New PW Mini on the way + 66 Vette & 04 Road Glide in the Garage - I am NOT giving up anything...

 

I consider my '04 JCW an extension of my cycling. My '99 Blackbird is my first love, it's what I work on, ride long road trips, and grin the most on. My Cooper has actually never been on a "cruise" in the mountains (I live 14 minutes from Deal's Gap), it has been used solely for the commute to some of my more distant work sites. I drive an old neon as my daily beater.
I don't know what kind of crack you guys are smokin' but the Mini is so far removed from a modern bike in terms of speed and handling it's not funny.
I will admit that I'll never get a goldwing or a hog while I have the Cooper, that really would be redundant.
As far as that guy keeping up with a knee-dragging sport bike on the dragon, that's a lot like the Harley guys saying they smoked a Gixxer..... no way if the cyclist is serious and competent and on a sound bike.
BUT if I were to give up cycling, the Cooper is a good replacement.

 

The ultimate cornering capability of a Mini might be superior to a bike but the acceleration of a modern sport bike makes any street performance comparison laughable. It is nice to be able to just hop in the Mini and go without the need to spend 10 minutes putting on the leathers and safety gear. It’s a long time since I had a car that I just wanted to get in and drive with no particular place to go. The Mini makes me feel that way. I love my Mini and it gives me pleasure to drive but it is not a substitute for a bike.

 

I had a very bad accident back in march of 2002... 1 year of memory loss and 6 months in a wheel chair... after that due to the wife's ultimatum... ... she decided for me that enough was enough... after begging and pleading for the next 4 years (WE) decided to get the MINI and we have lived happily ever after...:impatient

 

Just realized this is a somewhat old thread...oh well...consider it revived...and i threw some pictures in there.

I couldn't give up 2 wheels for the mini. It's an addiction. My wife and I have 3 between us. The mini is fun and i do love the sound of that turbo, but it's not quite like riding.
The green one ('05 zx-6r) & the yellow one ('05 sv650s) are ours and the BMW ('54 R51/3) in the 2nd picture.

 

Been riding motorized 2-wheelers for 41 years - still have 3 Beemers ('07 K12GT, '83 R80S, '69 R60US). Mini S is a wonderful substitute for a cycle when it's too hot, too cold, or rainy. But a replacement for a bike: no way.

I love my '07 Mini S, but if it's a nice day, the wife and I will be on the K12GT.

- Bob

 

Snapper I like you. Rode bikes for 30 years and this past year had two people pull out in front of me. The first wasn't too bad, however the one Dec. 21 I totaled a cherry 97 VFR. Was in the bed most of Christmas and New Years. So I have sold all but two now and when I get those restored I will sell them too. I love the MCS, too. I have only had it for 2 months and take it on the old motorcycle roads and it will stick a curve great.

 

I was going to purchase a Triumph Street Triple...but I'm leaning toward a new car...top of the list is the Mini Cooper S.

 

just buy a classic mini and throw in a hayabusa engine in...

or this 0-60 in 4.55secs. http://www.zcars.org.uk/mini/index.htm

 

I rode this to work on Wednesday .

Longboard

 

2002 Honda 919...aka "The Impulse Buy."

 

Still enjoy the 03S, but I bought this to try something different. I have done a lot of modifications. My wife is wanting me to sell it. I have a brain injury that I am still recovering from so all the doctors are agreeing with her

 

Been riding since 16 and as quick as the MINI is, I still need the fix every so often. Here is the nicest condition bike I've ever owned. 1983 Honda XL600R. (bought a year ago with 3100 miles on it.) I just take it for a cruise around town or into the hills once every week or two. Feeling the thrust of a torquey thumper and quickly running through the gears is the fix I need once in a while. But I'm in SoCal and with the cell phones and traffic, I don't see riding as transportation at my advanced years.

I dig the upright riding style like my old 60's era Honda Scrambler 250. I don't dig the kick start.