Doing some window shopping from SC

[Zerk]

Hey Everyone,

Just doing some window shopping here in SC...trying to figure out if the Atom is right for me(Which is why I haven't driven one yet, I'm sure theres not too much to argue about after that)

I was planning on searching for this in the forum but since I have to post first I guess I could just ask you guys...

I'm looking for something fun to drive to work...
I drive 80 miles a day(round trip) on the interstate in a Ford Fiesta...not even the ST.
I have been driving it for 2 years or so and I just want something that I will enjoy/turn heads/take to car shows...tracks..etc..

Since I didn't get to search for this, how is interstate driving in the AA? AA I,II,III etc... I have read about the windshield modification and am not sure how I feel about that but would really rather not wear a helmet. I'm pretty sure my ears would be destroyed after 70-80 mph winds take their toll, not to mention my face due to rocks, bumpers, etc.. flying around on I85

Of course it would only be driven a few times a week to work and mainly around back roads here in SC/NC on weekend but... if interstate driving is really that terrible, maybe I should be looking for something with an enclosed cab.

I am looking to buy used so other vehicles i'm considering include:
Vipers, Corvettes and other V8 monsters but the AA is just really unique which I can't get away from.
I think that is kind of feeding the problem..I WANT ONEEEEEEEEEEE

What do you guys think?

[bolus]

Would you drive a motorcycle to work year around? Before Darth sold his, he ran it to work every day rain or shine. Dont know anyone else that did that though.

[Jeffgtx]

I'm not a motorcycle guy and wasn't excited about driving my atom with a helmet but have grown to like it to the point that the windshield mod has fallen down my list if things to do.

Nothing gives you a better appreciation of what the air is doing around you on the roads you drive better than feeling it with your head, while still in the comfort of four wheels.

[atom ant]

My car has the supercharger and without the helmet, extended exposure to the sound from the engine/SC and the wind at 70+ mph will damage your hearing and that is irreversible. I use ear plugs when driving without a helmet, it is actually quieter than with a helmet. The experience is quite surreal, the surrounding flashing by with the wisp of the SC sound, it's almost like playing a 360 simulator game.

[Terry Kennedy]

What do you guys think?

Cautionary video about driving an Atom in the rain:



As I tell people, "You know why they call 'em bucket seats, right? Because they fill up with water!"

[Zerk]

Thanks everyone for your input!

bolis - I have driven my brothers old GSXR - 750 on the interstate before....not for 40 mile rides(one way)
I just assume every crotch rocket would ride the same, hard on the wrists, stiff for your back, numb for your legs... Maybe I just didn't ride enough to get used to it

Jeffgtx - I would definitely have to try driving one with a helmet to figure out if it's that big of a deal or not...
I just don't like the thought of having to buy a helmet that's anywhere from 2-$600 before/after I buy a $40K car haha.
I also wear glasses which tend to cause problems in helmets :/

Atom ant - Do you wear some type of sport glasses while driving too? It seems like your eyes would dry out of your head before you got out of 3rd gear haha. That is a good point though, hadn't thought about ear plugs. Thanks!

Terry - I saw that video when you posted it on another thread! Definitely not what you want! but...helmet or no helmet, getting caught in the rain would suck, best bet would be to try and pull over to wait it out under some cover.

So do any of you drive yours on the interstate? Or...on any long, straight roads at high rates of speed ???

[DarthChicken]

There are a few of us here that have done it, or continue to do it. There's a very small group of us that have driven over 1000 miles in a single day (probably less than 5 people). My suggestion is to wear a helmet honestly, not only for protection on the highway, but also for your sanity. Having your face beat for hours on end wears you down, you lose concentration, and losing concentration in one of these cars isn't rewarded.

I've done the goggle thing, and really enjoyed it for trips of 20 miles or less. Backroads driving as well, just out having fun. But I've been caught in rain with just goggles, and it hurts, plain and simple.

[bolus]

Darth and I drove from Oregon to Oklahoma the first Atomfest. Darth did great, me not so much. The combination of stiff springs, california highways and air buffeting on the helmet and a condition I had made for 2 days of something like severe motion sickness. Terry has driven back and forth across the country like 6 times I think.

From our drive:

[Zerk]

Gotcha, great vid bolus! so that being said...I wonder if the windshield would be worth it(me complaining about spending 2-600 doll-hairs on a helmet when I would buy a windshield for what...like $800? LOL). I'm only 5'7 so I don't think the top of my head would stick over the top or anything. Maybe it would give more of a convertible type of experience???

Or maybe I could just suck it up and drive it with a helmet

[Jeffgtx]

The first time a semi throws a rock up at you and it hits your helmet is generally all it takes to convince me that a helmet is the way to go (sans windshield).

Also I drive with sunglasses on in my helmet and they fit very snug and the helmet keeps them in place.