Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

jayrider

I took the safety course a while back and they explained that most deaths on cycles were the result for drinking, speed and reckless driving. In addition, new drivers who make it past the first 6 months without doing something stupid, are unlikely to have problems. Accidents involving collisions with cars are actually pretty rare if you are behaving yourself. The risks [fun] are real but you can minimize them by driving defensively. It is very hard to convince someone of the facts if they have an experience with someone who has been hurt on one. You can always visit the shop and sit test one. Put on a helmet and leathers and make vroom-vroom sounds in the showroom and everyone will know you're cool. :shades:

fintail

There's certainly a higher assumed risk - especially from left turners and people changing lanes or pulling out from side streets. Maybe I see myself as hyper-attentive (see my constant whine in the inconsiderate drivers thread) and willing to work with it. It's pretty fun once you get moving - and I don't plan to do most of any riding in really crowded environments or at drunk driving hours.

roadburner

I took the safety course a while back and they explained that most deaths on cycles were the result for drinking, speed and reckless driving. In addition, new drivers who make it past the first 6 months without doing something stupid, are unlikely to have problems. Accidents involving collisions with cars are actually pretty rare if you are behaving yourself.

Exactly. Situational awareness is your best friend- but you should also assume that every driver on the road is a brain-dead moron who will always take the most illogical action possible.
There are also more than a few mostly middle-aged "lifestyle" riders out there who don't care one bit about proper training or riding technique. One of my friends posted on Facebook that she was looking for a bike. I posted that she should take the MSF Basic Riders Course and read David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling. A lifestyle rider(I could tell by his "doo rag") responded, "Just hop and that b***h and ride it!"

mark156

A young couple was killed on their motorcycle here in the Southern California desert a few weeks ago. A pickup truck made a left in front of them on a long stretch of road, very sad.

In California, it is legal for a motorcycle to share a lane with you. It will scare the 'begebbies' out of you when they roar up next to you to squeeze between you and your neighbor to pass. I wish they would change the law not allowing that. :sick:

Mark156

ateixeira

Yeah, the light exterior/dark interior doesn't work for me, either.

Those wheels are also not very exciting.

ateixeira

The 'zook looks nice and subtle.

You may want to get something a bit more visible to other cars. People are freaking BLIND.

xwesx

It's always nice to have a friend with a pickup... and a trailer! What car is that - a Concorde? Looks like it pretty much filled up that trailer. It's great that you were willing and able to help out!

I had to use a come-along to load up my Escort a couple springs ago onto a car dolly when its timing belt snapped. I towed it home with my Forester.



I also spent a week or so (visiting) at the Mat-Su RMC this summer. I'm thankful for the positive outcome there. In addition, it was a really nice place.

andre1969

You may want to get something a bit more visible to other cars. People are freaking BLIND.

Yeah, tell me about it. I almost t-boned a woman in a Benz C-class this morning when at the last second she pulled out in front of me, trying to make a left turn from the parking lot of the school up the street from me. If two and a half tons of great-white-Ram, with daytime running lights, is invisible to you, then you need to just give up driving!

Actually, she's lucky that, on a whim, happened to pick the Ram to drive to work today. My Buick has to go in the shop this evening because it needs new rear brakes, so I've been trying to drive it as little as possible, until I could get it in. Initially, I was planning on driving my old '85 Silverado but then I figured hey, the Ram hasn't been driven in a few days. And I can guarantee that the Silverado would not have been able to stop as fast, on the rain-slicked road, as the Ram did. Even with the Ram's ABS, I still felt it skid as it stopped.

fintail

I think CA is the only state that allows lane splitting. Given the dumbed down lowest denominator American driving standard, it does not appear to be a good policy - something I wouldn't do around here for sure.

jayrider

I'm thinking about metallic orange in the next car I buy. Get one used and you win twice. Easy to see and super depreciation since it will be sitting on the lot forever. This is one you won't want to trade or sell for many years. Might be a good deal for a granddaughter in 8 years. Both of them LOVE orange !!!

fintail

Some kind of white pink and orange 1989 style sportbike, even with white wheels? Can't miss those :shades:

Actually, white works well for some bikes. I like the white red and blue S1000RR.

ateixeira

Neon green with LED lights everywhere.

I'd pay to see you riding that.

fintail

Kawasaki green is close...but I don't like the color.I looked at a bike yesterday that had LED under lighting, and you could even change the color. Not my style. Cops would have a field day with it, too, as it would be seen as dangerous or revenue worthy.

ateixeira

My XL250 was red, white, and blue. Ironic.

fintail

Works on BMWs pretty well, I think. But those are too rich for my blood until I know I want to get into this.

ateixeira

Looks good on the Dakar:

http://www.bmw-dakar.co.za/images/BMW_F-650-GS_Dakar.jpg

jayrider

I'd need a step stool to get on that bike. Easy jump to get off.

ateixeira

They're actually great for tall folks.

fintail

Maybe as I am not too experienced yet, I find mounting/dismounting that style to be kind of awkward - like I want to lean the bike over too much to get on. And I am relatively tall.

I like these - weird asymmetry, high tech, super powerful:

stever

We can move the two wheel talk if people wish. No biggie though.

michaellno

Yeah, tell me about it. I almost t-boned a woman in a Benz C-class this morning when at the last second she pulled out in front of me, trying to make a left turn from the parking lot of the school up the street from me. If two and a half tons of great-white-Ram, with daytime running lights, is invisible to you, then you need to just give up driving!

I had the opportunity to total the ION last week, too. Someone in a Lexus RX made a left in front of me last weekend while I was delivering pizzas. This was on a divided 4 lane road, speed limit 50. I was doing 50 and saw the Lexus go into the left turn lane. It was dark, and I noticed the headlights of the Lexus bob up and down as the driver tried to determine if he could make the left in front of me or not.

At the last moment, he (she?) decided to go for it. I had to slam on the brakes and I laid on the horn pretty good. No harm, no foul.

Afterwards, I thought about it .. if I had t-boned him it would have been his fault all the way (failure to yield).

ateixeira

CVB - Chronic Vehicle Buyers? :shades:

I could never own a crotch rocket. I hate sitting with my tail in the air, laying on the tank. How could that possibly be comfortable for more than 5 minutes?

I'm not hoping for ape hangers and my feet waaaay out in front, just something with a more natural seating position.

fintail

I used the horn 3 times on my ~4 mile commute the other day. Something a bike would need - a very loud aftermarket horn.

fintail

And some bikes (Goldwings, some Harleys) are like 2 wheeled doorless cars anyway :shades:

Super sportbikes aren't for comfort, but for looks and noise (as very few are ridden/driven in a way that matches their engineering). The S1000RR I sat on was challenging in terms of comfort, but it makes up for that in coolness. SV650 is more upright and comfortable.

roadburner

My 1996 Speed Triple is painted what Triumph calls "Fireball Orange"- it stands out pretty well:



I wish that the ergos were a bit more accommodating to my 55 year-old bones(it's essentially a Daytona 900 without the fairings), but it's still a fun ride- and you don't see one on every street corner.

jayrider

From what I remember, "Fireball Orange" was a popular color for the Ford Pinto.

steine13

>> I could never own a crotch rocket. I hate sitting with my tail in the air, laying on the tank

It's not like that.

On my bicycle, the seat is higher than the handlebars by an inch. With my hands on the brake hoods, my upper body is maybe 30 degrees from upright. I can ride like that for hours and be comfortable.

If you look at the bikes posted here, the hands will be a touch higher than the seat, and the distance front-to-back is similar to a bicycle. Add some wind resistance to help hold your upper body upright, and I bet you'd be fine.

There's something about only having to twist the wrist to make the bike go...

Cheers -Mathias

akangl

It's always nice to have a friend with a pickup... and a trailer! What car is that - a Concorde? Looks like it pretty much filled up that trailer. It's great that you were willing and able to help out!

Yeah it's a Concorde, I think it's an 02, only has 80k on it. For some reason won't stay running even with the throttle floored. There was some room in the trailer, could have still fit a 4-wheeler in there, trailer is 24' on the inside.

We don't mind helping out people, he flipped us a 20 for our trouble, only had to go 15 miles to get the car. Needed to get the trailer out anyway after repacking the wheel bearings. That trailer is a handy thing to have around.

On another note, our neighbors are going to start thinking we are growing a vehicle farm. Currently have not only the Yaris sitting outside but hubby's co-worker's bright yellow jeep wrangler with factory hot wheels graphics. I did a double take when I saw that, hot wheels? Really? :confuse:

corvette

I don't like motorcycles (or own any), but my dad has a Ducati 1200 something-or-other and just bought a KTM 690 Duke.

xwesx

Hey, just because you're grown up doesn't mean you have to act that way! Isn't that the mantra of the Alaskan man? :P

Trailers are handy, as long as you have a good place to store them! My wife's rule is that if another "vehicle" comes in, something has to go. I find that rule very restrictive at times. I'm not sure why she's so harsh - I only have five cars!

As for the Concorde, it sounds like a fuel pump (pressure) or injector issue to me if it will start, but not stay running.

fintail

That's right. Handlebar height vs seat high has importance. The SV I posted, while it looks kind of aggressive, is actually not uncomfortable. The BMW might be over time, but it isn't something you take on a 1500 mile trip either.

I guess I need to make a purchase rather than just talk :shades:

akangl

Hey, just because you're grown up doesn't mean you have to act that way! Isn't that the mantra of the Alaskan man?

Trailers are handy, as long as you have a good place to store them! My wife's rule is that if another "vehicle" comes in, something has to go. I find that rule very restrictive at times. I'm not sure why she's so harsh - I only have five cars!

As for the Concorde, it sounds like a fuel pump (pressure) or injector issue to me if it will start, but not stay running.

I told hubby to tell his co-worker the jeep needed mods, it looks girly!

As for the Concorde, still have no idea, it won't even turn over now. Hopefully he fixes it soon, it's his turn to drive next week.

Right now in the yard is the 24' (more like 26-27') trailer, the jeep, and the Yaris all crammed on the gravel pad. The Sierra is in the garage and the Focus is with hubby at work, but would normally also be in the garage.

We have managed to cram a 24' travel trailer, a 22' 4-horse trailer, and the dually we used to have all on that gravel pad. It was originally put in for a small snowmobile trailer. Guess its all in how ya park 'em!

We do need a bigger garage, it's like threading a needle to put the Sierra in there. I have to fold the mirrors, get as close to the edge of the door frame as I can without hitting it, and then manage to not pull too far forward, but far enough so I can close the door. Gives me about a foot in front and 6" behind the truck.

andre1969

Back in 2008, my 2000 Intrepid started going through fits where it would stall out at random. It would usually re-start right away though. It wasn't that serious at first, but it started becoming more and more frequent, and was getting harder and harder to re-start. Eventually, it left me stranded at work, although it did re-start, fitfully, the next day.

The mechanic replaced both the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, and it never acted up again. I don't know if that's the same issue as your friend's Concorde, but it might be something to look into.

ateixeira

Nice bike. Muscular, unique.

Can it seat 2?

roadburner

Thanks. Yes, it can seat two. My S3 has the Triumph accessory seat cowl and the passenger pegs have been removed, but you can convert it back to a two place bike in @30 minutes.

ateixeira

Yeah, I noticed the missing pegs, so I had to ask.

I could ride something like that. Never really cared for fairings.

fintail

I look at seating two as a negative ...if it can't, you don't have to give the rejection notice :shades:

Two on a bike seems to be looking for trouble, to me. I'd keep the cowl on or have something where it just isn't possible.

ateixeira

Must be a lonely existence. :P

I didn't use the 2nd seat often, but the few times I did it beats calling a cab.

Fun fact: picked up my wife on our first date in a Honda Aero 125cc scooter.

fintail

Most times I see a bike two-up, the rear passenger has zero gear aside from a helmet, and I can just imagine the potential mess. Seems to work better on a scooter, maybe lower potential speed and often a bigger seat.

jayrider

Watching a rear passenger perched on the bike looks more precarious than it feels. It's like dancing -- follow the lead when leaning into the turns etc.

fintail

I've never ridden as a passenger...I don't think I want to, either. Nor would I trust anyone I know to ride with me. I barely trust myself as it is.

Sidecars exist for a reason :shades:

stever

A reporter is looking to talk with new owners of micro or subcompact cars (i.e. Chevy Spark, Scion iQ, Honda Fit, Mazda 2, Fiat 500, etc.) to learn how the experience has changed how they think about what they need in a car, and how they use their cars. If you fit this description, please respond to pr@edmunds.com with your preferred contact information by Friday, October 19, 2012.

xwesx

Yeah - that's for the third person! :P

corvette

There are also more than a few mostly middle-aged "lifestyle" riders out there who don't care one bit about proper training or riding technique.

Are those the same ones who believe that helmets and protective gear are government conspiracies, and that the only true protection you can have comes from having obscenely loud pipes?

roadburner

Are those the same ones who believe that helmets and protective gear are government conspiracies, and that the only true protection you can have comes from having obscenely loud pipes?

How did you guess?

ateixeira

Sssshhhh!

Let 'em, they're organ donors. My uncle needs a kidney.

Darwinism.

corvette

Darwinism.

If you're implying that they shouldn't be allowed to reproduce, I agree completely.

ronsteve

My only bone to pick is that the cargo area (due to the funky rear shape) is really not very functional unless you put the rear seat down.

Wonder how well that cargo area would accept a road bike (laid down flat, of course).

I wonder how well any of those sporty hatch cargo areas do (Focus, Mazda3, etc.) or if I'll forever be looking at traditional wagons/getting chased into the SUV class.

Before you ask about a rack, yes I even have a rack on my V70. But I like to keep $3000 worth of bike out of the worst of the elements whenever I can, and one of the most unnerving drives ever was from Charleston, WV to Louisville last fall with the bike on the roof rack, and a 30-40mph crosswind.

roadburner

Darwinism.

I'm an ATGATT(All The Gear, All the Time) rider, but I don't support mandatory helmet(or seat belt) laws; I believe they are an unwarranted interference with the Law of Natural Selection.

fintail

I don't mind if people ignore obvious safety equipment - but failing to use them should void their insurance when the eventual crash occurs. If one wants to ride without protection or drive without a restraint sure - and should also face a lifetime of financial ruin for it, rather than more responsible insurance holders paying for it.