I had a 97 Jeep Wrangler that I absolutely LOVED - it was my heart. Now we have a 93 Wrangler that is totally cool but no a/c so here in GA not so cool (no pun intented).

My mother bought the Unlimited when it first came out. I can tell you that the handling of it feels somewhat different from the shorter Wrangler. Kinda like the longer wheelbase I had in my Dodge Ram, its just awkward til you get used to it. Also it did not turn on a dime the way traditional Wranglers do. She traded it in for an 06 Wrangler and does not regret her decision at all. Of course, she doesn't ride so there isn't a "bike" factor.

We purchased a cheap-o bike rack for our 93 Wrangler. The kind with fabric straps. Not good. Jostled around and never felt confident with the bikes on it. We use my Jeep Grand Cherokee with a hitch rack now, and the Wrangler merely for fun.

I think if you plan on transporting the bike INSIDE the jeep, then certainly the Unlimited will have added advantages. But for the ride itself, I would certainly go for the Wrangler.