bike to car

[lejrce]

Yo~ The discussion amongst a bunch of us old touring motorcycle riders is where do we go when we can't hold the bike up any longer. Lots of motorcycle type choices nowadays; Stallion, Spyder, various trikes and now the Slingshot. To my mind they all combine the worst features of bikes with the worst features of cars. My comment is always, "when I can't handle 2 wheels anymore I'm going to 4." I've never driven a Miata but that is my go to example for the end of my days on a Goldwing. So I thought I'd look for something like the Goldwing owner's forum to see what the pros and cons of that marque is. And here I am. Don't even know enough to ask intelligent questions. With the current temps in Phoenix hovering in the triple digits, there is significant appeal to putting the top up and turning on the ac.
lejrce

[—atank—]

Welcome to MazdaRoadster.net.

Are you looking to buy a new MX-5 or are you looking for an older Miata?

[— Dandy —]

Welcome! Ask away - this is a friendly place. Get some pics of your bike(s) up here if you like. We love pics. I've crossed paths with a lot of bikes when I've traveled the back roads in my Miata. I've been inspired by some of the trips I've seen posted and read about in magazines by people from the biking community. Many of us are definitely in touch with that open road spirit.

[Winlowe]

Welcome to the MR forum

[Pfunk]

Welcome to the forum! I've been riding for 23 years now, currently I've owned my Suzuki TL1000S for ten years, been a Miata owner for sixteen or so. A Miata is as close as I've been in a car to not missing time on my bike, so you're looking in the right place, I think.

There are three generations of Miata, and soon we'll see the fourth gen (September reveal). The first gen is known as the NA around most forums and is the most 'raw' of the three, very close in feel to my old Triumph Spitfire, but it doesn't leak fluids, the electrics work, and the top keeps the rain out. The NB, my current car, is the second gen, and is the best looking in my opinion. It is an incremental improvement over the NA in most regards, and you can swap most parts between the two without too much hassle. The NC is the current model and is completely different from the other two--entirely different platform. It is more rigid and has more power out of the box. The looks leave me cold, but that's a very personal thing. I've driven one and they are as fun as the NA and NB. Who knows what the ND (Gen 4) will look like? Lots of renders out there but I put no faith in any of them. Engine will most likely be a 1.5l turbo. Tons of information on here and what you don't see you can ask and likely get a quick and more importantly correct answer. Most of us have worked on and/or modded our cars quite extensively so there are really helpful sorts here.

[— kung fu jesus —]

And here I am. Don't even know enough to ask intelligent questions. With the current temps in Phoenix hovering in the triple digits, there is significant appeal to putting the top up and turning on the ac.
lejrce

We don't believe in stupid questions here, nor ridiculing others for asking about anything. Feel free to start a thread and people will chime in with their experiences, links to read, other useful info.

The Miata has been the most reliable car I have ever owned, though I am a bit fanatical about maintenance. I have owned 3. One of them was flogged mercilessly over 10+ years of ownership and 100k+ miles at various tracks around the country and long freeway trips. It only left me stranded twice during that time, and one was my own fault. The other was a simple fix.

You may want to start with what you want to do with the car, your expectations, and price. Because you are in Phoenix, you may want to consider a removable or retractable hardtop. The soft top is good for shielding you from the sun, but the hardtop offers more insulation.

[— Phatmiata —]

I know a LOT of guys that own a Motorcycle and a Miata. You'd be surprised how many folks have both !! welcome !!

[Sean5294]

I plan on getting back into riding after I sell my Jeep. It has been seven years since I had my last bike. My current Miata is the first I have owned with my last car being a Mini Cooper (Do not buy a Mini, they have huge reliability issues.) I can say that the Miata is a blast to owns.

[lejrce]

Thank you guys for the info. I had no idea about the NA to ND thing. When (not if) the time comes to trade 2 wheels for 4, I would be looking for a used vehicle in good shape for a good price. Obviously that's gonna require lots of research to figure out what I want and then search for the right one. Kind of reminds of the time in the 80's when I decided I wanted a Fiat (Fix It Again, Tony) Spider and ended up with a '73 money pit. But that's another story. I do appreciate the input from y'all and will check in every now and then to see what's shakin'. When the time comes, I'll let you know. Thanks again.
lejrce