I've been through many threads and can't narrow it down. I own a 2006 Base model which I believe it's the R50. When looking through the threads I see that there are a lot of R53 with roof racks. Now I maybe over thinking this but if it fits a 2006 R53 it will fit an R50? I don't want to drill as I called the stealer and they want to charge over $800.. I've been looking at the yakima but again don't know if it will work. Any help or direction would be much appreciated. Would like to carry some Kayaks this summer. Again thank you for any feedback.

 

I don't own a set of roof racks for my 2005 R53. However, I see no reason the generic Thule or Yakima that fit R53 not to fit R50. There is no difference between the two car roofs and doors (yes, doors can make or break rain gutter mounted racks). Dealer roof racks are ripoffs, pure and simple. If you don't need a set right away, they frequently come up for sale on the classified.

 

You can check Real OEM but pretty sure all the outer metal body parts on the R50 are the same as the R53

 

Same roof. Anything that fits r53 will fit your r50. I have a Thule rack. It works just fine, but if you have a sunroof you'll need the short roof adapter in order to open it fully - I don't have the adapter and can only vent mine.

 

Yes, I had the Thule as well. Sold it here in the classifieds a month ago:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-bicycles.html

Pictures and part numbers are still there.

BTW, I did have the short roof adapters also; they are just not shown in the pictures. Even with them, you have to do a lot of careful adjusting in the initial fitting to be sure the sunroof clears the rack.

 

Damn. I have the aero bars, but I paid about $450 for my setup without the short roof adapter. You gave someone a great deal.

 

I thought it was a good deal too. However the first fifteen people who contacted me wanted to get it for about $100. Luckily the last person didn't even haggle; he just asked the shipping cost and sent the money. Sometimes you have to balance money in hand against a potential future value.

 

Wish I was out here a month ago too. Would have made my life easier. Appreciate all the feedback. I didn't want to order something and then find out it doesn't fit. The Thule rack does look nice. I was thinking Yakima but may switch now. Just have to find out which one can hold the most weight. THANK YOU!!!!!

 

Both have been around for decades and are very trusted names. They'll both be, for all intents and purposes, the same as far as weight capabilities. I'm pretty sure the roof will give way before either rack breaks. I'd say go with whichever has a better attachment system for your needs. If you're looking for bike mounts, which are easier to put on and handle? That's the kind of thing you'll be doing most often.

Any basket/cargo carrier typically just has universal style mounts, so if that's what you're looking for then I'd just go with whatever rack is on sale.

 

Thanks! actually looking to see if I can carry 2 Kayaks. Fingers crossed. Their both like 10ft/45 pounds each.