Kia Sportage SL (2010-2015) with a Menabo Biki tailgate bike rack, for 3 bikes

On a third-generation Kia Sportage (SL) we fitted the Menabo Biki, a rack that attaches to the tailgate with straps and carries three bikes. The fitting was done in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Kia Sportage third generation (SL)

The Sportage SL reached the Asian and European markets in April 2010. For model year 2014 it received a facelift with a new grille, a redesigned Kia badge and LED rear lights. The next generation was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, so the SL broadly covers 2010-2015.

The Sportage we fitted, a black CRDi, had roof rails, so it can take roof bars. For bikes, however, we chose the tailgate: you no longer lift the bikes onto the roof of an SUV, and you do not need a towbar. This way the roof stays free, and the rack can be taken off the car when you are not going out with the bikes.

What we fitted on this Sportage

The Menabo Biki bike rack is made of steel, weighs 4 kg and carries 3 bikes, with a maximum load of 45 kg. It attaches to the tailgate or boot lid at 6 body points. The bikes rest by the frame on contoured arms, not in clamps, and any frame diameter is accepted.

The Biki is foldable, and the package measures 67 x 52 x 10 cm, so it is easy to store in a cupboard. It is compatible with fat bikes but not with e-bikes, and it has no lock. Because the bikes touch each other, it is worth putting protection between the frames. The compatibility list, the fitting instructions and the specifications are on the product page.

Technical details and what to watch for

• The maximum load of 45 kg is shared among all 3 bikes: on average, no more than 15 kg per bike.
• At only 4 kg, the Menabo Biki is easy to handle when fitting and storing.
• Clean the tailgate before fitting and place the rack in the centre; the steps are in the guide Fitting steps for tailgate bike racks.
• After tightening the straps, try moving the rack from side to side; it must sit firmly on the tailgate.
• After loading, check that the bikes do not cover the Sportage's number plate and rear lights.
• Since the Biki has no lock, do not leave the bikes unattended on the rack during long stops.

Instructions and documents

• Menabo compatibility list for bike racks (PDF)
• Fitting instructions - Menabo Biki (PDF)
• Specifications - Menabo Biki (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Which tailgate bike rack fits the Kia Sportage SL?

On the third-generation Kia Sportage (SL, 2010-2015) we fitted the Menabo Biki tailgate rack, for 3 bikes and a maximum of 45 kg, secured at 6 points with straps. Compatibility is confirmed on the list on the product page.

Can I carry e-bikes on the Menabo Biki?

No, the Menabo Biki is not compatible with e-bikes, but it accepts fat bikes. Suitable for e-bikes are the towbar bike racks.

Can roof bars be fitted on the Kia Sportage SL?

The Kia Sportage SL we fitted had roof rails, on which you can fit roof bars for a roof box or a roof-mounted rack. For bikes, the Menabo Biki tailgate rack does not need roof bars.

Does the Menabo Biki scratch the tailgate?

Tailgate racks sit on hard rubber pads, but the tailgate must be cleaned first, so that dust or sand does not scratch the paintwork. The guide Fitting steps for tailgate-mounted bike racks explains the preparation and why the maximum load must be respected, which for the Menabo Biki is 45 kg.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

Do you want to see if the Biki fits your tailgate? We are waiting for you in the showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania. You will find more models in tailgate bike racks, and contact us through our contact page or at [email protected] : we will tell you what suits your car.

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Kia Sportage - Wikipedia · Guide: Fitting steps for tailgate bike racks · Guide: Fitting steps for tailgate-mounted bike racks · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro