Is there a car that can replace GSA tarmac thrills?

Neil A said:
That is the answer. You can get a decent car for a couple of grand nowadays, so there's reason (IMHO) for not having both. I love my Subaru Forester (as much as you can something that's not a bike) that come off this site for less than £2,500 a couple of years ago. If I need to take the family or transport something big, I use the car. Otherwise....
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Funny that. I love the missus Forester as well. Makes a good match with a GS IMHO. Unlike a BMW/Merc, which if I couldn't ride the bike 'cause the weather really was too shitty, then I wouldn't want to risk the car either. Forester on the other hand ticks the boxes the GS can't - wife and kids, snow and ice. Only thing I had to buy to finish the garage was a Multipla (wife, kids & grandparents plus 6 bikes & camping kit :))
 
Merc SLK 55 AMG – Drove a 2005 model today - £16k. It’s a granddads/hairdressers car to look at and very refined inside but hit the throttle and doesn’t it ever go, brutal, and the V8 noise is loud and snarly and I mean really LOUD, almost embarrassingly so. Surprised me how quick this modest looking car was. Someone described it at a hot rod in disguise and I can see why. Now thinking £2k to replace front discs/pads, 17 mpg. Running costs are potentially beyond fun so I’ll keep looking but am tempted if a clean one comes up.

BMW Z4M – I didn’t fit. At 6ft 2ins and wide-ish it’s somewhat cramped in the Z4.

Morgan V8 – If I had the budget I’d buy one as they also seem to hold their ridiculous values too.

Smart Car Brabus - Will investigate as that sounds entertaining.

Audi TT 3.2 – Still need to look at one.

Porsche 911 – Bit confused by all the models but will go and try one.

The GSA still ticks more boxes but will keep looking.

Thanks for all the input. Really appreciated.
 
Smuzzy said:
Elise

my one

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Very nice, but I'm too old or should that be lacking in agility/technique. I sat in one a few years back and couldn't work out how to get out with style as you sit SO low. I exited on all fours, yes hands and knees. Not cool.
 
If you can find another £10k, get an E type roadster. Fantastic looks, great fun to drive and it wont depreciate. Not quick by todays standards but thats not everything :thumb
 
One feature of a bike that is hard to find in a car is the height of eye - you see things that car drivers pass unaware. Would love a Smart Roadster but would miss the view...
 
Tip her bollox and tell her your keeping the bike :thumb

you will have the car any car for a few weeks and think oh shit that was a stupid thing to do :blast

simples :aidan:beerjug:
 
Bin Ridin said:
One feature of a bike that is hard to find in a car is the height of eye - you see things that car drivers pass unaware.
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My thoughts too, so the OP wants something reasonably quick but not fast, versatile, comfortable for long journeys, with a commanding view of the road ahead.........................

He needs one of these, go for the twin turbo sportline, happy to help :augie

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2 wheel humvee said:
My thoughts too, so the OP wants something reasonably quick but not fast, versatile, comfortable for long journeys, with a commanding view of the road ahead.........................

He needs one of these, go for the twin turbo sportline, happy to help :augie

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Good idea. A mate has a T28 GTV. Chipped, lowered, wide wheels uprated brakes etc. 200 Hp and fast as fook. It would leave golf gti's etc behind round the "ring".
 
I had a Honda CRX 1600cc, 16 valve. It was the most fun car I've ever had. 150bhp, and 53mpg. I even had 140mph out of it before running out of road. It was like a go cart. It was a 2+2 seater.

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Unfortunately, they stopped making them in 1991/2
 
Fanum said:
Caterham 7
Westfield
Porsche Boxter if finances stretch that far
Mazda MX5 (no, don't scoff, seriously!)

Everything there from 2k to 50k, depending on age etc........and how strong your hairpiece glue is :D
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None of those 4. The Caterham and Westfield are simply too crude - no point in having a car that is only as practical / comfortable as a bike. Might as well keep the bike. The Porker is too common and not enough of an enthusiasts car. Lots of owners who have bought for the badge. Wont comment on the mazda other than to say I'm surprised someone has suggested it.

The best real world alternative to the GS is a Lotus Elise. With the Toyota engine its more reliable than the Boxter ( Google boxter engines to see what I mean) and it really is a hoot to drive down a windy B road. At the same time its comfortable enough to take on a trip abroad. Good for track days.

I bought one when I gave up biking after selling my KTM 990 Adv. I still have the car but I have just bought my second GS. The reason is simple - no car really replaces a bike even though the Lotus gets really close. I shall keep both of them.

Blobby said:
Very nice, but I'm too old or should that be lacking in agility/technique. I sat in one a few years back and couldn't work out how to get out with style as you sit SO low. I exited on all fours, yes hands and knees. Not cool.
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I'm 68 average size and I have no problems at all getting in or out. There is a nack TBH, but unless you are 6'3" and 18 stone, no issue.

Dont know where you are in Gloucs Blobby but I'm just along the road in Monmouthshire if I can help
 
2 wheel humvee said:
My thoughts too, so the OP wants something reasonably quick but not fast, versatile, comfortable for long journeys, with a commanding view of the road ahead.........................

He needs one of these, go for the twin turbo sportline, happy to help :augie

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Oh, mama. That's superb, I want one! A little quicker than my last T2 1600 I'd expect..:drool
 
birdseye said:
The best real world alternative to the GS is a Lotus Elise. With the Toyota engine its more reliable than the Boxter ( Google boxter engines to see what I mean) and it really is a hoot to drive down a windy B road.
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So, out of curiosity, if you were to drive an Elise (as opposed to ride a GS) from Sevenoaks to Eastbourne, what route would you take?

My issues are:

Route 1: A21/Southborough/Royal Tunbridge Wells/A267/A22 - Elise (as per any car would destroy your will to live in the urban areas).

Route 2: A25/B2026/Edenbridge/A22 - Elise, 2026 outside Edenbridge is rutted and pothold beyond that which I would enjoy putting any car through. A22 is regualrly 3 laned, in both directions, in the dark. Scares the hell out of me in a People Carrier, not seen an Elise on that bit ever.

Routes 3: The Sundridge Road up to Ide Hill (narrow, potholed, BIGGEST CAR mentality).

And so on. Basically, my fastest (funest) routes are endless narrow country roads, or A roads through 30/40/50 limits. Separated by (very) short bits of open roads (think, hard left, long sweeping right, dipping into medium left, sweeping right, short straight, hard left/right 40mph limit.

In the 'open spaces' for every 1 overtaking opportunity in a (People Carrier) car, there are 3/4 on the bike. OK, if I had an Elise, the ratio might drop due to the power available, but I think any advantage would be lost due to the lack of visibiltiy, and the sheer state of the roads.
 
Had loads of quick cars- got a Merc CLS 350 at the mo`- more of a exec saloon though will do 155mph (restricted )

Buts its no fun.....

My Harley is better for thrills!! Bought it to slow me down and to enjoy life but still have a fireblade and my GS1200.

Honestly though- keep your bike and get a cheap car- I absolutely refuse to take anyone on the back ( tend to remove rear seat anyway ) its far too dangerous.
 
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