2nd Gen R59 Roadster Most liked posts in thread: Mini Roadster Hitch

  1. mini roadster 2012

    mini roadster 2012 New Member

    Apr 4, 2012
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    #8 mini roadster 2012, Jul 18, 2012
    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!!
     

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  2. mini roadster 2012

    mini roadster 2012 New Member

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    #10 mini roadster 2012, Jul 18, 2012
    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.
     
  3. DixonL2

    DixonL2 New Member

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    #15 DixonL2, Jul 26, 2012
    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.
     
  4. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    #2 Justa Jim, Apr 4, 2012
    :useless
     
  5. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    #3 Mr. Jim, Apr 4, 2012
    If they don't I'm sure they will soon! Give either a call and find out is what I'd do.
     
  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #4 Nathan, Apr 4, 2012
    I called MINI-Fini They think it does but have not had a Roadster in the shop to test one yet.
     
  7. paulsminis

    paulsminis New Member

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    #5 paulsminis, Apr 10, 2012
    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.
     
  8. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #6 Nathan, Apr 10, 2012
    Spotted today in the Short North.



    image-388324245.jpg
     
  9. DixonL2

    DixonL2 New Member

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    #7 DixonL2, Apr 10, 2012
    That'd be Russ's car!

    I'd imagine the MDM or Fini would work...
     
  10. JECO

    JECO Active Member

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    #9 JECO, Jul 18, 2012
    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.
     
  11. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    #11 agranger, Jul 18, 2012
    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.
     
  12. mini roadster 2012

    mini roadster 2012 New Member

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    #12 mini roadster 2012, Jul 19, 2012
    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!
     

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  13. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    #13 Steve, Jul 19, 2012
    I like it. :Thumbsup:
     
  14. RoadRoar

    RoadRoar New Member
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    #14 RoadRoar, Jul 20, 2012
    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. :Thumbsup:
     
  15. frig

    frig New Member

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    #16 frig, Aug 2, 2012
    Correct me if I'm wrong but this whole thing cost you about $700????? Without the actual rack
     
  16. mini roadster 2012

    mini roadster 2012 New Member

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    #17 mini roadster 2012, Aug 16, 2012
    @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.