Ariel.Club Forum

Do you wear your biker gear (see you have a GS)?

I always wear glasses of course. A pair if Wiley X I bought a long time ago. You couldn't go over about 40 or 50 without and it's be a little stupid to risk your eyes.
Otherwise you don't need anything. I know lots on here insist you need a helmet, you may WANT a helmet, you don't NEED one.
A

The other alternative, of course, is to fit the optional windscreen which makes long distance driving far more pleasurable, dispenses with any need for a helmet, gives far more protection against flying stones and stops rain from stinging so much!

I can confirm that at 80 or 90 at altitude heading towards Zurich the rain did smart a little... cheap exfoliation.
A

autobackup wrote: ↑Sat Sep 03, 2022 7:46 am The other alternative, of course, is to fit the optional windscreen which makes long distance driving far more pleasurable, dispenses with any need for a helmet, gives far more protection against flying stones and stops rain from stinging so much!

Looks sh1t though

An Atom with a windscreen not only looks considerably more rakish than one with aeroscreens but has several mph higher top speed - especially if side panels are also fitted!

I've got both options and can change whenever I wish - however whenever I change back to the aeroscreen option it's usually only a few days before I change back to the full windscreen with a sense of relief because it is so much more comfortable and pleasant to drive!

I find that, since I am usually on the inside looking out - not needing a helmet, I really don't care about what other people on the outside think when looking at it - as driving it in comfort is far more important to me!

+1 for long trips. I picked up my 4 in March and drove it to Munich over the course of 3 days. A few suggestions:

- Get a Dirtlej Commutesuit. I drove for a whole day in the rain and with the Dirtlej, helmet and waterproof gloves & socks I was 100% dry when I got out of the car.
- Avoid really cold days. Even with ski trousers & ski jacket under my Dirtlej I got cold once the outside temp dropped down to 5C.
- Noise cancelling headphones are a plus for motorway driving or for normal driving if you're not using a helmet. The rest of the time a helmet is sufficient to soften the whistles & whooshes next to your ear.
- Be prepared to take the longer route to your destination. These cars are so good on winding roads that you'll find yourselves looking for routes that take more time but dial up the fun.
- Do a road trip to Italy. I did a bunch of mountain passes over 2 days this weekend and the car was incredible. Nothing on the road is faster through uphill hairpins. Even the bikers get in your way

Just back from a 3200 mile trip Cumbria to French Alps; 3 days around the passes then across to Normandy war graves before heading home. One day involved 11 hrs in the saddle to find the colle del Nivolet in Italy.

No issue with long trips whatsoever. The driving position is so good there’s almost no pressure on your lower back. It helped the weather was good, but even if not, just grit your teeth and crack on.

The trips do take longer as you find yourself seeking more interesting routes off motorways. But then that’s the fun bit!

fb.george wrote: ↑Mon Sep 12, 2022 9:40 pm Just back from a 3200 mile trip Cumbria to French Alps; 3 days around the passes then across to Normandy war graves before heading home. One day involved 11 hrs in the saddle to find the colle del Nivolet in Italy.

No issue with long trips whatsoever. The driving position is so good there’s almost no pressure on your lower back. It helped the weather was good, but even if not, just grit your teeth and crack on.

The trips do take longer as you find yourself seeking more interesting routes off motorways. But then that’s the fun bit!

Do you ever struggle finding premium fuel? I always get anxious about it but dont have any experience with the alps

Mr Lizard
Rarely struggled with premium fuel tbh. Found some at the LeClerc in Aime at £1.45 a gallon too. Shows how much we are being screwed here!
I did have to go 95 ron once, but had checked with the factory that the ECU would cope and it did.

cracking pictures, very jealous

fb.george wrote: ↑Tue Sep 13, 2022 9:32 am Mr Lizard
Rarely struggled with premium fuel tbh. Found some at the LeClerc in Aime at £1.45 a gallon too. Shows how much we are being screwed here!
I did have to go 95 ron once, but had checked with the factory that the ECU would cope and it did.

ah I wasn't aware you could limp home on 95... interesting.

What is on the side of the Atom 4 in this pic?

download/file.php?id=27825

Mount to carry motorbike luggage bag