Official Car Thread :: Vol 2 :: Now with More Bikes!

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Originally Posted by Tones

It sounds like you need a Ducati Multistrada. Except the price is probably at least double the Versys.

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I love everything about the Multistrada except the bird face on the front.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...8&d=1282770781

Caw! Caw!

That and while Ducati has some of the most awesome sounding engines going, I get the impression I'd go deaf in a week riding one of them, that bass rumble is crazy. This is an aftermarket exhaust, but listen to it! The thing's a fucking beast:



The other thing is it's a 1200 with pricey parts, so the insurance would probably be like triple what it is on the Versys. But yeah, awesome, awesome bike other than that.

Im just interested on what's going to happen with Erik Buell when his NCA with Harley runs out.

Buell Designs with an engine not rooted in the 1920s? Hell yes.

The last three model years of Buell used Rotax engines, not H-D.

Big capacity Ducs are consistently my favorite sounding bikes. And you won't go deaf with ear plugs--wear 'em!

I could use some car buying help. I'm looking for a used car. My budget isn't very limited, but I'm looking around $15,000. I just moved to San Diego, CA from Madison, WI (my 95 Jetta died just as I got here). I've been looking around at possibly a WRX Wagon but I'm not sure I really need the AWD. Otherwise, the Ford Fiesta looks like a nice option. My one main must is 5-speed manual, I cannot stand driving Automatics - even with the traffic here.

Across the street is a new company that apparently does awesome shit with expensive cars. There was an Astin Martin there yesterday along with a Lambo, a 55 Chevy Truck that looked like new and just a bunch of awesome looking cars. It's been awesome.

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Originally Posted by Ryan

I could use some car buying help. I'm looking for a used car. My budget isn't very limited, but I'm looking around $15,000. I just moved to San Diego, CA from Madison, WI (my 95 Jetta died just as I got here). I've been looking around at possibly a WRX Wagon but I'm not sure I really need the AWD. Otherwise, the Ford Fiesta looks like a nice option. My one main must is 5-speed manual, I cannot stand driving Automatics - even with the traffic here.

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What else are your requirements? I just picked up a barely used Mazda MX-5 cough Miata for $13k, stick-shift of course. But that's way different than a Dodge Neon SRT-4 which you can get for like $8k and will burn most things in a straight line. WRX is a solid choice, and it having AWD won't hinder you--usually AWD makes cars porky, but Subarus manage to stay relatively lightweight. The new Fiestas are rad and probably at the very edge of your budget since you won't find them used. The Mazda2 is also just coming out, base on the same platform as the Fiesta. Not as well-optioned, down on power, but cheaper, lighter and slightly more sporty (says Car and Driver).

$15,000 used can get you into a lot of cars. Give us some more ideas on what you're looking for, priorities, age you won't consider--does it need a warranty?

Bravo on demanding a manual, by the way.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

Across the street is a new company that apparently does awesome shit with expensive cars. There was an Astin Martin there yesterday along with a Lambo, a 55 Chevy Truck that looked like new and just a bunch of awesome looking cars. It's been awesome.

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I'll have to start posting pictures of all the cars I see at Alice's Restaurant in Woodside. It's a popular motorcycle destination but myriad awesome cars show up, as well. Probably the rarest specimen I saw was a BMW M1 in mint condition, down to the designer handbags in the trunk.

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Originally Posted by MarkRyan

What else are your requirements? I just picked up a barely used Mazda MX-5 cough Miata for $13k, stick-shift of course. But that's way different than a Dodge Neon SRT-4 which you can get for like $8k and will burn most things in a straight line. WRX is a solid choice, and it having AWD won't hinder you--usually AWD makes cars porky, but Subarus manage to stay relatively lightweight. The new Fiestas are rad and probably at the very edge of your budget since you won't find them used. The Mazda2 is also just coming out, base on the same platform as the Fiesta. Not as well-optioned, down on power, but cheaper, lighter and slightly more sporty (says Car and Driver).

$15,000 used can get you into a lot of cars. Give us some more ideas on what you're looking for, priorities, age you won't consider--does it need a warranty?

Bravo on demanding a manual, by the way.

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For age, something in the past five years. Light, compact, sporty, good gas mileage - no warranty needed. I plan on driving to see my friend in Seattle a lot, along with visiting different ski hills to go snowboarding. A larger trunk (like the WRX Wagon) would help for something like that, but a roof rack could also work. I already had a 99 Subaru 2.5RS coupe (I recall you and I talking about that car before) so I would like to try a new company.

I'll go check out some Fiesta's this weekend, I'm really digging what I've seen on their site, along with all the options.

We found out that the place across the street, they do car transportation. Rich people are weird.

It's probably cheaper to ship and expensive car across the country than drive it.

Ryan, the WRX is a good candidate. They're pretty reliable if you find one that hasn't been modified. Fortunately and unfortunately, they're very easy to get more power out of, which can put a lot of wear on their drivetrain.

A guy I work with tuned his Impreza to 750 hp. $80k in modifications. It's insane.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

We found out that the place across the street, they do car transportation. Rich people are weird.

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Not weird at all. Low mileage is a big thing on classic cars.

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Originally Posted by Ryan

Light, compact, sporty, good gas mileage

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Fair warning, most of this is conjecture based more on reading and perception than actual experience.

Used suggestions:

• Honda Civic Si
  Pros: Solid mileage, solid driver, great shifter, dependable
  Cons: Bit pricey for what you get
  
  
• Mini Cooper
  Pros: Tiny, fun, frugal enough
  Cons: Short wheelbase may be less than ideal on long freeway jaunts, it's Euro so probably more costly to maintain
  
  
• Mazda3
  Pros: Light handling, plenty of carrying space
  Cons: New ones are ugly (previous model looks fine), gas mileage is so-so
  
  
• Mazda MX-5
  Pros: Light, compact, sporty, good gas mileage, fantastic to drive
  Cons: No back seat, small trunk, doubt it'd carry a snowboard elegantly
  
  
• Mazda RX-8
  Pros: Light, compact, sporty, great to drive, useful back seats
  Cons: Weak gas mileage, potentially more engine maintenance (stormy could say), not a lot of cargo space
  
  
• Subaru Impreza WRX
  Pros: Great power / speed, AWD usability, wagon has tons of cargo room
  Cons: Gas mileage is so-so, guess you don't want another Subaru
  
  
• Acura RSX
  Pros: Simple, honest, sporty-ish
  Cons: Bit long-in-the-tooth, not a lot of cargo room
  
  
• Ford Mustang GT
  Pros: Great power / speed, great looks, plenty to choose from
  Cons: Common, gas mileage is so-so, not a lot of cargo room
  
  
• Pontiac GTO
  Pros: Fast as balls, great interior for the price, generally exceptional value, comfortable back seat
  Cons: Weak gas mileage, small trunk, not a lot of cargo room, not light
  
  
• Scion tC
  Pros: Simple, honest car
  Cons: Bit vanilla
  
  
• Scion xB
  Pros: Usable space, character in design, honest car
  Cons: Not real sporty, some people can't stand a box
  
  
• Honda Fit
  Pros: Light, sporty, frugal, good carrying capacity for size
  Cons: Not fast but whatev
  
  
• Volkswagen Golf
  Pros: Sporty, nice interior, solid carrying capacity
  Cons: It's Euro so expect more maintenance--VWs still scare me away

New Suggestions:

• Ford Fiesta
  Pros: Light, sporty, great gas mileage, solid carrying capacity
  Cons: New car, would be tough to get for $15k--honestly expect $18-19k after tax/title
  
  
• Mazda2
  Pros: Light, sporty, good gas mileage, solid carrying capacity, cheaper than Fiesta and less in demand
  Cons: Less power than Fiesta, weaker mileage, bare options
  
  
• Kia Forte Koupe
  Pros: Decent driver, good looker, solid carrying capacity
  Cons: High end of your price range but model-year-end sales could make cheap
  
  
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  Pros: Good driver, good looker, good performance for the money
  Cons: Outside your price range but model-year-end sales and some aggressive haggling could probably get it close

My favorite used options for you, based on your taste for the Fiesta, are the Honda Fit and Mazda3. Check 'em out.

Acura RSX rules. My mom has a 2003 Type-S. That shit can hustle and it runs like it's brand new.

If I gave one of you cali guys the money,would you buy this for me?

http://slo.craigslist.org/cto/1905701378.html

EDIT: it is a ww2 bomb truck.

Hey MarkRyan, thanks for all of your suggestions. I went through them all, and test drove several this past weekend. Even though it was a bit higher than my intended price (which I can easily afford), I settled on a new Ford Fiesta SES. It's been special ordered and I should have it within the month. I'll post some pictures as soon as it gets here.

I have been going on quite a few lately, just exploring the small towns around the perimeter of Gainesville. I went for about an hour and a half yesterday between seven and eight thirty, and it was simply beautiful out. The rain cooled down the ambient temperature significantly, and there was no traffic out.

I saw an Aeriel Atom today in person. Holy shit.

My Cobb AP came in, time to reflash the RX8 to make the fuel trims leaner and meaner! Next stop hi flow cat and a custom tune.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ryan

Hey MarkRyan, thanks for all of your suggestions. I went through them all, and test drove several this past weekend. Even though it was a bit higher than my intended price (which I can easily afford), I settled on a new Ford Fiesta SES. It's been special ordered and I should have it within the month. I'll post some pictures as soon as it gets here.

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Congrats! Hatch or sedan? I really like the hatches.

Speaking of pictures, I gotta take my car out for some shots while it's newly Zaino'd. I'll try to get out this week.

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Originally Posted by Tones

I have been going on quite a few lately, just exploring the small towns around the perimeter of Gainesville. I went for about an hour and a half yesterday between seven and eight thirty, and it was simply beautiful out. The rain cooled down the ambient temperature significantly, and there was no traffic out.

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How are the back roads around you? We've got so many good back roads out here, can virtually turn down any road in the mountains and find something great. Helps if you have a bike with some suspension travel 'cause you never know what you're gonna find. I really want a DR-Z400SM...

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Originally Posted by MarkRyan

Congrats! Hatch or sedan? I really like the hatches.
Speaking of pictures, I gotta take my car out for some shots while it's newly Zaino'd. I'll try to get out this week.

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Hatch, first one for me too.

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Originally Posted by MarkRyan

How are the back roads around you? We've got so many good back roads out here, can virtually turn down any road in the mountains and find something great. Helps if you have a bike with some suspension travel 'cause you never know what you're gonna find. I really want a DR-Z400SM...

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No mountains = very few curves. FL roads typically have good surfaces, though, since we don't have freeze/thaw cycles.

I found a decent road tonight. Unfortunately it was just past dusk when I reached it. Narrow, residences along the side, and no shoulder, but decent switchbacks and it has a good surface.

Got out to one of my favorite roads to snap a few glamor shots of the Miata this evening. Not pictured: Bird poop on my finger that I lovingly wiped off the hood for the photos. (P.S. I need some noise-fighting software.)

Nice Meotter!

I discovered that changing the oil on the SV650 is the easiest process ever. It can drain while on its sidestand, and the oil filter is conveniently located in front. No fiddly bits to remove or contorting necessary.

Also: For those who are considering getting a motorcycle, do it. Yes, it is hard to justify financially due to its impracticality, and yes, you will most likely hurt, or even kill yourself, but the control is simply amazing. They feel like an extension of the nervous system; every physical movement, however minute, results in a physical change by the machine. By comparison, automobiles feel so isolated and slow-motion. The ride home from work, where I exit the parking lot and wring the throttle in first gear, is perhaps the best part of the day.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tones

Also: For those who are considering getting a motorcycle, do it. Yes, it is hard to justify financially due to its impracticality, and yes, you will most likely hurt, or even kill yourself, but the control is simply amazing. They feel like an extension of the nervous system; every physical movement, however minute, results in a physical change by the machine. By comparison, automobiles feel so isolated and slow-motion. The ride home from work, where I exit the parking lot and wring the throttle in first gear, is perhaps the best part of the day.

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Here here. I love me my cars, but motorcycling is the best thing in the world. Watch MotoGP racers blaze through a course and try to discern physical actions--it looks like the bikes just tip into corners and rip down straights on their own because the required physical inputs are so minor, the rider is so jacked into the bike. In a car, it takes rapid whirling of a steering wheel, stabbing of the clutch pedal and jerking of a shifter. Both are great fun but if you've only ever driven a car, motorcycling's sensations are totally unique.

The Isle of Man TT is my favorite motorcycle viewing. Watch the following videos... it's amazing that it is in real time.

So, the Hyundai Santa Fe will be made in the Kia Sorrento plant in Georgia.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/k...gside-sorento/

Which Chrysler dealerships will have Fiat 500's?
http://www.500freaks.com/forums/showthread.php?3-Fiat-500-Cities-under-consideration-by-Chrysler-%5BList%5D&p=4&viewfull=1#post4

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Originally Posted by Tones

it's amazing that it is in real time.

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It's also amazing that the announcer is speaking English, you wouldn't think it.

The TT is bonkers. Polyphony needs to make another Tourist Trophy when they're done with Gran Turismo 5.

Chevy Camaro Firebreather.

Designed for a movie coming out, but hot damn.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/q...eather-camaro/

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Originally Posted by Autoblog

The FireBreather's evil menace isn't only found in the cosmetics – it's packed under the hood. As if you needed a reminder, the standard Camaro SS boasts a normally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 rated at 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, allowing the showroom stock coupe to run to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds when the engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The FireBreather, on the other hand, takes those standard mechanicals and packs on an Edelbrock E-Force supercharger system. To open up its airways at both ends, the engineering team bolted on a cold-air induction system and three-inch CAT-back dual exhaust. According to Classic Design Concepts, the company putting this whole thing together in Michigan, the modified Camaro is making 600 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. And while the standard transmission is a six-speed manual with a Hurst short-throw shifter, Hollywood poseurs can order an automatic transmission without sacrificing any thrust.

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2011 Dodge Durango.

Looks eh. The chromed out grille is bothering me.

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Originally Posted by Advocate

Chevy Camaro Firebreather.

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The front looks like an owl face.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

The front looks like an owl face.

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WHOOO?

Had a good ride today. First went down south to the same road where I took pictures of the Miata. Last week I noted it was covered in gravel and wanted to ride it on the DR, but really I was too chicken to do anything awesome with the loose surface. Oh well. Did some of my favorites roads and then did some errands in The City (TM). I <3 the DR.

http://i54.tinypic.com/2lclm68.jpg

I went on an hour and a half ride with a buddy of mine tonight. It was great, until we spotted a pack of deer on the edge of the road. It's a good thing I have practiced quick stops before! They scare the hell out of me. That was a good stopping point.

Infinity Performance Line G convertible.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1285515780

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Leftlane News

Following closely on the heels of the 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe, Nissan’t luxury division has taken the wraps off its new Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Convertible Concept.

The IPL G Convertible Concept features unique aerodynamic styling, an IPL-tuned V6 engine, a sports exhaust system, a revised suspension and 19-inch IPL wheels. Although no performance figures were give, the IPL G Coupe boasts 348 horsepower, indicating a similar rating for the convertible.

“The Infiniti Performance Line is designed to push the premium performance envelope for buyers seeking a higher level of exclusivity and driving exhilaration,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “IPL
promises unique driving attributes from other Infiniti models, without adding stratospheric prices."

Don’t be fooled by the car’s concept tag as there is no doubt the IPL G Convertible will eventually arrive at Infiniti dealerships. The IPL G Convertible Concept will make its world debut at next week’s Paris Motor Show.

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...because nothing screams "premium performance" like a poorly done vert with compromised structural rigidity.

And less powerful than a Mustang GT lol.

HOT.

I want one.

Is it different than last year's model? I know Kawi's Z-nakeds didn't get great reviews until the new Z1000 came out for 2010. I guess it'd be nice if the 750 got a similar update, but I still don't like the look of their nakeds.

I prefer Triumphs. And this new Suzuki naked looks interesting.

Yeah, Triumphs are still the slickest, but that z750r still looks really nice (I like it better than the z1000) - who says you can only want one? The Suzuki is cool looking but generally speaking Kawi makes better bikes.

Not that it matters, North Americans don't like street fighters for some reason so they'll stay in Europe forever.

I been doing some work on my car. I put lowering springs on two weeks ago, got engine management with new tune, have almost 100% of my led light conversion done (only missing center brake light), and today I put on my resonated mid-pipe with high flow cat. It is awesome, sounds mean as hell. Since it's resonated it's not obnoxious, so no rice. I been trying to find some nice rims to put on that don't break the bank too.

What wheels you got now? I quite like the 18s Mazda puts on the Miata, I imagine they work on the RX too, if they don't already come stock.

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Originally Posted by stormy

I been doing some work on my car. I put lowering springs on two weeks ago, got engine management with new tune, have almost 100% of my led light conversion done (only missing center brake light), and today I put on my resonated mid-pipe with high flow cat. It is awesome, sounds mean as hell. Since it's resonated it's not obnoxious, so no rice. I been trying to find some nice rims to put on that don't break the bank too.

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what's the max amount you want to spend per rim?

Currently I am rocking the stock wheels. I'm trying to find something used for $1000 to $1200 but there are some new ones I'm thinking of too. RPF1s are only $1200 new in 18x9.5, they are super functional (18lbs each) but kind of boring looking. Also looking at Work Emotion XT7 or 11R new for $1450 in the same size, they look awesome but are kind of heavy (23ish lbs each, 1-2lbs more than stock).

I'd love to throw some gold STi wheels on my white car some day. But man, wheels are expensive for no real benefit.

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Originally Posted by MarkRyan

I'd love to throw some gold STi wheels on my white car some day. But man, wheels are expensive for no real benefit.

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Agree, I don't think I'll be able to pull the trigger for that reason. It's hard to spend that much when my stock wheels are perfectly fine, other than them not looking as cool.

Stormy try here.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/

click wheels. Then pick your make and model. I thought you had a Mazda RX-8. I forgot the year and current wheel size. But I found 18 inch rims for $147. So, for 4 its 588.

My Fiesta just came in on Wednesday. I'll try to get out and take some pictures this weekend.

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Originally Posted by MarkRyan

I'd love to throw some gold STi wheels on my white car some day. But man, wheels are expensive for no real benefit.

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STI rims'll get you mad bitches!!!

Funny, guys notice car modifications about twenty times more often than girls do. Without fail I turn my head if I hear an interesting exhaust note nearby... I can't not see what it is. It'll get you mad dudes, maybe.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StriderKyo

Yeah, Triumphs are still the slickest, but that z750r still looks really nice (I like it better than the z1000) - who says you can only want one? The Suzuki is cool looking but generally speaking Kawi makes better bikes.

Not that it matters, North Americans don't like street fighters for some reason so they'll stay in Europe forever.

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I'm usually just a lurker but I can't stay silent knowing there are some Triumph fans here.

http://i52.tinypic.com/afhp9e.jpg

This is my Speed Triple. I replaced the exhaust with Chain Reaction's masterpiece of an exhaust system, added about 5hp and sounds 10x better. I replaced the huge ass mirrors with some Rizoma's; more for asthetics, but they still work fine. I took off the bar risers and added convertibars, which I can say is probably the best mod of I've done to the bike. For the long trips you can raise the bars to bar riser levels, and for the twisties you can take them down to clip on level, and they're adjustable in ways you couldn't even imagine. Oh yeah I also replaced the levers with some Pazzo shorties but I don't have recent picks since this mod, and I don't have access to my bike right now (on vacation in Afghanistan right now). When I get back I want to get some Rizoma rear sets and then I think I'll be completely satisfied.

Great looking Speed 3. I'll have a Street Triple one day. Triumph's nakeds are just classic looking bikes, like blue denim jeans and a white tee. Not sure I'm liking the headlights on the new one, though.

I'm doing a track day at streets of Willow tomorrow! whoop whoop!

Whoa, right on. You got any on board camera? I'd love to get a GoPro some day.

No I don't :(. No unsecured cameras in the car allowed either. I'll try to get my friends to take some action shots of me passing everyone :)

The track day was awesome. The first time out feels like you've never driven before, it's so different. By the end of the day I was getting better at following the racing line, keeping track of my mirrors, and watching the flags. You really need to get comfortable pushing the car to go fast. I was getting better, but I walked over to the other RX8 there and his laps were 10 seconds better than me! He had a lot of auto-x experience and previous track experience too, so he was in the advanced group. He had better and wider tires which makes a huge difference. For next time I need more tire and more balls (brake later/harder, WOT sooner).

I highly recommend going. The group that organized this track day was really good getting the nubs up to speed. Our first time out was follow the leader parade laps to learn the track. Next time out was another follow the leader, this time going faster, using the racing line, with a passing exercise on the front straight. Then the last 3 rounds we were free with passing allowed on the straights only. I paid extra for an instructor in the 3rd and 4th rounds, and he was really good. He helped me refine the line and learn when to brake/gas/shift effectively. Without him there encouraging me to brake later and gas sooner I don't think I'd have gotten nearly as much out of it.

I didn't end up with any action shots. I only had one friend who wasn't in the white group with me and he had his own stuff to do to get ready.

I've never done track before, but I did drive a Mustang Bullitt with another journalist who happened to be not only a Virginia state trooper but also a performance driving instructor. I went way faster with his coaching/urging than I would have otherwise.

Signs of life at my Beloved Chrylser...

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/2...test/#comments

New Durango, after the abortion that was the styling on the old one, HUGE comeback.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1289832277

And the Charger they wanted to build in the first place but Daimler kept penny pinching..

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/2...iew-road-test/

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1289832399

I really like the new Charger they have been showing off. Durango is cool too but I'll take the Jeep version.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wildkat

Signs of life at my Beloved Chrylser...

New Durango, after the abortion that was the styling on the old one, HUGE comeback.

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Chrysler's new designs give me wood. If I didn't have deep seated Ford admiration I'd totally be a Chrymoco tech and move from Dearborn to Auburn Hills.

That Durango is smokin! I'm hoping that they release an improved Dakota body style as well. The current gen was a step back from the early 1997-2004 style imo.

Baby got new shoes. SSR CompC H. 18x9, 18lbs. Stock is 18x8, 22.5lbs.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1290638932

Very sharp. What kind of wheels you replacing and what are you doing with them?

Replacing the stock wheels. They are pretty trashed, I might sell them cheap but they'll probably end up sitting in storage.

I think i see a potential problems Stormy, you only got 3...

one of you buy me this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STUDE...item43a38a9e3a

I really hate that I don't like modern cars. I can't think of anything new I want. Maybe a Dodge Chalenger? But if I'm going to drop that money, why not just buy a 69 charger?

Because the new one will be reliable, faster, more comfortable, better equipped...

What do you want out of a car? What do you want to spend? There are so many good cars right now, if there's nothing you want you probably don't want a car.

no, I probably don't want a car.

I also don't want to owe anyone or have more than 1k leave my bank account at one time.

I also don't want a car that is ugly. Most affordable new cars are ugly. Double so in the south. Its all Ford, Dodge and GM here. People's idea of import is Nissan and Toyota. I'd kind of like a 5 dour Impreza WRX. But I'd have to drive to Memphis for one. And give them a lot of money.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stormy

Because the new one will be reliable, faster, more comfortable, better equipped...

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only if I left it stock. And if I was going to get one, I wouldn't get a collectors car. I'd probably just get a nonrust belt 70s car for cheap, make it reliable, faster, comfortable and then slap a repro 69 grill on the front.

Be a man. Get a motorcycle.

Or be a girl and get a Miata like me. Used models are cheap as hell. Great little car, fun as hell, decent gas mileage, reliable. May get you girls if they don't think you're gay.

I want a motorcycle. Thinking about getting one of those chinese made R71s with sidecar. May even be able to write it off.

Don't pay attention to asking prices, just bring whatever amount of cash you want to pay and either they will bite or they won't. Winter is a buyer's market for motorcycles. Speaking of motorcycles, I went on a beautiful 100 mile ride today with a few other guys (who had a ZX-6R and R6). Florida's roads are for the most part straight and boring, but a lot of the country roads have some nice sweepers; great for shifting down a few gears and accelerating through. Did I mention that it was in the mid 60's and sunny today? In the beginning of January?

Enviable! We usually get freak good weather during the winter, though it's never unridable--just not always the most comfortable. I need a good weekend ride, haven't taken one in a while.

You ever reach the Bay Area on your bike Tones and I'll show you a good time.

That's quite a ways away, but I'll definitely take you up on it should I make it all the way over there.

For a good time call Mark Ryan at...

Actually, just call my pimp.

Thinking about replacing my factory radio in my Impreza for a Clarion CZ500, Amazon has it for $99 with free shipping. Crutchfield has it for $160 and it comes with the usual Crutchfield help guide as well as the HD Radio adapter for free. Any thoughts?

It's like $30 to get a radio installed.

What year imprezza? Some cars need super crazy expensive adapters to work with aftermarket head units.

It is a 2007, couldn't find any how to videos or anything for that year

So I went to a manufacturer car show last night. The only vehicle that impressed me was the CR-Z. I still can't get over how huge cars have become otherwise; the Taurus was like six feet tall and 25 feet long. I think Ford built them for sasquatches.

Funny you mention the Taurus. First time I saw one up close was at a dealer where I checked out a Miata. That Taurus was just comically oversized. The enormous wheels made me giggle. What happened to cars?

They discovered donuts.

I hate the new fat cars. The charger looks stupid. The new Challenger looks more like an old charger than the new charger does.

Fat donut eating fuck of a car.

That's why lately I've been into cars like the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2.

I really dislike the look of five-door hatches. Wagons are fine, but hatchbacks just look so much better as three-doors.

I hate all the porky vehicles. I think the 500 Abarth will be my next car, just have to see what the US versions is going to be and see how it turns out. If it's as good as I think it will be then I am probably going to go for it.

I was disappointed that there weren't any 500s available to look at last weekend. I just much prefer small cars.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fe 26

Fat donut eating fuck of a car.

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Makes sense for all the fat donut eating fucks out there.

So I have been giving the bike some love lately, and it's amazing how the ride completely changes with every part that I repair/replace. New front tire? (More) amazing handling. New seat? No more sore ass after an hour. New levers? More delicate controls. New clutch cable? Feather light, but in a dangerous way.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stormy

I hate all the porky vehicles. I think the 500 Abarth will be my next car, just have to see what the US versions is going to be and see how it turns out. If it's as good as I think it will be then I am probably going to go for it.

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I have seen USDM 500's up close and personal. They're very very nice cars. Abarth is confirmed according to the Chrysler master tech teaching classes on the 500.

I have a funny tendency to break things when I try to fix them. So I keep my mitts to the easy stuff.

My buddy low-sided my DR back in November and I'd been sitting on it for a long time but just recently got it back. Rode it out to breakfast with some homies this morning and very glad to have it back--the DR is such a rip-snorting hoot. Just perfect for bombing the imperfect streets of San Francisco. I'd really like to get another dual sport or supermoto, but something more modern. Yamaha's WR250X is pretty hot.

Today was the RX8 socal dyno day get together. I got my ignition upgraded with GMC Yukon coils. I also got a custom tune on the dyno with my Access Port. I dyno'd at 186 whp, the highest NA RX8 for the day. I'll need to see if that holds through tomorrow. I think I was 10hp higher than the next guy. Here's one of my dyno pulls. I shoot flames at the end.


Dyno sheet:

Nice! Any idea what the dips in the curve were caused by?

Also: I was out on the bike yesterday, but just felt a bit out of sync with it. At one point I was bombing down an isolated back road, and a dip on a straightaway caused a speed wobble at... painful speeds. That shit is scary. Beforehand, I went on a short group ride with 6 other people. One of the difficulties in these rides is finding people with a similar riding mentality. A lot of these guys were downright dumb on busy city streets. However, I know that a lot of people would say that I am downright dumb on isolated backroads, but I prefer to be Good Samaritan Rider when other people can see me.

The dips correspond to different sets of intake ports opening. You can see the last ones don't even open till 7400rpm.

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Originally Posted by Tones

Beforehand, I went on a short group ride with 6 other people. One of the difficulties in these rides is finding people with a similar riding mentality. A lot of these guys were downright dumb on busy city streets. However, I know that a lot of people would say that I am downright dumb on isolated backroads, but I prefer to be Good Samaritan Rider when other people can see me.

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Group rides are tricky, I'm not usually a fan, but I've got a handful of buddies I like to ride with 'cause no one's trying to go fast. We don't putt about, but we also don't pull illegal passes, bomb blind corners with abandon, or try to drag knees or otherwise impress anyone. I've been riding with them a bunch and the only time we had a problem was one buddy dumping my DR at 20 mph in the wet 'cause the road was slick as hell. He stood up and rode the bike home.

That's too bad. I still haven't let anyone ride my motorcycle yet. It just seems a lot more personal than a car (not that I let many people drive my car).

I'm conducting an inventory of maintenance that I need to do on the bike, and this is why motorcycling is deceptively expensive:
- Front and rear pads
- Adjust chain
- Rear tire w/in 1000 miles
- Change oil, coolant, brake fluid
- Check/adjust valves
- Buy frame sliders
- Wash the damn thing

This is in addition to what I've done since purchasing it:
- Change tire
- Replace broken mirrors
- Replace handlebar
- Replace clutch and brake lever
- Replace seat

These alterations are mostly due to wear (with the exception of the bar and mirrors, which is from dropping it). For those who aren't motorcycle owners, you really don't want anything to break so everything needs to be replaced ahead of failure. The combination of high-performance components and exposure to the elements means that everything wears out pretty quickly compared to a car. Thankfully motorcycles are significantly less complex than cars or else it would be a nightmare.

Yeah I thought I'd save money riding a bike with the gas mileage but now I estimate that I break even. The gas mileage is great, roughly 50 mpg versus 25 in the car (...17 when I had the Goat) but new tires and valve checks every 7,000 miles adds up.

Thankfully the buy-in is a lot cheaper than a car, and the fun factor is way higher.

I had the day off today, so I decided to go on a motorcycle ride. I started off around noon, and took FL SR-27 South for a few hours. I passed through numerous small towns with names I don't remember, and took a detour down a country road somewhere past Haines City, FL. Well, the road said no outlet, and this is where it took me:

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So, I got back on SR-27 going north, and I remembered that I have never been to Tampa. So, instead of heading back home, I took the exit off to I-4 West, which was a short 50 mile ride. By the time I park, It's around 6:00 PM. I ate fried chicken, walked around, drank a triple espresso, and then took off to ride around downtown. Here's just before I left:

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By this point, it's about 7:30 and I'm getting tired. Unfortunately, there's still 140 miles separating me from home; all interstate riding. Riding around the city on I-275 is fun, but once I get on I-4 and I-75, I stay in sixth gear the whole way, averaging about 80 mph. I try not to look at the odometer too much.

I get home at 9:35, with 376.1 miles clocked for the day.

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Just the thing to celebrate with a few whiskey gingers.

Bike looks great dude! And the weather looks nice, how were the temps? Nearly 400 miles in a day is a long day on a bike. My high score is exactly 500 miles, from Bandon, Oregon to San Francisco along the coast. It was a long day but one of the most memorable I've had on the bike.