What do you drive and why ??

[unhingedlizard]

Just curious to see how many of ya'll drive as well as ride, and what do you drive?

I, personally, am one of those fair weather bikers. Dont mind riding in the rain but prefer to take the ute if it is lashing down.

[XTC]

I have a Ford Falcon and Mrs xtc has an estima to taxi the kids around in.

[Waylander]

Have a Toyota Corona that I only drive when moving big objects that usually need a trailer. All other times I'm on the bike.

[vifferman]

Just curious to see how many of ya'll drive as well as ride, and what do you drive?

Yeah, I drive, when the weather's really foul, or I have to cart stuff, or I'm going somewhere with my family, or even if I just feel like it. If it's a short trip, like to the local shopping centre, then it's pointless taking the bike, as it takes longer to get geared up than to make the trip.

I used to be the "really staunch, ride in any conditions, biker dude", but then I realised this was just silly, because (a) I didn't enjoy riding in the rain (wet-weather gear was uncomfortable, and the slippery roads make me tense), and (b) it is MUCH more dangerous, and (c) I had a choice of cars to take (Peugeot 306, Peugeot 205GTi, Fiat Punto). Plus I can park in the parking gargre at work for free, so I don't even have to get damp.

While my wet-weather gear is good, and keeps me dry, we hatesss it we doessss. Nasssty little wet weather clothesesssss.
My 'waterproof' gloves are bulky, and if my hands are damp, the lining sticks to them, and the waterproof pants make me slide all over the seat.
Add to that the following negatives: visibility isn't good in wet weather, for both me and other traffic (stupid car drivers with ventilation on "Recirc" and badly fogged-up windows); tyre grip is greatly reduced; I have to dry all my gear out afterwards.
Nevertheless, when commuting, I don't take the car unless it's fairly shitty weather, and as wet days are when the greatest time savings can be made travelling by bike because traffic is usually much heavier, there are plusses to it.

[Lou Girardin]

I enjoy driving the cage when it's not stuck in traffic. But I lurve the bike, even on mornings like this. The elements feel far more personal, like you're in a warm, dry coccoon It makes you feel alive.

[zadok]

2004 Hyundai Elantra HVT
Always use the bike for work no matter what the weather.
The car is more for convenience ep. going shopping, taking the missus out etc.

[Hitcher]

This confession will probably raise the ire of the biker xenophobes amongst us, but here goes:

My name is Hitcher, and I also drive a car. It is an underpowered Subaru 1.8 litre Impreza. However it is disturbingly reliable and great fun to drive. It makes the relocation of such items as groceries and golf clubs considerably easier than the two-wheeled alternative...

[Oakie]

Got a Toyota Corsa (shopping basket powered by sewing machine engine). I always bike to work and at other times it is the first option but we'll use the car when there's a good reason to.

[GROOMER]

i drive
'92 girls car. I mean civic

[Keystone19]

I have a Jeep and a 4x4 Carib, it's a bit hard to fit skis on the bike plus two kids. Having said that, I'm glad other people don't mind riding in this weather. I was wondering if i was certifiable after actually enjoying this morning's ride...!

[bgd]

Subaru Outback. Doesn't get used much, main transport is the bike and leisure is a bicycle.

[Juan]

I have a Rover 25... no bloody waranty since Rover went tits up
we also have a 2.5 turbo diesel Iveco camper/race truck ... for sale....
My wife is a driving instructor with a diesel Mini one

I tend to use the car when late for work.... most days

[Beemer]

When I only had the bike for transport I rode everywhere and used to cram as much into my tank bag as I could get, but now I tend to use the car more often than not and the bike is kept for fun. I work from home, so no travelling involved there, and when I do have to work at a fixed location or visit someone to take photos, I have to look professional and therefore take the car. If I am interviewing a motorcyclist or doing anything like that, then I'll take the bike as people are a bit more approachable then!

We live out of town so if I have to get groceries I tend to get a boot full at a time rather than pick up the odd thing on the way home as you do on the bike.

We have a few cars, I drive the Mitsi Lancer GLXi more often than not, while my husband uses his old Ford Laser to commute to work as there is nowhere to park a bike where he works and he isn't keen on leaving his bike where he can't see it.

Oh, and is it raining in Auckland today? Gorgeous day here in Levin, even got washing on the line!

[Mooch]

In Hitchers style ,

My name is mooch and I confess to using London Transport.
In NZ I'm a lattie biker and would normal use one of two Beemers for the daily stuff.
I've used my bike less than a dozen times to commute in the last 3 years but have managed 21,000 kms of pure fun on it during the same period. While we're at it ... I also confess to using a Ducati 748R in near race trim for touring NZ .And it has a pack rack... there I've said ...

(Hopefully spankme doesn't read this and kick me off)

[notme]

Well the Mitsi Legnum (all bling'ed up with KB stickers mind you!) gets taken out when a) the weather is just horridible b) I have to cart band gear around or c) I just feel like it.

It's a totally different experience, driving a big 4WD V6 wagon (sounds good too!) compared to the bike, not better, not worse, but different. Admittedly, when it's a great day and I'm going somewhere in the cage for work or whatever, I often get the urge to open the driver's foor and get me knee down....