Hello, I am a new Mini owner (new to this board)...took delivery of my 2012 Roadster today! I want to get a hitch installed to take my bike with me on my travels. I have had them on my last 2 convertibles with no problems (Audi A5 and BMW 335) Would anyone know if the mini do more or mini fini hitch systems for S model Coopers would work on a Roadster? Thanks for advice or suggestions! Nancy
I'm going to go up there with my coupe and see if they can do it. If they can do a coupe, I don't know why they can't do a roadster.
Hitch Finally Installed on Roadster After an unsuccessful attempt by my dealer and local hitch specialist to install a Curt Hitch, I am happy to report that the Mini Fini hitch is on in time for me to take my bicycle and my Roadster on vacation. I am very happy with the results. And Ray Catena Service of Oakhurst, NJ...AMAZING SERVICE!!
Thanks for beginning this discussion. I don't see the bike rack in your pics, but it does look like your provider added some mounts. What modifications were added to your Roadster so that it would accept the rack, what does your bike get attached to make it stand upright, and was the installation cost expensive. I, too, have a roadster.
I will post another picture with the bike rack on tomorrow. The only modifications to the Roadster were two small holes in the rear "grille" (I don't know if that is actually what it is called, but look at photo 2 and you will see what look like 2 mini exhaust pipes coming out of the black plastic mesh screening). Photo 1 shows the hitch mount on. I have a Thule Apex Hitch mount bike rack which slides into the 1 1/4 in. mount. The cost of the mini-fini system is expensive compared to other hitches, but none of the others worked for the Roadster without cutting into the actual bumper, which both the dealership and I thought would look bad. As far as the cost of installation...They did not charge me at all!!!!! Seriously...I am still in shock!! And this was after not charging me the first time when they tried for 2 hours to install the Curt hitch and that did not fit!!! Anyhow, this is the Mini-fini Sport Link II. If your Roadster is a JCW I think you need the Sport Link II, but call them to make sure.
That's pretty cool. The MINI-Fini sporthitch design has been around since the first generation cars, so there are lots of adaptors for the two 'machine gun' ports to tow or carry whatever you can dream up. I've always thought, though, that it would look better with matte black tips.
Roadster Photos with Bike Rack. @ argranger I am pretty sure that they offer some black rubber caps that go over the port holes. I figured they would fall off or I would lose them in short time. Anyway here are the photos with the bike rack attached. This is a 4 bike rack, which I think I am going to replace with a 2 bike rack...2 seats, 2 bikes!
nice work Great job with the install looks fantastic. it's always good to see the things we make doing what they are supposed to and looking awesome.
Stick with the 4-bike, far more versatile, easier to load and keep the 2 bikes separated, and what happens if, on the way home from a bike ride, you run into a Garage Sale, and the owner is selling a really nice bike for next to nothing? Where will you put it? Why on the 4 bike rack, of course! (happened to me...) Also, on longer trips, you can remove the wheels and stash them on the rack, making for a narrower bike profile, less wind resistance, and easier running of the security cable.
@Dixon your garage sale story is a familiar one! One year on Martha's Vineyard we happened upon a garage sale with 2 bikes for sale, bought them for $20 each for my kids and guests to ride with us on vacation, then sold them to another family the morning before we left. Also, another reason to stick with the 4 bike carrier is to use the extra space for beach chairs--they fit quite nicely on the carrier. Now I'm looking for a trailer to bring along the kayak I hope my husband got me for my birthday in 2 days!! :wink: As far as price--yes around $700. If you like to bring along bikes, skis, or other gear, well it was the only option that seemed to work for the Roadster. Pricey, but a good looking, well made product. I am happy.