S. Whispbar are working on it, but as it stands right now, an owner of a brand new Model S can't get Whispbar roof bars.

 

[GreyDad]

I think that was because they re-jigged the pano sunroof at that time and the roof mounting gubbins is all part and parcel of that.

Doesn't seem like an area of the car that's been particularly well thought out, it seems to me

 

[Oli]

If you want flexibility, have a look at the Seasucker range. You can stick it straight onto your glass roof when you need it and remove it in seconds. I've got the single bike carrier, but they also do a 2 and 3. It's a bit of a leap of faith, but if you're worried Google Seasucker and NASCAR.

 

[graham.simmonds]

For info, I've already contacted roofbox.co.uk and had a really helpful reply from them, including this nugget: apparently Tesla changed the shape of the roof bar fitting points in ~June 2015, and the existing Whispbar roof bars currently won't fit on any newly manufactured Model S. Whispbar are working on it, but as it stands right now, an owner of a brand new Model S can't get Whispbar roof bars.

Sorry this info is out of date. You can buy the Whispbars roof rack with the updated fitting kit for the post June 15 pano roof from a Tesla Service Garage. Just give them a ring.

 

[timsk]

OK, this is getting frustrating now.

I talked to my Tesla delivery specialist, who says he sold someone a Whispbar roof rack just last week, and there's no problem with the fit. He's sent me a scan of the relevant bit of the parts catalogue that shows part number 1036384-SE-A.

I phoned Whispbar directly, and one of their engineers confirmed what I'd be told before — that the only fitting kit they currently supply for the Model S (part number K704) is not suitable for cars manufactured since June 2015, and that they will be releasing a new fitting kit (part number K930) in about a month or so which will fit the latest cars.

Which of these people doesn't know what they're talking about? Because they can't both be right, unless Tesla are manufacturing their own fitting kits for Whispbar's roof bars, which I think it unlikely.

 

[Gwyn]

I've also been looking into this question. Confirmed that post June 2015 cars need a different Whispbar mounting kit and also that the new version is currently available at Tesla stores. However, roofbox.co.uk is considerably cheaper but they are still saying that the new version isn't available yet.
See below for references -

Roof bar mountings for post June 2015 cars are definitely different and need a different Whispbar mounting kit. The following is a translation from the Dutch Tesla Store -
"Tesla Article number 1036384-SE-A
Contents: 2x roof carrier and 1x installation kit
This article is only for Model S with a manufacturing date of June 15, 2015.
Is the date of manufacture of your car after June 15, 2015, contact your local Service Center for part number 1036384-SE-B"

The new mounting kit is available now at Tesla stores. The following is a quote from a posting in the Facebook Tesla Owners Group UK referring to Whispbar roof bars dated 7th November. The bars were supplied by the Gatwick Tesla Store.
"There are two parts, the roof bars and the fitting kit. The correct fitting kit for an MS built after June 2015 is part number K930W (the design of the pano roof changed). I was supplied with the right one."

 

[timsk]

Well, the part numbers certainly correspond. Perhaps the explanation is that Whispbar are currently only supplying the K930(W) fitting kit directly to Tesla, and they'll be on general release from next month.

Thanks for the information @Gwyn.

 

[Royz]

Perhaps the explanation is that Whispbar are currently only supplying the K930(W) fitting kit directly to Tesla.

or perhaps the car the Tesla delivery specialist put it on was not new?

 

[timsk]

No, the K930 kit is specifically for post-06/2015 cars. The fitting kit for older cars has part number K704.

 

[graham.simmonds]

I posted that info on FB. The latest K930W fitting kits are available now from Tesla Service Centres. These kits also contain the parts for the pre June 2015 pano roofs as well. To prove the point here is my Sept 15 P85D with the Whispbars Roofrack (and my boat)

 

[graham.simmonds]

When fitting the roof rack refer to the instructions in the fitting kit. Ignore the installation video on the Tesla website as it refers to fitting the roof rack to the pre June pano roof which is very different.

 

[timsk]

Nice one Graham. That's the kind of concrete information I was looking for.

 

[maxheadroom]

Hi guys, want to check if this is still the only option to use a bike carrier on a Model S. I have a 17plate Model S and looking for options to carry min two bikes. At the rear or on the roof. Any updated links would be much appreciated.

Regards
Max

 

[Biffa]

Currently in the process of changing my 2015 solid roof for 2017 with Sunroof, looks to be lots of options, we also have a BMW 528i which I have Thule 753 foot pack with Aero bars. apparently all I need is a £39 fitting pack to change them over, which is great news for me as already have Roofbox and Bike carriers which we will be able use on the new(er) car.

There are pretty clearly designated kits depending on the year and also whether Pano roof or Pano Sunroof, from the roofbox.co.uk site listed earlier in the thread.

 

[maxheadroom]

Currently in the process of changing my 2015 solid roof for 2017 with Sunroof, looks to be lots of options, we also have a BMW 528i which I have Thule 753 foot pack with Aero bars. apparently all I need is a £39 fitting pack to change them over, which is great news for me as already have Roofbox and Bike carriers which we will be able use on the new(er) car.

There are pretty clearly designated kits depending on the year and also whether Pano roof or Pano Sunroof, from the roofbox.co.uk site listed earlier in the thread.

Many thanks I have contacted them.